Growth Tactics

Growth Tactics

what is a keynote speech

What is a Keynote Speech: How to Leave a Lasting Impression

Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by Milton Campbell

As an event planner or someone responsible for organizing a conference or seminar, you understand the importance of finding the right keynote speaker.

A keynote speech sets the tone for the entire event, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. In this article, we will explore the world of keynote speeches and share insights on how to write and deliver a captivating keynote.

What is a Keynote Speech?

A keynote speech is a powerful presentation given by a keynote speaker at the beginning or end of an event.

It is designed to capture the audience’s attention, set the tone, and provide key takeaways that attendees can apply to their lives or work. A well-crafted and captivating keynote speech can inspire, motivate, and leave a lasting impact on the audience.

The Role of a Keynote Speaker

A keynote speaker plays a crucial role in the success of an event. They are experts in their field, often seasoned speakers who have honed their craft over years of experience.

A keynote speaker not only delivers a thought-provoking speech but also brings a unique perspective, shares personal stories, and engages the audience through humor, emotion, and relatability.

Writing a Captivating Keynote Speech

Writing a compelling keynote speech requires careful planning, organization, and a deep understanding of the audience. Here are some key steps to follow:

Understand Your Audience: Before writing your speech, spend time researching your audience. Who are they? What are their interests, challenges, and goals? Tailor your message to resonate with them.

Define Your Key Message: Every keynote speech should have a central theme or message that you want the audience to take away. Clarify this message and make it memorable.

Craft a Powerful Opening: Grab the audience’s attention from the start with a captivating story, intriguing statistic, or thought-provoking question. This will set the tone and create a sense of anticipation.

Organize Your Speech: Structure your speech logically and engagingly. Begin with an introduction, then move on to key points or stories, and end with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your key message.

Use Personal Stories: Personal stories are a powerful tool to connect with the audience emotionally. Share experiences or anecdotes that relate to your key message and make it relatable to the audience.

Incorporate Visuals: Visual aids such as slides or props can enhance your speech and make it more engaging. Use visuals sparingly to support your key points and avoid overwhelming the audience.

Practice and Rehearse: Delivering a flawless keynote speech requires practice. Rehearse your speech multiple times to ensure smooth delivery, confident body language, and effective use of pauses and intonation.

Engage with the Audience: Interact with the audience throughout your speech. Ask rhetorical questions, encourage participation, and create moments of connection. This will keep the audience engaged and make your speech memorable.

Tips for Giving a Motivational Keynote Address

Giving a keynote speech can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You have the unique opportunity to captivate an audience, inspire them, and leave a lasting impression. In this section, we’ll share some valuable tips to help you deliver a powerful keynote speech that engages your audience, conveys your message effectively, and ensures a memorable experience.

1. Know Your Audience Inside Out

Understanding your audience is crucial to giving a successful keynote speech. Research their demographics, interests, challenges, and goals. This knowledge helps you tailor your message to resonate with them and ensures that your content is relevant and relatable.

Connect with your audience by addressing their specific needs and aspirations. By showing that you understand them, you’ll build trust and captivate their attention from the start.

2. Craft a Clear and Compelling Key Message

Every great keynote speech has a clear and compelling key message. Define the central theme or idea you want to convey to your audience.

Keep it concise and memorable so that it resonates long after your speech concludes. Your key message should guide the entire structure and content of your speech, ensuring a cohesive and impactful presentation.

3. Start Strong with a Captivating Opening

The beginning of your keynote speech sets the tone for the entire presentation. Capture your audience’s attention from the outset with a powerful, attention-grabbing opening.

Engage them from the first moment with a captivating story, intriguing statistic, or thought-provoking question. A strong opening creates a sense of anticipation and hooks your audience, making them eager to hear more.

4. Structure Your Speech for Impact

A well-structured keynote speech keeps the audience engaged and enhances their understanding of your message. Organize your speech in a logical and impactful manner.

Begin with an introduction that establishes your credibility and builds rapport with the audience. Then, present key points or stories that support your key message. Finally, wrap up with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your main ideas and leaves a lasting imprint on your audience.

5. Use Stories to Connect Emotionally

One of the most powerful tools in a keynote speech is storytelling. Personal stories create an emotional connection between you and your audience. Share experiences or anecdotes that illustrate the key points of your speech.

Make them relatable and highlight the lessons learned. Emotionally compelling stories will leave a lasting impact, making your message memorable and inspiring.

6. Engage and Interact with Your Audience

Keep your audience engaged throughout your keynote speech by actively involving them. Ask rhetorical questions, encourage participation, or create moments of interaction.

This can be in the form of brief audience discussions, polls, or exercises. Interaction fosters connection and helps to break up the presentation, making it more dynamic and enjoyable for your listeners.

7. Utilize Visual Aids Effectively

Visual aids, such as slides or props, can enhance your keynote speech when used effectively. Use visuals sparingly and purposefully to support your key points, helping to reinforce your message visually.

Ensure your visual aids are clear, easy to read, and visually appealing. Remember, your spoken words should always be the main focus, with visual aids serving as supporting elements.

8. Practice, Practice, Practice

Delivering a flawless keynote speech requires practice and rehearsal. Practice speaking your speech out loud multiple times, focusing on your delivery, timing, and body language.

Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. This process allows you to refine your speech, build confidence, and ensure a smooth and impactful delivery.

9. Embrace Authenticity and Passion

Authenticity and passion are key to delivering a compelling keynote speech. Be true to yourself, speak from the heart, and let your enthusiasm shine through.

Your genuine passion for your topic will captivate and inspire your audience. Avoid trying to mimic someone else’s style or delivery. Embrace your unique voice and let your authenticity be the guiding force behind your speech.

10. Leave a Lasting Impression with a Memorable Conclusion

The way you conclude your keynote speech is just as important as how you start it. Summarize your main points, reiterate your key message, and provide a clear call-to-action for your audience to take away.

End on a high note, leaving your listeners feeling inspired and motivated. A memorable conclusion ensures that your speech lingers in their minds and prompts them to take action.

Finding the Right Keynote Speaker

When hosting a successful event, finding the right keynote speaker is paramount. This individual will not only set the tone for your gathering but also leave a lasting impression on your audience.

In this section, we will delve into the important factors to consider when searching for the perfect keynote speaker who will elevate your event to new heights.

Experience Speaks Volumes

Experience is a key ingredient in the recipe for a successful keynote speech. Look for speakers who have a proven track record of captivating audiences and delivering impactful presentations.

Seek out those who have spoken at similar events or within your industry, as they will have a better understanding of your audience’s needs and interests. Experienced speakers bring a certain expertise and authority that can leave a lasting impression on your attendees.

Expertise in Your Industry

While experience is important, finding a keynote speaker with expertise in your specific industry is a game-changer. These speakers have a deep understanding of the challenges, trends, and opportunities within your field.

They can relate to your audience on a deeper level and provide insights and anecdotes that resonate. By selecting a speaker with industry expertise, you are ensuring that your attendees receive targeted and relevant information that they can apply to their own work or lives.

Communication Skills that Command Attention

A keynote speaker may have an impressive resume and extensive knowledge in your industry, but if they lack communication skills , their impact will be diminished. Look for speakers who possess excellent public speaking abilities.

They should be able to engage the audience, hold their attention, and deliver their message with clarity and conviction. Seek out speakers who can combine storytelling, humor, and audience interaction to create a memorable experience.

