Keynote Speaking Live and Virtually | Waldo Waldman and Freddie Ravel | 404

An interview with Waldo Waldman & Freddie Ravel that originally aired on November 3rd, 2021, as part of Leveraging Thought Leadership Live on LinkedIn. In March of 2020, the keynote speaking business came to a grinding halt. Before Covid-19, many speakers were predicting a record-breaking year for events and conventions. During the pandemic's height, speakers and live workshops went on hiatus, hoping the shutdown wouldn't last long. But a few visionaries forged new ways forward, using technology and innovation to help them deliver their message. To discuss how keynote speaking changed during the pandemic and where keynote speaking is going in the future, I invited two of the best in the business to join me. Waldo "The Wingman" Waldman is the bestselling author of Never Fly Solo: Lead with Courage, Build Trusting Partnerships, and Reach New Heights in Business, and a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame. He speaks around the world on the topics of trust and teamwork. Freddie Ravel is a Grammy Award-winning musician who delivers dynamic multimedia "keynote concerts" on leadership, sales, and performance. In this episode, we explore how each of our guests has pivoted their innovative style of keynote speaking to a virtual platform, using video and technology to connect with clients and audiences. Even with huge advancements in technology, speakers will still be faced with the difficulty of proving their value in a virtual setting, in order to maintain price integrity. Waldo warns that speakers who are not adept with (or willing to learn) new technology are going to be shot down. Freddie explains how he created a custom home setup that allows him to bring messages and music to audiences in a dozen time zones — all at once. We further discuss the way additional products and solutions can give your virtual keynote an advantage, and create momentum that sustains change and creates actionable items for anyone who attends. This is an insightful conversation into the ways that keynoters have sustained and grown their businesses using hybrid models, technology, and innovation. Come and listen — this information is sure to be useful to anyone operating in a speakers' arena. Three Key Takeaways: * When speaking virtually, you need a clear picture of your audience's needs and interests, and an understanding of their pain points, in order to connect with them emotionally. * Regardless of how you deliver your thought leadership speaking, content is king. * Be ready to offer follow-up products and solutions that will ensure your message goes further.