Did you know that there are almost 40,000 professional speakers in the United States?

If someone asks you to give a presentation, do you panic and search for someone else to fill in? If you’re a professional speaking for the first time, you must do it properly. It would help if you gave a fantastic presentation. 

If you want to blow your audience away and deliver awe-inspiring data, check out the keynote and guest speakers’ differences and find out which one benefits you most.

Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers give a talk at a conference or event that is typically aimed at motivating or inspiring the audience. A keynote speaker generally is someone well-known or respected in their field.

They are typically invited because they are experts on the event’s topic, and their speech is meant to set the tone for the event. 

A keynote speaker is generally given an extended time slot, usually an hour or more. This allows them to delve into their topic and explore it more deeply.

Guest Speakers

Guest speakers are typically invited to speak on a specific topic or panel. A guest speaker is generally given a shorter time slot, usually no more than 30 minutes. This means they must be more concise in their presentation and focus on just a few key points.

A guest speaker is more of an expert or Subject Matter Expert. A guest speaker might be someone who is more local or has a more niche audience.

The Pros and Cons 

Both have pros and cons that should be considered when choosing which professional speaker is suitable for your event. Be sure to consider different things when choosing between them. 

A keynote speaker is typically the main attraction and gives the opening or closing address. They are usually well-known and respected in their field and have a lot of experience in professional speaking.

This can make them more expensive than a guest speaker, but their reputation and ability to engage an audience make them worth the cost.

Guest speakers are typically less well-known but can still be experts in their field. They are often cheaper than keynote speakers and can be a good option if you are on a budget.

However, they may not have the same level of experience or charisma, which could make them less engaging for your audience.

If you’re looking for a speaker, check out this article on how to reach the best and most professional speakers for your event. 

Right Choice for Your Event

When making the right choice for your event, you need to weigh the pros and cons of having a keynote speaker vs. a guest speaker. There are pros and cons to both choices.

A keynote speaker can draw a bigger crowd and generate more excitement. A guest speaker can be a good choice if you want to keep costs down or if you have a specific topic you want to be covered. They can also be more flexible with their schedules. 

Choose Speakers Depending on Your Needs

The main difference between the two is that keynote speeches are typically more focused on the company’s overall mission. At the same time, guest speakers may be brought in to discuss a specific topic.

Whether to use a keynote or guest speaker depends on the event’s needs.

Read more about our other blogs about specific topics.