Even if you’ve reached major heights of success in your career, it can be quite intimidating having to speak in front of a huge crowd. But that’s exactly what you might face if you’re brought in as a keynote speaker for a graduation or other event.
A keynote speech can be tricky. Not only do they have to be well delivered and informative, but they also have to be inspirational. They should inspire confidence in your audience.
Like with most things, what you’ll need on your side to do well is a little preparation. Read on, and we’ll walk you through our three big tips for keynote speeches.
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Vulnerable
Giving a keynote speech is unlike most other formal speaking engagements. In this environment, you’re not trying to really convey any information to an audience. You’re trying to connect with them emotionally.
The easiest way to do that will be to open yourself up emotionally as well.
Sharing your own vulnerability can be the most powerful tool you have in your arsenal. Humans have a natural reaction to such vulnerability, and if you’re truly open, you’re much more likely to make a lasting impression.
Just make sure you’re being genuine. Just as true vulnerability can open up audiences to you, phony panhandling can shut them off.
2. Bring Props or Gifts
Sometimes people need visual cues to help get them glued into what you’re saying. People think visually, especially in the modern era. There are no concrete rules when it comes to keynote speeches. You can do a mixed media speech if you’d like.
Feel free to incorporate props, photography, or even videos if such tech is accessible. You should use whatever tools to make you the most comfortable. Whatever tools help to get your point across in a clear and entertaining way is a good idea.
Bringing gifts for the audience, such as Trophies Plus Medals, is another way to keep them engaged and thankful. Having something physical to hold onto can help make your speech stand out in listener’s heads.
3. Keep It Simple
The key to keeping an audience engaged is keeping light on your feet. The second your keynote speech veers into long-winded stories with complicated timelines or many characters, your audience will likely be lost. Or worse, bored.
Take the simplest speech possible and spice it up. It’s much better to perfect and expand on something simple than it is to try to put together something so complex.
A simple speech can soar with the right performance and pacing. It’s often the simplest messages that are the most resonant as well. Keeping your speech clean and uncrowded is the best chance you have at setting yourself up for success.
Giving a Great Keynote Speech
Even for great speakers, it can be nervewracking to prepare for a keynote speech. With the above tips, you can prepare a speech that is sure to make a lasting impression on your eager audience.
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