Aligning with Your Event’s Goals

Every event has its own unique goals and objectives. When searching for a keynote speaker, it is crucial to find someone who aligns with your event’s overarching purpose. Consider what you want your attendees to take away from the event.

Do you want them to feel inspired, motivated, or educated? Look for speakers whose message and style resonate with your desired outcomes. Review their past performances and testimonials to gauge if they can deliver the results you are seeking.

Recommendations and Reviews

One of the best ways to find a keynote speaker is through recommendations from trusted sources. Industry colleagues, friends, or even professionals who have previously worked with speakers can provide valuable insights and firsthand recommendations.

Additionally, online platforms and speaker bureaus offer reviews and ratings from past clients, allowing you to make an informed decision. By tapping into the experiences of others, you can gain a sense of a speaker’s trustworthiness and suitability for your event.

Interviewing Potential Speakers

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential keynote speakers, it’s time to conduct interviews. This step allows you to assess their compatibility, professionalism, and understanding of your event.

Prepare a list of questions that delve into their experience, approach to speaking, and familiarity with your industry. During the interview, observe their communication style, responsiveness, and willingness to collaborate. A successful partnership with your speaker is essential for a seamless and impactful event.

Reviewing Past Performances

Before making a final decision, take the time to review recordings or videos of the potential speakers’ past performances. This will give you a firsthand glimpse into their presentation style, stage presence, and ability to engage an audience. Look for speakers who exhibit confidence, charisma, and an authentic connection with the audience.

Pay attention to their ability to tell compelling stories, convey key messages, and create an energized atmosphere. Trust your instincts and select a speaker who resonates with you and your event’s vision.

A well-crafted keynote speech has the power to captivate, motivate, and inspire an audience. By understanding your audience, crafting a compelling message, and delivering it with passion and authenticity, you can leave a lasting impression on your audience.

The right keynote speaker can elevate your event, set the tone, and create a memorable experience for attendees. So, take the time to find the perfect fit and unleash the power of a captivating keynote speech.

what is a keynote speech

Related posts:

Public Speaking Tips

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Education and Communications
  • Communication Skills
  • Public Speaking
  • Speechwriting

How to Write a Keynote Speech

Last Updated: October 28, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 103,252 times.

A good keynote speech is gripping and inspiring. It sets the tone for the event, program, or conference, and it can really unify the audience. If you’ve been invited to write and give a keynote speech (congrats!), you might not be sure where to start, or maybe you’re looking for tips to elevate your speech to the next level. Either way, we’ve got you covered! This article will walk you through how to craft a memorable keynote speech from start to finish.

Brainstorming Ideas for the Keynote Speech

Step 1 Determine the purpose of the speech.

  • If there is a theme of the event, you may use this as your purpose or inspiration for the speech. For example, if the theme of the event is “Social Responsibility,” the purpose of your speech may be to explore your experiences with social responsibility on a professional and personal level.

Step 2 Identify the interests of your audience.

  • For example, if your audience is within an age range of 20-30 and are social responsibility advocates, you may make the speech light, engaging, and full of specialized language that you know your audience will understand.

Step 3 Come up with one to three key points for the speech.

  • For example, if you are writing a speech around the theme of social responsibility, you may focus on three key points: the history of social responsibility, the current state of social responsibility, and where social responsibility is headed next.

Step 4 Read examples of keynote speeches.

  • You can find the top keynote speeches of 2016 at https://www.bigspeak.com/best-keynote-speakers-of-2016 .

Crafting the Keynote Speech

Step 1 Start with an engaging story.

  • For example, if you are writing a keynote speech on diversity in the classroom, you may tell a story about a student of color that you worked with in your classroom as a teacher.
  • You may also look in the news for a story about a student of color who publicly spoke out about difficulties with diversity in the classroom, preferably a news story based in your area or country.

Step 2 Begin with an interesting fact.

  • For example, if the purpose of your speech is to discuss social responsibility in the corporate world, you may open with a fact about how consumers tend to buy more if a brand is socially responsible.

Step 3 State the purpose of the speech.

  • For example, your purpose may appear as, “I am here today to talk to you about social responsibility, the theme of this conference and the theme of much of my professional work.”

Step 4 Use humor to add levity.

  • For example, you may make a funny aside that is self-deprecating, such as, “I wasn’t always a great teacher. Sometimes, I was known as the fun teacher or the angry teacher. Not always the great one.”

Step 5 Repeat key terms and words.

  • For example, you may highlight terms like “unity,” “engagement,” and “social consciousness” in your speech by returning to them at least twice. You may begin the speech by mentioning these terms and then return to them again later in the speech.

Step 6 Write the speech in your natural voice.

  • For example, you may use a funny saying that you use with your students in your classroom in the speech. Or you may use less formal words and terms to keep the tone of the speech conversational.

Step 7 Wrap up the speech with a call to action.

  • For example, you may have a call to action that refers to the story or fact you used at the beginning of your speech: “Just like my student who reached out to a peer in need, I ask you all now to be vulnerable, to try to reach out to someone in your community who needs help.”

Polishing the Keynote Speech

Step 1 Read the speech aloud.

  • When you read the speech aloud, notice if you skip over any words. You may be able to remove any words you skip over for flow.
  • If you read the speech aloud to others, you can ask them for feedback. Ask them if they found any parts of the speech boring or hard to follow. Be open to getting constructive feedback on the speech so it is at its best.

Step 2 Proofread the speech.

  • Correct punctuation is especially important if you are going to read the speech aloud to an audience, as the punctuation will tell you when to pause or take a breath. Often, a comma means pausing in your speech and a period means taking a short breath.

Step 3 Revise the speech for clarity and length.

  • If there is a time constraint for the speech, you should also time yourself reading the speech to confirm it is within the limit.

Expert Q&A

Lynn Kirkham

You Might Also Like

Write a Welcome Speech

  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/brainstorming/
  • ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
  • ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mitch-ditkoff/post_3868_b_1868754.html
  • ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
  • ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/Magazine/Articles/Six-Rules-of-Humor
  • ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffschmitt/2013/07/16/10-keys-to-writing-a-speech/#25d3cdba4fb7
  • ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/11-2-steps-of-a-conclusion/
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/reading-aloud/
  • ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/editing-and-proofreading-techniques

About This Article

Lynn Kirkham

A good keynote speech is inspiring and can set the tone for an entire event. Start your speech with an engaging anecdote to grab your listeners' attention. The story can be from your own experience and should relate to the topic of the event. Then, tell your audience what the purpose of your speech is. You might say something like, “I am here to talk to you today about social responsibility, which is the theme of the conference and the theme of my professional work." Use a little humor and a light-hearted tone to keep the speech engaging and make it more memorable. Make sure to write the speech along the lines of how you normally talk so it sounds natural when read out loud. At the end of your speech, finish with a strong call to action. This part of the speech should compel listeners to do something to help the cause. For example, if you're giving a speech for a humane society, you may encourage listeners to volunteer at their local shelter. To learn how to polish your keynote speech, read more from our Writing co-author! Did this summary help you? Yes No

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Habila Abrak

Habila Abrak

May 6, 2021

Did this article help you?

Habila Abrak

Abubakar Baba Bashir

Oct 22, 2017

Jacob Babarinde

Jacob Babarinde

Jul 3, 2018

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Make a Balsamic Reduction

Trending Articles

How to Take the Perfect Thirst Trap

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round Gift

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

LOGO

Ace the Presentation

how to prepare a keynote speech

Here’s an Excellent Keynote Speech GUIDE: With 2 Great Examples

You’ve probably been asked to give a keynote speech and you are afraid of it. Well, if you’ve never done this before, then there’s no need to panic. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s start with the basics, shall we? 

