Business & Keynote Speaking FAQs

Motivational speakers sometimes deal with sensitive or psychological matters, so it’s crucial to find the right one for your company. Many novice motivational speakers don’t prepare properly, can’t communicate well, use too many clichés, or ignore the needs of their audiences.

Experienced and authentic speakers have all the right tools and strategies at their disposal and align their presentations to client requests.

Referrals are a big source of a business motivational speaker’s workload, and the best ones have a long list of companies satisfied with their work. If you have peers in your industry who have employed motivational speakers in the past, ask them about the ones that have worked well with their companies. Industry events are good times to ask in person.

Professional contractors of all kinds should have a website for their services, and the most trusted motivational speakers certainly do as well. You can also find online directories or speaker agencies that list a range of motivational speakers.

The National Speakers Association (NSA) has motivational speakers in their fold that have met stringent requirements for admission.

Most of us associate keynote and corporate speakers with large-scale events: conventions, industry trade shows, global virtual events, annual meetings, and so forth. Certainly, if there’s a big event in your future, it’s worth looking into a keynote or corporate speaker to add to the agenda.

Keynote and corporate speakers are indeed oriented toward major events. However, they can be effective in smaller venues as well. Many managers look for one at significant times in a company’s operations. One of the most common is when a company is experiencing a change in ownership or management and wants to ensure a smooth transition.

Sometimes, managers turn to keynote speakers in times of financial downturn or low productivity. Company retreats are also places where such speakers flourish. Even if you’re just looking to build a team or boost company morale, a corporate speaker can be of great assistance.

Managers have different reasons for retaining the services of a business motivational speaker. The primary reason, of course, is to motivate employees toward reaching their goals. In what situations can a motivational speaker help the most, and why are they valuable?

As with keynote and corporate speakers, many managers turn to business motivational speakers in times of transition or crisis. This can mean staffing changes, financial slowdowns, or adapting to new technology. Unlike keynote speakers, motivational speakers are more often associated with smaller events like company retreats, daily gatherings, and team-building sessions.

In many cases, an outside point of view can help companies steer through uncertain times. Employees can get emotionally caught up in their work to the extent that problem-solving becomes difficult. A motivational speaker can see the situation objectively, find the bottlenecks and obstacles, and draw from their experience to fix problems effectively. 

A keynote speaker can have several responsibilities in a business meeting or corporate conference. Their primary job is to set the tone of the event from a high-level perspective and steer the agenda and activities. Generally, their opening speeches are longer and include more topics. Some keynote speakers take a very hands-on approach, appearing at times throughout the event and delivering closing remarks.

A guest speaker plays more of a supporting role in a convention but is equally valuable. Guest speakers usually address more specialized topics and activities. They may be subject matter experts, speakers with knowledge about specific strategies or trends, or facilitators of certain team-building programs. They work with more niche content, whether delivering speeches or working in smaller group activities.

Guest speakers usually spend less time delivering their speeches than keynote speakers — sometimes as little as 15 or 30 minutes. Some, however, may merit longer appearances if the schedule allows.

The most important part of planning an event is to define the goals you want to achieve. Whether you hope to boost morale, improve productivity, or facilitate transitions, be clear on what you want your event to accomplish.

You also need to get a sense of event logistics. How big will the audience be? How long will the event run? What accommodations will the venue need to make for a business keynote motivational speaker? How much budget will you have to work with? What conference speaker gifts are you prepared to give?

Conference keynote speakers come in all kinds. Some are more formal, while others may take a looser approach. Some specialize in specific industries, while others are more aspirational thought leaders. It’s vital to know what leadership keynote speaker you’re considering offer their clients and their areas of specialty or expertise. Learn the differences between the keynote speakers at your disposal.

Jim Fannin’s experience as a leadership and sales keynote speaker spans five decades. He developed his proprietary S.C.O.R.E.® System (“Self-Discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment”) in 1974 and has refined it to meet contemporary needs. Jim’s drive to help others “think like a champion” comes from working with sports stars, business leaders, politicians, and artists for nearly 50 years.

Jim’s testimonials from clients like Frank Thomas, Alex Rodriguez, Lou Cassara, and others describe his thoroughness and tough-mindedness. They explain how Jim’s S.C.O.R.E.® System and 90-Second Rule™ have changed and improved their lives. As a keynote speaker, Jim is acclaimed for his ability to point out specifics in view of the bigger picture.

Jim extends his personal approach to mass audiences and has an untouchable track record of success. To find out more, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with his team.