Have you been asked to deliver a keynote speech for your company or some other organization? Delivering a keynote speech is quite an honor. But it can also be a challenge.

If you want to deliver a good keynote, here are some tips to get you started, including how to prepare, write, and deliver a speech.

What is a keynote speech?

First of all, what is a keynote speech? The term “keynote speech” refers to a presentation that articulates the main theme or central idea of a conference, convention, or meeting. The reason the speech is called a ‘keynote’ is that the “keynote” is the fundamental note upon which an entire composition is built. 

Often, the speech is the centerpiece of a conference, summit, or event. When you deliver a keynote, you set the tone and crystallize the event’s central theme.

What makes a good keynote speech?

A good keynote is

• Relevant: Directly tied to the event’s theme or audience’s interests.
• Inspirational: Offers a fresh perspective or vision for the future.
• Memorable: Uses strong storytelling and delivers a powerful takeaway.
• Authentic: Gives your unique experience and point of view.

A) How to Prepare a Keynote Speech

1) Know your audience and the event.

Before you start drafting your talk, ask yourself the following questions:

• Who is in the room (e.g., industry peers, co-workers, leaders)?
• What is the event’s theme?
• What does the audience expect to gain from this event?
• What are the audience’s pain points or biggest opportunities?

2) Define your core message. 

Every successful keynote should have one, single, core idea. Take your ideas and distill them down to a single, compelling thought. Steve Jobs often said that  if you can’t distill your idea into four words, you don’t know what you’re talking about yet. So, keep it short.

For example, instead of saying, “There are five principal ways to manage remote and hybrid teams,” your core message might be, “Trust matters most for remote work.”

3) Seek inspiration from great speakers.

Look at keynote speeches from industry leaders, past event speakers, or platforms like TED. You’ll notice they all share a focus on personal narrative and a clear call to action. Here are three great examples you can watch.

• Simon Sinek: Start With Why — How Great Leaders Inspire Action
• Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability
• Steve Jobs: 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

B) How to Write Your Keynote Speech

1) Follow this speech template.

• Hook: Attention grabber. Start with a surprising statistic, bold question, or compelling personal story that introduces your theme. TED talks often start with a story.
• Problem: Define the current reality for the audience. Acknowledge your audience’s pain point or the industry’s biggest challenge. Use data or external examples.
• Solution/Core Message: Introduce your unique perspective and solution. Highlight your single, core message. Use 2-3 supporting stories or case studies to illustrate it.
• Call to Action: Tell the audience what to do next. Provide clear, actionable steps. Make a powerful emotional appeal to drive change.
• Close: Finish with a bang. Reiterate the core message with an impactful quote, a vivid image, or a return to the opening story.

2) Use these writing tips.

• Focus on storytelling: People remember more of your talk when you deliver information in the form of a story. Weave personal anecdotes throughout your presentation to make points memorable.
• Be conversational: Write in a conversational style. Use short, punchy sentences. Avoid jargon or reading paragraphs of text from your slide deck.
• Practice the ‘Rule of Three’: People easily remember things in groups of three (e.g., “Ready, Aim, Fire” or “Trust, Transparency, and Time”).

If you struggle with the writing process, consider hiring a professional keynote speech writer. There are some organizations like the Gotham Ghostwriters, Moxie Institute, and American Speech Writer.

C) How to Deliver Your Keynote Speech

You should spend more time practicing your speech than writing it.

1) Overpractice.

• Rehearse the entire speech multiple times, standing up, and with your slides. Some recommend 10-15 times, 30 hours, or even hundreds of times for a TED-style talk.
• Use a timer to ensure you stay within the allotted time.
• Focus on your transitions between sections—this is where speeches often get choppy.

2) Concentrate on connection, not perfection.

• Practice with a friend or a small group.
• Dress comfortably.
• Maintain eye contact. Look at different audience members in the room.
• Use bold body language. Make confident gestures and move with intention.
• Control your pace. Slow down on key points to give them weight. Use pauses for dramatic effect.

3) Manage your stage fright.

• Take a few deep, slow breaths before you walk on stage. 
• Remember, the audience wants you to succeed. 
• Channel your adrenaline into an exciting delivery.

Remember, a keynote speech is your opportunity to inspire and connect with dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people at once. By defining your core message and mastering your delivery, you can craft a keynote that not only impresses your audience on the day but will be remembered afterward.

For More on Speaking:

How to Master the Post-Event Book Signing and Photo Lineup

How to Create an Experiential Event

How to Ace the Keynote Speaker Introduction