The Definition of a Keynote Speaker
The term "keynote speaker" comes from the ritual of barbershop singers practicing a keynote before singing a song. In other words, the keynote sets the tone for the song, just as a good keynote speaker does in introducing a topic for a meeting or other event. When many people think of the term "keynote speaker," they remember various politicians whose keynote addresses stood out at major political gatherings such as the Democratic and Republican Presidential conventions. Besides political functions, keynote speakers address audiences at academic conferences, and usually speak at high school and college graduation ceremonies.
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Functions
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Keynote speakers are used to arouse attention for a topic. When people gather for a meeting or event often they're thinking about other things than the conference or other occasion. They're making mental lists, reviewing what they need to do when the function is over, besides regretting the unfinished business they left behind them. That's why a keynote speaker is needed to get an audience focused. As people generally judge a book by its cover, forming a first impression, it's important that the keynote speakers project a positive image for whatever is to follow their speeches. In addition to setting the tone for an event, program or conference, keynote speakers should affirm an organization's purpose and goals.
Types
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Keynote speakers usually fall into categories. For example, there are speakers that are motivational, while others are gurus or experts in their fields. Other keynote speakers may be corporate executives or professional speakers. Comedians are keynote speakers who use humor. Sometimes keynote speakers can show characteristics of more than one type, such as a professional speaker who throws in humor to make his points.
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Motivational Keynote Speakers
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Motivational keynote speakers deliver uplifting speeches to motivate an audience. They first try to relate to the people and then tell them what they should do and why they should do it. These speakers should be careful not to talk down to their audiences, but instead lead them to conclusions using persuasive tools such as personal experiences.
Gurus
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Guru keynote speakers are technical experts, having specific knowledge in their fields that surpasses their associates. Therefore, a guru as a keynote speaker has to know what he's talking about and be able to address questions. This type of keynote speaker is harder to find than others, so more money may be need to hire them. Normally, gurus are seen in business conventions. workshops and academic conferences or training seminars.
Comedians
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Keynote speakers often use humor to break the ice at a meeting. Besides humorous speeches, they can also use props and costumes to get their messages across, while entertaining audiences. Keynote speakers who are humorous may also seem like motivational speakers. Only a few keynote speakers are comical just to be funny, as usually they use their humor to accomplish a goal.
Corporate Executives
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Corporate executives are keynote speakers who generally love to talk about their expertise, not wanting controls. If they're enthusiastic and able to hold an audience's attention, it's fine to just let them just do their thing and talk, not enforcing the usual controls given to other speakers.
Professional Speakers
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Hiring professional speakers can be expensive, even if they give short speeches. However, sometimes professional speakers do speak for free if they have a particular love for the audience or topic. In this case, it's customary to pay for any travel expenses and meals.
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