So, what is a keynote speech? 

Simply put, a keynote speech is usually given to set the theme of the entire event. It is a speech that is generally delivered by an expert, renowned and well-respected individual, depending on the theme of the event.

Being asked to give a keynote speech in front of a large audience can be a little intimidating. However, it’s the greatest honor to be selected as a keynote speaker. That said, you must deliver the best speech you possibly can. 

Now that we’ve covered what a keynote speech is, it’s time to key steps that you should take when preparing a keynote speech. 

Related Article: 7 Basic Elements of Public Speaking

How to prepare a keynote speech

Keynote speeches are very important. With that in mind, it’s one of the best opportunities for you and your business. Therefore, if you’ve been asked to be the keynote speaker, take advantage of such an opportunity. But, first, you will have to prepare your speech: 

1.     Find out the theme for the day

For any first-timer, you will probably be given the theme for the day by the event organizer. But if you are an experienced speaker, I’m sure everyone will applaud anything you say. All the same, both scenarios still require you to plan and organize your thoughts for your speech. 

Basically, there are three main types of speeches. They include motivational, educational, and entertaining speeches. Start by deciding the type of speech you’d like to go with. But whatever your choice will be, remember that you are going up there to add value to your audience and not brag about your achievements and who you are. Therefore, if you are not going to motivate, educate, or even entertain your audience, then there’s no reason for you do go up there. Don’t do it, period!

Based on the theme, you can select the core message that you’d like to pass across to your audience. Always make sure that your speech is clear, passionate, and has some knowledge that any member of the audience could take home. 

2.     Outline your presentation

Before jumping into designing your presentation, the first step is to ensure you have a clear outline of your speech. The structure is vital to the design of your keynote speech and also to your delivery of it all. 

Sadly, most speakers always skip this part. And, it’s usually visible in their delivery and line of thought. The best way to handle this situation is by creating a sort of blueprint for your presentation which will include: 

  • Highlight some of the key structural elements, for instance, introduction, conclusion, or even stories. 
  • Highlight your key element in the presentation. What do I mean? Start by answering the question-what messages are you using to support your logical key point? 
  • Link all the elements together in a systematic sequence
  • Also, try mapping out the transition from one key point to the next and ensure that it’s flawless. 

3.     Now fill each section

Following your outline, use keywords to convey a clear message to your audience. This will also help in keeping the audience’s attention. On top of that, it will ensure you have a great flow of thoughts in your presentation. 

Write down the topic you’d like to present. Then go ahead and add principal keywords. Afterwards, write what you derive from each keyword. Thankfully, the structure of your keynote speech will give you a set of new keywords to follow. 

Make sure that you are brief and clear when filling each section. More importantly, don’t crowd up your content. You will also need to ensure you have most of the keywords in your mind. This will save you the time you use to check on your keynote speech instead of maintaining eye contact with the crowd. 

4.     Make the work visually attractive

Without a doubt, you should always ensure that your work has some visual ideas that would be easy to interpret. Add graphs or charts where necessary, but only where necessary. Too much of anything will lead to you losing the attention of your audience. 

5.     Add personal stories

Anecdotes and stories will assist you in illustrating your ideas to the audience. On top of that, it’s the best way to show your research. With stories, you should be able to capture the attention of your audience. Additionally, your audience will be emotionally invested which will differentiate you from nervous and inexperienced speakers. 

Play a game, add a question, or simply just maintain eye contact with your audience. This will help you gain their full attention throughout your speech. 

6.     Finally, rehearse

There’s no shortcut in this section. For you to present a killer speech in front of your audience without sounding nervous is through research. By rehearsing your speech several times, you can understand what it means to your audience and also see places where you can improve your speech. 

Actually, you can even record yourself while giving your keynote speech. That way, you will be able to work on your body language and speaking rate. If you have stage freight, this is a good way to avoid the effects of it. 

Now that you already know how to get ready for your speech, let’s take on how to open a keynote speech. 

The next points of discussion are: how to open a keynote speech, how long should a keynote speech be, and some great examples of keynote speeches. Before digging into that, let me add below some of the top related and interesting articles that can add to what you’re learning from this one. If any of the titles picks your interest, please click and open in a new tab, so you can check them out later. Enjoy!

8 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ACE ANY JOB INTERVIEW

8 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ACE ANY JOB INTERVIEW

The happiness when receiving a call marking the job interview gives rise to endless anxiety. After all, it’s only a few minutes to prove your worth, impress the recruiter and seize the opportunity. However, to do well at the job interview, you need to think about what you will say, how you will present yourself,…

TOP 7 Core Interpersonal Skills in Leadership

TOP 7 Core Interpersonal Skills in Leadership

At any time, a leader is seen as one who guides one or more people to fulfill something stipulated; today, however, we understand that this journey comprises the achievement of results and the evolution, in some way, of all who participate in the process. Leaders are people with high power to inspire those around them,…

An Easy Guide to All 15 Types of Speech

An Easy Guide to All 15 Types of Speech

We keep learning that there are three types of speeches, informative speeches, persuasive speeches and special occasion speeches. However, I believe and know that there are many more such as debates, motivational speeches, forensic speeches, impromptu speeches, eulogy, and so on. Here’s a growing list of over 13 types of speech and tips on how…

How to open a keynote speech?

I bet you are probably worried about your opening lines in your keynote speech, right? Well, first thing’s first, don’t be in a rush to speak. Before you open your mouth, the attention is usually high at this moment. Therefore, once you arrive up there, pause for a moment. To the audience, you will appear like you are trying to be confident and collected, so use that moment. 

The audience will lean in to try and hear your first few words. And at that moment, the audience will form their first impression of you with the first words you utter. An example of the first opening words include, ‘um, good evening everyone….I’m happy to be here in front of you. I will like to thank you so-so-so-so much…..’

Trust me if you start your speech with these words, the audience will feel like you are repeating words that will sound the same as the conversations they have been trying to avoid. 

To get the full attention of your audience, here are some quick tips on your opening statements. 

NEW PUBLIC SPEAKING BOOK LAUNCH!

Before we go into how to open your keynote speech…

I would like to announce that you can get more insightful tips and how-to’s from our recently launched eBook, now available at Barnes & Noble , at $4.99. We tried to pack it with valuable information and price it below $5 to be as inclusive as possible with our pricing. Click below and Get a Copy!

define keynote speech

Key tips on the opening statement in your keynote speech

There’s no shortcut here. Just jump into the speech with something interesting and unexpected. There’s an infinite number of possibilities for how you can start your keynote speech. Here are a few that you can check out:

  • Name someone central to your message
  • Use a provocative question
  • Use a short, pithy quote
  • Start with a personal association
  • Tell an Interesting and relatable Story
  • Paint a picture with your words, and so on…

keynote speech

How long should a keynote speech be?

Usually, the maximum length of the keynote speech depends majorly on the skill of the speaker. Therefore, the minimum length of the keynote speech depends on how long the speaker will need to make an impact on the audience.

You will know when the keynote does not last long enough when the message said by the speaker doesn’t have a deep effect on the audience. Additionally, the length of the keynote speech depends on the time allocated to the event. 

