Jun 15, 2025
Lights, Slides, Action: How To Make Your Keynote a Mic Drop
When it comes to your big event, the keynote has the power to make or break the experience. So, will yours inspire your audience or leave them watching the clock and sneakily checking their phones? You could be the best presenter in the world, but if your slide deck is filled with lifeless charts and jargon, you’re not going to convince anyone. And on the flip side, even a showstopping presentation can’t save a monotonous speaker. So, let’s dive into six simple ways to make sure your keynote sticks in people’s minds (for the right reasons!).
Lead with a story
Great keynotes start with great stories that are human, relatable and authentic. People are wired to care about other people, not bullet points, so the quickest way to engage your audience is through a compelling narrative.
Consider opening your talk with an anecdote that will make people sit up and feel seen. For example, instead of launching straight into quarterly sales figures, tell a story about a specific client who benefited from your product or service. Choose stories that evoke empathy and align closely with your core message.
Don’t forget to use plain, simple language. Any corporate jargon or meaningless buzzwords will leave your audience doubting your authenticity, or even falling asleep.
Design for the Impact
An overly detailed deck can overwhelm your audience and take away from your presence as a speaker. We like to think of slides as billboards that complement spoken words rather than replicating them.
Aim for visuals that amplify your message, including striking images, bold typography and minimal text. The fewer distractions, the clearer your message becomes.
Coach the speaker
As we mentioned, even the most beautifully designed slides will fall flat without effective delivery. Your presence, pacing and connection with the audience really matter.
Investing in speaker coaching, feedback sessions and rehearsal makes a noticeable difference. Schedule rehearsals and actively seek constructive feedback. Authenticity, confidence and clarity come from preparation.
“I wouldn’t be the presenter and have the stage presence that I have today without Emma’s help. Watching and learning from her presenting style helped me think about what I was saying and how I was bringing the message across.”
- Our pharmaceuticals client, speaking about Von Peach co-founder Emma Calleja
Make one point, and make it land
The most memorable presentations focus on a single, powerful idea, so resist the urge to cram your keynote with multiple complex concepts. Focus deeply on one central point and reinforce it throughout.
Put the spotlight on your key message right at the outset, and ensure every story and slide serves this core idea. Repetition, storytelling and clear examples will help your main message land powerfully and be remembered long after you leave the stage.
Design for energy
Think of your keynote as a dynamic journey with emotional ups and downs. Avoid monotony by deliberately crafting moments of surprise, humour, interaction and reflection.
Changes in pacing, tone and audience engagement maintain attention and enhance message retention. Map out the emotional shifts in your keynote to keep your audience alert and engaged. Strategic pauses, audience participation or multimedia elements can revitalise a fading energy.
Consider integrating a live poll midway through your keynote. This will create an interactive shift that re-engages and energises the audience instantly.
End with purpose
Ending your keynote powerfully ensures that your audience leaves feeling inspired rather than overwhelmed or uncertain.
Close with a meaningful statement, call to action or a compelling story that ties back to your opening. This ensures clarity and helps you maintain control of your final message so you can leave a lasting impression.
Delivering a great keynote is an art. But once you know the blueprint, nothing will hold you back from inspiring, connecting and leaving an impression on your audience long after the applause fades. Because if you've got everyone's attention, you might as well make it count.
Want to turn your next keynote into a mic-drop moment? Let’s talk!