Category: Top Articles

Why Work with a Keynote Speakers Bureau

If you’re going to book a keynote speaker you should do so through a keynote speakers bureau.

Finding the right keynote speaker involves a lot of time researching the right speaker, and energy spent wrestling with event dates, speaker fees, and contractual agreements. A keynote speaker bureau takes care of all of that for you. A bureau offers expert knowledge on a multitude of speakers and the industry itself. They also have an extensive network of connections, logistical know-how, and provide you with quality, and importantly, peace of mind.

Expertise

Bureaus have extensive experience pairing the needs of an event with a speaker, ensuring that the keynote always resonates with your audience. There are many talented keynote speakers in the world (you probably know a few), but each speaker excels in different settings. Just getting a famous speaker for an event doesn’t mean they can tap into the expectations and feelings of the audience. However, speakers bureaus know exactly how each business, motivational, and celebrity speaker works with any type of crowd.

Extensive Networks

The high caliber speakers you really want tend to be difficult to contact. Keynote speakers, especially celebrity speakers have jam-packed schedules and multiple gatekeepers. But the network at a keynote speakers bureau enables you to get timely responses and exact quotes on their fees. Regardless of price range, a bureau provides access to a wide array of speaking contacts.

Logistical Know-How

Preparing for a keynote address is surprisingly complicated. Aside from the proper audio equipment, planners need to coordinate travel, hotel, per diems, contract logistics, and more. Letting a bureau cover these details creates a hands-free experience for you, and ensures that no box will be left unchecked.

Quality

The quality that bureaus provide is often the most valuable thing when finding a speaker for your event. Professional assurances count — there’s no sense in risking it. Knowing a speaker is fully vetted and guaranteed to deliver a powerful keynote makes all the difference in the days leading to your event.

Peace of Mind

Working with a keynote speakers bureau lends you peace of mind that the results will be top notch, and that the event will go off without a hitch. There are hundreds of details that coordinators need to consider for an event, and the last thing you should have to worry about is the quality of your keynote speaker.

 

Celebrity Keynote Speakers

Celebrity speakers who have charm, magnetism, charisma are hard to come by; it’s that rare personal quality that gives an individual influence over large numbers of people and a presence that instantly illuminates a room. Whether a television celebrity speaker, world class athlete, bestselling author, or an award-winning entertainer, a celebrity motivational speaker can add a touch of class, cachet, or clout to any engagement. Have your people call our people and let one of our celebrity speakers deliver red carpet excitement to your next engagement.

Jay Leno

Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and philanthropist…it’s no wonder that Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.” An indefatigable performer, Leno loves to test his humor live on audiences across the nation, performing over 100 live appearances in nightclubs, theaters, and stadiums each year. His “everyman”-style and personality have helped him earn millions of fans worldwide, especially in the regions where people relate to his personable style and work ethic. Lenno does keynotes as well as stand up routines.

Steve Wozniak

A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for more than thirty years, Steve Wozniak has helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II and influenced the popular Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer. The following year, he introduced his Apple II personal computer, featuring a central processing unit, a keyboard, color graphics, and a floppy disk drive. The Apple II was integral in launching the personal computer industry. As a keynote speaker, Woz’s vibrant personality particularly shines during Q & A’s when he gets to connect with the audience and speak candidly.

Fredrik Eklund

Fredrik Eklund, the energetic, high-kicking, top broker at Douglas Elliman has secured over two billion dollars in closed residential sales. Constantly rated as New York City’ “Top Luxury Broker,” he set record sales in 28 buildings in Manhattan last year alone and is often spotted showing apartments to top name celebrities including Sara Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez. His active listings amount to $540,000,000. As a keynote speaker, Fredrik speaks on the topics of sales, branding, real estate, and diversity.  

Magic Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a Major League baseball owner, an NBA legend, a two-time Hall of Famer, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, an activist and a motivational keynote speaker. The business mogul has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity on the court into the business world. Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), Mr. Johnson’s company provides products and services to ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities through strategic alliances, investments, consulting and endorsements.

Daymond John

Daymond John is the personification of the American Dream. From his humble beginning on the streets of New York, to a self-made multimillionaire with over $4 billion in global product sales, and a starring role on the ABC business reality TV show Shark Tank, Daymond John continues to set standards of excellence while expanding his interests in fashion, branding, marketing, consulting, entertainment and beyond. An industry leader, best-selling author and groundbreaking entrepreneur, he has evolved into a highly sought after business and motivational keynote speaker.

