By Thom Singer, CSP |

Recently, I sat in the audience for a keynote that felt like a relic from another era—like 2010 had somehow crept back onto the main stage. The PowerPoint slides were oldschool, the speaker lacked energy, the information was basic, and worst of all, there were almost no actionable takeaways.

The experience was frustrating because this was a very coveted slot at a well-known event. But more than that, it was a stark reminder of what’s at stake for professional speakers. Conferences are still a critical space for thought leadership, inspiration, and engagement—but audiences today have higher expectations. They are looking for fresh insights, compelling delivery, and immediate value.

The Pitfalls Speakers Must Avoid

Watching that keynote reinforced some clear mistakes that any speaker—no matter how long they’ve been in the business—should work hard to avoid:

A Stale, Recycled Speech. Today’s audiences can spot a pre-packaged, one-size-fits-all presentation from a mile away. A great keynote should feel tailor-made for that event, with relevant industry insights, current trends, and a genuine connection to the audience.

Over-Reliance on Generic Video Clips. While multimedia can enhance a speech, it should be purposeful and unique. Simply playing a string of YouTube videos, especially ones the audience may have already seen, dilutes the speaker’s expertise. The keynote should be driven by the speaker’s own voice, not curated content from others.

Self-Promotion from the Stage.  The primary job of a keynote is to provide value, not to serve as an extended sales pitch or get people on their mailing list. When a speaker spends too much time promoting themselves, whether through an overt introduction, repeated mentions of their services, or an ending slide dominated by a QR code, it erodes trust. A strong keynote should stand on its own merit, leaving audiences eager to learn more without feeling pressured.

No Clear Takeaways.  Inspiration is valuable, but without tangible action steps, a speech risks being forgettable. The best keynotes challenge the audience to think differently and provide them with concrete steps they can take immediately.

Outdated Visuals & Slide Design.  Audiences in 2025 expect high production value. Presentation slides should be clean, modern, and visually engaging. Clipart, over-used stock photos, or slides packed with text and bullet points feel out of place in today’s professional landscape.

What Today’s Keynote Speakers Must Do

The role of a keynote speaker is to set the tone for an event, energize the audience, and deliver meaningful content. To do that effectively, speakers must continuously refine their craft. Here are key areas to focus on:

Prioritize Audience-Centered Content.  Every keynote should be customized for the event. Understanding the industry, challenges, and goals of the attendees ensures that the speech resonates.

Make It Interactive & Engaging.  Modern audiences expect more than just a monologue. Speakers should look for ways to create real engagement, whether through storytelling, audience participation, or thought-provoking exercises that invite discussion.

Deliver Actionable Insights. Every great keynote leaves the audience with something they can use right away. It’s not just about being inspiring, it’s about being impactful.

Keep Visuals Clean, Crisp, and Modern. Presentation design should enhance the speech, not distract from it. High-quality images, well-designed slides, and minimal text help keep the audience engaged.

Let the Content Speak for Itself.  If a keynote is powerful and relevant, people will naturally want to connect with the speaker afterward. There’s no need for aggressive self-promotion or a hard sell at the end.

Use Unique, High-Quality Imagery.  Avoid stock images that have been seen a hundred times before. Whenever possible, speakers should invest in high-quality visuals that feel fresh and align with the message.

Evolving With the Industry

Keynote speaking is not a static craft, it’s an evolving art. Audiences, conferences, and industries change, and speakers must change with them. What worked 10 or even five years ago may no longer be effective. The best speakers embrace continuous improvement, refine their content, and ensure that every presentation feels timely, relevant, and engaging.

The next time you step on stage, ask yourself: Is my keynote built for the present and future, or am I clinging to the past? If 2010 calls, let it go to voicemail. The speaking industry is moving forward, and those who want to lead must do the same.