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Announcements Mar 27, 2026 at 10:06 PM

I'm going to be a keynote speaker at a large conference for an industry I know nothing about

Posted by Alman54

I had a regional history book published in 2003 about a local subject that had a lot of interest. I started giving powerpoint presentations and making speeches at various groups at libraries and other events. I'm very comfortable speaking to any size group and enjoy doing it. I followed that book with three more, the last one published in 2009, and I gave powerpoint presentations for all four of my books over those years. After a while, the presentations stopped and I haven't done one for a long time. Out of the blue three days ago, someone from a very specific industry, I'll say it's the Baking Soda Technology group (not the real group), contacted me about being a keynote speaker at their conference. My local city does not have any Baking Soda factories as they are located in other cities. The representative explained that they're holding the conference in my city this year and were looking for a speaker who could talk about various local history topics. So, my speech doesn't have to be about Baking Soda Technology, instead it's about the historical topics I've written about. Naturally I said yes, and we discussed a fee. I had to research and find out what keynote speakers charge, and the famous speakers normally get thousands of dollars. In my case, I'm not famous, so the speakers in my situation might make $200 to $500 depending on lots of factors. I asked for $300 and it was approved! The audience will consist of about a hundred professionals from around the world all attending the conference. He invited me to the banquet the night before the first day, and I am to speak the next morning at 8:40 for a half hour. After which I'm invited to attend the conference. I mean, why not? Free food and networking all day long. Nothing quite like this has happened to me since I stopped giving presentations fifteen years ago. I'm flattered as heck that someone recommended me to this group. I have no idea who it was but it's a great opportunity I couldn't pass up. So now I'm writing my speech and watching public speaking videos on YouTube since I'm a little out of practice speaking to large groups like this. I really do love public speaking, and know a lot of people don't like doing it. I was on the radio in my college years where I developed my speaking voice. Ever since, I can stand in front of a crowd and talk comfortably. But I'm not a professional! I'm just a regular guy. Has anything remotely like this happened to any of you? Any public speakers reading this who have spoken at conferences about subjects not related to that industry for that conference?
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AgentElman Mar 27, 2026 +49
I did Toastmasters years ago. And I've been to conferences and heard speeches. What they really care about is that your speech is interesting to them. They will hear a lot of industry speeches at the conference, so they don't need to hear another one. But tying it to the subject of the conference or their jobs is a big plus. If they are scientists - try to connect the speech to scientists. If they are salesmen - try to connect the speech to salesmen. Or you can just be funny. If your speech is funny they won't care much what it is about.
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Alman54 Mar 27, 2026 +13
I'm going to tie it to their subject at the beginning and end. I'm also keeping it light and will use humor where I can. Thank you for the tips!
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AgentElman Mar 27, 2026 +4
When you cover history do you do it as a story of what happened, or more different sets of facts about different things?
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Alman54 Mar 27, 2026 +5
Both. I write it as a story with the facts related to the subject. I guess it's like reading a Ken Burns documentary
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AgentElman Mar 28, 2026 +3
do you say them or publish them anywhere on the web?
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Alman54 Mar 28, 2026 +3
All four books are still sold in regional bookstores and on amazon.
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AgentElman Mar 28, 2026 +1
Oh, I was thinking of your speeches. I assume you put a lot of work into them - do you just give them once and they are gone?
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Alman54 Mar 28, 2026 +1
This is the first speech I've actually written to deliver to a sizable audience. My old presentations used excerpts from my books as the scripts. I would use them as a springboard to talk from, not really reading them directly.
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AgentElman Mar 28, 2026 +2
Ah, so this is even more unusual for you. Why not use excerpts from your books again?
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Alman54 Mar 28, 2026 +1
In this case, I'll be talking about several topics that are covered in my books and elsewhere. My presentations before were book-specific. I still have my old scripts, but can't use them since I'm covering several topics instead of just one.
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Mydoglovescoffee Mar 27, 2026 +10
I’m a professor so I’ve done quite a few keynotes to various industry groups, companies and non profits. I never know anything about their industry or company, but I do know my area of expertise. I trust they saw the connection and they can listen to my presentation and take away what they want from it. It sounds like you have all that it takes except an understandable tinge of anxiety. But Im sure you know that gives you an edge for best performance. Break a leg!
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Alman54 Mar 28, 2026 +5
I never feel that anxiety until the minute I'm about to go on. I'm glad you shared that you've done keynote speeches as well. It sounds like you have a lot of speaking experience, so your name has gotten out. I'm hoping this leads to more speaking engagements.
