Keynote Speech Timing

I've delivered 500+ keynotes. Here's a pro-tip for speaking/presenting. Your pre-performance ritual isn't optional. It's essential. The difference between good and transformational always comes down to those final 15 minutes. HERE'S MY NON-NEGOTIABLE RITUAL: T-minus 30 minutes: Tech check complete. No more logistics. T-minus 15 minutes: Complete isolation begins. This is when I start programming my nervous system for peak state. T-minus 10 minutes: Active preparation. I pace backstage, repeating my opening lines until they're cellular: "Change itself has changed..." "When we think about transformation..." "Let me tell you about the moment..." T-minus 5 minutes: Full state activation. No conversations. No distractions. Just presence. Why this matters: Your opening determines everything. If those first 30 seconds land perfectly, you're in flow for the entire presentation. If they don't, you spend 10 minutes trying to find your rhythm. THE SCIENCE: Your prefrontal cortex can hold 7±2 pieces of information. Your opening sequence needs all of that bandwidth. A "quick chat" deletes 3-4 of those slots. Now you're on stage trying to REMEMBER your opening instead of BEING it. FOR SPEAKERS/PRESENTERS: Protect your ritual. Write it into your contract: "15-minute isolation period before stage time required for optimal performance." This isn't being difficult. It's being professional. FOR THOSE HIRING SPEAKERS: Want maximum impact? Give us space to create it. We're not being antisocial. We're preparing to transform your audience. Think of us like athletes before a game or surgeons before surgery. The ritual isn't preference, it's preparation. THE FRAMEWORK: 1. Decide your optimal activation time (10-30 minutes) 2. Communicate boundaries clearly and early 3. Design your ritual for YOUR nervous system 4. Practice until it's automatic 5. Never apologize for protecting your performance Your boundaries aren't limitations. They're the architecture of excellence. What pre-performance ritual would unlock your next level?

In a world where attention is fleeting and virtual fatigue is real, how can you successfully host online events? Here are 9 essentials to keep in mind: 1. Start with a Compelling Opening Your opening should grab attention, set the tone, build anticipation and give people a reason to stay. 2. Make Eye Contact Look directly into the camera to create a sense of connection. If you're using a teleprompter or script, keep it at eye level to maintain that engagement. 3. Mind Your Facial Expression People are paying close attention to your face. They can see when you’re smiling, or when you appear bored, upset, or frustrated. Be conscious of your expression. 4. Manage Your Energy Your energy drives the entire experience. If you seem disengaged or flat, your audience will tune out. 5. Build Emotional Connections Use personal stories, relatable examples, and analogies. These human elements help your message resonate on a deeper level. 6. Engage the Audience Make your audience part of the experience. Use polls, Q&A, or chat prompts to keep them actively involved. 7. Be Clear and Concise Attention spans online are shorter. Get to the point quickly, and use clear language. 8. Use Visual Aids and Multimedia Use images, short videos, graphics, and animations that support your message. However, don’t overload your slides with text. 9. Check Your Tech Setup Poor lighting, audio, camera quality, or an unstable internet connection can lead to frustration and reduced participation. Test in advance. Hope this helps. I’m Temi Badru, a professional event MC for physical, virtual, and hybrid events. I also train individuals and teams in public speaking and effective communication. #temibadru #voicesandfaces #eventhost #mc #moderator #speaker #events

Brilliant ideas die if your audience doesn’t engage. Your message is too important to let this happen. Planning how you’ll keep your audience engaged is so simple and so critical. There’s a ton of advice out there, but here are 3 of the most impactful tips I’ve learned over the years: 1. Win the first 30 seconds. You have half a minute (that’s it!) to capture your audience’s attention, and make them want to hear more before their minds begin to wander. Don’t waste this critical window with a lengthy intro or background info. Instead, interact with your audience immediately: - Share a startling statistic relevant to their challenges - Tell a quick story that establishes common ground - Ask them to raise their hands in response to a question Your audience is quietly asking themselves: “What does this have to do with me?” If you can answer that question in the first 30 seconds, you’ve won half the battle. 2. Move with purpose. Your physical presence dramatically impacts engagement. If you’re too still, you could come across as rigid and boring.   If you move too much, you could distract your audience from actually hearing what you have to say. The key is intentional movement that supports your message: - Move to a different part of the stage when transitioning to a new topic - Step toward the audience when making an important point - Use gestures that visually reinforce your verbal message Purposeful movement helps maintain visual interest and emphasizes key points. 3. Make your slides enhance, not compete. Your slides should never become the main event. YOU are the presentation. Create visuals that pass what we call the "Glance Test". Your audience should be able to understand a slide in 3 seconds or less. If they can’t, it’s too confusing, and you need to make it simple. Remember: slides are like seasoning. They should enhance your message, but never become the main course. The difference between a presentation that inspires action and one that’s instantly forgotten isn't just about your content… It’s about maintaining the precious resource of your audience’s attention. Have you found any other effective ways to keep your audience’s attention? Tell me in the comments. #presentationskills #audienceengagement #businesscommunication

