Keynote speakers come from many walks of life. They have often experienced something extraordinary, overcome something unusual, achieved something outstanding or have a message that they feel compelled to share with others.
Whatever their background, they now have a sense of purpose when they stand on stage and share their knowledge. They are intrinsically motivated to enhance your life by sharing a part of theirs.
Listening to them talk may bring you to tears, laughter, confusion, anger or elation. Whatever emotion they spark in you, their speech should leave a lasting impression and, ideally, inspire you to do something as a result.
By the time you hear them talking on stage, it is likely that they have put in many hours (days, weeks, months!) of hard work to deliver a 60 minute keynote. However, they don’t want you to know that. They want you to feel as if this is the first time they have spoken the words they are saying. As if it’s the first time they have connected this well with an audience. That takes time, practice and skill. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that they don’t want you to know about. So I’m going to spill their secrets…
Firstly, it is likely that a keynote speaker has been through something significant in their life that has been emotional, challenging, enlightening and life altering. By the time they can talk openly about it, they have likely shed many tears (happy and sad) and are now at a place where they have processed their experience and feel comfortable sharing it with others. Do not underestimate the strength this may have taken. Standing in front of you may be someone who was once completely broken and managed to build themselves and their life up again, or achieved a goal despite extreme circumstances. And they want to share their story to help you and make your life better.
Finding the right words doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Speeches can take a few hours or a few years to write. By the time you hear it, it will have been written, rewritten and edited numerous times. Crafting right tone and method of delivery is a skill. It’s likely that the keynote speaker has taken guidance from others. That he/she has enlisted the help of other speakers or mentors or coaches to ensure that their speech is as close to perfect as it can possibly be.
They have rehearsed their speech again and again and again. In front of mirrors, in the shower, in the car. They have practiced in front of their spouse, children, friends… and my goodness, the family dog has heard it so many times he could recite it himself! There have likely been sleepless nights and self-doubt, plus a large helping of nervous energy before they have delivered their keynote in front of enough audiences that they feel comfortable speaking their truth on stage.
Finally, they really truly care how you feel about their keynote. Your participation, engagement and reactions make a memorable experience for everyone in the room. If they ask you to raise your hand or share your thoughts or answer a question – rise to the challenge and get involved! Writing a review on their website or social media platforms, or telling others through word of mouth is a great way of saying thank you for their time, knowledge and the impact they had on you.