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Mydoglovescoffee Mar 28, 2026 +2
I hope so for you too! Sorry I thought you were feeling a bit nervous given it’s been a few years and you’re not familiar with the industry. Sorry to misinterpret you. I think in my case I’m visible because of my occupation and area of expertise and my publications make the news (just goes with the territory of being a business school professor). I’m not sure anyone finds me form prior engagement. But here’s hoping word of mouth leads to more great opportunities for you!
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Alman54 Mar 28, 2026 +2
I didn't mention it before, but I'm also a lector at my church (Catholic). I do it about once a month and it keeps me in practice. Reading scripture isn't exactly like giving a speech, but I use inflection and vocal projection to make it clear and listenable. I don't just "read" it, I perform it.
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Mydoglovescoffee Mar 28, 2026 +2
Oh I can picture the similarity and how it would keep you in speaking shape too.
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FinnbarMcBride Mar 27, 2026 +7
Tell them what you're gonna tell them. Then tell them. Then tell them what you told them
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Alman54 Mar 27, 2026 +1
This is interesting advice. I'll have to do this
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Delam2 Mar 27, 2026 +5
Hold the microphone two to three inches from your mouth.. you’ll make the sound engineer happy and you’ll be better heard than anyone else. You be a breath of fresh air for otherwise boring repetitive conversation 🙂
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ev384 Mar 27, 2026 +4
omg that's so cool! i'd probably freak out but you seem like a natural at public speaking. just do your research and remember they invited you for a reason.
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Alman54 Mar 28, 2026 +2
Yes! They want to hear my expertise about local history. Most, if not all of the attendees won't know anything about the city they're in, especially if they're from across the country or world.
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Alman54 Mar 28, 2026 +2
I sure will! They invited me for my expertise. I can sit down and discuss the subjects of my books at length. Or stand at a microphone.
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Handbag_Lady Mar 28, 2026 +5
I was tasked with explaining my job and my main business line by my colleagues and therefore my team of three put on a demonstration. As it turns out, I REALLY enjoy entertaining and explaining what we do. (I manage an ADR stage). Eight years later, I now do tours and demos on our studio lot for all walks of life, including the Take Your Kids to Work Day event annually. I find it is SO helpful to know your audiences' level of your knowledge, so that I can frame it to their point of view. Last year, I had four year-olds and I pointed to the script and said, "read this line next" and my enthusiastic little charge was SO excited to do the recording but shouted out that she can't read yet. SO FREAKING FUNNY! (I whispered the line to her and it worked!)
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Alman54 Mar 28, 2026 +2
That's awesome and it's wonderful you found fulfillment this way. ADR has to be a fascinating field to work in. In my own case, the attendees will be from across the country and world, so they'll likely know little or nothing about the city, especially its rich history.
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MsConstance Mar 28, 2026 +5
I did public speaking on the side for about 25 years. I really enjoyed it. My motto was, if I can make you laugh, you're mine. And I can always make you laugh. I found self-deprecating humor was the way to go. Not woe is me, but more along the lines of odd happenings or funny stories. I got invited back a lot to a lot of places, so I guess it worked.
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toxicshock999 Mar 27, 2026 +2
Congratulations! I’m a public librarian who coordinates presenters and I’m always so grateful for people like you who share their knowledge and experience.
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Alman54 Mar 28, 2026 +2
I used to love giving library presentations. The audience sizes always varied, but they were receptive and appreciated my talks.
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handcraftedcandy Mar 28, 2026 +2
That's super awesome and I'm sure you'll do great. Once you get into the rhythm it'll be like riding a bike. I use to be terrified of public speaking but last year I got a promotion where I teach two monthly scheduled classes of about 15 people, and then a few times a year I speak to about 80 people. I never thought I would be comfortable with it but I do thoroughly enjoy it. I am curious about how it would go with a much larger audience though. It sounds like a challenge to hold the attention of that many people.
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Alman54 Mar 28, 2026 +1
I've been watching YouTube videos to improve myself. I haven't given a speech quite like this before.
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handcraftedcandy Mar 28, 2026 +3
Best advice I can give is watch for filler words (ums, so, like, etc) and if you're really confident with your subject ditch the podium and gesture to the audience. That sort of thing really captivates them.
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Successful-Bug-8278 Mar 28, 2026 +2
This is fascinating! I'd love to hear more about how you do this!
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Several-Result-6251 Mar 28, 2026 +2
Not onna lie, this sound like one of those "how did I end up here?" But honestly, those are usually the best opportunities.
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