Examples of Excellent Keynote Speeches 

If you follow the instructions above, you won’t even need examples to sharpen your skills. However, here are some of the examples you can check out to give you a deeper understanding of keynote speeches

  • Fire Antony speech
  • A speech by Briana Scurry

With these two examples, you will be able to draft your speech in no time. 

To wrap it all up…

A keynote speech is an incredible way to get over public speaking and be able to introduce yourself to the audience. It doesn’t matter the number of people in the gathering. Always remember to count every opportunity that comes your way. 

Also, a great speech is not one that strings different elements together-no siree! A great speech is one that weaves them in the minds of the audience in such a way that they are not able to tell the difference between the segments. The speech shouldn’t be repetitive or random. It should be something that you sat down and constructed to perfection. 

Give the audience something that they can remember you by. A speech that will make them concentrate on the best course of action. Someone once told me that, ‘words can change the world’ and I believe it. Now, this is your opportunity to change the world. 

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

https://business.tutsplus.com/tutorials/what-is-a-keynote-speech–cms-31420

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-to-write-a-keynote-speech-2295879

Similar Posts

80+ Impromptu Speech Topics & 7 Ways to Nail One

80+ Impromptu Speech Topics & 7 Ways to Nail One

What is an impromptu speech? An impromptu speech is one delivered without prior notification and preparation. For certain persons who may not be easily open to giving public speeches, an impromptu speech may be a total scare in general. However, there are ways to make sure that impromptu speeches are not as scary as it…

5 Top Qualities of Memorable and Effective Public Speakers

5 Top Qualities of Memorable and Effective Public Speakers

Public Speaking is nothing more than the ability to deliver speeches in front of an audience in a defined and structured way, inform, influence, and attract the listeners’ attention. Many people believe that just to come and say what comes into their head and that some people are born with it or not. Well, that…

How to Draft the Best Persuasive Speech Outline?

How to Draft the Best Persuasive Speech Outline?

When we think of good communication, we refer to expressing ourselves assertively, effectively conveying our ideas, desires, and dissatisfaction, thus inspiring other people. One of the most critical aspects of this communication is the power of persuasion. Many people confuse influence with manipulation, but these are very different concepts! To persuade a person or a…

8 Simple Ways to Work out some Self-Confidence to Speak in Public

8 Simple Ways to Work out some Self-Confidence to Speak in Public

To have self-confidence is to see the potentialities, even when difficulties or complex challenges arise in the work environment. It’s about transmitting safety and setting an example to others. Even with experience and knowledge, many professionals do not know how to have the self-confidence to speak in public when they need to present themselves before…

13 Ways to Effectively Deliver an Awesome Pitch Presentation

13 Ways to Effectively Deliver an Awesome Pitch Presentation

So you just started a new business and in need of customers, or you have been nursing particular idea for a while now and just like every newbie starting out in the business world, don’t have the right capital or people to partner with you to bring this idea to fruition. This, of course, can…

What Are The Differences Between A Good and A Bad Speech? 

What Are The Differences Between A Good and A Bad Speech? 

As we grow up, whether for academic purposes or professional reasons, we are incentivized to get familiar with public speaking, often in the form of speeches. Although giving speeches is not rocket science, minor aspects can transform the audience’s perception of them. For that reason, it’s important that you know the difference between a good…

define keynote speech

Guide to Planning, Writing, and Delivering a Killer Keynote Speech

by Janice Tomich

  • Presentation Planning & Public Speaking Skills

Being invited to deliver a keynote address is a great honor.

It’s exhilarating. A compliment to your expertise.

I’m a presentation coach . A client of mine recently was asked to deliver the keynote address at a large women’s tech event. She was new to public speaking. This was her first high-stakes conference opportunity.

She’s a seasoned leader in an industry with few female colleagues. Although she loves her job, at times her career has been rough. The conference organizers asked her to share her perspective with young women new to the field to help them navigate the inevitable difficulties of being a woman in tech—and also give them advice on how to enjoy the ride.

Her excitement and nervousness were palpable. That’s how it feels when you’re asked to give the keynote.

Being asked means that others value your ideas, thoughts, and vision. You know it’s a big opportunity. A keynote speech provides an opportunity to inspire others like no other.

But if you’ve been asked to share what you’ve experienced throughout your career (or even lifetime) it can be a daunting ask.

With the honor of delivering a keynote comes the responsibility to deliver an address that will inspire your audience to take action.

Table of Contents

What Is a Keynote Speech?

A keynote speech stands above other public speaking opportunities because event organizers make it the highlight of the agenda. Large events often leverage the keynote speaker to attract attendees.

The theme of a keynote is usually set by the event’s theme.

For multi-day events like conferences the keynote is often (but not always) scheduled on the last day. Scheduling the keynote for the end of the event builds excitement and anticipation. Other times the keynote is scheduled near the beginning of an event, and in this case the role of the keynote speaker is to set the tone. Knowing when you’ll be speaking (at the beginning or at the end of the event) impacts the type of keynote speech you should create.

A keynote speaker is usually given a substantial amount of time to speak, often 45 to 60 minutes over dinner. Unlike a shorter presentation, keynote addresses give you a brilliant opportunity to go deep and show the breadth of your expertise. You have the time to invite your audience along through the ups and downs, ins and outs of a storyline. Your speech can be complex and include unanticipated twists and turns, while of course staying on track with your core message.

If you’re lost and unsure about how to make your presentation compelling, I can help.

How Long Should A Keynote Be?

There are only a few hard and fast rules about the length of a keynote speech:

  • The length of the speech is ultimately dictated by the amount of speaking time allocated by the event organizer.
  • The length of the speech should be however long it takes you to clearly and concisely deliver a speech that inspires your audience.

Essentially, just enough time and not too much. 

P ro Tip: The amount of time allocated by the organizers is not always set in stone, especially in the early days of organizing an event. Keep the line of communication open with your organizer. The time frame might be open to adjustment or negotiation.

What Makes a Keynote Speech Compelling and Memorable?

Presenter giving a memorable, compelling keynote speech.

An engaging, inspiring keynote presentation encourages the audience to envision what they are capable of. The best keynote speeches don’t just inform—they compel the audience to take action.

Keep two things top of mind as you plan:

  • Focus on one main message (your throughline).
  • Put yourself in the hearts and minds of your audience. Think of this as a research project as much as an exercise in empathy. Take the time to learn about what your audience wants to know. Learn how they need to hear it.

Going back to my example, the key message of my client who keynoted at the tech conference was resilience .

How did this key message turn into a speech?

She told funny, heart-wrenching stories, including some stories which were excruciating for her at the time they happened. These stories showed her drive to succeed. She spoke candidly about the problems she had come up against in her career. Then she revealed how she solved these problems and the benefits that transpired. Throughout the whole speech, she tapped back into her key message— resilience.

How Much Time Should You Devote to Preparation?

More time than you think.

I have never had a client tell me, “I wish I had spent less time preparing my keynote.”

They’re always glad they invested a good amount of time. Feeling completely ready in the days leading up to the event is worth it.

Nancy Duarte, the author of Resonate , works with industry giants on their keynote speeches. Duarte recommends you spend 30 hours on content creation for a 1-hour speech. (This doesn’t include building the slide deck or practicing the speech).

Here’s my breakdown of the time it takes to be fully prepared to step on stage to deliver your keynote address:

  • 30 hours to research your speech and develop the keynote content
  • 30 hours to create your keynote slide deck
  • 30 hours of practicing your delivery

90 hours likely seems like a lot of time, but that’s what it takes to create and develop an inspirational, career-boosting keynote.