Celebrity speakers are highly sought after for their charismatic and engaging presentations that tell inspiring real-life stories of success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convention Speakers

Keynote Speakers come in all shapes and sizes, some are at their best in small intimate settings and others thrive on a big, brightly-lit stage with a large crowd in front of them.

If you’re looking for a speaker for your next big corporate convention, these speakers thrive on the energy of a large crowd and are seasoned pros when it comes to speaking at mega-size events.

Carey Lorhenz

Carey Lohrenz is a dynamic communicator with an incredible story. As the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot, she was a pioneer in military aviation. Having flown missions worldwide as a combat, mission-ready United States Navy pilot, Carey Lohrenz is used to working in fast moving, dynamic environments where inconsistent execution can generate catastrophic results. Carey is a seasoned convention speaker who speaks on topics like leadership, teamwork, and work/life balance.

Peter Diamandis

Peter Diamandis is the Chairman and CEO of the X PRIZE Foundation, which leads the world in designing and launching large incentive prizes to drive radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity.Diamandis is also an international leader in the commercial space arena, having founded and run many of the leading entrepreneurial companies in this sector. In his keynote presentations, Diamandis focuses on the importance of innovation and he looks to the future in explaining how exponentially advancing technologies will transform our companies, our industries, our governments and our lives over the next 5 to 10 years.

Peyton Manning

Legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, the NFL’s only five-time Most Valuable Player and a 14-time Pro Bowl selection, has earned his place among the greatest quarterbacks in league history as the active leader in nearly every statistical passing category. As a convention speaker, Manning shines in questions and answer sections where his personal appearance, words of wisdom, and good humor are a huge hit with audiences.

Daymond John

Over the last 20 years, Daymond John (The Shark) has evolved from one of the most successful fashion icons of his generation to a highly sought after branding expert, author, consultant and as a speaker in business and motivational genres. With business savvy and style to spare, speaker Daymond John entertains audiences every week as the go-to branding guru on ABC’s hit entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank. Daymond brings business savvy wisdom and fun times to his speaking engagements–often bringing in a DJ with him–and is sure to delight any convention audience.

Steve Wozniak

A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for more than thirty years, Steve Wozniak has helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II and influenced the popular Macintosh. Wozniak speaks on a number of topics from telling the founding story of Apple to discussing creativity and innovation as well as how to build a successful startup. He is also a seasoned convention speaker who thrives during Q&A’s.

To bring these or any other convention speakers to your next event contact the keynote speaker experts–we’ll set you up with the right speaker for your conventions theme, message, and audience.

Top Commencement Keynote Speakers of 2017

The 2017 graduation and commencement season rounded up some of the most illustrious and timely keynote speakers.

The roster of commencement keynote speakers included figures as Wolf Blitzer, Colson Whitehead, Bernie Sanders, President Trump, Joe Biden, Ron Chernow, and Senator Cory Booker. Here are just a few of 2017’s great commencement speakers:

Will Ferrell, USC

Actor, comedian, and USC alumnus Will Ferrell was the 2017 commencement keynote speaker at his alma mater.

Katherine Johnson,  Hampton University

Katherine Johnson, the physicist and mathematician who worked for NASA and was an inspiration behind the film Hidden Figures, was the commencement keynote speaker at Hampton University.   

Howard Schultz, Arizona State

Former Starbucks CEO and current executive chairman Howard Schultz spoke at Arizona State University. Starbuck recently unveiled its new employee online degree program in partnership with ASU, making him a good fit as commencement keynote speaker at the university.

Oprah Winfrey, Skidmore College and Smith College

By this point Oprah Winfrey is a commencement keynote speaker expert. Previously having spoken at Harvard, Stanford, and Duke Universities, this year she spoke at two colleges: Skidmore and Smith College.  

Mark Zuckerberg, Harvard

Facebook founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, spoke at Harvard–the university he dropped out of as a sophomore to launch his company. The last time Harvard had a high school graduate as its commencement keynote speaker was Microsoft founder Bill Gates in 2007.

