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Monday, April 11, 2016

Preparing As A Keynote Speaker

By Anthony West


Every occasion has its climax and a message that the organizers wish would resonate with the audience until the next meeting. It is the work of a keynote speaker to deliver this message. As such, the search for such a person should be deliberate and the appointed person must take the mandate seriously. It is the responsibility of this guest and the organizer to ensure that this address is actualized.

How should speakers prepare in order to meet the expectations of both the crowd and organizers? It all begins with understanding the theme and mission of the occasion. Themes and expectations change from year to year. They are dictated by the client based on issues affecting the organization or group at the moment. Discuss the theme with your client including any abrupt changes that might happen before you make the address.

Every convention invites speakers for different purposes. The intention is to deliver the address in a motivating, entertaining, instructional, etc way. As a contracted speaker, discuss with clarity the capacity and mode of delivery expected of you. In most cases, your character will define the expected mode of delivery. Perfect this mode to avoid fatally missing the point and falling below expectations.

Organizers slot speakers depending on their aim for invitation. You may be required to address the gathering at the beginning of a conference. This calls for a speech that sets the mood, pace and agenda for the conference. Speakers invited in the middle are supposed to energize the crowd and refocus the debate. If your slot is at the end, your responsibility is to crystallize all that has been discussed and provide a clarion call that will keep the group together till the next meeting.

Guest speakers must learn to connect with the audience. This means a deeper understanding of mission, purpose and theme of the conference. You must be aware of special challenges facing the organization and find a way to resolve them. Read their mood and prepare tension and release moments that resonate with their moods and expectations.

Every speech must be customized to an audience. This means words, metaphors and examples that they can relate to. You must therefore research thoroughly and gather facts about the organization. Include press mentions, latest awards, tragedies, milestones, etc. Make the address personal to the lowest and the highest ranking person in that audience.

Organizers saw something in you that led to your appointment as the guest speaker. This uniqueness must be brought out in your speech. The uniqueness fits the theme, the audience, the year, month, date and time of day in such a way that no one else can. Maintain your element and raise your listeners to a level that will forever be remembered.

To make a good speech, you must time and pace the presentation. It should take between thirty and forty five minutes. The style of delivery should be characteristically yours with special focus on the audience and the organization. Prepare adequately to make your presentation flow and with sufficient punch lines to keep the audience glued.




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