🚨Your posting time matters! Whether you're a business, organization or personal brand aiming to connect with your target audience, the time at which you post can make a significant difference in your online success. It's not merely about posting whenever you find time or when the mood strikes, but rather, it's about taking into account crucial factors that can determine the success of your content, including:- 1️⃣Understanding Your Audience's Active Hours: Diverse demographics exhibit varying online routines. For instance, if your target audience encompasses professionals, sharing during their working hours might not yield optimal results. Instead, you should aim for early mornings, lunch breaks, or evenings when they are more likely to be active. 2️⃣Time Zone Considerations: If your potential customers span the globe, considering time differences when deciding your optimal posting time is essential. The goal is to reach them during their peak online hours, regardless of their geographical location. 3️⃣Tailored Timing for Different Platforms: Each social media platform has its unique peak usage times. For instance, LinkedIn often experiences higher engagement on weekdays, whereas Facebook tends to see more activity during weekends. Recognizing these patterns can empower you to fine-tune your posting schedule. 4️⃣Consistency is Key: Maintaining a consistent posting schedule enables your audience to anticipate your content. Whether it's daily, or weekly, a dependable posting schedule builds trust and fosters engagement. 5️⃣Seasonal Relevance: Consider the season and the nature of your content. For example, if your business offers holiday promotions, posting well in advance of the season can spark more interest and drive higher sales. 6️⃣Experimentation and Analysis: Not all audiences are identical, and what resonates with one might not resonate with another. Experimenting with different posting times and analyzing the results is essential. Social media analytics tools are invaluable for gaining insights into when your audience is most active and engaged. By aligning your posting schedule with your target audience's peak hours, you will definitely witness enhanced visibility and engagement, ultimately leading to more profitable outcomes. #socialemediamarketing #socialmedia #digitalmarketingstrategy #digitalmarketing #digitalmarketingservices #digitalmarketingconsultant

How energetic are your presentations? On a scale from 1 to 10? In my CEO coachings, I always ask this question. The answer is usually 7-8. Then we record a presentation and review. The reaction? “OMG, there’s no energy.” What feels like a high-octane 8 is often a meh 5. The problem: If the presenter doesn’t bring the energy, the audience won’t feel it either. As a result, they lose interest. “If you aren’t passionate about this, why should I be?” they wonder. Rightly so. Here are 7 strategies you can use to energize your next presentation: 🔋 Flip Your Energy Switch ⤷ Before you start, move, jump around, drink coffee - whatever works for you. (Unless you are nervous. In that case: breathe and relax.) 🔊 Ensure it Feels “Over the Top” ⤷ Your delivery must feel over the top. If the energy level feels right, it is usually too low.  🪝 Start Strong with a Hook ⤷ First impressions! Grab your audience’s attention from the start. Avoid low-energy introductions like “thank you, my name is, today we talk about …” 🤸 Move Your Body ⤷ Don’t be a statue. Use purposeful movements and gestures to emphasize key points.   🎶 Vary Your Tone and Pace ⤷ Energy isn’t about speed alone; it’s about contrast. Change your tone, volume, and pace to keep your audience tuned in. 👂 Use Attention Hooks Throughout  ⤷ Use stories or unanswered questions every 2 minutes to keep the audience engaged.  👥 Involve the Audience ⤷ Ask questions, encourage responses, and create a dialogue. Engagement isn’t just about you—make it a two-way street! ♻️ Please share with your network and follow Oliver Aust for more practical tips on leadership communication.

