Why did the event planner bring a ladder to the keynote speech? Because they wanted to elevate the experience!

We’ve got plenty more event planning jokes, but let’s get real—knowing the questions to ask a keynote speaker before booking them is no laughing matter. The right speaker can inspire and energize your audience, while the wrong one? Well, that’s like serving stale coffee at a morning conference.

If you want to make sure your keynote speaker actually delivers, you need to ask the right questions upfront. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide – to walk you through the essential questions to ask and qualities to look for as you embark on your speaker selection journey. Whether you’re planning an intimate industry retreat or a massive multinational summit, these tips will help you find the perfect speaker to engage, educate, and inspire your unique audience.

TL;DR:

• Seek speakers with subject matter expertise that aligns with your event theme
• Look for speakers who can tailor their message to your specific audience
• Ask about the speaker’s presentation style and audience engagement tactics
• Get a sense of the speaker’s most popular topics/keynotes
• Ensure the speaker provides ample pre- and post-event support
• Check the speaker’s references and past event testimonials
• Clarify technical and logistical requirements well in advance
• Uncover how the speaker measures their performance and event ROI
• Give the speaker an opportunity to explain their unique value proposition

As a Black and Woman owned keynote speaker bureau, we’ve seen firsthand how a little due diligence can make all the difference in finding the perfect presenter for your event. So, grab a coffee (or a glass of wine, we don’t judge) and let’s dive into the 5 essential questions that should be part of your keynote speaker selection guide. Your future self will thank you!

Being an event organizer means playing matchmaker—pairing the right speaker with the right audience to create an unforgettable experience, right?. And that process starts with asking targeted questions to ask a keynote speaker to assess their fit and uncover what really sets them apart. Let’s unpack those questions, shall we?

1. What is your area of expertise and how does it align with our event theme/goals?

A speaker might be an incredible orator with a riveting presence, but if their subject matter knowledge doesn’t match your event, that star power will only take them so far. Attendees come to conferences to learn and be exposed to cutting-edge ideas in their field.

When interviewing potential speakers, dive deep into their specific areas of thought leadership. Ask for examples of how they’ve consulted on, transformed, or contributed to their industry. Probe into the unique perspectives and provocative insights they bring to the table that attendees won’t hear elsewhere.

Look for speakers who can draw clear connections between their expertise and your event’s central theme or mission. Bonus points if they can provide tangible examples or case studies of how they’ve moved the needle on the topics they’re discussing.

2. How do you approach tailoring your presentations to different audiences?

A canned, generic presentation simply won’t cut it, no matter how famous the speaker is. Your audience wants to feel like the keynote speech was crafted just for them, addressing their unique pain points, challenges, and aspirations.

One of the most important questions to ask a keynote speaker is about their process for learning about and adapting to different audiences. Do they send out pre-event surveys to attendees? Interview key stakeholders in your organization? Attend other sessions at your event to weave in relevant themes and takeaways?

Customization should go beyond just swapping out a few slide graphics or industry buzzwords. It’s about digging deep to understand the audience’s psychographics – their shared values, attitudes, interests, and lifestyles – and then shaping the overarching messaging and specific examples or stories to resonate with that group.

A speaker who invests time and energy into intimately understanding your people is one who can create a bespoke experience that will reverberate long after they leave the stage.

3. Describe your speaking style and how you keep audiences engaged.

In the era of dwindling attention spans and smartphone distraction, the best speakers are masters of engagement, using every tool in their arsenal to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

When vetting speakers, ask them to walk you through their “secret sauce” – the techniques and strategies they use to connect with and captivate a room, both in-person and virtually. Maybe it’s weaving in audience participation through live polls or small group discussions. Perhaps it’s using powerful storytelling to elicit emotion and drive key points home. It could be strategically sprinkling in moments of humor and levity to keep energy high.

There’s no one “right” approach – the key is to find a speaker whose style meshes with your audience and event format. If you’re planning a multi-day deep dive into weighty topics, you might opt for a speaker known for their masterful command of data and research. If you want to kick off a sales conference with a bang, you might choose someone with infectious enthusiasm and a talent for firing people up.