Your first rough draft will be just that … rough. Keynote speech writing is never a one-and-done process. To really nail it you need to get feedback and let the speech, slide deck, and delivery evolve over time. The results are worth it.

How Much Lead Time Do You Need?

Keynotes are a rich opportunity to give an audience perspective into who you are and what you know.

You should allow for 3 months (and a minimum of 2 months) of lead time before you deliver your keynote.

However, life does not always go according to plan. You may not have a lot of time left to prepare. I offer a presentation coaching service called Crunch Time for when you’ve been asked on short notice (a speaker may have become ill) or you have been consumed with other projects and need support to deliver an engaging speech.

Planning a Keynote Speech: Who is your audience? What is your intention?

Planning out a keynote speech takes time — image of a presenter planning out a speech with post-it notes.

Your goal should be to take your body of work and experience and use that to resonate with your audience. Inspire them to action. Your words of wisdom will become part of their life experience and create a legacy which will stick with them for years.

“It’s all about the audience—not about you.” These are wise words I’ve never forgotten, delivered to us on the first day of class of my communication degree.

In my work supporting clients through presentation planning, I’m always checking in to ensure that the audience will be able to understand What’s In It For Them (WIIFT in marketing terms). Remembering to center on WIIFT is crucial. It’s the foundation for a successful keynote.

Your intention is important too—equally important, actually. Why are you giving the keynote? What do you want to have happen because of it? Knowing your own “why” and how it relates to the needs of your audience puts you on track to engage and inspire.

How To Write A Keynote Speech

1. establish your throughline.

After you have a good understanding of who your audience is and what your intention is in delivering your keynote it’s time to establish your throughline. Identify which theme or concept you want to speak about.

My client who was keynoting the tech conference planned to speak on resiliency, which is a broad topic. I encouraged her to dig deeper. Upon reflection, she realized that much of her success stemmed from her commitment to creating and building relationships.

She evolved the throughline. The theme of the keynote became developing resiliency through relationships .

2. Brainstorm with an open mind and big wall

Once you’ve decided on your throughline it’s time to find an open wall and a stack of post-it notes.

In freewriting-mode write down any and all ideas that come bubbling up that will support your theme. Take lots of breaks. I promise you’ll come back with fresh ideas each time.

3. Step back and group ideas into themes

Stand back once your wall is filled with ideas. Notice common themes. Place similar ideas into three groups.

What you see is three arguments or points of proof that support your throughline.

4. Pare down to the best ideas

Now sweep through and dispense of any of your ideas that strike you as weak or you don’t feel passionate about.

5. Order your ideas

Place the ideas that remain into a logical order, so that they flow from one idea to the next. That’s your outline. Transfer these concepts to a Google Doc or put pen to paper. You’ve got the bones of a good keynote speech already.

Don’t write out a script word-for-word. Instead, think about what you want to speak about for each of your points. Flesh them out, making notes about what you want to say.

You’ve invested a large amount of time creating the content. Every component of a keynote is important. So now let’s focus on how you open, close, and title your keynote.

How To Open A Keynote Speech

I suspect you’ve been to at least a few presentations where you felt bored by the speaker after just a few minutes.

Too many speakers begin with a status quo opening such as citing their CV or meticulously outlining what they “want to talk with you about.”

You can do better.

My client started her keynote off with a dose of humor rooted in her own personal experience. She talked about the inappropriate clothes she wore to an interview and the hilarious story of what she did to gain access to the building.

Here are a few more ideas to open your keynote speech:

  • Start your speech by addressing the elephant in the room to address a negative bias your audience may be thinking. Perhaps you are quite young and your audience is older. You could begin by saying, “You are probably looking at me thinking she’s twelve years old and what could she know. And you’d be right…”
  • Quote a startling statistic. Often keynotes focus on living out dreams. This statement will have your audience’s interest piqued, “The average person has over 1,460 dreams a year”.
  • Begin a story that you can use to weave and thread your presentation together. You could begin by sharing a story of how a mentor helped. Throughout your presentation continue the story dropping the nuggets of wisdom of what your mentor said and how she helped.

It’s crucial that you grab your audience’s attention right from the start – that you hook them with your first words.

How To Close a Keynote Speech

Finish your keynote with clarity and power. I’ve listened to too many speeches and keynotes where the ending was weak. They didn’t live up to the energy of the body of work.

My client decided to loop back to the chain of events that happened before her interview, narrating how she hung in there, even when things weren’t going according to plan.

Here are some excellent approaches to closing your keynote powerfully:

Loop back to how you began your speech. If you began your speech by talking about the elephant in the room, tag back to provide assurance that you have.

Wrap up a story you teased in your opening and then threaded throughout the speech.

If you began your keynote with a stat or quote reference it again at the end by summarizing how you proved it was true.

A tenet I firmly stand by that it’s not good enough to just leave your audience inspired . You must leave them inspired to do somethin g. Close your speech with a clear call to action to do something tangible that will make a difference to them and/or their community.

Choosing a Title for Your Keynote

Your title is your audience’s first introduction to what they will hear. Finding the ‘right’ title makes them want to listen.

If a compelling title comes to mind before or as you are developing and creating your speech, write it down. But don’t worry if you’ve planned out your whole speech and still don’t have a title idea. The best titles often come to us right at the end. You’ll have lots of ideas to play with when you’ve finished gathering your content.

Here is a trick while working with an editor at Inc.com: first craft a title, then play with variations of that title by using words that will get attention or have an inherent hook embedded within them.

Here’s an example of how I played with titles before settling on one for this article:

My initial ideas were

Both titles are merely functional. They’re lackluster and don’t reflect the complexity of the article itself, which goes beyond merely “writing” a keynote.

I rephrased it to expand on the topic and add a bit more punch:

Better, but I knew I could do better.

I liked it. It is more eye catching and it indicates a comprehensive “guide” that promises not just a “how to” article, but in-depth advice that speaks to creating an excellent keynote that will be well received.

Invest the time in finding just the right title. It’s worth it. It piques your audience’s interest from their first interaction with you.

How To Practice Your Keynote Speech

Practice is an essential part of speech preparation. Image of a presenter practicing their keynote without an audience.

Don’t put off practicing until the last minute. Conversely, don’t over-practice until you sound like a robot and have diluted every ounce of passion out of your presentation.

Making good use of your practice time is easy.

I’ve written an extensive guide on how to rehearse for a presentation and I’ve also written on this topic for Inc.com . Read them for tips and techniques to learn your keynote speech easily so you can walk on the stage confidently knowing you’ll nail it. 

I have never had a client tell me they wished they had practiced less. I encourage you to practice only as much as you need to and not a second more.

P ro Tip: When you have a few spots that are giving you difficulties just practice those sections. It’s a poor investment of your time to practice your keynote over and over in its entirety if only a few sections are tripping you up.

define keynote speech

​​​​Sucheta Misra Associate VP Inclusion & Diversity and Social Impact Leader

Tips For Creating Your Slidedeck or PowerPoint Presentation

My take on PowerPoint is that it’s a powerful tool that has been dropped into the laps of people who, more often than not, don’t have the training or experience to wield it effectively.

Before PowerPoint, marketing and communication teams would strategize over the best content for the slides. Graphic designers would create them.

These are the three most important things to know about your slide presentation:

  • If slides won’t add or support your presentation don’t use them. 
  • Create your slides so that they are primarily image-based with a limited amount of text. 
  • If you are not a graphic designer hire one. It’s worth it for the stroke of elegance and professional edge they will add. A graphic designer will bring your deck to life. 

