Choosing the right keynote speaker can make or break your event, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. A great speaker inspires, educates and connects with attendees, setting the tone for the success of the event. Discover how you can select the perfect speaker to make your event truly memorable, below!
How Can I Choose the Perfect Keynote Speaker for My Event?
Finding the perfect keynote speaker for your event can feel like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it’s easier than you think! At Champions Speakers, we have been sourcing speakers for over two decades, hiring speakers for over 5000 events annually. As an industry-leading speaker agent, we’ve mastered the art of matching events with speakers who inspire and deliver impact.
Champions Speakers Director, Jack Hayes, is an industry-leading authority on securing the right keynote speaker for your event. Recently, he was featured in Entrepreneur discussing How Entrepreneurs Can Master Leadership and Public Speaking, demonstrating his authority on what makes a great keynote speaker. Jack has now authored this expert guide on how to choose the perfect keynote speaker for your corporate event, to guide you in selecting the best keynote speaker to meet your requirements.
Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Keynote Speaker for Your Event:
1. Define the Theme of Your Event
The first step in deciding on the perfect keynote speaker is defining the theme of your corporate event. Defining a theme is crucial, a clear theme ensures your event has a cohesive message that the keynote speaker can deliver. Here at Champions Speakers, we have a selection of speakers to suit every theme imaginable – whether that be leadership, innovation, diversity & inclusion or mental health. When you have a theme in mind that you want to centre your event around, the right keynote speaker can seamlessly tie their insights to this theme – creating a foundation for meaningful conversations and lasting value.
A popular theme that only escalates in prominence is sustainability and climate change awareness - watch this clip of some of the world's best sustainability speakers to hire!:
Struggling to decide on a theme? Take a look at our helpful guide on the Top 10+ Themes for Conferences & Events, authored by Director Jack Hayes, to guide your theme selection!
2. Define Your Event Goals
Defining the goals of your event is essential for its success, serving as a roadmap for every decision you make – including the speaker that you choose. Clear objectives help you determine the event’s purpose - whether it’s to inspire employees, launch a product, foster networking, or educate attendees. Goals ensure alignment between the event’s content, format, and audience expectations. They also guide the selection of speakers, topics, and activities that drive desired outcomes, such as increased engagement, knowledge sharing, or brand visibility.
A versatile speaker who can deliver their craft no matter the goal of the event is Dame Kelly Holmes, watch her in action!:
3. Decide if Your Event is to be Delivered In-Person or Virtually
Deciding whether your event will be delivered in person or virtually significantly impacts your choice of keynote speaker. In-person events often benefit from speakers with strong stage presence and the ability to engage large audiences through dynamic delivery. Virtual events, however, require speakers adept at connecting through screens, leveraging technology to maintain attention and foster interaction. With 68% of event organisers believing that engagement is a challenge with virtual events, it is important to select a speaker who can be as equally engaging through a screen as they can on stage. Some speakers specialise in one format over the other, and their experience ensures they can adapt their presentation style to the medium. Additionally, factors like location, travel logistics, and technical capabilities play a role. Clarifying the event format ensures you select a speaker who excels in that setting.
Considering running a virtual event? Take a look at our official guide on How to Host the Perfect Webinar, or why not browse our carefully crafted selection of the top 10 Webinar Speakers for Your Next Online Event?
4. Understand Your Audience
Understanding your audience is vital when selecting the perfect keynote speaker. Knowing their demographics, interests, challenges, and expectations allows you to choose someone who resonates with them. A speaker with relevant expertise or relatable experiences can captivate and inspire your audience, ensuring the message feels personal and impactful. Tailoring the speaker’s style, whether motivational, educational, or entertaining, ensures alignment with the audience’s preferences and the event’s purpose. A deep understanding of your attendees’ needs fosters engagement, leaving a lasting impression.
A speaker who truly understands their audience, and tailors his presentation accordingly, is Jamie McAnsh! Watch him speaking about how businesses can turn setbacks into success in this clip:
5. Set a Budget
Setting a budget is crucial when selecting the perfect speaker for your event. It provides clarity on what is financially feasible, helping you narrow down your options. It can be challenging to know exactly how much a motivational speaker costs and this is where an official speaker agent like Champions Speakers is essential. Our roster of keynote speakers boasts all manner of speakers, all with different fees. Our dedicated booking agents will create a tailored selection of speakers that fit the theme, goals and budget of your event. By establishing a budget early on, you can focus on finding a speaker who aligns with the finances you have for the event.