Hillary Clinton, Wellesley

Hillary Clinton also spoke at her alma mater, Wellesley College. Clinton also gave a commencement speech at Wellesley in 1969 as a graduating student–making her the first student to ever be the commencement speaker at Wellesley College  

The Dalai Lama, UC San Diego

The Dalai Lama is scheduled to speak at the University of California, San Diego on June 17th.

Sheryl Sandberg, Virginia Tech

Mark Zuckerberg isn’t the only Facebook executive to grace the commencement stage as a speaker. Silicon Valley living legend Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s COO spoke at Virginia Tech this year.  

 

 

Public Speaking Podcasts for Keynote Speakers

Podcasts are the new broadcast radio. They are portable, downloadable audio shows that can be enjoyed on any mobile. There is also such a wide range of genres that are covered that any niche audience can find a podcast that pertains to them– including keynote speakers.

Here are a few podcasts that will be of particular interest to keynote speakers for the speaking tips they provide and the inspiring stories they tell.

The Public Speaker

These short and informative episodes address everything from building workplace relationships to introducing yourself effectively. The podcast also features interviews with authors and keynote speakers

Toastmasters Podcast

Produced by Toastmasters, a nonprofit educational organization devoted to communication skills, the Toastmasters Podcast gives listeners the inside scoop on the keynote speaker business. Guests often include reps from SpeakerHub, EasySpeak, and Mohammed Qahtani, the 2015 World Champion of Public Speaking.

What the Speak

Here speaking industry professionals like Deanna Moffat and Rick Altman offer up their invaluable insider’s perspective on public speaking. The podcast is currently on hiatus but, What the Speak’s extensive archive will address every public speaking concern you’ve ever had.

The Moth

The Moth’s captivating storytelling podcast will teach you a thing or two about connecting with an audience. Each themed episode features recordings from live storytelling events, where people spin stories from their personal lives—without the aid of prepared notes. The best part of The Moth? The show’s storytellers are just regular people, proving that anyone can be a good public speaker with enough preparation (and confidence).

TED Radio Hour

Keynote Speakers, here’s your chance to learn from the best. NPR’s TED Radio Hour features your favorite TED speakers offering expertise on a variety of eclectic subjects.  After listening to a few episodes, you’ll be inspired to make your upcoming keynote as engaging and entertaining as a TED Talk.

Podcasts can be a great resource to any keynote speaker looking to refine their public speaking skills and looking for a little inspiration.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Born2Invest, “5 Must-Listen Podcasts for Public Speakers”

Top Political Keynote Speakers

 

A political speaker can talk about a number of different topics ranging from healthcare, finance, the environment, education, and more. A political keynote speaker can include politicians, activists, former presidents, and judges. Political keynotes speakers are the smartest minds in Washington and around the world who analyze the decisions and debates from the campaign trail to the halls of Congress and the White House. Their research and experience color their insights with fascinating anecdotes and true insider information.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

The world first knew Arnold Schwarzenegger as a famous bodybuilder and a Hollywood action hero, and now as California’s 38th Governor, an environmental crusader, a successful businessman, and a generous philanthropist. Due to Arnold’s busy schedule, he does not book as many speaking engagements per year, but when he does, his political keynote speeches are among the best.

Bill Clinton

William Jefferson Clinton, a seasoned political keynote speaker, is the first Democratic president in six decades to be elected twice, led the U.S. to the longest economic expansion in American history, including the creation of more than 22 million jobs. He is the founder of the Clinton Foundation which focuses on tackling a number of the worlds’ greatest challenges.

Mitt Romney

Widely praised for his leadership as a public servant and businessman, former Governor Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee for president in 2012, running on a platform of creating jobs, reducing the debt, reforming tax law, and healthcare reform. One of Massachusetts’ most successful governors, he established a healthcare law that was the first of its kind in the nation and ensured coverage for all citizens of the state. As a political keynote speaker, Mitt speaks on a number of different topics

Al Gore

An environmental, business, and tech visionary recognized as one of the world’s leading activists and political keynote speakers, Vice President Al Gore offers a unique perspective on national and international issues, including the threats of climate change and the future of tech. Consistently an active leader in technology, Al Gore is uniquely in touch with the opportunities and challenges in charting a new digital society. Vice President Gore’s status as a leader in global politics, technology and business influences his positions as member of the Board of Directors of Apple and a Senior Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Silicon Valley’s preeminent venture firm.

