There’s no substitute for experience, especially when it comes to booking keynote speakers. You can research endlessly and study reels, but sometimes the most powerful insights come directly from the people who’ve worked with a speaker before: event planners themselves.
At AAE Speakers, we often hear from clients who are moved not only by what a speaker said on stage, but in all the little in between moments that can often leave the most lasting impressions. Here are just a few examples of what it looks like when a speaker goes the extra mile, directly from the event planners who’ve seen them in action.
They tailor their message with intention
The best speakers don’t recycle the same talk for every event. They take time to understand the audience, the goals of the event, and the emotional tone of the moment. One client shared about their speaker:
“Kenneth took the time to understand our audience, theme and how his message could tie to what we were looking for. Honestly without Kenneth’s active listening and open-mindedness, our event would not have been as successful as it was.”
Similarly, another planner said of Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown: “She was flexible in tailoring her presentation to meet our needs and company culture.”
When you book a keynote speaker, you’re spending your budget because you expect the speaker to bring value to your event. When a speaker provides this kind of customization, it lets you—the planner—feel like you’re getting that value and creates a message that doesn’t just resonate, it lasts.
They stay present before and after the mic
A powerful keynote is only one part of the overall impact a speaker can have at an event. Some of the most memorable experiences happen during book signings, student meet-and-greets, or casual moments backstage.
One organizer said of their speaker: “Steve was a pro. He attended both our reception and post-event dinner, signed 150 copies of his book, and stopped by the J-School to visit with students. While resting before the program, I asked if there was anything he needed and he asked me what I needed, saying, ‘I’m here for you.’”
Another client said of Katie King: “She made a real effort to connect with attendees one-on-one, taking time for every conversation and making people feel heard and valued. That kind of presence doesn’t go unnoticed.”
When a speaker views connection as part of their job, it makes everyone’s experience more meaningful. How a speaker shows up in all the in-between moments says a lot about them. We love hearing how so many of them really get this right.
They make the room feel something
Great speakers have the ability to create emotional impact. One client shared this powerful moment with Richard Cabral: “Richard brought us all to tears but made it safe to be vulnerable in that space. This is a rare skill.”
Another said of their speaker: “April was easily one of the best speakers I’ve ever seen in person. Authentic, passionate, funny, real, and she was effortlessly able to create an instant connection with the audience.”
As you can see, emotional authenticity not only creates an immediate connection with the audience in the moment, but it makes a message stick long after the event ends. What more could an event planner ask for?
They spark ongoing change
The best speakers don’t just deliver insight; they spark transformation. One testimonial read: “Almost a month after his talk at our sales kickoff, my team members are still referencing concepts that Juan gave us. I can see evidence of the significant impression that Juan made in my day-to-day, not only in how my staff shows up, but in my own mindset.”
Another client described the impact of Dr. Kenneth Harris II this way: “His experiences made us realize that with dedication and guidance, we too can reach for the stars. Dr. Harris — Thank you for sharing your time, wisdom, and enthusiasm. Your impact on us is profound.”
When you book a speaker who can drive your audience to action, your events become a powerful tool for enacting positive change. When you see a speaker get feedback like this, you know you’re on the right track.
They’re approachable, relatable, and real
Many clients remember how a speaker made them feel, and the most appreciated moments often come from a speaker’s humility, humor, and openness. One said: “We work with some difficult clients so we have some armor…Richard made it safe to be vulnerable in that space.”
Another wrote of Arno Michaelis: “His storytelling offers raw honesty, poignant introspection, and wisdom. The candor and humor with which he shares his life story make him approachable and real.”
A similar sentiment came through in praise for Jamie Tworkowski: “Jamie was a wonderful speaker and honestly a very genuine and welcoming person. It was overall a wonderful experience!”
We all know how important “vibes” are these days. A speaker can knock it out of the park on stage, but how a speaker behaves beyond that in every little moment with the audience really shapes their impression.
They go above and beyond expectations
When a speaker exceeds expectations, it doesn’t go unnoticed. One client said: “Everything was so fabulous! Christopher Piehota delivered an incredibly impactful keynote. He didn’t just speak to the audience — he truly engaged with them, both during and after his remarks.”
Another shared: “Mike delivered an amazing presentation that truly set the tone for the entire conference. His presentation left us all inspired and energized. People are still talking about Mike’s presentation — it was a highlight of the event and raised the bar for future speakers.”
“Steve was so easy to work with,” another client wrote. “He made himself available to talk to guests in the green room. His talk was one of the top sessions noted by attendees.”
Joe Theismann also received high praise for his engagement: “We were so impressed with how interactive he was with our attendees. He was definitely a highlight of the event for so many people.”
It may seem like an oversimplification, but sometimes all it takes is a speaker who knows how to give that extra 10 percent of energy and enthusiasm on and off the stage. These presentations stand out among the rest and are the ones audiences rave about for years to come.
As a non-exclusive speakers bureau, AAE connects event planners with speakers who exemplify these traits. Because we work on behalf of event organizers — not exclusively for the speakers themselves — we’re able to share honest feedback from clients across thousands of events. It’s this behind-the-scenes perspective that helps event planners choose speakers not just for what they say, but for how they show up.
If you’re looking for someone who will go the extra mile for your audience, AAE Speakers may be the right partner to help you find them.
