Last week, I had the honor of representing MadeComfy at a Short Term Rental Conference where I spoke about leadership. My talk, titled “The ROI of Leadership: Building Success through Effective Planning,” was the culmination of my experiences and insights. However, the journey leading up to this moment was anything but smooth. Balancing my responsibilities as a new mother and my fast-paced job left little time for preparation. Despite this, I was excited, ready to share my story, and eager to give back to my community as a leadership keynote speaker.
The days before the conference were a whirlwind. I hadn’t practiced my speech as many times as I usually do, but I felt compelled to be genuine and open. I wanted to share the behind-the-scenes of my company’s culture and leadership strategies. As a private person, this was a significant step for me. I even incorporated personal anecdotes, including a humorous case study about a recent family holiday, to make my presentation more relatable and engaging. I asked myself, “What do I have to lose?” and decided to give it my all.
On the day of the presentation, I stood before the audience, confident and passionate. I navigated through my content smoothly, shared real-life examples, and infused my talk with humor and emotion. I spoke about leadership, collaboration, and the importance of setting an example. I encouraged the audience to reflect on the kind of leaders they are and the impact they have. I saw their reactions—they laughed, reflected, and connected with my message. It was everything I had hoped for.
The feedback was incredible. People were inspired, and high-level executives expressed interest in working with me.
It was one of the highlights of the event. I felt great, or, as my public speaking coach would say, I got the “presenting high.” If you had seen me that day, you might think public speaking came naturally to me. But just a few years ago, I was far from being a confident speaker.
Reflecting on the success of this talk and the positive feedback from my coach, I felt confident and excited, achieving the expected outcome despite minimal preparation. This accomplishment reflects the maturity I’ve gained as a speaker over the years through consistent exposure and rigorous preparation.
When I first arrived in Australia, my English was limited. I was terrified to pick up the phone at my job, worried I wouldn’t understand the person on the other end. For the first six months, I would go home and cry, feeling isolated due to my language barrier. But I persevered, and over time, my English improved. However, becoming a confident keynote speaker required more than just language proficiency.
My journey to becoming a keynote speaker began when I was invited to speak at a large hospitality industry conference. Recognizing the importance of humor in Australian culture and feeling that my speech lacked it, I sought the help of a public speaking coach. This decision marked the turning point in my public speaking journey.
Understanding the keynote speaker meaning is crucial. A keynote speaker is someone who sets the underlying tone and summarizes the core message or most important revelation of an event. This role is pivotal, and preparing for it requires dedication and practice. Here are the nine tips that helped me transform from being speechless to becoming a confident keynote speaker:
1. Get professional help: Seeking guidance from a public speaking coach can make a world of difference. A coach can help you refine your content, improve your delivery, and incorporate elements like humor that resonate with your audience. My coach helped me see that humor isn’t just about making people laugh; it’s about making them feel comfortable and connected to you.
2. Understand your target audience: Know who you are speaking to and tailor your content to their interests and needs. Research their demographics, professional backgrounds, and interests. Understanding your audience helps you customize your message and ensure it resonates with them. For example, at my conference, knowing that the audience was comprised of industry leaders, I focused on leadership strategies that could be immediately implemented in their organizations.
3. Nail the introduction and closing: Your opening sets the tone, and your closing leaves a lasting impression. Make both strong and memorable. Start with a compelling story or an intriguing fact to grab attention. End with a powerful call to action or a thought-provoking quote. This bookending technique helps make your speech memorable.
4. Practice, practice, practice: The more you rehearse, the more confident you will feel. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or present to a small group of friends. Practicing helps refine your content and delivery. It also allows you to identify areas where you can add emphasis or adjust your tone for better impact.
5. Dress for success: Your appearance can boost your confidence and help you make a positive first impression. Choose attire that is professional but also makes you feel comfortable and confident. Dressing well shows respect for your audience and sets the tone for your presentation.
6. Focus on giving value: Aim to provide useful and relevant information to your audience rather than promoting yourself. Focus on what your audience can take away from your talk. Provide actionable insights, tips, or strategies that they can implement. This approach not only adds value but also establishes your credibility as a speaker.
7. Share relevant stories: Use anecdotes and case studies to illustrate your points and make your talk more engaging. Stories are powerful tools for connecting with your audience. They make your content relatable and memorable. Share stories that highlight your key messages and bring your points to life.
8. Be Personal: Sharing personal experiences can build a stronger connection with your audience. Be authentic and open about your journey, challenges, and successes. This vulnerability can make you more relatable and trustworthy to your audience.
9. Embrace your unique story and style: Your personal journey and unique style are your strengths. Embrace them to build a genuine connection with your audience. Share stories that reflect your experiences and insights, and don’t shy away from showing your authentic self. Your authenticity will resonate with your audience and make your message more impactful.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that with focus and intentionality, anyone can develop public speaking skills. If I can do it, so can you. Embrace your unique story, prepare diligently, and step into the spotlight with confidence. Public speaking is not just about conveying a message; it’s about connecting with your audience and leaving a lasting impact.
Additional tips on how to become a keynote speaker
For those aspiring to become keynote speakers, it’s essential to understand the different niches within keynote speaking. Whether you aim to be an innovation keynote speaker, a sales keynote speaker, or a female keynote speaker, each niche has its own set of expectations and requirements.
- Research and network: Attend conferences and workshops to understand what makes a successful keynote speaker in your chosen niche. Networking with industry professionals can open doors to speaking opportunities. Engage with other speakers, attend their sessions, and learn from their experiences.
- Develop expertise: Become a thought leader in your field. This expertise will position you as a credible and sought-after speaker. Publish articles, write a blog, or create content that showcases your knowledge. Being recognized as an expert can lead to more speaking invitations.
- Understand keynote speaker fees: Fees can vary widely based on experience, expertise, and the event. Research the typical keynote speaker fees in your niche to set competitive rates. Understanding the market rate helps you price your services appropriately and negotiate better deals.
By focusing on these additional aspects, you can better navigate the journey to becoming a successful keynote speaker. Embrace your unique voice and experiences, and remember that continuous improvement is key to mastering the art of keynote speaking.
Public speaking is a powerful tool for sharing your message and making an impact. With dedication, practice, and the right strategies, you can transform from being speechless to becoming a confident and successful keynote speaker.