In any case, avoid speakers who rely solely on dense slideshows and talking head lectures. Keep your audience top of mind and look for presenters who will make them feel like active participants in the experience, not passive spectators.

4. What are some of your most popular or requested keynote topics?

While you certainly want a keynote that’s tailored to your theme, understanding a speaker’s go-to topics and areas of expertise can give you valuable insight into their wheelhouse and unique point of view.

Most speakers have a core set of topics or keynotes that they’re known for and that tend to resonate with a wide range of audiences. Asking about these not only helps you get a sense of the speaker’s passions and key messages, but also their ability to adapt those messages to different industries and contexts.

Review the descriptions and learning objectives of their signature talks. Do they align with the knowledge and skills you want your audience to take away? Are they a good blend of high-level inspiration and practical, actionable tactics? Will the content feel fresh and relevant to your audience, or is it information they’ve likely heard before?

A speaker’s most popular topics are usually popular for a reason – they strike a chord, spark new ways of thinking, and compel audiences to take action. Identifying where your event goals overlap with a speaker’s strong suits is a recipe for keynote success.

5. How do you support events before, during, and after your keynote?

A standout speaker does so much more than deliver a stellar speech. They’re a true partner in your event’s success, working with you throughout the entire planning process to ensure maximum impact and value.

When interviewing potential keynoters, ask detailed questions to ask a keynote speaker about the extent of their involvement beyond their time on stage. Do they participate in pre-event marketing and promotion, whether it’s through social media, blog posts, or video interviews? Are they available for planning calls and run-throughs to ensure their presentation is on point?

On the day of the event, will they arrive early to do a tech check and mingle with attendees? Are they open to doing a meet-and-greet or book signing after their speech? Can they provide additional resources like worksheets or reading lists to attendees as a takeaway?

And once the event wraps, how do they support you in extending the impact of their message? Some speakers offer attendees free access to an online course or exclusive webinar as a way to dive deeper into the topic. Others create a custom video or article recapping key points from their keynote that you can share on your event website or via email.

The more touchpoints a speaker has with your audience, the more value they provide and the stronger a connection they forge. Look for keynote speakers who go the extra mile to ensure their message resonates long after the closing remarks.

6. Can you share testimonials or references from past clients and events?

A surefire way to gauge the impact and effectiveness of a speaker is to hear directly from those who have hired them in the past. Any speaker worth their salt should be able to provide a robust list of testimonials and references that speak to their abilities.

When reaching out to a speaker’s past clients, come prepared with specific questions that go beyond just “Were you happy with the presentation?” Dig into the nitty gritty details, like:

• How easy and professional was the speaker to work with leading up to the event?
• How well did the speaker take the time to understand and cater to your audience?
• What kind of feedback did you receive from attendees about the keynote?
• Did the speaker’s message align with the key learning objectives for your event?
• Were there any concrete outcomes or results that could be attributed to the speaker’s impact?
• Would you hire this speaker again for a future event?

If possible, try to speak with clients who hired the speaker for events similar in format, audience, or industry to your own. And don’t be afraid to ask for references from events that occurred in the past 6-12 months – you want to ensure the speaker’s quality and relevance is up-to-date.

While a speaker’s marketing materials and demo videos can tell you a lot, there’s nothing quite as powerful as a wholehearted endorsement from a peer or colleague who can vouch for their abilities. Let past performance be a strong predictor of future potential.

7. What are your technical requirements and logistical needs?

The last thing you want is for technical glitches or logistical snafus to detract from your speaker’s message or disrupt the flow of your event.

That’s why it’s crucial to hash out the nitty gritty well in advance by asking speakers detailed questions to ask a keynote speaker like:

• What kind of microphone and sound setup do you prefer?
• Do you need any special lighting or stage configuration?
• How do you like to manage your slides and visuals? Do you need a confidence monitor?
• Will your presentation include any audio/video elements that need to be supported?
• What kind of space or room layout is ideal for your presentation style?
• How much time do you need for setup and rehearsal before your keynote?
• What are your travel and accommodation requirements?

