Communication is key to any organization or business. If a business wants its employees to stay motivated and on the same boat towards the growth and flourishing of the business, then it’s critical that they ensure they feel included and are well informed. A good way to communicate with them is to hold a conference or an away day.
In light of holding such events, you bring a speaker to address them. The big question is whether a motivational speaker is more suited or is a keynote speaker more appropriate. Let’s discuss the difference between the two speakers.
Contents
Keynote speakers versus Motivational speakers
Source: listennotes.com
A keynote speaker is one that leverages their own experiences to assist them to deliver a speech focused on the aims and work of the organization or business. A keynote speech is most of the time the most relevant in a conference. The general purpose of a keynote speech is to inform the audience about your brand and ethos.
According to Andrew Matthews, author of “Being Happy” said a motivational speaker motivates the audience. They connect with the audience and make them more energized with regard to their work and everyday life. They assist individuals, leaders and businesses become more excited about their work and more efficient. Motivational speeches are occasionally very emotional to grab the attention of the audience. Many motivational speakers leverage group exercises and games to enhance the impact of their speech.
Traits of a Keynote speaker
1. Relatability
Source: unstoppabull.com
To connect with the audience, a speaker has to relate with the audience. He/she has to show them that he/she has passed through what they are going through. This is because we all share experiences such as obstacles, family, and love. One of the most popular keynote speakers, Stephanie Decker, connects with the audience via her unfailing love for her children. The fact that almost all parents would do anything for their children makes her more relatable with the audience.
2. Credibility
It is critical and very important that a speaker is credible. This is because one may say very inspiring things but have no tangible success to back it up. Having something you have achieved with amazing success makes a massive difference. A good example is a venture capitalist. Having a profile like this assures the audience that you know what it takes to get to the top.
3. Humor
Humor is undoubtedly one of the most effective methods of getting your audience hooked and engaged. Everyone loves a good laugh. Through humor, mundane topics become engaging. Audiences find humorous keynote speakers inspiring and entertaining. The message sticks. Complicated topics become simple and engaging. Through funny stories and quick wit, any topic can be addressed with ease.
4. Creativity
Source: entrepreneur.com
Industries, conferences, events, and audiences can not always be the same. A good keynote speaker understands this and uses creativity and innovation to outstand the pack. He/she customizes his/her presentations according to the audience. Creativity leaves a mark on the minds of the audience, inspiring them of the infinite opportunities and possibilities existent in their daily lives.
5. A great message
It is critical that a speaker has a great message. For efficiency, a keynote speaker has to motivate and inspire the audience to reach for greatness. A great message encourages the audience to know their weak spots and use that knowledge to their advantage.
Traits of a Motivational speaker
1. They are excellent storytellers
Source: inc.com
Motivational speakers need to be able to tell stories that are valuable and relevant to their audience. Rehearsing and using other people’s ideas contributes to the downfall of many motivational speakers. Audiences yearn for relevant and most importantly, fresh content.
For example, most motivational speakers share their rags to riches stories. They light a spark of hope in the audience that they too can rise above the challenges and achieve success.
2. They are passionate about their work
Great motivational speakers are passionate about motivational speaking. Their passion makes them enthusiastic when performing their shows, which in turn inspires the audience.Having great speaking skills but no passion leads to a bored audience.Passion means the desire to see someone’s life become better. Passionate motivational speakers invest in other people and it brings them much joy to transform someone’s life.When audiences see the passion in a motivational speaker, he/she becomes one of their favorites.
3. They are confident
Source: lateet.com
The most important trait of a motivational speaker is confidence. Most people are terrified of public speaking. Great motivational speakers master public speaking confidence and courage.Great motivational speakers are not born, they are made.To develop courage, great motivational speakers first master eloquence. The courage then follows suit.They know that the audience can tell if they are nervous and that this affects their message delivery.
4. They are introspective and self-aware
Great motivational speakers are aware of who they are. They are aware of what they stand for. They appreciate the contribution of their weak and strong qualities to their success. They capitalize on strong traits, such as humor.They strive to improve on their weak qualities.
5. They engage the audience
Source: inc.com
Great motivational speakers understand that public speaking should not necessarily be a monologue. They engage the audience every chance they get. This is very effective to eliminate boredom. They ask questions and make fun!
6. They are knowledgeable and are experts
Great motivational speakers are knowledgeable and they specialize in one field. It’s impossible to be all things at once.They understand this and leverage this when audiences seek experts in fields such as business or venture capitalism.
7. They have empathy and selflessness
Source: entrepreneur.com
Great motivational speakers put their audience first. They put themselves in their shoes and try to understand what they are going through. They understand the audience’s hopes, concerns, challenges, fears, and worries. They, therefore, know where to put an emphasis.
Great motivational speakers are selfless. They desire to see positive transformation in their audience. They want them to achieve success. Money is not a priority to them.Money, success, and fame follow problem solvers and those who are willing to genuinely help.
Summary
Who you choose between a keynote speaker and a motivational speaker is entirely dependent on the nature of your event. I hope you can choose correctly after reading this article!
