Words are so powerful beyond imagination. In a keynote speech, powerful words can lift a human, ignite inspiration, articulate a vision, and give hope and faith. At the same time, it can have the opposite effect if words are used to manipulate, suppress, and criticize a human.
Once words are spoken, they can’t be taken away anymore. Either it hurt, or it felt good. Therefore, keynote speeches are integral to any conference, event, and social gathering. Keynote speeches are geared toward inspiring, motivating, and igniting sparks of innovative thinking and can be seen as the opening of any event.
The Glamour of Keynote Speeches
Keynotes are not only speeches; they are stories and journeys. Delivered by experts in their respective fields, thought leaders, visionaries, or changemakers, they set the tone for the seminar, the conference, and the events.
It is not only to share information but to evoke emotions, spark ideas and thoughts, and ignite questions and critical thinking. It is essential to leave a lasting impression on the audience.
A keynote speech is the bridge between the listener and the speaker. It creates a bond as the keynote speaker addresses key themes such as purpose, action, sustainability, resilience, leadership, etc. It needs to be well crafted, with the audience in mind. The words chosen, therefore, have a significant impact on how the speech might be perceived. The speaker’s delivery, authenticity, and storytelling capabilities are also key to capturing the listener.
Why do words matter?
We have a saying in Turkish. “A sweet tongue can invite the snake to get out of its nest”. This means that words can either build bridges or destroy them. Words can either break barriers or build them.
Power words influence humans. They can shape your thoughts, impact your actions, and define your realities. Studies in neuroscience show that words can rewire our brain neurons. We can create new pathways, habits, and beliefs about ourselves. Positive and empowering words foster creativity and trust, whereas negative words do the opposite. They foster fear and doubt.
Beyond the Stage
In the context of keynotes and personal growth, they act as mirrors reflecting opportunities and possibilities. Keynote speeches challenge the audience to reflect on themselves, examine their lives, their barriers, and their beliefs, and plant the seeds for a better self.
When delivered with intention, words do have the power of:
1. Invite to self-reflect
Speakers ask uncomfortable yet essential questions to the audience to challenge their values, beliefs, and choices based on their experiences. For instance, I like to ask, “What would you do if there were no risks to fail?” These questions are crucial for self-discovery and assessing one’s capabilities. This is how we grow.
2. Inspire Action
As I tell my clients, ” From nothing comes nothing.” And if you keep doing what you have done before, the results will be the same. A keynote speech provokes action, the belief to take the first step toward your dreams, goals, and vocation. It could be changing your career, starting your business, writing a book, or making a significant lifestyle change. The powerful words used thoughtfully have the magic to invite the listener to leave their comfort zone and break free from their hamster wheel.
Check out my book: Break Free from Your Hamster Wheel
3. Foster Resilience
Personal growth is like a roller coaster. It goes up and down, twisting along the way. It is never linear. Keynotes address setbacks, backed up by personal stories and the speaker’s experience, combining failure and success. This showcases how resilience is a major skill to possess for personal growth and gives the listener the thought that failing is completely normal and an integral part of your journey.
Check out my 2nd book, co-authored: The Resilient Professional
Storytelling in A Keynote Speech
A keynote speech does contain a story, whether from the speaker or someone else. A story creates an emotional connection and transforms abstract topics into relatable ones. A story about how to overcome barriers sticks more with the audience than facts and figures. The listeners want to get motivated and inspired by someone who has faced these barriers and wants to learn. It makes the keynote speech approachable and human. Moreover, it shows that personal growth has no obstacles. It is for everyone to grab that opportunity and do it.
Ok, we talked about the keynote speech, the power of words, and storytelling. Let’s flip the coin and give some practical tips for the listener to make the most of the time spent during a keynote speech. After all, you are there for a reason.
4 Tips for the Listener
- Listen with an open mind: Be curious, ready to learn, and listen carefully to absorb new ideas and thoughts.
- Take Notes: Yes, this is very important, as our brains cannot store all information at once, whether on your notepad, on your phone, or in old-fashioned handwriting. Some bullet points are enough to have your brain recall and reflect.
- Apply the learnings: Identify your own quick wins and steps that you can implement now and in the future. Adopting a new behaviour requires repetition, and consistency is key.
- Share your thoughts: Discuss after the speech and during after-work what your key takeaways were and hear from others. This is a great way to reinforce learning and add topics that you may have missed. That applies to your counterpart as well.
Let’s sum up
The power of words is a fact and an essential part of any keynote speech or story. The intention of the speech and the theme of the event equally influence which words to choose and how to deliver them. A powerful keynote speech can transform lives, give hope, faith, and trust in yourself to become a better version, catch your dreams, and thrive in life.
Live your life fulfilled.
In case you have difficulties finding that fire in yourself, as InnKick, we kick you to find your inner self. Sometimes we just need a nudge from outside to start feeling empowered.