Welcome to our guide featuring the eight essential qualities of a good speaker.
Whether you’re planning a corporate event, industry conference, or leadership summit, selecting the right speaker can make all the difference. A top-tier keynote speaker doesn’t just deliver a speech—they elevate the entire experience. From a polished stage presence to pre-event consultations and post-event engagement, the best speakers bring value far beyond their time on stage.
The Mollie Plotkin Group represents the world’s finest keynote speakers, facilitating events globally. With extensive experience in this field, we have identified the key attributes that distinguish truly exceptional keynote speakers. This article aims to provide meeting planning professionals with insights into the technical and professional aspects of top-tier speakers, beyond their raw presentation skills. Understanding these qualities can help event organizers select the most suitable speakers for their events.
Table of contents
- 1. Comprehensive Technical Rider
- 2. Pre-Conference Consultations
- 3. Pre and Post-Event Engagements
- 4. Professional Presentation Materials
- 5. Mastering the Stage Entrance
- 6. Vocal Projection and Body Language
- 7. Powerful Conclusion and Audience Engagement
- 8. Post-Event Follow-Up
- Hiring the Right Keynote Speaker For Your Event
1. Comprehensive Technical Rider
A hallmark of professional keynote speakers is a detailed technical rider. This document outlines the speaker’s requirements for:
- Preferred microphones
- Sound system specifications
- Stage layout
- Presentation and confidence monitors
- Countdown timers
Having a clear technical rider prevents confusion and ensures smooth event execution. For non-career speakers or subject matter experts who may not have a rider, it’s advisable to have the A/V team work directly with them to address technical needs.
2. Pre-Conference Consultations
Top-tier keynote speakers engage in pre-event video calls with client leadership. These consultations serve multiple purposes:
- Familiarizing the speaker with company culture
- Discussing organizational challenges to be addressed
- Establishing rapport with leadership
- Clarifying logistical questions
These calls are crucial for tailoring the presentation to the client’s specific needs and ensuring a more impactful delivery.
3. Pre and Post-Event Engagements
One of the defining qualities of a good speaker is their willingness to offer value beyond the keynote. Exceptional speakers enhance the event experience through:
- Pre-event dinners with leadership
- Post-event dinners or receptions
- Media appearances
- Q&A sessions
- Photo opportunities with attendees
These engagements enhance the overall value of the speaker’s presence and foster deeper connections with the client organization. Event planners should consider pitching these extended stays to maximize the speaker’s impact.
Additionally, speakers should participate in thorough tech and sound checks, ideally conducted well before the event day.
4. Professional Presentation Materials
Another trait of a good speaker is their ability to deliver a seamless and professional presentation. While not all speeches require visuals, excellent speakers come prepared with high-quality materials such as:
- Professionally designed slide decks
- Introduction and closing slides
- Backdrop visuals
Speakers should be adept at using remote slide advancers or coordinating seamlessly with the A/V team for slide transitions. The focus should remain on the speaker, not the slides.
5. Mastering the Stage Entrance
A strong stage presence is one of the essential traits of a good speaker. Making an impactful entrance sets the tone for the entire presentation. Key elements include:
- Providing a standard written introduction for the event host
- Coordinating walk-on music if applicable
- Entering with confidence and poise
- Acknowledging the introducer and audience appropriately
The speaker’s entrance sets the tone for the entire presentation and should align with the event’s atmosphere.
6. Vocal Projection and Body Language
Exceptional speakers demonstrate mastery over their vocal projection and body language:
- Adjusting volume to suit the room and audio setup
- Maintaining an open stance and posture
- Using purposeful movement across the stage
- Engaging the audience through eye contact and gestures
These skills help maintain audience engagement and reinforce the speaker’s message.
7. Powerful Conclusion and Audience Engagement
A powerful closing is crucial for leaving a lasting impression:
- Reiterating the main thesis or theme
- Providing actionable takeaways
- Delivering a personal, impactful message
- Encouraging audience participation through surveys or Q&A sessions
Exceptional speakers aim to inspire action and often receive standing ovations due to their ability to connect personally with the audience. An impactful closing is one of the key attributes of a good speaker.
8. Post-Event Follow-Up
Another essential trait of a good speaker is their commitment to delivering value beyond the event itself. Professional speakers ensure their message has a lasting impact by:
- Providing follow-up materials to reinforce key messages
- Engaging with clients to assess the speech’s impact
- Offering additional resources or support as needed
This follow-up demonstrates the speaker’s commitment to delivering lasting value.
Hiring the Right Keynote Speaker For Your Event
Hiring an excellent keynote speaker is about more than just their ability to speak—it’s about the value they bring before, during, and after the event. The best speakers come prepared with a detailed technical rider, engage with leadership in pre-event consultations, and captivate audiences with powerful delivery and strong conclusions. They understand the importance of professional presentation materials, stage presence, and meaningful post-event follow-ups.
By prioritizing these eight qualities, organizations can maximize the impact of their keynote speaker and create an unforgettable experience for their audience. If you’re looking to book a top keynote speaker, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to find the perfect fit for your next event.
