10 Key Attributes of effective speakers

Ever wondered why great speakers captivate an audience while others fall flat? We have compiled this list so that when you are tasked with finding a speaker for your event you can look for these 10 must-have traits that set great public speakers apart.

1. Confidence

Confidence is one of the traits that makes a speaker stand out. Great speakers exude confidence, making their audience trust and believe in their message. They speak from their experiences and have engaging stories. This self-assurance comes from thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the topic. Want to know what this looks like? Here is an example, our speaker Jim Murphy.

2. Clarity

Have you ever been to a presentation where the speaker switched from one topic to the next and you felt like you missed the message? Effective speakers communicate their ideas clearly and concisely, ensuring the audience grasps the message without confusion. They avoid jargon and tailor their language to the audience's level of understanding. The key to the message is presenting it in a way that everyone can understand. 

3. Passion

Passion is contagious. When speakers are passionate about their subject, it ignites interest and enthusiasm in the audience, making the presentation more engaging. For example, Sarah Frasca, one of the speakers represented by the Kirkpatrick Agency is a former General Mills leader, and award-winning entrepreneur. 

Sara is passionate about innovation and a business success champion. As CEO of Point NorthEast [link here], she helps organizations foster creativity, accountability, and problem-solving to drive sustainable growth. With experience in both corporate leadership and small business ownership, Sara equips leaders with the tools to innovate and stay competitive in an evolving market. 

4. Authenticity

Being genuine helps speakers connect with their audience on a personal level. Authentic speakers share personal stories and experiences, making their messages relatable and memorable. At the Kirkpatrick Agency, we represent Kelly Swanson, an award-winning storyteller, and comedian. Kelly uses humor and authenticity to connect with audiences, demonstrating the power of storytelling and passion.

5. Adaptability

Have you heard the saying “read the room”? Great speakers can “read the room” and adjust their delivery based on audience reactions. They are flexible, modifying their approach to maintain engagement and ensure the message resonates. This trait goes hand-in-hand with clarity showcasing that there is more than one important attribute to an effective speaker.

6. Storytelling Ability

Storytelling is a powerful tool that makes content relatable and memorable. It separates us from AI and is an essential part of how great speakers engage their audience. Speakers who tell compelling stories in their presentations capture attention and leave a lasting impact.  Our speaker John Rossman, the leader behind the launch of Amazon Marketplace delivers insights on leadership and innovation when he speaks at an event, showcasing command of the subject and storytelling ability.

7. Audience Awareness

Understanding the audience's needs, interests, and expectations allows speakers to tailor their content accordingly, ensuring relevance and engagement. Do you see a common thread? A great speaker is aware of their audience and responds to them. They tailor their presentations so they are relevant to your audience. They do not barrel through their presentation, they adjust as needed so that the audience is engaged and gets the motivation, new skills, or inspiration that they need. 

8. Command of the Subject

Expertise in the topic builds credibility. Great speakers have a deep knowledge of their subject matter, allowing them to answer questions confidently and provide valuable insights. Trait #6 was storytelling and great storytelling comes from experience. 

At the Kirkpatrick agency we have speakers who are leaders in their fields, with a wealth of experience. For example, Angie Morgan, a former Marine Captain and NY Times best-selling author. Angie teaches audiences to overcome challenges through risk-taking, exemplifying confidence and adaptability.

9. Effective Body Language

Non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, gestures, and posture, play a crucial role in communication. Effective speakers use body language to reinforce their message and build rapport with the audience. No wooden presenters allowed. Want to know what that looks like? Here is Sara Frasca’s sizzle reel. 

10. Practice and Preparation

Behind every great speech is extensive practice and preparation. When looking for dynamic, engaging speakers the Kirkpatrick Agency looks for individuals that embody these key attributes, speakers that can transform their presentations from mundane to memorable, leaving a lasting impact on their audiences.

Are you looking for a keynote speaker to make your event a success? We represent 9 seasoned speakers, one of whom is the World’s Foremost Experts in Sales & Customer Experience, Matt Dixon. Matt is a bestselling author of four books which have sold over 1,000,000 copies worldwide as well as a ground-breaking sales researcher. 

The Kirkpatrick Agency can help you find the best speaker for your corporate event. Here is a link to our speaker page. All of our speakers share the 10 traits we have discussed here. You can contact us here to book one for your event.