6. Assess the Credibility & Expertise of the Speaker
Assessing the credibility and expertise of a speaker is essential to ensure they bring value and authority to your event. A speaker with proven experience in their field can provide insightful, impactful content that aligns with your event's goals. Their credibility builds trust with your audience, enhancing engagement and reinforcing the event’s message. Reviewing their portfolio, client testimonials, and past performances helps gauge their ability to connect with your audience and deliver relevant, high-quality presentations. A well-respected expert elevates the event’s reputation and leaves a lasting impression, making the investment worthwhile and ensuring it effectively achieves its objectives.
For example, if you are looking for a leading expert in artificial intelligence, why not hire someone who has worked at tech giants like Google or Meta? – such as Google’s Lead Artificial Intelligence Advocate Laurence Moroney or Meta’s Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun?
Watch our exclusive interview with Laurence Moroney, discussing "What are the Benefits of Diversity in AI?":
7. Watch Previous Keynote Speeches
Watching a speaker's previous keynote speeches is a valuable step in finding the perfect fit for your event. It provides insight into their presentation style, stage presence, and ability to engage an audience. Observing how they deliver their message, use visuals, and handle Q&A sessions helps determine if their approach aligns with your event's goals and audience expectations. Past speeches also reveal the speaker's expertise, storytelling ability, and adaptability to different themes or formats.
A great way to see many of the speakers on our books in action is to visit our YouTube channel! Here, we have a multitude of exclusive interviews with the best keynote speakers on the circuit, from Dame Laura Kenny and Dr Alex George to Sir Mo Farah and Michelle Visage.
Check out our channel!
8. Read Event Feedback
Reading previous recommendations is crucial when selecting the right keynote speaker for your event. Testimonials and reviews from past clients provide valuable insights into the speaker’s expertise, professionalism, and ability to engage audiences. They reveal how well the speaker adapted to various event themes, handled unexpected challenges, and delivered value to attendees. Recommendations also highlight their strengths, such as storytelling, credibility, or humour, helping you assess if they align with your event’s goals.
One of our keynote speakers, who has a decorated history, is Derek Redmond. A former World and European Champion who has used his experience as an Olympian to inform his speeches on high performance, Derek has been praised by clients such as Skanska, Clifford Chance LLP, Snapchat and Johnson & Johnson.
“It’s been a pleasure having Derek come to the most recent organised events. We got exceptionally great feedback about Derek earlier this week – people were asking him for selfies too! He was very inspirational.” - Ebunoluwa, Associate Emerging Talent Manager, Skanska
Watch Derek in action!
9. Assess Agent Recommendations
Reading agent recommendations is a vital step when selecting a keynote speaker. Agents often work closely with speakers and have deep insights into their strengths, expertise, and past performances. Their recommendations provide a professional perspective on the speaker’s ability to engage audiences, adapt to various themes, and handle logistical demands. Agents can also share valuable details about the speaker’s style, reliability, and suitability for your event’s goals. By considering their input, you gain access to insider knowledge that complements client testimonials, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Just one of our many incredible speakers who have received agent recommendations is the legendary Jo Salter MBE! As the first female fighter jet pilot and the former Director of Global Transformative Leadership for PwC, Jo has received countless recommendations, including this one from our Operations Director, Roxanna Farthing!
10. Enlist the Help of an Expert Speaker Agent… Champions Speakers!
Enlisting the services of an expert speaker agent like Champions Speakers simplifies the process of finding the perfect keynote speaker. Their expertise and extensive network connect you with top-tier speakers tailored to your event’s theme, goals, and audience. Agents handle the logistics, from contract negotiation to travel arrangements, saving you time and ensuring professionalism. Our experience in matching speakers with events guarantees a seamless fit, enhancing your event's success. Additionally, Champions Speakers agents provide valuable recommendations and insights, helping you navigate options and secure a speaker who aligns with your budget and expectations. Partnering with the trusted Champions Speakers agency ensures a stress-free, impactful event.
To discover why you should trust Champions Speakers to help supply the perfect keynote speaker for your event, browse our extensive collection of testimonials – including the likes of Deloitte, Aviva, American Express, the NHS and JP Morgan!
Hire a Keynote Speaker via Champions Speakers, Today!
If you are interested in hiring a keynote speaker for your next corporate event, contact Champions Speakers today! Our team of dedicated experts are on hand to help you make an informed decision on who the best keynote speaker will be for your event. Contact us by calling 0207 1010 553 or completing our online contact form.
Looking for some inspiration? Trust the UK's leading keynote speaker agency, Champions Speakers, to help you secure the perfect speaker! Using verified data from 1129 event surveys between 2019 and 2024, our Sales Director Sophia Reed has shared her exclusive selection of the 15 Official Best Motivational Speakers to Hire in the UK! Read now, and gain Champions Speakers valuable insight into the top speakers to hire!
