Lessons from the Stage: What Keynote Speaking for 10+ Years Has Taught Me

 

Let’s get one thing straight: standing on a stage, mic in hand, eyes locked with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of people, isn’t for the faint of heart. But after more than a decade as a keynote speaker, I can tell you…it’s one of the most exhilarating, rewarding, and yes, very humbling, things I’ve ever done. I’m so pumped that God chose me for this journey. There’s nothing like walking in the purpose you know you were meant for!

If there’s ONE thing speaking has taught me, it’s that it’s about so much more than delivering a message. Yes, the content is important. But even more than delivering a slam-dunk keynote talk, it’s about creating unforgettable engagement that lasts far beyond an event. It’s about showing up fully—not just for said time slot, but for the experience as a whole. 

As you’d imagine, I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I want to pause to share some of my most impactful lessons with you. The reality is that so much of what I’ve had the opportunity to do is a result of learning from others. I’ve watched great speakers, invested in coaching, and I know that any great opportunity I’ve been given has only been made possible by PEOPLE.

I hope these lessons empower you to embrace the gifts you have and to SPEAK when given the chance—no matter the crowd size! The world needs to hear from you. 

Oh, and by the way…if you’re NOT a keynote speaker (or someone who wants to be), these lessons can literally apply to ANY area of life. I encourage you to read this with an open mind and heart and consider how you can embrace these lessons on whatever path you’re walking. 

Let’s dive in. 

 

1. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable.

Real Talk: There’s no growth in the comfort zone. I’ve bombed. I’ve had clickers fail mid-slide. I’ve misread a room. And guess what? Every single time, I walked away better. The only way to master the stage is to spend time on it—repeatedly putting yourself in situations where you have to adapt, adjust, and push through.

2. Feedback is FUEL. 

Speaking of getting uncomfortable, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is to ask for feedback. And actually listen to it. I don’t just mean the polite, “Great job, Billy!” comments. I mean the real, unfiltered stuff. The content tweaks, the “Hey, that joke didn’t quite land” kind of feedback.I know we all like the fuzzy, positive feedback…and there’s a place for that. But remember: Growth comes from refining, not just repeating. 

(Check out a LinkedIn post I wrote about this topic HERE)

3. Know the Client’s Vision Inside and Out. 

It seems like a no-brainer to know your client’s vision…and most keynote speakers will say that it’s important to them. But when I say one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is to know their vision/mission, I mean REALLY know it. Why? Because I’m not just showing up to an event to talk—I’m there to align. The best speakers don’t just deliver a message; they amplify the client’s vision. That means deeply understanding their goals, their culture, their people. It’s about crafting a talk that doesn’t just resonate—it sticks and makes next-day impact that keeps on giving. 

I know. You’re busy. Your calendar is full. Same here, my friend. But I have learned that taking the extra time it takes to fully understand your client goes a long, long way. And trust me—the audience can feel this. Oh, and spoiler alert…this can be the thing that creates the long-lasting relationships with clients that we all desire. 

Insider Tip: This is something I walk through with my coaching clients. Together, we build a simple but CLEAR plan for how to really know their clients on a deeper level before they speak. Same with understanding their audience! You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll keep on shouting: preparation precedes success. I really believe in this one. 

4. The Extra Mile is Never Crowded. 

It’s the little things that separate the great speakers from the good ones (again, apply this to any role or area of life). But are you DOING the little things? 

I’ll never forget being at an event where I saw someone with great influence literally cleaning up spilled/melted ice cream in the middle of the experience. This image is forever in my mind…and do you know why? Because this dude’s humility was NEXT LEVEL. He was clearly not there to clean up ice cream, but that didn’t matter. He was there to serve, and his actions proved it. 

So you’re showing up as a keynote speaker? Great. Pick up that piece of trash you see in the lobby. Engage and get to know the production team. High-five the attendees before and after you speak. Look for opportunities to add value, and do it. 

5. It All Comes Down to One Thing: PEOPLE. 

Early in my career, I focused so much on delivery. Getting the pacing right, nailing the transitions, landing the jokes…all super important and valuable, even today. But I learned something the hard way: if I wasn’t fully connecting with the audience, none of that mattered. 

Content matters. Delivery matters. But at the core of every great talk? People. I don’t step on stage to perform. I step on stage to connect. The stories I tell, the energy I bring, the way I engage…it’s all about making people feel seen, understood, and inspired to take action.

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At the end of the day, my goal is simple: make every moment on stage unforgettable. Not because of me, but because of the impact left behind. Speaking has taught me that when you show up with energy, humility, and a heart for people, you don’t just deliver a talk that will soon be forgotten…you create an experience.

So, to every speaker, aspiring or seasoned: embrace the discomfort, welcome the feedback, go the extra mile, and always, always put people first. That’s where the magic happens.

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WAYS TO WORK WITH ME: 

✅ Need a speaker? If you’re looking for a keynote speaker who brings energy, engagement, and real-world insight, let’s talk. I work with event planners all the time, and I know how to make your job easier. I’d love to be part of your event.

✅ Need help finding the right speaker? I can consult with you to make sure you book someone who’s the perfect fit.

✅ Want to be a better speaker yourself? I offer speaker coaching to help you own the stage with confidence.

Let’s connect and make your event unforgettable!

CLICK HERE TO REACH OUT—I can't wait to hear from you.

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