John Boehner

A former small businessman, John Boehner served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives for nearly five years during which he led the drive for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable federal government. Speaker Boehner focused on removing government barriers to private-sector job creation and economic growth, cutting government spending, reforming Congress, and rebuilding the bonds of trust between the American people and their representatives in Washington. As you might have guessed speaker of the house Boehner is one of the most sought after political keynote speakers.

Condoleezza Rice

From January 2005-2009, Rice served as the 66th Secretary of State of the United States, the second woman and first African American woman to hold the post. Political keynote speaker, Rice also served as President George W. Bush’s assistant to the President for national security affairs (National Security Advisor) from January 2001-2005, the first woman to hold the position. Rice served as Stanford University’s provost from 1993-1999, during which she was the institution’s chief budget and academic officer.

Madeleine Albright

Albright was the 64th Secretary of State of the United States. In 1997, she was named the first female Secretary of State and became, at that time, the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. As Secretary of State, Albright reinforced America’s alliances, advocated democracy and human rights and promoted American trade and business, labor and environmental standards abroad. Madeleine is a highly sought after political keynote speaker, whose keynotes are not to be missed.

Top Keynote Speakers Who Donate Their Speaking Fees to Charity

Who are the top keynote speakers that donate their speaking fees to charity? Below is a list of speakers who give back to non-profit and community organizations that strive to make the world a better place.

Bert and John Jacobs, Life is Good

If ever there were a company that optimized the importance of giving back to the community, Life is Good would be it. The company was founded on the tenants of optimism, gratitude, and authenticity. Life is Good donates at least 10% of its annual net profits to the Life is Good Kids Foundation to positively impact over 120,000 kids daily facing poverty, violence, and illness. Bert and John Jacobs have lived and breathed “giving” at every stage of Life is Good’s growth and also donate all of their speaking fees to the Life is Good Kids Foundation.

James Curleigh, The Red Tab Foundation

James Curleigh, or “JC”,  is the President of Levi. He donates all fees to the Red Tab Foundation which is affiliated with Levi Strauss & Co. The foundation aids employees by providing critical aid to employees who are suffering through unexpected emergencies. The Red Tab Foundation also provides education and proactive programs to help individuals maintain their financial health.

Steve Gross, Life is Good Kids Foundation

Steve is the co-founder and Chief Playmaker at the Life is Good Kids Foundation. The LIG Kids Foundation partners with leading childcare organizations to positively impact the quality of care delivered to the most vulnerable children Additionally, the foundation also supports child care providers, believing that “in order to better care for the most vulnerable children, we must better support those who care for them.” As a Playmaker Steve helps others discover the power of optimism so that they can build resilience and bring greater joy, connection, courage, and creativity to their lives. Steve’s fees also go to the LIG Kids Foundation. John Mackey, Whole Foods Market John Mackey is the co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods. He is a strong believer in free market principles, to boldly defend and reimagine capitalism, and encourage a way of doing business that is grounded in ethical consciousness. In 2001, driven by a  passion to see the business realize its potential for a deeper purpose, and to answer the call to service that he feels in his heart, Mackey cut his pay to $1 a year and continues to work for Whole Foods. Mackey has created several philanthropic foundations at the core of Whole Foods Markets: The Whole Planet Foundation, which works to eradicate poverty in developing nations; the Local Producer Loan Program, which helps fund local farmers and food producers in business expansion; and, the Global Animal Partnership, which works to establish standards for the humane treatment of farm animals.

Matthew Beall, Hawai’i Life Charitable Fund

Matthew Beall is the Principal Broker and CEO of Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers. Hawaii Life is the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate for the neighbor islands of Hawaii (Kauai, Maui, Hawaii Island, Molokai, and Lanai). Matthew is also a television host of “Hawai’i Life” on HGTV. A portion of his speaking fees are donated to the Hawai’i Life Charitable Fund which works to preserve Hawaii’s beauty and culture by supporting its people.

Scott Harrison, charity:water

Scott Harrison is the founder and CEO of Charity:Water a non-profit organization that builds long-lasting public water installations and water sanitation services to communities in need around the world. When completed, those projects provide over 6.4 million people with clean, safe drinking water. Scott was inspired to start Charity:Water after volunteering on a hospital ship off the coast of Liberia as a photojournalist. He quite his job as a club promoter in NYC and turned his full attention to the global water crisis and the world’s 663 million people without clean water to drink. In ten years, with the help of more than one million donors worldwide, Charity:Water has raised over $225 million and funded over 21,000 water projects in 24 countries. Scott donates all of his speaking fees to Charity:Water.

