Not all speaking engagements are created equal, and similar as one event may be to another, no two are ever really the same. Especially when considering whether to book a keynote speaker or a moderated Q&A session, also known in industry terms as a fireside chat.

There’s no one-size-fits-all template to follow, no way to package and sell cookie-cutter charisma. It’s an art—a science—to pair the right speaker to the right event. It’s about getting the maximum for your event and from your speaker.

It’s about setting the stage correctly. 

Your first crossroads (beyond the topic, location, and logistics): pairing the speaker to the commitment. Are you looking for a keynote speaker, or do you want to dabble in conversation? Is this a lesson to be taught with formal speaking decorum, or is this a curated chance for candid connection?

Here, we’d like to explore two of our most popular bookings: Keynote Speakers vs. Q&A Sessions.

First, a quick look at each.

Speakers Better Suited for the Q&A

We like to call these “curated conversations” because really, that’s all they are. 

In every way, they are meant to make the speaker feel comfortable on the stage, able to cut loose. From personal stories to personal or professional advice, it’s an authentic interaction with real power to imprint on the audience. 

The moderator plays an essential role here, and their importance cannot be overstated.

Because it is their job to drive the conversation, the interaction, and the experience, you can't just phone it in. C-level executives with a bit of charisma often step in here (adding an undeniable element of gravitas), but local media figures can also be hired to moderate. Really, you need to pick someone who can tactfully steer the conversation directly toward your goals.

Speakers who have stories to share—but who are not trained in the art of stagecraft—shine brightest in this format. Athletes, in particular, find themselves atop a list that includes musicians, actors, celebrities, and others who cultivate mass appeal. 

Check out the video below for a fantastic example from South by Southwest 2024—in which Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Katie Couric, Errin Haines, Brooke Shields, and Nancy Wang Yuen all took the stage together for a panel-style fireside chat on International Women's Day.

Speakers Better Suited for Keynote Engagements

Are you in the market to learn something? To offer your audience exclusive experience, insight, or inspiration?

Then you’re looking for a keynote speaker. 

Entrepreneurs and educators, innovators and thought leaders, these are the individuals who bring not just knowledge, but transformative ideas to the table. Magical ideas, even! Check this TED Talk where David Blaine teaches how he held his breath for 17 minutes, if you won't take our word for it. 

Not enough? Maybe this clip on How to Spot a Liar will win you over. Still need an example? Check out the clip below and let Tim Urban take you inside the mind of a Master Procrastinator. (Editor's note: we just call those "writers" around here.)

They stand at the forefront of change, embodying the spirit of progress and the pursuit of excellence. Their stories are not just narratives; they are blueprints for innovation, pathways to personal and professional growth. With each word, they challenge the status quo, inviting the audience into a realm of endless possibilities.

Whether it’s a breakthrough in technology, a new approach to leadership, or a fresh perspective on wellness, a keynote speaker doesn’t just fill a time slot—they redefine it.

Booking Your Next Event

We’d love to help set up your next engagement—no matter what it might be.

Please contact us here, and let’s start the conversation about creating an unforgettable experience.

With a roster of speakers that spans the globe and expertise that covers the spectrum of human endeavor, we’re here to connect you with voices that not only speak but resonate.

Whether it's sparking innovation with a keynote or fostering connection through a Q&A, our goal is to elevate your event from memorable to transformative. Reach out today, and let’s make magic happen.