The best keynote slidedecks are primary image-based—keep the text to a minimum. Finding the right images (like the stunning ones on this screen) takes time. Consider hiring a graphic designer for the task.

If you do decide to use a slidedeck ensure it helps your audience connect the dots and visualize what you are sharing with them.

What To Do Before You Deliver Your Speech

I’m often backstage supporting clients at their events. It’s exhilarating to feel the energy of speakers waiting to go on stage. You can feel the excitement … hearts pounding and voices warming up.

Here are a few tips and techniques professional speakers use to ready themselves, calm their nerves , and warm up their voice before giving a keynote speech:

  • If you find yourself not sleeping well or experiencing anxiety in the days leading up to your speech try 4 – 7 – 8 breathing . Three or four rounds should have you feeling calmer and able to fall back to sleep. 
  • Keep yourself hydrated. The day before your event up your water intake. This will keep you feeling energetic and your voice lubricated. 
  • Make sure you get a good sleep before your keynote. Lack of sleep will knock you off your game. 
  • Fifteen minutes before your keynote move your voice up and down through your natural register with vocal exercises so you can use your voice like the fine instrument it is. 
  • Just as you are about to speak, if you suffer from dry mouth, take these lozenges to help you articulate with ease. 
  • When you arrive at the podium take a few deep breaths, feel your feet on the floor, touch a favourite amulet such as a ring or necklace…and away you go! 

What You Should Do After Your Speech

When you end your speech you’re still not quite finished yet.

Connect with people from your audience. Gather feedback. Some of the richest relationships you will create will happen if you take the time to talk with people after your speaking event. If you have the opportunity, ask for presentation feedback to help you learn what worked and what didn’t.

Image of two women chatting—after your keynote, be sure to connect with audience members one-on-one.

Don’t ask if they enjoyed your keynote because the response will probably be, “It was great!” Instead, ask what they took away that will make a difference in their life. Ask them what nugget stuck with them. The answers to these questions will provide information to improve your next keynote.

Having your keynote recorded provides a brilliant learning opportunity. Many of my clients tell me they can’t/won’t watch a recording of themselves. I ask them to separate themselves from their egos and embrace the opportunity to learn. You can gain insight into what landed and what didn’t by your audience’s reactions.

Ask for presentation feedback from a trusted advisor. Don’t ask family and friends. A trusted advisor or mentor has the perspective to provide unbiased feedback that your family and friends won’t be able to. A trusted advisor will be able to expertly able to weigh in about your content, your delivery, and the effectiveness of your speech. ¯

Keynote speeches are complex. They have lots of pieces that need to fit together to create an easy, simple flow and to hold your audience in your hands so they will be inspired and learn from you.

Do you need help with your upcoming keynote speech to make sure your audience will leave challenged to take action and be inspired? Let’s chat and learn how I might help. Here’s access to my calendar to schedule a time to talk.

Share this post:

Related Posts

7 Public Speaking Books Actually Worth Your Time

Most people dislike public speaking. In fact, the stats say 73% of people fear delivering presentations or talks. If you are one of the 73%, you don’t have to be. There is an abundance of standout books

Yes, Anyone Can Become a Charismatic Speaker. Here’s how.

Is it possible to become a charismatic speaker if you weren’t born with the talent?  Someone asked me that question at one of the first workshops I delivered as a public speaking coach. And it

How to Stop Saying “Um” in Presentations (What to Do Instead)

One question I’m often asked as an executive public speaking coach is how to stop the habit of using filler words while delivering presentations or talking with colleagues. The people asking me how to stop saying um

Janice Tomich Site Map

Testimonials

Social Media

© 2023 Janice Tomich. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Use

define keynote speech

Give the keynote. Without the nerves.

define keynote speech

Cart – Checkout

What is a keynote speech.

define keynote speech

What is a keynote speech?   That’s not a trick question.   I ask because keynote speeches take so many forms it seems worth it to ponder the nature of the genre for a few minutes to see if we can find something essential in all those variations.

Let’s dispense with some of the easy misconceptions first.  Does giving a keynote speech mean a huge audience, giant IMEG screens, and a booming sound system?  Well, those are often involved, when the numbers are large, but there’s nothing essential about those attributes – unless the ego of the speaker demands it.

Does a keynote speech necessarily involve slides, video, or other such visual aids? Of course not. They are often present, but no one would seriously argue that they are essential to the keynote.

The traditional meaning of the keynote speech was that it began a conference or convocation and outlined the themes to be covered in ways that got the participants talking and thinking along the right lines. The dictionary definition implies two things mainly:  the idea of fundamentality – the keynote establishes, literally, the key in music, and primacy – the keynote comes first.

But that doesn’t happen all the time or even most of the time in conferences today – we sometimes start with a keynote speech, but just as often they come at the end of the gathering. Or the word gets applied loosely and uselessly to any speech that isn’t a breakout, that takes place in plenary session.

And here we begin to find something essential in the idea of a keynote speech. It should ideally come at the beginning of the conference it addresses, and it should cover the main theme or themes that they conference is about. Yet so specialized has the profession of keynote speaking become that few speakers actually are hired to introduce a conference with the specific task of highlighting what the gathering will cover during its several days of existence – and do so in a thought-provoking and argument-provoking way.

Making sense of a conference that you attend is hard work. You rush from session to session, trying to pack as much as possible in, and you fret about not having enough time to network. Very quickly, you get information-overloaded with new material and begin to wonder how you’re going to remember it all. With all that going on, a speech that thoroughly and helpfully previews the conference and tells you what to listen for would be very useful, wouldn’t it?

If there is such a speech, it’s more often given by the CEO of the company putting on the event, or someone else footing the bill, rather than an outside expert with deep understanding of the topic. And those CEOs have too many tasks to fulfill to do a good job keynoting. They are thinking about their company and its place in the world and they want to talk that up more than they typically care about the general topic at hand.

The ideal keynote speech introduces a topic to an audience at the start of a conference. The speech answers the following questions:  Why is this topic important? Why are we gathered in this particular way to address this topic? What might we expect the rest of the speakers to cover – what should we, the attendees, be on the lookout for? And what are the most important questions to keep in mind as we talk and think about this topic for the next few days?

I can’t remember the last time I heard a keynote speech actually address those issues. To give such a speech well requires a deep understanding of the topic, of course, but also a willingness to go beyond one’s specific expertise and point of view to define the entire topic and its possible approaches. And what speaker is willing to do that in this sectarian age?

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

About the author: nick morgan.

' src=

Related Posts

Nick talks to Joshua Freedman a world leading expert on the value of emotions

I speak about the patient perspective surviving oral cancer, yet at big dental conferences, they often have a celebrity as the conference keynote who touches on something vague relating to dentistry. I will use information in this post to persuade dental event planners to choose a keynote topic that motivates new thinking about the patient, a relevant topic pertinent to every course they will attend. After all, what is a dental practice without patients?

' src=

Excellent, Eva — here’s hoping the organizers listen to you!

' src=

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain that a keynote speaker will introduce the topic of a conference or an event to the audience and explain why the topic is important. For my graduate school project, I need to set up a conference that my whole university can attend, and I need to hire a keynote speaker that can tie up the topic of the event. It will be awesome to start looking for available services in the area, so I am really glad I gained so much information from your article.

' src=

Its nice detailed writing.

