10 Hallmark Characteristics Of A Good Speaker

10 Hallmark Traits Of A Good Keynote Speaker

With traditional in-person events becoming less and less popular, virtual motivational keynote events are now commonplace in most industries. If you’re planning a motivational event and searching for the right keynote speaker here are some essential qualities of a good speaker to consider. While each speaker brings a unique personality and expertise, there are key qualities to keep in mind when making your choice. – check them out below!

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10 Hallmark Traits Of A Good Keynote Speaker

What can a motivational speaker do?

A motivational speaker can do wonders for your team. They inspire your team to embrace change and motivate everyone to hit their targets. Motivational speakers work their magic with powerful and engaging speeches. These speeches give your team a strong sense of purpose, lift their spirits, and foster a positive and can-do attitude.

They not only drive personal and professional growth but also encourage teamwork, creating a more positive work environment. When you invest in a motivational speaker, you’re investing in a more focused and energized team. They will be ready to tackle any challenges and achieve success.

How do I find a motivational speaker?

To find the right motivational speaker for your event, consider these essential steps:

1. Explore Certified Speaking Professionals: Start by looking for Certified Speaking Professionals (CSPs). These seasoned speakers have a proven track record of delivering impactful presentations.

2. Leverage Speaker Bureaus: Check with reputable speaker bureaus. They can provide you with a curated list of experienced motivational speakers.

3. Tap into Colleague Recommendations: Reach out to your colleagues or industry peers who have hired motivational speakers in the past. Their firsthand experiences can lead you to the right fit.

4. Check References: Contact the speaker’s references and past clients. Hearing about their past performances and the impact they’ve had on previous audiences is invaluable.

5. Clearly Communicate Expectations: When you’ve identified a potential speaker, ensure you communicate your expectations, objectives, and event details clearly. This way, they can tailor their presentation to meet your unique requirements.

Characteristics of a Good Speaker

1. Tech-literate & studio-ready (For virtual events)

It may seem obvious, but the key trait of a good speaker is that they have the right equipment and know how to use them effectively. When you’re finding a speaker, ensure they provide only the best audio and video quality possible. If you’re unsure, review their past presentations or request a trial run to ensure a smooth performance. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case of power outages too!

2. Exuberant Confidence

When a speaker brings exuberant confidence to the stage, it’s like a magnet for the audience.

In live events, this confidence becomes even more crucial. It’s not about flashy tech or fancy setups; it’s about the speaker’s assurance in themselves. A confident speaker grabs attention, connects effortlessly, and makes a lasting impact.

3. Eloquence

Eloquence, defined as the art of expressing powerful emotions through compelling and fitting language to persuade and convince, is a crucial quality in an effective speaker.

To secure a speaker with the highest level of articulation and engagement, consider seeking out Certified Speaking Professionals (CSPs), a designation held by a select 1.5% of speakers worldwide.

Opting for a CSP guarantees that you have a speaker who not only possesses eloquence but is also adept at establishing and maintaining eye contact with the audience, which not only adds a layer of sincerity to their delivery but also plays a pivotal role in building trust and rapport with the audience.

4. Experience

Choose an experienced keynote speaker. Why risk it with an amateur? To gauge their experience, check their past audience sizes, speaking engagements, and the places they’ve spoken.

5. A sense of humor

We’re not suggesting that you hire a circus or a clown but rather someone relaxed and light-hearted. They can prevent long or difficult talks from becoming dry, dull, and monotonous.

6. A captivating storyteller

Study after study shows that people are more receptive to stories than almost any other type of effective communication. We not only crave stories but we remember them and pass on meaningful ones to others. That’s why if you want to keep your audience on the edge of their seats and make their experience memorable, you need to find a keynote speaker who has lots of innovative ideas and can tell captivating stories.

7. Credible & Trustworthy

Inspirational words are easy to say, but it takes a credible person to truly motivate your audience to take action in their personal or professional lives. Your audience wants someone to admire and look up to. Make sure your potential virtual keynote speaker has a strong track record of achievements and professional relationships that you can verify.

8. Highly relatable

If your keynote speaker can’t emotionally connect with your audience, it’s tough to keep them engaged. Audiences connect with those they know, like, and trust. That’s why it’s important that the speaker has faced similar challenges.

The best keynote speakers are skilled communicators that have an abundance of passion for their subject of expertise. When you’re excited about a topic, you articulate your knowledge well, exude sincerity and emotionally connect with the audience. Without passion, speeches become dull and meaningless.

10. Clearly articulates actionable takeaways

One common issue with keynote speakers is that they can inspire and motivate but don’t give you the tools to sustain that motivation. To avoid this, make sure your potential speaker offers actionable takeaways that they clearly explain to your audience. Before hiring, check if they can provide the same resources your audience will receive to ensure they come prepared.

Should I hire a motivational speaker?

The answer is a definite “Yes!” Unlike many internal speakers who might not keep the audience engaged, motivational speakers are experts in captivating their audience.

They bring a fresh perspective that boosts engagement and motivation, making them catalysts for change. They don’t just talk; they lift team morale, foster positivity, and increase productivity.

With their unique expertise and life experiences, they provide valuable insights that inspire personal and professional growth. What’s more, they can tailor their messages to address your company’s specific goals and challenges, making their impact highly relevant.

When it comes to the success of your event, a skilled motivational speaker can leave a lasting impression on your attendees, making your investment truly worthwhile.

How long should a keynote speaker speak?

Typically, a great keynote speech lasts around 20 to 45 minutes. Why? It’s all about keeping the audience engaged and making a real impact, but the right length also depends on a couple of factors.

1. Event type: For conferences, longer talks might work, while shorter keynotes fit tight schedules.
2. Your message’s complexity matters too. If it’s straightforward and impactful, it might need less time, but if it’s a complex topic, it might need a bit more.
3. The speaker’s ability to capture the audience’s attention and convey their message also plays a role.
4. If you want to keep things interesting, you can add interactive parts or Q&A sessions, which can make the keynote a bit longer.

Hire Certified Professional Speaker Tom Abbott

Hire Tom Abbott to raise your audience to new heights, engage them in ways only a few good public speakers can, and have them leave inspired to make the coming year even better than the last.


Whether you need a leadership speaker, motivational speaker, or sales speaker, have Tom deliver one of his world-class signature keynotes or have us tailor a talk to suit the specific needs of your event, whether it’s live, virtual, or a blend of both.

What makes Tom Abbott a great speaker?

Tom has given hundreds of speeches in 2020 and 2021 alone. He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and has delivered keynotes on almost every kind of platform and type of event. To top it all off, he has the ultimate high-tech home setup complete with 1000 Mbps (yes thousand, not hundred) internet speed, multiple cameras, a switcher to seamlessly incorporate slides, and options of studio setup.

Tom Abbott’s talks are known for being fun, high energy, and motivating. They move the audience to become future-ready, embrace change and stay motivated. Leaving your team inspired with the confidence and grit to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

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