Qualities of a Good Speaker: 8 Essential Traits Event Planners Should Look For

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the qualities of a good speaker that every event planner should evaluate before booking. Finding speakers with the right traits of a good speaker can make the difference between an ordinary event and an extraordinary one.

Whether you’re planning a corporate event, industry conference, or leadership summit, selecting a speaker with the essential attributes of a good speaker will elevate your entire experience. Great speakers don’t just deliver information—they transform the atmosphere and leave lasting impressions on attendees.

The Mollie Plotkin Group represents exceptional speakers for events worldwide. Drawing on our extensive experience, we’ve identified these eight critical qualities of a good speaker that separate truly remarkable presenters from the rest. Understanding these traits will help you select the perfect speaker for your next event.

1. Comprehensive Technical Preparation

A primary trait of a good speaker is meticulous technical preparation. Professional speakers provide detailed technical riders outlining requirements for:

• Preferred microphone types and setups
• Sound system specifications
• Optimal stage layout and lighting
• Presentation and confidence monitors
• Countdown timers and cuing systems

This level of preparation prevents technical issues and ensures seamless delivery. When evaluating speakers, ask for their technical rider—its comprehensiveness reveals their professionalism and experience.

For subject matter experts who may not have a formal rider, arrange direct communication between them and your A/V team well in advance to address these technical needs.

2. Pre-Event Consultation Commitment

Another essential quality of a good speaker is their willingness to understand your organization before the event. The best speakers always conduct pre-event consultations, which serve to:

• Familiarize themselves with your company culture and values
• Discuss specific organizational challenges to address
• Establish rapport with leadership team members
• Clarify expectations and logistical questions
• Customize their presentation to your audience’s needs

These consultations demonstrate the speaker’s commitment to delivering relevant, impactful content. When interviewing potential speakers, ask about their pre-event process to gauge how much they’ll tailor their presentation to your specific audience.

3. Value Beyond the Keynote

One of the defining qualities of a good speaker is their willingness to offer value beyond their time on stage. Exceptional speakers enhance the overall event experience through:

• Pre-event leadership dinners or meetings
• Post-presentation receptions or Q&A sessions
• Media appearances or interviews
• Small group breakout discussions
• Photo opportunities and networking with attendees

These extended engagements maximize the speaker’s impact and provide your attendees with more meaningful interactions. The best speakers understand they’re not just delivering a speech but contributing to the entire event experience.

Additionally, professional speakers always participate in thorough technical rehearsals and sound checks, ideally completed well before the event begins.

4. Professional Presentation Materials

A crucial attribute of a good speaker is their ability to enhance their message with professional supporting materials. While not all presentations require visual aids, excellent speakers come prepared with high-quality resources such as:

• Professionally designed slide decks with minimal text
• Custom-created graphics and visual elements
• Introduction and closing slides with key takeaways
• Backdrop visuals that reinforce their message
• Handouts or digital resources for attendees

The best speakers are also adept at using remote slide advancers or coordinating seamlessly with the A/V team for slide transitions. They understand that visual elements should support their message without becoming the focus themselves.

5. Commanding Stage Presence

Strong stage presence is among the most important traits of a good speaker. Making an impactful entrance and maintaining presence throughout creates a powerful impression. Key elements include:

• Providing a well-crafted introduction for the event host
• Coordinating appropriate walk-on music if applicable
• Entering with confidence, poise, and authenticity
• Acknowledging the introducer and audience appropriately
• Owning the space through deliberate movement and positioning

The speaker’s entrance sets the tone for the entire presentation. Great speakers understand the importance of making a strong first impression while establishing a connection with the audience from the very beginning.

6. Masterful Vocal Projection and Body Language

Another essential quality of a good speaker is their mastery over vocal dynamics and nonverbal communication. Top speakers demonstrate:

• Appropriate volume and projection for the venue size
• Strategic pacing and effective use of pauses
• Vocal variety to emphasize key points
• Open, confident posture and body positioning
• Purposeful movement that enhances their message
• Authentic gestures and facial expressions
• Consistent eye contact with different audience sections

These skills maintain audience engagement and reinforce the speaker’s message. When evaluating potential speakers, look for those who demonstrate awareness and control of these nonverbal elements in their previous presentations.

7. Impactful Conclusion and Audience Engagement

The ability to deliver a powerful closing is a critical trait of a good speaker. An effective conclusion leaves a lasting impression by:

• Reinforcing the main message or theme
• Providing clear, actionable takeaways
• Delivering a memorable final thought or challenge
• Creating an emotional connection with the audience
• Seamlessly transitioning to Q&A if applicable

Top speakers also excel at encouraging meaningful audience participation through thoughtful questions, interactive exercises, or technology-enabled engagement. They create memorable moments that inspire action and often receive standing ovations due to their ability to connect personally with attendees.

8. Dedicated Post-Event Follow-Up

A distinguishing quality of a good speaker is their commitment to extending their impact beyond the event itself. Professional speakers ensure their message has lasting value by:

• Providing follow-up materials to reinforce key points
• Offering additional resources for continued learning
• Checking in with organizers to assess impact
• Addressing unanswered questions from attendees
• Supporting implementation of their recommendations

This follow-up demonstrates the speaker’s genuine investment in audience outcomes rather than simply delivering a performance. When selecting speakers, ask about their typical post-event process to gauge their commitment to lasting impact.

Finding a Speaker with These Essential Qualities

Hiring a speaker with these eight qualities of a good speaker is about securing more than just a presentation—it’s about creating a transformative experience for your audience. The best speakers arrive with comprehensive technical preparation, invest in understanding your organization, and extend their value beyond the keynote itself. They deliver polished presentations with commanding presence, masterful delivery, and powerful conclusions, while ensuring their message continues to resonate after the event.

By prioritizing these eight traits of a good speaker, you’ll maximize the impact of your event and create an unforgettable experience for your audience. If you’re looking to book a speaker who embodies these essential qualities, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to find the perfect match for your next event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good speaker stand out from others?

The qualities that truly differentiate exceptional speakers include their preparation thoroughness, ability to customize content to specific audiences, willingness to provide value beyond the main presentation, and commitment to ensuring lasting impact through follow-up. While basic speaking skills are important, these professional qualities create a comprehensive experience that transforms events.

How important is a speaker’s technical knowledge versus their presentation skills?

Both are crucial but in different contexts. For highly technical audiences, subject matter expertise is paramount, though it must be delivered clearly. For motivational or leadership events, presentation skills often take precedence. The ideal speaker balances both, with enough technical knowledge to be credible and strong presentation skills to be engaging.

What should I look for when reviewing speaker videos?

Look beyond basic delivery to observe audience engagement, content structure, and how they handle unexpected moments. Notice if they create meaningful audience interactions, whether their examples seem relevant to various audiences, and if their closing inspires action. Watch multiple videos to ensure consistency across different events.

How can I determine if a speaker will connect with my specific audience?

The best indicator is their willingness to learn about your organization and audience before the event. Professional speakers will ask detailed questions about your audience demographics, challenges, and goals. They’ll request background materials and may want to speak with key stakeholders. This investment in understanding your specific needs demonstrates their commitment to creating a relevant, impactful experience.

What’s the difference between a good speaker and a great speaker?

Good speakers deliver content clearly and engage the audience. Great speakers transform the room’s energy, create memorable moments, and inspire meaningful action. While good speakers might receive polite applause, great speakers generate enthusiastic standing ovations, spark ongoing discussions, and catalyze real change within organizations. The qualities of a good speaker outlined in this guide are what elevate presenters from good to truly exceptional.