One of the responsibilities I have as conference chair for Agile2017 is to select the three keynote speakers (Mon, Wed and Fri).  Both Paul and Brian did a wonderful job in the last two conferences, which has added to the determination to continue the trend of stellar keynotes. Now I have my opinions of what makes a great keynote, some of the top aspects include:

    • Engaging: Can the person hold a large audience without leveraging full blown workshop activities for 45-60 minutes?  This means being able to move the audience up and down throughout the entire time utilizing imagery.
    • Content: Personally, I consider two aspects: quality material and recency. I appreciate quality material but if I read the book 3 years ago and the keynote is simply a highlight outline, I’m happy but not thrilled. I want some new twist or angle for me to explore.
    • Inspiring/Encouraging: Keynotes should challenge people. They should support people to experiment with something new or difficult. They should get people excited (maybe after the shock wears off) about what is potential.
    • Ease of Delivery: I’m all about supporting first time speakers, but as a keynote…I want to see you deliver effortlessly. I don’t want you glued to your notes. I don’t want to notice you checking for time. I don’t want you motionless. I don’t want you looking like you are about to have a heart attack. I want your delivery to add to your message, not distract from it.

What am I missing?  What would you also consider to be an aspect of a killer keynote?  

Tricia Broderick

Tricia Broderick

Tricia Broderick is a leadership and organizational advisor. Her transformational leadership at all levels of an organization, ignites growth of leaders and high performing teams to deliver quality outcomes. Tricia has more than twenty years of experience in the software development industry. She is a highly-rated trainer, coach, facilitator and motivational keynote speaker. Beyond her extensive knowledge and skills, her biggest offering is inspiring people to believe anything is possible.

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