What is a Keynote Speech?

According to Wikipedia, a keynote in public speaking is a talk that establishes the main underlying theme.

In corporate or commercial settings, greater importance is attached to the delivery of a keynote speech or keynote address because the keynote establishes the framework for the training that follows.

Duration

Most keynote addresses are 45 minutes to 90 minutes long (although there is no rule limiting it to a certain duration). In a relatively short period of time, the keynote speaker has to establish rapport, educate, entertain the audience, and leave them wanting more.

A keynote is also meant to inspire the attendees to want to be at the event and stay there from start to finish. It should also give them a “Call to Action” to want to learn, interact, and bring home tools from the event that can improve sales, overcome negativity, or help them do their everyday duties better.

Depth

The keynote speaker must know their subject inside and out, and be able to offer insights or possible actions that are easy to understand and hard to forget. This is often accomplished with humour, personal stories, or unusual accomplishments.

Most attendees are looking for a “black belt” in a subject from the keynote speaker, someone that’s been there and done it, rather than simply read up and recited it!  They should be able to incorporate your event theme, terminology and have a working knowledge of the work they perform and the challenges and obstacles they face.

Jay Allen – Opening Keynote

As your opening keynote, I take the time to research the audience.  That I am relevant, fun, and energising. That energy is then carried on by the other participants throughout the rest of the conference.

From the moment I enter stage, I get the audience engaged, they are ready to hear my message and any message to follow. I emotionally charge the audience on the premise: “They will not remember what you did or said, they remember how you make them feel.”

You can count on me to set the stage for the rest of your event, and start your event with laughter, much to think about, and make this event, one of the most memorable this audience have ever attended.

Jay Allen – Closing Speaker

As a closing keynote speaker, I work to incorporate the event theme.  Reference significant points  during the event and much more into this captivating close.

One of the main goals in a closing keynote, is to provide the audience with a revitalised “Call To Action” they take back with them and implement straight away.  Invite me to keynote if you want your event to end on a high, with everyone energised and driven to achieve YOUR objectives.