Lauren Bush Lauren, FEED

Lauren Bush Lauren is the CEO, Creative Director, and Co-Founder of FEED Projects, she is also a fashion model and designer. FEED is a charitable company whose mission is to create good products that help feed the world. Many may recognize her first  famous burlap tote bags with the word “FEED” printed on them–When purchased, the bag feeds one child in school for one year. FEED Projects has now expanded their product lines to include leather bags and clutches, and t-shirts with all profits funding children’s school lunches.

Doc Hendley, Wine to Water

While bartending to pay the bills, Doc Hendley noticed the men and women sitting on the stools seemed to want to be part of something bigger. Inspired from behind the bar, Hendley started Wine to Water with wine tasting and a humble donation jar. Hendley realized that just by using his ability to tend bars and create relationships with people, he might be able to help provide people with clean drinking water. So, at the bars where he worked, he started raising money to fight this water epidemic the best way he knew how, by pouring wine and playing music. Today Wine to Water not only raises money and brings awareness to the lack of clean drinking water in the developing world, but the organization (and also Doc himself) has dug, repaired, and sanitized drinking wells for nearly 25,000 people in five third world countries.  Hendley donates all of his speaking fees back to Wine to Water. These top-notch keynote speakers not only bring hype, and engaging, meaningful content to your event, but in booking them you are also contributing to charitable organizations that work to help those in need and make the world a better place.

These top-notch keynote speakers not only bring hype, and engaging, meaningful content to your event, but in booking them you are also contributing to charitable organizations that work to help those in need and make the world a better place.

Who are the Top 10 Motivational Keynote Speakers?

Are you planning a motivational keynote event for your company or organization?

Research shows that a boost in employee engagement and morale will also boost company productivity and profit. Motivation comes in many forms and goes by many names–motivational speakers have overcome adversity, beat the odds, and invested insurmountable amounts of time and effort to reach for their dreams.

A motivational speaker can inspire, engage, empower, and, of course, motivate your team. But, “Who are the top motivational keynote speakers,” you may ask?

Fear not, we’ve compiled this list for you. 

1. Jack Canfield

The originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and a prolific self development author, Jack is recognized as America’s number one motivational speaker. From Jack’s motivational keynote audiences will be inspired to participate more fully in life, show more compassion and caring in their professional relationships, dream bigger, replace blaming and complaining with responsibility, and how to persevere in the face of fear, obstacles, and setbacks. A keynote presentation from motivational speaker Jack Canfield is a once and a lifetime experience not to be missed.

2. Leon Logothetis

Leon is a global adventurer, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. Uninspired at this broker job in London, Leon set out for life on the road. Inspired by the movie The Motorcycle Diaries, Leon traveled across the country in a vintage yellow motorbike relying solely on the kindness of strangers to find food, gas and lodgings, while simultaneously giving life-changing gifts to good Samaritans along the way. Leon’s motivational keynote speech teaches you how to listen to that inner voice that tells you life is yours, that anything you dream is possible, and that the power for harnessing all of this potential has been right in front of you all along through kindness and human connection. Leon has an inspiring and fun story to tell, one that will surely motivate all in attendance.

3. Mel Robbins  

Mel Robbins is best known for her TEDxTalk: “How To Stop Screwing Yourself Over.” Mel is a powerful motivational keynote speaker who jumps into your audience (literally); creating motivational experiences with surprising research, vivid imagery, original videos, and music. In her keynote, “The 5 Second Rule”, based off her bestselling book of the same name, Mel points out that as we grow up we have parents, coaches, teachers, mentors, etc. who push us to be better and work harder. But as adults, we often don’t have anyone to push and motivate us but ourselves. Using scientific research on the nature of habits, and drawing on facts from some of the most famous moments in history, art, and business, Mel explains the power of a “push moment” to break the habit of procrastination and self-doubt and become a more confident and productive individual.

