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How to choose the right speaker for your event

Audience, message and format: what event organisers should ask before booking a keynote speaker.

Young woman in a park looking thoughtfully into the distance at golden hour

A great keynote can set the tone for your whole event. Here is how to choose well.

Start with your audience. What do they need to hear right now: energy, practical tools or a new perspective?

Watch the speaker live. Ask for full-length videos, not just highlight reels.

Agree on the message. The best speakers tailor their talk to your theme and goals.

Plan the follow-up. Workshops, books or Q&A sessions help the message last long after the applause.