Whether it’s a sales conference, user conference or a one-off event for a major announcement, keynote speeches remain a defining element for any corporate event, permeating the atmosphere and setting everyone’s expectations.
Rather than relying on tried-and-true methods of keynote planning that have served you well in the past, it pays to approach each one with fresh eyes. Asking yourself 3 key questions for a memorable keynote speaker can help set the tone of success and ensure a memorable address with lasting impact!
Who Should Speak?
For any event, delivering a captivating and compelling keynote is essential for engaging the audience. Audiences today are looking for presentations that offer unique perspectives that are told in an interesting way. Thus, considering who should speak takes on added importance. Having the right keynote speaker can make all the difference to ensure that your event is memorable for all the right reasons.
Before you start searching for potential speakers, take some time to understand your audience. When considering potential speakers, think about whether or not they have knowledge or experiences that could relate to your audience’s interests and needs.
While presentations from C-suite executives are the heart of user and sales conferences, many bigger companies have branched out to using outside speakers and presenters. Some, for example hire celebrities or inspirational guests as part of the keynote lineup alongside the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer to captivate attendees while still representing the brand image.
It takes time and research but by understanding your audience’s needs and considering experience, reputation, and engagement capabilities when selecting a keynote speaker, you can ensure you pick someone who will leave a lasting impression.
What Kind of Format and Content Should Presentations Have?
Over the past few years, the trend has gotten away from long keynotes and have been replaced by short speeches. While there usually isn’t a set time limit, potential speakers should aim for a maximum speech length. Taking less time won’t diminish the importance of a speaker, or the value of the content, but potentially represents a better option for the attention span of the audience.
Mixing short, arresting speeches with dynamic presentations that utilize new technology can make for an unforgettable keynote. Short and impactful keynote speeches, from 20 to 30 minutes long, should also be designed not just in length, but in creative presentation. That means bringing visual flash to the presentation and potentially using humor or intentionally provoking ideas.
Regardless of content, opting for short, video-friendly speeches is critical for companies seeking to connect with audiences. Even when there’s a lot of information to be delivered, a speech can and should be broken up by topic into “bite-sized” pieces. In our media-saturated culture, shorter, catchier bursts of info – packaged into easily digestible portions – can also be repurposed as evergreen content beyond that initial keynote.
Mixing short, arresting speeches with dynamic presentations of new tech makes for a memorable keynote.Which Next-Level Technologies Will Help Keynotes Stand Out?
Technology has come a long way since the days when presenters were chained to their podiums with a microphone and PowerPoint slides. Now, thanks to immersive technology, event organizers are able to create exciting and interactive keynotes that will leave guests wanting more.
The use of virtual and augmented reality systems in keynote speeches can add exciting new possibilities. VR Technology allows you to immerse your audience in 360-degree visuals, audio, and experiences. With VR headsets, you can provide an experience that is both unique and engaging for your attendees.
Augmented reality takes things one step further than virtual reality by superimposing digital images onto real-world environments. This technology enables you to create interactive experiences that engage attendees in new ways by allowing them to interact with 3D objects projected into physical space.
Creating the illusion of an in-person keynote via hologram-style telepresence systems is another rising trend. Combined with innovative on-site technology like projection mapping, the often-neglected visual aspect of keynotes can be transformed.
Crafting powerful keynotes doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble – by carefully considering the preferences of your attendees ahead of time, you can ensure that all elements maximize impact. With some thoughtful planning now, you’re sure to deliver memorable keynote sessions for every attendee!
OVATION is an event production company that simplifies the increasingly complex event space for global brands. From ‘wow-worthy’ event design and production to anywhere, any time, any device content design, development and distribution, we integrate your event content and strategy with your company’s overall strategic initiatives.
Contact us to find out how OVATION can take your keynote to the next level and help you make a lasting impression on your attendees.