So you’re looking for a speaker to dazzle your audience and leave them inspired. Should you choose a guest speaker or a keynote speaker? Whether it’s for an event, conference, or workshop, the right type of presenter can make all the difference.
The key is understanding the difference between these two types of speakers. ‘Guest’ speakers are typically chosen to bring specific knowledge or expertise on a particular topic. They may be experts in their field, but they don’t usually have the same level of name recognition as keynote speakers.
‘Keynote’ speakers are usually well-known personalities with inspirational messages that appeal to the entire audience. The keynote speaker is the main event, introducing the primary topic and setting the tone for what's to come.
Deciding whether a speaker is classified as a keynote or guest entirely depends on the event. While most keynote speakers can also serve as guest speakers, not all guest speakers can present keynote speeches. Although someone can serve both roles, expectations and requirements must be outlined beforehand.
Consider what type of event you are hosting and the message you want to convey
The first thing you need to consider is the type and purpose of the event you’re hosting. Are you looking to inform or inspire? Informational events might call for a guest speaker to focus on a specific topic, while inspirational events may be better suited for a keynote or plenary speaker.
Look at the speaker’s qualifications.
When selecting a keynote or guest speaker, you should consider their qualifications. A qualified speaker should have both relevant experience and expertise to give an engaging and informative presentation on your chosen topic. Additionally, they must be able to tailor their speech to the audience.
Now that you better understand the differences between keynote and guest speakers, you can decide which one is best for your event. Whether you’re looking to inform or inspire, the correct type of speaker can make all the difference in how successful your event turns out to be.