People criticized Nike for this campaign, and it served as a marketing lesson that every global company needs to understand. The London Marathon is one of the world's major marathons. This year, it attracted over 55,645 participants. Hence, making it a natural fit for Nike's marketing efforts. Their campaign copy was - "Never Again. Until Next Year." Quite interesting to capture that familiar feeling runners have after completing the 26.2-mile race. Anyone who has run a marathon knows this sentiment - you're exhausted, you swear you'll never do it again, but somehow you're back the following year. ➡️However, the phrase "Never Again" holds deep historical significance. It originated as a solemn vow after the Holocaust, when 2 out of every 3 European Jews were killed. This phrase became a commitment to ensure such atrocities would never happen again. ➡️The campaign's timing was particularly sensitive, launching close to Yom HaShoah, which is Holocaust Remembrance Day observed annually to honor the memory of those lost. What this situation teaches us about marketing is the importance of cultural context in global campaigns. For marketers working on global campaigns, this highlights three important considerations: 1. Diverse perspectives in creative review processes help identify potential cultural sensitivities. 2. Understanding historical context becomes crucial when your audience spans different cultures and communities. 3. Thorough research into local customs and significant dates can prevent unintended conflicts. It doesn’t mean that you should avoid bold, creative ideas. They do work, but ensure those ideas work across all the communities you're trying to reach. What do you think about this campaign? #nike #marketing

I'm tired of hearing PR = traditional media. Most agencies are getting it wrong too. 🙃 It isn’t… The NY Times The WSJ  <Insert any other big-name publication> people get excited about Even if you land in a top-tier publication, chances are people will read about it like you are right now - on their LinkedIn feed - rather than the actual media platform where it was published. These traditional platforms may provide varying degrees of credibility, but they don't provide distribution. Today, EVERYTHING is media. Here’s what that might look like: Targeted Content: - Niche Podcasts: Identify the specific podcast your ideal CIO (Chief Information Officer),  CMO (Chief Marketing Officer), or whoever listens to based on their industry and interests. These podcasts are GOLD for moving prospects from awareness to consideration. - Curated Newsletters: Seek out targeted Substack newsletters relevant to your niche, not just "gems." Think "Bankless" for crypto enthusiasts or "The Information" for tech insiders. - Engaging Collaborations: Partner with influencers who genuinely understand your audience and know how to engage them on platforms like Instagram Live. Look for influencers who spark conversations and promote meaningful interactions. - LinkedIn Fireside Chats: Host live-streamed chats with industry leaders and your CEO, and top clients. This adds credibility and attracts a wider audience. - Leveraging Trends: Create TikTok accounts or tie into those that creatively engage with relevant trends and topics specific to your industry. Interactive & Community-Driven: - Virtual Conferences: Participate in or host virtual conferences that attract your target audience, offering valuable content and networking opportunities. - Twitch Streams: Consider live-streaming on Twitch for real-time interaction, especially if your target market is tech-savvy or in the gaming industry. - Reddit AMAs: Host Reddit AMAs (Ask Me Anything) on relevant subreddits to directly engage with your audience and answer their questions in an informal setting. - Pinterest Boards: Create curated Pinterest boards around themes your target market actively searches for, showcasing your brand's expertise and visual appeal. Content with Reach & Impact: - YouTube Channels: These channels have content optimized for search, and one interview alone can drive targeted traffic. - Data-Driven Insights: Prioritize creating content backed by data and industry insights that your target market craves, like reports, white papers, or infographics. Remember: If you aren't seeing the results you want with PR, it's almost ALWAYS one of two things. Either your definition of media is too narrow (and hence, strategies are outdated and underperforming), and/or you don't have a distribution plan to go with it. #pr #publicrelations #strategiccommunications #marketing #tech #b2b

