August 6, 2024
Finding the right keynote speaker for your HR or leadership event can feel overwhelming. You need someone who'll actually engage your audience, not just fill a time slot with generic advice.
The wrong choice wastes budget and leaves attendees uninspired. But the right speaker transforms your event into a catalyst for real change. They deliver actionable insights that stick with your team long after the applause fades.
This guide walks you through exactly what you need to know to book a speaker who'll make your event worth attending.
Before you start searching for speakers, get crystal clear on what you're trying to accomplish.
Ask yourself: Is this event about developing stronger leaders? Driving culture transformation? Addressing specific HR challenges like retention or remote work? Your answer shapes everything that follows.
Know your audience's pain points. Frontline managers face different challenges than C-suite executives. A speaker who resonates with one group might miss the mark with another.
Set measurable objectives for your event. Don't settle for vague goals like "inspire the team." Instead, aim for specific outcomes: "Equip managers with three strategies to improve team communication" or "Help HR leaders understand AI tools they can implement this quarter."
Clear goals make it easier to evaluate potential speakers and measure your event's success.
Match your speaker's expertise to your event objectives. If you're focused on workplace culture, don't book a general leadership speaker who briefly mentions culture.
Common HR and leadership topics include:
The more specific your topic, the easier it becomes to find speakers with deep expertise rather than surface-level knowledge.
Start with speakers who have real HR or leadership credentials, not just presentation skills. Look for those who've held CHRO positions, built successful companies, or led major organisational transformations.
Some HR events also benefit from unconventional speakers who bring fresh perspectives. For instance, Christophe Fox, a keynote speaker and mentalist, combines principles of psychology and influence to help organisations understand decision-making patterns and unlock team potential. His approach resonates particularly well with audiences exploring the human side of workplace transformation.
Check their digital presence thoroughly. Visit their speaking page to review topics and watch demo videos. Reading testimonials helps, but seeing them present gives you the real picture.
Pay attention to how they structure presentations and avoid common speaking mistakes that undermine credibility. Do they rely on storytelling, data, or interactive elements? This tells you whether they'll match your audience's preferences.
Where to Find Quality Speakers
Professional speaker bureaus specialising in HR/leadership
HR conference websites (review past speaker lineups)
LinkedIn recommendations from other HR leaders
Industry associations and their event archives
Anyone can claim expertise. Look for proof they've delivered results for organisations like yours.
Have they presented at SHRM conferences? Spoken at Fortune 500 companies on topics that align with current CHRO priorities? Led workshops for industry associations? This experience means they understand corporate environments and can handle sophisticated audiences.
Ask specific questions: How many HR events have they keynoted? What size organisations have they worked with? Can they share examples of customised content they've created?
Speakers with verified experience are more likely to deliver value and less likely to disappoint. Understanding how to prepare your keynote speaker ensures they arrive ready to make a genuine impact.
Different speakers excel at different approaches. Some rely on research and data to build credibility. Others establish speaker credibility and use emotion to drive change. Many incorporate interactive elements to maintain energy.
Consider what your audience needs. C-suite executives might want strategic frameworks backed by business cases. Frontline managers might respond better to practical tools they can use immediately.
Watch for these engagement indicators:
The best speakers adapt their style to fit your specific event rather than delivering the same talk everywhere.
Speaking fees vary widely, from a few thousand dollars to six figures for celebrity speakers. Just as with business pricing strategy, be realistic about your budget, but remember: the cheapest option rarely delivers the best value.
Clarify logistics upfront:
Ask about customisation options. The best speakers tailor their content to address your organisation's specific challenges, not just deliver their standard presentation.
Some warning signs indicate a speaker might not deliver the value you need.
Watch out for speakers who:
Lack of preparation shows immediately. Speakers should want to understand your culture, challenges, and objectives before stepping on stage.
Booking the speaker is just the beginning. Getting real value requires collaboration.
Schedule pre-event calls to align on messaging. Share insights about your audience demographics, current challenges, and organisational priorities. The more context your speaker has, the better they can serve your team.
Request specific customisation:
Plan for post-event impact. Ask speakers if they can provide resources, worksheets, or follow-up materials. Some offer email courses or additional content that extends the learning beyond your event.
The best speakers view themselves as partners in your team's development, not just performers hired for an hour.
Strategic speaker selection transforms good events into memorable experiences that drive real change. Start your search early and focus on finding the right fit rather than just booking a recognisable name.
The time you invest in vetting speakers pays off when your team leaves energised, equipped, and ready to implement new ideas.
Before you even think about searching, you need to clearly define your event's goals. Figure out what you want your team to learn or feel, understand their specific pain points, and set clear, measurable outcomes for the event. This foundation makes every other step simpler.
The best way is to see them in action. Watch demo videos on their website to get a feel for their energy and delivery. Do they use data, storytelling, or interactive elements? Also, check their past experience to see if they have presented to groups similar to yours, whether they are C-suite leaders or frontline managers.
A big warning sign is a speaker who refuses to tailor their presentation to your audience. If they don't ask questions about your company's challenges or goals, or seem unwilling to have a pre-event call, they likely offer a one-size-fits-all talk that won't connect with your team.
Treat the speaker as a partner. Have detailed pre-event calls to align on messaging and provide them with context about your organisation. Afterwards, ask if they can provide resources like worksheets or follow-up materials to help your team apply what they've learned.
You can start with professional speaker bureaus that specialise in HR and leadership topics. It's also a great idea to review speaker lineups from past industry conferences, check LinkedIn for recommendations from your peers, or look at events hosted by professional associations.
