Why the Best Keynote Speakers are Storytellers
December 26, 2025
Every event organization has the same recurring nightmare: a dull, soul-crushing keynote speaker who sends attendees into a zombie-like trance, and leaves your boss questioning your judgment in picking them.
Don't let your next conference suffer this fate! If you are looking for an insightful and entertaining speaker who will receive a great reaction from attendees, hire a storyteller.
Why the Best Keynote Speakers are Storytellers
Too many speakers today rely too heavily upon stats, buzzwords and slide decks.
The best speakers don't just spout out facts and numbers while attendees try to decipher the small font on their PowerPoint. Truly great speakers have real-world experience from which they can draw powerful stories that lead to insights.
Facts and figures are easily forgettable. Stories are interesting and memorable.
Humans remember stories far better than facts because narratives captivate the brain, tapping into our innate wiring to seek out and absorb compelling tales. Multiple studies have shown that information delivered as an emotional story (versus dry facts) activates sensory, emotional, and memory regions, releases oxytocin and cortisol, and boosts recall up to 22 times. The human brain is clearly designed for stories.
Audiences simply get more value from, and enjoy speakers who tell compelling stories.
When you think of the most memorable and dynamic speakers - Tony Robbins, Simon Sinek, Mel Robbins - one thing stands out: they are masterful storytellers. Even Jesus heavily relied upon stories to illustrate his points.
Why Speakers with Real-world Experience are More Effective
Truly powerful, dynamic speakers have lived the principles they preach. When they share real-world stories from their experiences, their authenticity is impactful on the audience.
We’ve all seen the speaker who knows the theory, yet has never actually led a team through a crisis, hired or fired someone they cared about, or sweated over a payroll deadline. They deliver a polished presentation full of abstract concepts. While academically sound, the talk is ultimately sterile.
The best speakers have real-world experience from which they share stories and learnings.
As a professional speaker myself, my commitment isn't to a textbook; it’s to the real experiences and lessons I've had over the years that can help other leaders succeed.
I've learned that I'm much more effective for my audiences when I share real, authentic experiences I've had. Facts and figures are important, but people react best when I share some of the unique leadership experiences I've had over the years - and what I've learned from them.
Why it Can be Effective to Hire a Humorous Keynote Speaker
Humor in a keynote speech can break down barriers, capture attention, boost information retention through emotional engagement, and make the speaker far more relatable.
According to a recent business study, audiences prefer humor in speeches because laughter triggers the release of dopamine in the brain's reward center, leading to deeper focus, stronger engagement, and significantly better long-term retention of the speaker's message.
I love opening speeches with unexpected, real-life stories from our team - like the time our CFO heroically tried to free a goose's leg from the jaws of a snapping turtle (yes, this actually happened). Or the story of when one of our IT guys, during a community service project, confidently rubbed what he insisted wasn't poison ivy all over his face... only to discover it very much was.
Stories like these immediately capture the audience's attention and have them laughing - plus, it's a great way for me to transition into an important point or lesson that came from the experience.
When you book a speaker who uses compelling, real-world stories with a little well-timed humor, your audience (and boss) will thank you.
How to Find a Keynote Speaker With Incredible Stories and Real-World Experience
Don't choose a speaker just because of their title or credentials. Choose a speaker based on his or her ability to tell compelling stories that will connect with your audience and make the message unforgettable.
Start by researching speakers who align closely with your industry, bring relevant leadership experience, or offer real-world insights that will directly benefit your specific audience. One effective approach may be to ask colleagues for recommendations. You can also discover strong candidates on platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube, or through reputable speaker directories such as Speakers Hub and the National Speakers Association (if you're looking for more tips, check out my recent blog article that delves deeper into how to find a great speaker).
Once you have a shortlist of names, take time to truly understand their mindset, insights, and delivery style. If they have a blog or book, read a few chapters or posts to grasp the core messages they'll share.
Most importantly, watch them in action. Review their speaker reel on YouTube, speaking clips on social media, and testimonials from past clients on their website. If possible, watch them speak in person.
If I can help shorten your journey, feel free to reach out to me. I speak at conferences across the country on topics like servant leadership and crafting an incredible work culture.