Getting clarity on these logistical elements from the get-go ensures that you can equip your speaker for success and create a seamless experience for your audience. It also gives you ample time to troubleshoot any potential technical limitations with your venue or production team.

Speakers are the ultimate professionals – they’ve likely encountered every possible challenge or mishap on the road and have systems in place to ensure a smooth delivery. Tap into that expertise and let them guide you on the tools and conditions they need to bring their A-game.

8. How do you define and measure the success of your keynotes?

We know that what gets measured gets improved. The same principle applies to keynote speeches. While it’s not always easy to quantify the impact of a powerful message, there are certainly ways to assess whether a speaker moved the needle for your audience.

Ask potential speakers how they gauge their own performance and results. Do they track metrics like audience engagement, social media mentions, or post-event survey ratings? Can they share examples of events where their keynote led to a measurable uptick in a key business metric, like sales or employee retention?

Some speakers send out their own surveys to attendees after the fact to gather feedback and testimonials. Others work with event organizers to set specific goals or KPIs beforehand, like increasing event app downloads or driving a certain number of registrations for a follow-up workshop.

The best speakers are always looking for ways to improve and deliver more value to their clients. They embrace feedback, both positive and constructive, and use it to continually sharpen their craft.

As you evaluate potential keynote candidates, pay attention to those who seem genuinely invested in your event outcomes and who have a track record of delivering quantifiable results. A speaker who is as passionate about your success as their own is one who will go above and beyond to ensure a measurable ROI for your event.

9. Why should we choose you over other speakers in your field?

It’s not enough to simply be a subject matter expert or charismatic presenter. The most in-demand speakers have a secret sauce – a unique blend of qualities and experiences that set them apart from the rest of the pack.

Asking a speaker why they’re the best fit for your event gives them a chance to showcase their X factor. It challenges them to articulate the distinctive perspective, approach, or style they bring to the table that audiences won’t find anywhere else.

Maybe it’s their knack for turning complex topics into relatable, actionable insights. Perhaps it’s their one-of-a-kind storytelling ability that leaves audiences either in stitches or in tears (in a good way). It could be a signature framework or model they’ve developed based on their research or work with top brands.

Whatever it is, listen for the speaker to pinpoint the unique value they’ll bring to your specific audience and event. How will their message or delivery resonate with your people in a way that other speakers on the topic can’t match? What do they understand about your industry’s challenges and opportunities that will make their insights especially relevant and valuable?

A great keynote speaker does more than just impart information – they spark transformation. And a speaker who can clearly articulate their special sauce is one who can ignite that kind of powerful change in your audience.

Finding Your Perfect Keynote Match

Choosing a keynote speaker is a lot like finding a soulmate – it takes time, effort, and a willingness to ask the deep questions to ensure a great fit. But when you find “the one,” it’s pure magic.

By using these targeted questions to ask a keynote speaker as your guide, you’ll be well on your way to booking the speaker who will elevate your event from mundane to memorable.

At IconEleven Speakers Bureau, we represent a diverse roster of world-class keynote speakers who are masters at crafting customized content, captivating audiences, and delivering real results. From industry thought leaders to bestselling authors to visionary entrepreneurs, we’ll help you find the perfect speaker to bring your event vision to life.

Looking for a speaker who can inspire your sales team to shatter their quotas? Need a keynoter who can teach your executives how to build a culture of innovation? Seeking a diversity and inclusion expert who can lead a transformative workshop on unconscious bias? We’ve got you covered.

Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your event goals, audience dynamics, and content needs. Then we’ll curate a customized list of speaker recommendations tailored to your specific criteria. We’ll handle all the details – from contracts to logistics to post-event follow-up – so you can focus on delivering an unforgettable experience for your attendees.

Don’t leave the success of your event to chance. Partner with us to find the keynote speaker who will make your conference one for the books. Your audience will thank you – and so will your bottom line.

Ready to start your speaker search? Contact us today to learn more about our services and speakers.

Let’s work together to create an event that educates, inspires, and drives meaningful change.

Your perfect keynote match awaits. Let IconEleven Speakers Bureau play matchmaker and watch the sparks fly.