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Virtual vs. In-Person Keynote Speakers: What Makes Each One Effective?

Event planning has evolved dramatically in recent years. Whether you’re organizing a global leadership summit or a small team meeting, chances are you’ve considered both virtual and in-person options — or even a hybrid approach.

But here’s what many planners overlook: the speaker who shines on a big stage isn’t always the same speaker who captivates through a webcam. Each format requires unique skills and traits.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

How to Evaluate a Keynote Speaker: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Book

When you’re tasked with planning an event, there’s a lot on the line: your budget, your organization’s reputation, and your audience’s time and attention. One of the biggest factors in whether your event hits the mark? The keynote speaker you choose.

The right speaker can educate, inspire, and motivate your audience to take action. But the wrong fit can leave your attendees disengaged — or worse, underwhelmed and disappointed. So how do you know you’re booking the right speaker for your audience and goals?

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

Angie Morgan: A Bold, Inspiring Voice in the World of Female Speakers

Today the role of the female speaker has never been more vital. At the forefront of that movement is Angie Morgan—a former U.S. Marine Corps captain, New York Times bestselling author, executive coach, and a sought-after keynote speaker who empowers individuals and organizations to embrace risk, lead with courage, and transform challenge into opportunity.

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The Modern Public Speaker Survival Kit (2025 Edition)

Public speaking today is about more than commanding a stage. It’s about creating a business, building a brand, and crafting a presence that extends well beyond the spotlight. Whether you're just exploring opportunities or are a seasoned professional, every public speaker needs the right tools to thrive.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

The Role of a Keynote Speaker: What You Need to Know for Your Next Event

In today's fast-paced world, the role of a keynote speaker has evolved into a pivotal element of memorable events. Gone are the days when simply having a renowned figure on stage guaranteed success.

Now, a successful keynote speaker must not only inspire but also engage and drive actionable insights tailored specifically for your audience.

Whether you're planning a corporate conference or a community gathering, understanding the intricacies of selecting and working with a keynote speaker can make all the difference.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

Jason Hewlett – The Keynote Speaker Who Makes a Promise and Keeps It

There’s no shortage of keynote speakers who can give a decent talk. But what if your next speaker didn’t just “deliver a keynote”—what if they delivered a moment your audience would never forget?

Enter Jason Hewlett.

Jason isn’t just a keynote speaker. He’s a seasoned performer, award-winning entertainer, comedian, and leadership expert who’s built a career around one powerful idea: The Promise.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

Virtual Keynote Speakers: A Smart, Flexible Solution for Your Next Event

If you're planning an event—whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid—you already know the power a great speaker can bring to the experience. They inspire your audience, align your team, and help deliver real value beyond the stage. But what happens when your audience is spread across cities, countries, or continents? That’s where virtual keynote speakers come in.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

Ignite Your Team: How Keynote Speaker John Rossman Builds Cultures of Innovation

Are you seeking a dynamic keynote speaker who can transform your organization's approach to innovation and leadership? John Rossman, a seasoned business strategist and former Amazon executive, is a powerful voice in the realm of "Big Bet Leadership." He's not just a bestselling author; he's a sought-after leadership speaker and innovation speaker who provides actionable insights for navigating the digital age. This blog post expands on Rossman's expertise, drawing from his podcast appearances, books, and website, to explore how he fosters cultures of innovation and emphasizes the transformative power of reading.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

The Impact of Motivational Speakers on Employee Engagement

Employee engagement isn’t just a corporate buzzword—it’s the key to business success. But how do you keep employees motivated and aligned with company goals? A powerful motivational speaker can reignite passion, strengthen leadership, and inspire teams to push past limitations. Discover how the right speaker can transform your workplace culture and drive real results.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

Unlocking the Secrets of AI: What You Need to Know (and Why It Matters)

Have you ever wondered how your phone recognizes your face, or how Netflix always seems to know what you want to watch next? That's Artificial Intelligence (AI) at work! It's not just science fiction anymore; it's changing everything around us. As a public speaker and someone deeply invested in understanding the impact of technology, I've been exploring the fascinating world of AI, and I want to share what I've learned with you.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

Empowering voices: Celebrating Our Inspirational Female Speakers

In honor of International Women's Month, we’re spotlighting the incredible female speakers who inspire, challenge, and empower audiences worldwide. From leadership and innovation to resilience and storytelling, these dynamic women bring fresh perspectives and actionable insights to every stage. Whether you're seeking motivation or game-changing strategies, their voices are shaping the future of business and beyond. Explore their stories and discover how they can elevate your next event.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

10 Key Attributes of effective speakers

What makes a great speaker truly unforgettable? Confidence, passion, and authenticity are just the beginning. In this blog, we break down the 10 essential attributes that set exceptional speakers apart—helping you find the perfect fit for your next event. Whether you're looking for a dynamic storyteller, an industry expert, or a speaker who can captivate any audience, The Kirkpatrick Agency has you covered. Explore the traits that make speakers stand out and discover how the right speaker can transform your event.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

How to Be Successful in Sales: The Key to Overcoming Customer Indecision

In the dynamic world of sales, staying ahead of the game is essential. Salespeople today face the formidable challenge of breaking through customer status quo and indecision. To conquer these obstacles, savvy sales professionals are employing the powerful playbook: The Jolt Effect.

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Stephen Kirkpatrick Stephen Kirkpatrick

How to Hire the Right Keynote Speaker For Your Event

When you're planning a conference or business event, the right keynote speaker can make all the difference. A truly great keynote speaker can captivate your audience, inspire real change, and leave a lasting impression long after the event wraps up. But finding the perfect speaker isn't always easy. It takes careful thought to make sure they align with your event's goals and truly connect with your audience.

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What a Sales Speaker Can Teach Sales Teams About Using Feedback to Overcome Buyer Indecision

In the fast-paced world of sales, where every interaction is a chance to win or lose a customer, one crucial element often stands out as a game-changer: feedback. It's no secret that customer indecision can be a formidable obstacle for salespeople, but getting to the heart of “why” or “how” a sale was won or lost (due to indecision or otherwise) is an important part of the sales training process.

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What today’s rainmakers do differently

As “doer-sellers,” professional services partners are responsible for not just delivering services but also the entire business-development process. As “rainmakers,” they must build awareness of their expertise in the market to generate demand, identify and close new client business, deliver the work to the client, and then renew and expand the relationship over time.

But there is a growing problem with this long-standing practice: Clients are much less loyal to firms and partners than they once were. Competition for business among professional services firms is intensifying, which has cast in sharp relief the troubling gap in the ability of high performers and core performers to bring in work.

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Why AI Needs You to Rethink Your Problem

Generative AI is like a magic trick. Applied to the right use cases, used with the right intent and the right guardrails, it yields amazing results. AI can shorten the playing field and accelerate all types of work. Rarely can generative AI score the touchdown…complete a somewhat difficult function.

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5 Base-level Skills Every Salesperson Should Have

In the evolving world of B2B sales, success is often a game of inches, with wins against competitors by the smallest of margins. Customers are overloaded with choices and information and decisions are stalling out at alarming rates, with more than half of deals being lost to no decision. Today's sales professionals must possess a repertoire of fundamental skills to stand out against competitors and win more often. With that in mind, here are 5 base-level skills every salesperson should master.

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