4. Brian Holloway

Former offensive tackle for the New England Patriots, Brian Holloway, is the most requested motivational team builder. He understands how to transform thinking within organizations and challenge the competitive spirit of diverse teams. Brian grew up to face and overcome many challenges—he spent much of his youth adjusting to life in 12 different states, even being labeled a “slow learner.” Persistence and an unstoppable spirit propelled Brian through his early struggles and on to academic and athletic success throughout high his school, college, and professional football years. As an international motivational speaker, Brian’s speaking engagements move and inspire audiences to positive change.

5. Tan Le

Tan Le is an innovator, entrepreneur, and the co-founder and CEO of the bioinformatics company EMOTIV. In her motivational keynote speech, “My Immigration Story,” Tan recounts her childhood experiences fleeing from war-torn Communist Vietnam with her mother, and sister at the age of 4, to their life in Australia as refugees. Despite immense financial and emotional hardships, Tan explains how her single mother was able to support Tan and her sister and provide them with a good education. Audiences will be motivated by the tenacity of this young entrepreneur and inspired by her courage and grace in any situation.

6. Magic Johnson

Universally known for his 13 year professional basketball career, which includes 12 NBA All-Star games, an Olympic gold medal win, and a very public diagnosis and battle with HIV, Earvin “Magic” Johnson is also one of our most requested motivational speakers. After retiring from professional basketball, Magic turned his interest toward entrepreneurship and became a leading spokesperson for HIV education. After leaving the ballcourt, Magic turned to the board room. He established the Magic Johnson Development Corporation, which builds commercial property in long-neglected minority urban and suburban neighborhoods. In his keynote address Johnson delivers a passionate message about his life story and how we can all make a difference in our community. Magic is dedicated to developing programs and supporting services that address the educational, health, and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities.

7. Diana Nyad

At the age of 64, Diana Nyad successfully fulfilled her lifelong dream of completing the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida on September 2, 2013. Never one to quit, this marked her fifth and final attempt. It was in July of 2010, at the age of 60, when she first began her quest of swimming from Cuba to Florida, a task she had failed to finish thirty years prior that. Nyad was unsuccessful in 2010 and tried two more times 2011 and 2012 before completing her historic and victorious swim in 2013. When asked her motivation, she replied, “Because I’d like to prove to the other 60-year-olds that it is never too late to start your dreams.” If Diana’s story doesn’t inspire you to never give up  and never stop working towards your dreams, then nothing will.

8. JP Pawliw-Fry

What is it that most often stops us from performing at our best and accomplishing our goals? Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry suggests that it is pressure moments when we feel, overwhelmed and unsure. Using the research and brain science of emotional intelligence Pawliw-Fry explains how your brain works under pressure and how that affects your decision making and your impact on others. JP offers actionable tips on how to view pressure situations as opportunities, instead of obstacles, and provides strategies to manage your emotions so you can be at your best even in your most difficult moments.

9. Allison Massari  

In 1998, Allison survived a devastating near head-on car crash where she was trapped in her burning car, conscious the entire time. A selfless onlooker, who was a Vietnam veteran, ran into the fiery scene, kicked the glass out, and saved her life. Just three years later she was hit again at 60 mph and sustained a closed-head brain injury. Allison’s profound journey of overcoming these two life-altering injuries gives her a genuine and direct approach to transcending life’s difficulties. By sharing her story she motivates change in people and in organizations. Her motivational keynote focuses on success, adversity, and personal development to equip audiences with tools they need to effectively manage change and challenges. Alison is also a successful entrepreneur who has built four businesses in 25 years and has been voted top ten motivational speakers in North America for the past three years.

10. Bert Jacobs and John Jacobs

Motivational speakers, Bert and John Jacobs have an inspirational story of turning their dream into a socially conscious business. Bert and his brother John launched their retail company, Life is Good, with $78 in their pockets, by selling T-shirts on the streets of Boston. Today, Life is Good is a $100 million positive lifestyle brand sold by over 2,000 retailers across the US and Canada. The brand developed 10 “superpowers” (gratitude, authenticity, creativity, love, courage, compassion, simplicity, humor, fun, openness) that they not only run their company by, but also live by. These superpowers were inspired by customers’ stories which illustrated the power of optimism in the darkest of times.

With the top ten motivational speakers (or perhaps 11?) in mind, you’re well on your way to planning the most motivational and inspiring keynote event your organization has ever seen!

Why Book a Keynote Speaker?

