If you're stepping into the world of public speaking, you’ve likely come across the terms keynote speaker and guest speaker. While both play an important role at events, their responsibilities, impact, and even pay can differ significantly. Knowing the distinction can help you position yourself more effectively and choose the right speaking opportunities to grow your career.

Think of an event like a movie. The keynote speaker is the main star—the one who delivers a powerful message that sets the tone and sticks with the audience long after the event ends. Meanwhile, the guest speaker is like a supporting actor, providing valuable insights that enhance the overall experience. Both roles are essential, but they serve different purposes.

So, what exactly makes them different? And which one should you aim for in your speaking career? Let’s break it down.

What is a Keynote Speaker?

A keynote speaker is the headliner of the event, delivering the speech that sets the tone and theme. They are often brought in to inspire, educate, or challenge the audience with a big-picture message. Whether they open or close the event, their speech is typically the most anticipated.

Key Responsibilities of a Keynote Speaker:

• Deliver a high-impact speech that aligns with the event’s goals.

• Engage and motivate the audience with a compelling message.

• Provide thought leadership or big-picture insights on a subject.

• Open or close an event with a memorable, inspiring presentation.

• Often receive the highest speaking fees due to their influence and impact.

Examples of Keynote Speakers:

• A world-renowned leadership expert opening a corporate retreat.

• A well-known entrepreneur sharing industry insights at a tech conference.

• A motivational speaker delivering an empowering talk at a graduation ceremony.

What is a Guest Speaker?

A guest speaker is typically invited to share their expertise on a specific topic during an event. Unlike a keynote speaker, their role is not to define the entire event’s tone but to provide additional insights that support the overall agenda.

Key Responsibilities of a Guest Speaker:

• Offer valuable insights based on expertise, industry experience, or research.

• Speak in panels, breakout sessions, or workshops rather than the main stage.

• Contribute to discussions or educational sessions at an event.

• Engage in Q&A sessions to provide deeper insights to attendees.

• May be paid, offered an honorarium, or speak for exposure, depending on the event.

Examples of Guest Speakers:

• A marketing specialist presenting a case study in a breakout session.

• A panelist discussing the future of artificial intelligence at a tech summit.

• A health expert speaking about wellness trends at a medical conference.

Key Differences: Keynote Speaker vs. Guest Speaker

Which Role is Best for You?

Both roles offer valuable speaking opportunities, but the right fit depends on your experience, goals, and speaking style.

• If you want to inspire large audiences, command high fees, and be the highlight of an event, aim to become a keynote speaker.

• If you prefer educating, engaging in discussions, or building credibility through speaking engagements, guest speaking is a great starting point.

Many professional speakers start as guest speakers, building their reputation and expertise before transitioning to keynote opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Speaking Career

Whether you pursue keynote speaking or guest speaking, both roles can help you grow your personal brand, expand your network, and establish yourself as an authority in your industry.

Looking for more speaking opportunities? Create a SpeakerHUB profile to connect with event organizers, showcase your expertise, and book more speaking engagements. With the right positioning and experience, you can secure both keynote and guest speaking roles to elevate your public speaking career.