10 Things Your Audience Should Take Away

Meeting planners often ask us about measuring the takeaway experiences of their audiences. What did the audience take with them or remember after listening to the keynote address? How do I, as a meeting planner, know that my choice of a keynote speaker was a good choice?

There is not usually one simple answer to these questions, but it's a pretty safe assumption that if most of the following ten experiences we summarize below were shared by audience members that the keynote address was successful :

1. "I was entertained." 

   A keynote address is also a performance where the audience is involved and feels like the speaker shared something with them, not droned at them. People love it when the speaker brings energy and seems to enjoy the experience from the first minute. 

    
2. "I felt connected."
   An audience wants a connection with a speaker who can motivate them. There is no end to experts and professors who may have something important to say, but the audience tunes out. It's always a positive sign when audience members felt as though they had a connection with the speaker. The connection is further solidified when the audience sees that the speaker understood their industry or organization. 
    
3. "The speaker was human."
   People love it when the keynote speaker was not afraid to be open, honest and capable of emotion. Conversely, this is the opposite of most political speeches, where the audience gets the feeling that the politician has forgotten what city he or she may be in that day. Emotion can be a beautiful thing because the moment is shared and not scripted.
    
4. "I remember the message."

   Another way of stating this point is that the keynote speaker was able to boil down her or his talk into two or three main points. The presentation was neither weak nor scattered. When an audience member looks back on a compelling keynote address, there should be a recognition of the points the speaker had made. 
    
5. "It was funny."
   Even serious topics are lightened with a bit of humor. Convention attendees like to be entertained, and no matter the topic, humor enables them to take important messages with them. Sometimes the keynote speaker even laughs at her or his jokes; it is doubly endearing, and human. 
    
6. "It was straightforward."
   There is something efficient, even beautiful about a keynote address that was honest and direct, uncluttered and free of sub-plots, twists and turns. Audiences don't like speakers who wander about for a while and then arrive at a place that makes no sense or, worse, is exactly where they started.
    
7. "The speaker focused on me."
   Your audiences want to be empowered. They want speakers who are not "all about themselves," but about the people in the audience. This is especially true of industries in crisis or that are wrestling with major issues of ethics, philosophy, confronting biases or real-life situations. 
    
8. "It was a real show."
   Audiences remember keynote speakers who may entertain them in unique ways. It may be through art or music; illustrations or an exclusive giveaway. Even if the comment was, "I enjoyed myself," the speaker did a good job.
    
9. "The speaker gave me relevant information."
   A keynote address is frequently as factual as it is entertaining. Not everyone is a natural-born comedian who can make people roll in the aisles! However, a speaker who knows her or his subject matter and who can present some facts and examples in an entertaining way can leave a powerful impression.

    
10. "I wrote down some important points."
    Attendees like to take away soundbites, important points that are clear, concise and carry meaning. It is always a good sign when participants tell you that she or he was so inspiring that they wrote down something meaningful that the speaker said.  

People who hear a keynote presentation want to leave with an experience. They want to be entertained, of course, but they want to know that for just that one hour the speaker focused all of her or his attention on the audience. Onlookers want to know they were valued and respected. At the end of the day, what they took away should have been every bit as important as what was given.

#   #   #

About  All Things Speaking™

We are fortunate and thrilled to represent speakers who care enough to know and know enough to care. Our speakers and their presentations stimulate, inspire and influence positive changes in the workplace and at home. All Things Speaking™ is a professional speaker management company representing the rare treasures in the industry. We unite our speakers with speakers bureaus and event planners representing organizations all over the world. The strengths of All Things Speaking™ are our experience, knowledge and an unparalleled understanding of the industry. We care, and it shows! For more information about our speakers and topics, please visit www.allthingsspeaking.com.

 

Speaker: Chuck Gallagher

Date: Oct. 19, 2016

Client: American College of Dentists Annual Meeting & Convocation

Location: Denver, CO

Venue: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

Meet  RICHARD HIGHT...

Introducing a speaker who is known for artfully drawing from his own canvas to deliver the ideas and attitudes audiences need to create their own masterpiece in life.

Click Below to Preview This Unique Speaker

About All Things Speaking™

From the first contact to the final logistical detail,  All Things Speaking has your back! We connect the right speaker or entertainer who will deliver the right content in the right way for the appropriate occasion. Our speakers and their programs motivate, inspire and support positive changes in your workplace, association or organization. We unite our speakers with speakers bureaus and event planners representing organizations all over the world. We are committed to making a difference at your event. For more information about our speakers and programs, please visit  www.allthingsspeaking.com.