A keynote speaker is certainly is an investment, but it will prove to be a valuable one. A keynote speaker can bring excitement and notoriety to your event. They also provide expertise on the topic your event centers around, and sometimes an outsider is just the person to really drive a particular message home. A keynote speaker will help set the tone of your event, bring thought leadership and expertise to your organization, and inspire audiences.

To set the tone

This is the very name sake and role of a keynote speaker, to set the tone of the entire event. A keynote speaker can bring it all together and make all of the varies workshops and presentations a cohesive element.

To create buzz around the event

A keynote speaker, especially a well established one, carries a certain level of notoriety and can draw media attention to your event. Usually speakers are also bestselling authors, and in some sense have developed a following. The notoriety that the speaker possesses will bring a sense of buzz and excitement to your event a well. This attention can put your event and company on the map.

To bring thought leadership to your organization

The purpose of a keynote speaker at an event is not solely for entertainment purposes, though a keynote speaker should be entertaining. The main purpose through of a keynote speaker is to inform an audience and make them think about a subject in a new way. A keynote speaker should provide audiences with actionable insights that they can take away from the event and implement into their daily and/or work lives that will help to make them more productive, energetic, happier, healthier, or something along the lines of keynote topic.  

To inspire your audience

While the audience should walk away from the keynote having learned something, if they are not simultaneously inspired by the keynote speaker and his/her message, then they will not be inspired to actually implement what they have learned into their lives of work. So a keynote speaker will also inspire your audience and provide them with the reassurance that they are capable of making the change the keynote speaker speaks of.

As you can see the keynote speaker plays many roles at an event, and thus there are many reasons why you would want to hire a keynote speaker at your event–plus, your event attendees will thank you if you do!

Top Author Keynote Speakers

Many keynote speakers are also well established and bestselling authors. Author keynote speakers can add a distinctive touch to your event with their in-depth knowledge of their particular subject of expertise. Not to mention picking up a copy of their book can be a nice way to refresh and deepen your understanding their message post event. Here are some of the top author keynote speakers that you should know about.

Kim Scott

Kim Scott is the co-founder and CEO of Radical Candor, Inc which builds software tools for managers. She is the author of a book called “Radical Candor: How To Be a Kickass Boss without Losing your Humanity”, published by St Martin’s Press. Kim is an advisor at Dropbox, Kurbo, Qualtrics, ReelGoodApp, Rolltape, Shyp, Twitter, and several other Silicon Valley companies. She was a member of the faculty at Apple University and before that led AdSense, YouTube, and Doubleclick Online Sales and Operations at Google. Known for her ability to generate billions of dollars in revenue from millions of small customers while keeping her team happy and margins high.

Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins is best known for delivering one of the most popular TEDxTalk’s in the world: “How To Stop Screwing Yourself Over.” Mel is a powerful keynote speaker who jumps into your audience (literally); creating motivational experiences with unforgettable engagement, surprising research, vivid imagery, original videos and music. Mel is a third generation entrepreneur who’s launched and sold two companies and currently owns and operates a multi million-­dollar publishing and speaking business. Her provocative and compelling views on leadership, courage and human potential have earned her international attention and invitations to train executive teams at some of the world’s leading brands such as The PGA Tour, Million Dollar Roundtable, PwC, CISCO Systems, YPO, Johnson & Johnson, and Chase Business. Her newest book, “The 5 Second Rule,” has already made multiple best seller lists.

Erik Wahl

Erik Wahl is an internationally recognized graffiti artist, number one best-selling author and entrepreneur. Erik redefines the term “keynote speaker.” Pulling from his history as both a businessman and an artist, he has grown to become one of the most sought-after corporate speakers available today. Erik’s bestselling business book UNTHINK was hailed by Forbes Magazine as “THE blueprint to actionable creativity” and by Fast Company Magazine as “Provocative with a Purpose.” Erik Wahl’s understanding of vision was originally born in the school of disappointment. After an eight-year career as a partner in a corporate firm, he became frustrated by the lack of innovative thought and corresponding profits he saw in business. So he set out to challenge companies to change their way of thinking, while simultaneously pursuing his own individual passions. Wahl’s ther books include “Unchain the Elephant” and his newest bestseller ‘Spark the Grind” was recently released.