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

define keynote speech

Public Speaking Podcast

A podcast launched in a time of great change. Just One Question with Dr Nick Morgan has over 50 episodes featuring some of the worlds most elite and accomplished speakers. More importantly the podcast brings light to our industry as we undergo a public speaking and communication reformation. 

define keynote speech

© Copyright 2021 | All Rights Reserved Public Words Inc | Legal | Privacy

BLOG PODCAST NEWS SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our weekly blog for useful articles, tips and podcasts for boosting your public speaking career:

CALL US NOW

© Copyright 2021 | All Rights Reserved Public Words Inc | Legal Policy | Privacy Policy

  • More from M-W
  • To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of keynote

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of keynote  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

  • bottom line
  • centerpiece
  • meat and potatoes

Examples of keynote in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'keynote.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 2

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing keynote

  • keynote speaker

keynote address

Dictionary Entries Near keynote

Keynesianism

Cite this Entry

“Keynote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keynote. Accessed 23 Feb. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of keynote.

Kids Definition of keynote  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on keynote

Nglish: Translation of keynote for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about keynote

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries.  Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

8 grammar terms you used to know, but forgot, homophones, homographs, and homonyms, commonly misspelled words, a guide to em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens, absent letters that are heard anyway, popular in wordplay, 10 scrabble words without any vowels, 12 more bird names that sound like insults (and sometimes are), 9 superb owl words, 'gaslighting,' 'woke,' 'democracy,' and other top lookups, 10 words for lesser-known games and sports, games & quizzes.

Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

The Tech Edvocate

  • Advertisement
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Write For Us
  • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
  • The Edvocate Podcast
  • Assistive Technology
  • Child Development Tech
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
  • EdTech Futures
  • EdTech News
  • EdTech Policy & Reform
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses
  • Higher Education EdTech
  • Online Learning & eLearning
  • Parent & Family Tech
  • Personalized Learning
  • Product Reviews
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • School Ratings

7 Ways to Print Your Own Wedding Invitations

How to be secretive: 7 steps, 12 simple ways to tell if someone is backstabbing you, 3 simple ways to fix a hacked android phone, 13 easy ways to improve social skills as an adult, 3 ways to stay calm while losing a video game, 3 ways to deliver sassy comebacks without bullying, 3 ways to get the best seat in a movie theater, 3 ways to make your hair look short, 3 ways to make slime using baking soda, how to write a keynote speech: 14 steps.

define keynote speech

1. Define your purpose: The first step in writing a keynote speech is to define your central message or theme. Consider the event’s objective and your personal insight on the topic to establish a goal for your address.

2. Know your audience: Understand the demographics, interests, and expectations of the people you’ll be addressing. This knowledge will help you tailor your speech to engage, inspire, and connect with your listeners.

3. Research comprehensively: To make your speech more authoritative and credible, research the subject matter thoroughly. This also equips you with relevant anecdotes, statistics, and facts for further engagement.

4. Create an outline: An organized structure for your speech is crucial in guiding its flow. Break down your major points into smaller topics and arrange them logically from the introduction to conclusion.

5. Start with a strong opening: Capture your audience’s attention right away with a captivating opening statement or anecdote that sets the tone for the rest of your speech.

6. Use storytelling techniques: Share personal experiences, anecdotes, or relevant stories from others to establish an emotional connection with the audience.

7. Engage with visuals: Supplement your verbal presentation with relevant images, graphs, or charts to help clarify and support complex ideas.

8. Provide value: Offer actionable advice, unique insights, or lessons learned on the topic based on both professional and personal experiences.

9. Be authentic and genuine: Your speech should reflect your personality and convictions. Be true to yourself and avoid trying to imitate someone else’s style or opinions.

10. Maintain clarity and simplicity: Speak in clear language that is accessible to everyone in the audience while avoiding jargon or overly complex terminology.

11. Pace yourself: Delivering a keynote speech effectively requires excellent timing. Practice speaking slowly and clearly while managing transitions between topics seamlessly.

12. Involve the audience: Encourage participation by asking questions, seeking feedback, or initiating activities that reinforce your key points.

13. Conclude with impact: End your speech on a high note by summarizing the main points and issuing a strong call to action or inspirational message.

14. Practice and rehearse: To ensure success, practice your speech multiple times, ideally in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend who can offer constructive feedback.

In summary, writing a captivating and memorable keynote speech demands a clear purpose, thorough research, and engaging delivery. By following these 14 steps, you’ll be better prepared to inspire and enlighten your audience.

How to Knit the Waffle Stitch: 9 ...

3 ways to deal with a terrible ....

' src=

Matthew Lynch

Related articles more from author.

define keynote speech

8 Ways to Keep a Spiritual Journal

define keynote speech

How to Tell Scary Stories: 12 Steps

define keynote speech

3 Simple Ways to Shrink Clothes Without a Dryer

define keynote speech

3 Ways to Do a Basic Hair Braid

define keynote speech

3 Ways to Paint Laminate Cabinets

define keynote speech

How to Do Palming Properly: 8 Steps

Go to the homepage

Definition of 'keynote address'

Keynote address in american english, browse alphabetically keynote address.

  • keynote address
  • keynote lecture
  • keynote presentation
  • keynote speaker
  • All ENGLISH words that begin with 'K'

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Image

Wordle Helper

Tile

Scrabble Tools

Image

  • Daily Crossword
  • Word Puzzle
  • Word Finder
  • Word of the Day
  • Synonym of the Day
  • Word of the Year
  • Language stories
  • All featured
  • Gender and sexuality
  • All pop culture
  • Grammar Coach ™
  • Writing hub
  • Grammar essentials
  • Commonly confused
  • All writing tips
  • Pop culture
  • Writing tips
  • keynote address

a speech, as at a political convention, that presents important issues, principles, policies, etc.

Origin of keynote address

  • Also called keynote , keynote speech .

Words Nearby keynote address

  • Keynesian economics
  • Keynes, John Maynard

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use keynote address in a sentence

The keynote address will air June 7 at 10 AM PDT, followed by the Platform State of the Union at 2 PM PDT.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to deliver the keynote address for an upcoming event at the Pentagon recognizing Pride Month, the Washington Blade has learned.

A defense official familiar with the event said Austin will deliver the keynote address at the event.

In his keynote address at Google’s annual conference for developers and journalists, CEO Sundar Pichai touted the AI tools the company is building to make search simpler.

So when Fredkin asked his friend to deliver the keynote address at the 1981 conference, he initially refused.

Bill Clinton, who dedicated the museum two decades ago, is giving the keynote address .

This year the big keynote address came from Benny Gantz, chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces.

In 2008, then-Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice set the tone with a keynote address .

In 1996, Bob Dole tapped a pro-choice congresswoman, Susan Molinari, to give the keynote address .

A nearly unknown minority rising star is picked to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic convention.

Cambridge Dictionary

  • Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of keynote in English

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

  • focal point
  • heavyweight
  • precondition
  • prerequisite
  • the grandaddy of something idiom

keynote | American Dictionary

Keynote | business english, examples of keynote, translations of keynote.

Get a quick, free translation!