I MISSED THE OPPORTUNITIES! There was a time when I would speak at events and not fully seize the opportunities before me. Too focused on the performance of my talk, I overlooked the chance to build my network and meet potential collaborators. I realised I needed to make the most of each speaking opportunity. So I put together a strategy to connect more effectively with my audience, ensuring every interaction could lead to deeper relationships and future collaborations. Here’s how I changed my approach to audience engagement: ONE ↳ Meet and greet networking - I started actively networking with my audience, treating it like a meet and greet. This face-to-face interaction made my presence more memorable and personal. TWO ↳ Resource kit via QR Code - I created a QR code for attendees to scan, giving them access to a resource kit related to my talk, like a parting gift that keeps giving. This could be my slides or additional content to help them take further action. THREE ↳ Business literature - I ensured that everyone could leave with my contact information through well-crafted business literature, making it easy for them to reach out later. FOUR ↳ Collaboration with organisers - I worked with event organisers to feature in their follow-up emails. This not only reinforced my message but also kept my name in circulation among the attendees. FIVE ↳ Post-talk conversations - Staying behind to answer questions or have further discussions showed my commitment to the audience beyond just delivering a talk. And guess what? It worked. These steps didn’t just enrich my speaking engagements; they turned each appearance into a networking opportunity. I started building a strong network, discovering great opportunities, and developing long-term relationships. Now, every time I step off the stage, the conversation isn’t over; it’s just beginning. Engaging with the audience post-talk has taught me that the true value of speaking engagements often comes after the applause stops. It’s all about the follow-up. To anyone looking to make the most out of their speaking opportunities: Don’t just share your knowledge, be ready to build lasting connections. It’s these relationships that will carry your message further and open new doors. To your successes, Zoe

The $150k Project I Almost Lost – And How I Saved It in the Final Hour One time, I was leading a project to build a custom payment system for a globally recognized retail brand. Everything seemed to be running smoothly- until it wasn’t. Scope creep, misaligned teams across time zones, and a surprise vendor fee threatened to derail the entire project. I knew I had to act fast. And I use the same Project Rescue Framework every time: Rescue Technique #1: Scope Reprioritization How it works: - Identify non-critical features that can be pushed to Phase 2. - Hold an emergency steering committee to align on priorities. - Focus the team’s effort on delivering the core features first. Rescue Technique #2: Vendor Leverage How it works: - Source quotes from alternative vendors, even if you plan to stick with the original. - Use competitor pricing to renegotiate terms with your current vendor. - Cut down unnecessary licensing fees without impacting quality. Quick note: Don’t threaten to switch vendors hastily – that can burn bridges. A calm and strategic renegotiation works far better. Rescue Technique #3: Time Zone Synchronization How it works: - Avoid relying solely on email updates. - Set up early-morning and late-night syncs with global teams. (not lengthier ones though) - Ensure daily check-ins across regions to avoid communication gaps. If you avoid waiting for the next business day and maintain real-time syncs, you’ll get faster progress Easy, right? Rescue Technique #4: Stakeholder Transparency How it works: - Communicate risks as soon as they arise. - Always Present options, not just problems. - Align on solutions with full stakeholder buy-in. Rescue Technique #5: Budget Guardrails How it works: - Always leave buffer room in the budget for unexpected costs. - Track expenses weekly, not monthly. - Keep stakeholders informed about budget fluctuations early. That’s it! Let me know which one of these techniques you found most helpful in the comments. Happy to dive deeper into any of these strategies in a follow-up post.

I'm noticing an interesting phenomenon happening on social media: The rise of silent supporters. People who consume tons of content but don't actually engage in the feed since many platforms (including X) publicly showcase "likes" & "replies". The only reason why I know this is because it's been happening to me. I obsessively track this stuff, constantly checking who are the people engaging with my content. Once in a while, I will have a conversation with someone who references multiple posts that I've done. The interesting part is oftentimes they didn't even engage with the post but consumed and maybe even shared it with their team (which in this case, a share is even better). But I guess this brings up the question of engagement in general and how valuable it really is? Yes, it should be used to track performance and even sentiment. But this doesn't fully showcase the impact that your content is having with your audience. 7 ideas that should help with this: 1) Have conversations with people who are engaging with your content and ask for feedback (so that you can replicate what's working) 2) Setup calls with people who follow you but maybe haven't engaged with your content (you might find that they love your content but just don't engage on social) 3) Allow people to join a private community or newsletter (and track engagement such as opens, sessions, etc.) 4) Host virtual or in-person events to deepen the relationship with your audience (you may find that they become more publicly supportive after they've attended an event, I know this is true for me) 5) Do more outbound community management (make it a daily goal of interacting with 5 different followers per day) 6) Test out different content formats (sometimes people may be supportive of you and what you stand for, but just don't learn or enjoy consuming the content format that you produce -- try video, photo, infographic, short form, long form, etc.) 7) Try different forms of engagement (like polls, questions, AMAs, etc.). Some people might not even use the "like" button but may be willing to respond to a question (or have a question to ask you if they were prompted to do so) As people become more inundated with social media, it's up to us as creators to find different ways of measuring our impact (as well as coming up with ideas to keep our audiences engaged along the way).