Robert Cialdini

Extensive scholarly training in the psychology of influence, together with over 30 years of research into the subject, has earned Dr. Cialdini an international reputation as an expert in the fields of persuasion, compliance, and negotiation. His books including, “Influence: Science & Practice and Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” are the results of more than 30 years of study into the reasons why people comply with requests in business settings. USA Today lists “Influence” in their 12 Best Business Books of All Time. Dr. Cialdini’s most recent co-authored book is “The Small BIG, small changes that spark big influence” has been met with rave reviews. His co-authored book, “Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Persuasive,” has been on the New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal  Best Seller Lists. Dr. Cialdini’s most recent book “Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade” was accepted to the New York Times bestseller list immediately after it was released.

Jack Canfield

As the originator of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, Jack Canfield fostered the emergence of inspirational anthologies as a genre – and watched it grow to a billion dollar market. As the driving force behind the development and delivery of over 100 million books sold through the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” franchise, Jack Canfield is uniquely qualified to talk about success.  Behind the empire Time Magazine called the “publishing phenomenon of the decade” Jack Canfield is America’s leading expert in creating peak performance for entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, managers, sales professionals, corporate employees and educators. Affectionately known as “America’s #1 Success Coach”, Jack Canfield has studied, interpreted and presented what makes successful people different. He knows what motivates them, what drives them, and what inspires them

 

The Importance of a Keynote Speaker at a Corporate Event

Event and meeting planners are faced with numerous difficult decisions but the choice to book a keynote speaker is not be one of them. Keynote speakers are an event staple.

Whether it’s a celebrity speaker or a popular business speaker, a good keynote speaker will provide relevant content that engages and educates audience members and provides them with an experience unique to your function. Here’s why you should consider one for your next event:

Increased event hype and registration numbers

Good keynote speakers, especially popular public figures, can bring their own audience to an event. And it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that higher registration numbers mean higher revenue.

Increased event credibility and recognition

Picking a keynote speaker with relevant expertise can make your event seem more important and more worthwhile for guests to attend. Make your event the one to attend this year by booking a great storyteller who can provide insightful information attendees won’t find elsewhere.

Increased attendee engagement

Good keynote speakers with a strong message can captivate an audience, no matter how large. Make sure the content is useful and interesting to guests by asking potential keynote speakers the right questions ahead of the event to determine if they will be a good fit for your demographic.

Although they can be pricey, a keynote speaker can provide a great return on investment, and they will make your event unique and memorable for all in attendance.

 

What IS a Keynote Speaker?

Most people have heard the phrase keynote speaker but few people could tell you what or who a keynote speaker actually is. What’s more, even the language and specifics of the speaking industry  can be mysterious and confusing to people outside of the business.

Below is a crash course on who keynotes speakers are, and what it is they actually do.

  1. What is a “keynote speaker”?

The keynote speaker sets the tone, or “key” for the event.  The term is now used much more broadly to include closing keynote speakers and all kind so of speakers in between.

2. Who are keynote speakers, and how do they fit into the context of an event?

Generally, keynote speakers are thought-leaders for the particular event. They may speak on larger topics such as customer service, the customer experience, and company culture. At an event, they might for example speak at a retail banking industry summit, where they would give the keynote speech on the importance of customer service, the customer experience, or company culture to retail banking. Then a the more specialized industry speaker or company insider would contribute their expertise, say on the current regulatory climate in retail banking, either on the same stage or in breakout sessions later that the day. 

3. How much does it cost to book a keynote speaker?

This is such a popular question, and a hard one to answer.  Celebrities or other high profile people can make up to $250,000 a speech. The rest fall in between anywhere from $250,000 to $5,000. In addition, travel and hotel fees will usually be tacked on to the speaker’s fee, and that amount will fluctuate depending on the location they are traveling to and from. Some keynote speakers may also charge less if they are speaking to a non-profit organization or if there is another compelling reason for them to discount their fees.

4. How long is a keynote speech?

Generally about an hour, including Q&A, but the trend is toward shorter keynotes about 40 minutes in length, or even shorter 15-20 minutes for TED style talks.

5. What makes a keynote speaker good or bad?

According to communications expert Nick Morgan,  a good keynote speaker “tells the audience something it doesn’t know or hasn’t thought about in precisely that way.  And a really good keynote speaker “changes the world by changing the audience in front of him or her.” The three most common issues that can trip a speaker up:  They “try to dump too much information on the audience, they focus too narrowly on an area of specialty, or they fail to get a discussion going amongst the participants.”