{{randomImageQuizHook.quizId}}

Word of the Day

a game in which two, three, or four players use mallets (= long wooden hammers) to hit wooden balls through small metal hoops (= curves) fixed into the grass

Infinitive or -ing verb? Avoiding common mistakes with verb patterns (1)

Infinitive or -ing verb? Avoiding common mistakes with verb patterns (1)

define keynote speech

Learn more with +Plus

  • Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
  • Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
  • Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
  • Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
  • English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
  • English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
  • English–Dutch Dutch–English
  • English–French French–English
  • English–German German–English
  • English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
  • English–Italian Italian–English
  • English–Japanese Japanese–English
  • English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
  • English–Polish Polish–English
  • English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
  • English–Spanish Spanish–English
  • English–Swedish Swedish–English
  • Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
  • English    Noun
  • American    Noun
  • Business    Noun
  • Translations
  • All translations

Add keynote to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

IMAGES

  1. What Is a Keynote Speech? Plus 5 Steps to Help You Write One.

    define keynote speech

  2. How To Give A Great Keynote Speech At A Conference

    define keynote speech

  3. What Is a Keynote Speech? (+10 Speaker Tips to Deliver Powerfully

    define keynote speech

  4. 7 Steps To Preparing A Great Keynote Speech

    define keynote speech

  5. 7 Things To Improve In Your Keynote Speech Presentation

    define keynote speech

  6. Keynote Speaker

    define keynote speech

VIDEO

  1. Every Keynote Speech in 2023

  2. KEYNOTE SPEECH AICIS 2024

  3. Keynote Speech by Governor at 34th Anniversary Convention of APB

  4. 3rd Google TensorFlow Bootcamp

  5. Can a Keynote Speech save your life

  6. Keynote speech: Application of Data Analytics to Electrical Energy Systems

COMMENTS

  1. Keynote

    A keynote in public speaking is a talk that establishes a main underlying theme. In corporate or commercial settings, greater importance is attached to the delivery of a keynote speech or keynote address.

  2. What Is a Keynote Speech? (+10 Speaker Tips to Deliver Powerfully)

    Jul 29, 2021 • 10 min read 10 English Presentations Public Speaking Management Communication Keynote Being asked to give a keynote speech can be a little intimidating, especially if you've never given one before. You may even be wondering: what is a keynote address? A keynote speaker may be someone who's very accomplished in their field.

  3. Keynote address Definition & Meaning

    : an address designed to present the issues of primary interest to an assembly (such as a political convention) and often to arouse unity and enthusiasm called also keynote speech Examples of keynote address in a Sentence Many of the convention guests left after the keynote address.

  4. What is a Keynote Speech: How to Leave a Lasting Impression

    A keynote speech is a powerful presentation given by a keynote speaker at the beginning or end of an event. It is designed to capture the audience's attention, set the tone, and provide key takeaways that attendees can apply to their lives or work.

  5. KEYNOTE SPEECH

    (Definition of keynote speech from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) Examples of keynote speech keynote speech In corporate or commercial settings, greater importance is attached to the delivery of a keynote speech or keynote address. From Wikipedia

  6. How to Write a Keynote Speech

    Often, the main purpose of a keynote speech is to reiterate or explore the theme of an event, program, or conference. You may also have knowledge about the theme that you can share in the keynote. [1] If there is a theme of the event, you may use this as your purpose or inspiration for the speech.

  7. KEYNOTE ADDRESS

    noun [ C ] uk us (also keynote speech); (also keynote) Add to word list MEETINGS the most important speech given at a large meeting: She'll be delivering the keynote address at the conference on Friday. (Definition of keynote address from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) Examples of keynote address

  8. KEYNOTE SPEECH definition

    KEYNOTE SPEECH definition | Cambridge English Dictionary Meaning of keynote speech in English keynote speech noun [ C ] uk us Add to word list MEETINGS → keynote address (Definition of keynote speech from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) Examples of keynote speech keynote speech

  9. Keynote speech

    noun a speech setting forth the keynote synonyms: keynote address see more Cite this entry Style: MLA "Keynote speech." Vocabulary.com Dictionary, Vocabulary.com, https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/keynote speech. Accessed 23 Jan. 2024. Copy citation VocabTrainer™ 2 million people have mastered 393,423,704 new words.

  10. KEYNOTE SPEECH definition in American English

    KEYNOTE SPEECH definition: the main speech at a formal gathering such as a conference | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples in American English

  11. Here's an Excellent Keynote Speech GUIDE: With 2 Great Examples

    Simply put, a keynote speech is usually given to set the theme of the entire event. It is a speech that is generally delivered by an expert, renowned and well-respected individual, depending on the theme of the event. Being asked to give a keynote speech in front of a large audience can be a little intimidating.

  12. Guide to Planning, Writing, and Delivering a Killer Keynote Speech

    What Is a Keynote Speech? A keynote speech stands above other public speaking opportunities because event organizers make it the highlight of the agenda. Large events often leverage the keynote speaker to attract attendees. The theme of a keynote is usually set by the event's theme.

  13. What Is a Keynote Speech?

    The traditional meaning of the keynote speech was that it began a conference or convocation and outlined the themes to be covered in ways that got the participants talking and thinking along the right lines.

  14. Keynote Definition & Meaning

    1 : the fundamental or central fact, idea, or mood sadness is the keynote of this little collection Books Abroad One keynote of his mind has been his interest in deceit, his perceptions about the use of flimflam in modern life … Stanley Kauffmann 2 music : the first and harmonically fundamental tone of a scale 3 : keynote address

  15. The Purpose of a Keynote Speech: Unveiling Its true Meaning

    What is A Keynote Speech? A keynote speech is a presentation that sets the underlying tone and summarizes the core message or most important revelation of a meeting, conference, or event. It serves as the bridge between what was and what could be. A well choreographed keynote speech can ignite passion, spark discussion, and provoke thought.

  16. How to Write a Keynote Speech: 14 Steps

    1. Define your purpose: The first step in writing a keynote speech is to define your central message or theme. Consider the event's objective and your personal insight on the topic to establish a goal for your address. 2. Know your audience: Understand the demographics, interests, and expectations of the people you'll be addressing.

  17. KEYNOTE Definition & Usage Examples

    Keynote definition: . See examples of KEYNOTE used in a sentence.

  18. 8 Essential Keynote Speaker Tips You Should Know

    1. Find out what "keynote" means in context to the situation. Acknowledge that many organizers use the term "keynote" for different things. Clarify whether it's really the main presentation you're giving or something else. 2. Learn the intent of your keynote. Know the organizer's goal/context.

  19. KEYNOTE ADDRESS definition

    KEYNOTE ADDRESS meaning: the most important speech given at a large meeting: . Learn more.

  20. KEYNOTE ADDRESS definition and meaning

    KEYNOTE ADDRESS definition: a speech, as at a political convention , that presents important issues , principles ,... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples

  21. Keynote speech

    Define keynote speech. keynote speech synonyms, keynote speech pronunciation, keynote speech translation, English dictionary definition of keynote speech. n. See keynote address.

  22. KEYNOTE ADDRESS Definition & Usage Examples

    Keynote address definition: . See examples of KEYNOTE ADDRESS used in a sentence.

  23. KEYNOTE

    uk / ˈkiː.nəʊt / us / ˈkiː.noʊt / Add to word list the most important or most emphasized part of something: This issue has become the keynote of the election campaign. a keynote address / speech / speaker (= an important talk / speaker at a formal meeting) SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases Important and essential things -based amenity

  24. CPAC 2024 Live: Former UK PM Liz Truss slams left 'deep state' in

    CPAC 2024 Live: Former UK PM Liz Truss slams left 'deep state' in speech to half empty room - Conservative Political Action Conference gets underway, featuring speeches by Donald Trump, Liz ...