How to Give a Keynote Address
Public speaking -- how bad can it be? Pretty bad, according to a Gallup poll that ranked it as the second biggest fear of Americans, edged out only by snakes. Making a keynote speech, however, doesn't have to be as bad as high places (No. 3 in the Gallup poll). Preparation, timing and delivery can turn a dreaded chore into an informative, entertaining and ego-boosting experience that will enhance both your career and reputation.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Make an outline of your speech. A keynote speech is an opportunity to bring clarity and focus to an event. Your speech should reinforce the theme of an event. Include three points in your speech that unify the theme.
-
2
Let the person who introduces you carry some of the speaking load. They can establish your qualifications, saving you time and making you appear more modest. The person who introduces you can also summarize issues that you'll be addressing.
-
-
3
Start with an entertaining but informative anecdote that can be shared and understood by everyone in the room. The ideal anecdote will reinforce the topic of your speech and establish a bond with your audience. You have a short period of time in your speech to capture their attention. Your opening anecdote should grab the listener's attention.
-
4
Make your points brief. Your audience will be much more interested in your assessment of the critical parts of the event rather than your knowledge of any topic. If you've been asked to be a keynote speaker, it's assumed you know a bit about the subject. You don't have to prove your knowledge; you have to make your audience feel as though they're learning something new.
-
5
Stick to topics you know about. Delivering a speech poorly can be excused. Delivering a poor speech won't get the same level of forgiveness. If you're not sure of facts in your speech, find someone who knows more about the subject. Cite them as an expert in your speech to add credibility.
-
6
Speak evenly and clearly. You should speak, not read your speech; it's called a "keynote speech" and not a "keynote reading" for a reason. Don't hurry through your speech. Use a conversational, soothing tone to keep your audience's attention.
-
7
Practice your speech with a timer. Thirty minutes or less is about right. Discuss the amount of time you have with the event organizers. Remember the example of former President Bill Clinton, whose 1988 Democratic National Convention speech was so long that the biggest applause line occurred when he said, "... and in conclusion ..." He recovered, but you probably won't.
-
8
Use visual aids sparingly. A dark room and a speech are ingredients for putting people to sleep. If you need to use slides or charts, display them briefly on a screen without dimming the lights. Make copies of the slides for distribution after the speech.
-
9
Keep an index card with your key points on the podium. It's possible your mind will go blank in the middle of your speech. An index card summary is easy to hide and can be a life preserver. It shouldn't be used as a crutch.
-
10
Eat a plain meal if you're speaking at a breakfast, lunch or dinner. Avoid coffee or other foods that can upset your digestion. Keep water handy in case your throat becomes dry. Don't chew gum during your speech.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Lecturn image by TMLP from Fotolia.com
