You might’ve been to events or watched an online video of keynote speakers. Did it ever cross your mind why certain speeches of these speakers leave a lasting impact? It’s so impactful that it inspires people to change their behavior or beliefs. For instance, have you been to an event where a speaker’s words stuck with you long after they went down the stage? It’s as if their message just resonated with you and you’ve been put under a spell. But the thing is, it’s not just good storytelling or magic, there’s actually some science behind it. Keynote speakers are masters of persuasion that harness psychological principles to make us rethink our choices and behaviors. And in this blog, we’ll dive into the captivating world of persuasion science and explore how keynote speakers work their magic.
1. The Power of Credibility
When seeking medical advice, you’re more likely to trust a doctor than a lawyer, right? That’s simply credibility at play and one of the foundational elements of persuasion is credibility. With keynote speakers, they often come in with an abundance of field expertise which gives them credibility and makes them instantly trustworthy. When you trust the speaker, you can be persuaded by their messages and you are more likely to trust and accept their ideas, even if it means changing your ways.
2. Emotional Resonance
Our feelings play an important role in what we do and our emotions can impact our decision-making. With keynote speakers being the experts at being able to tap into their audience’s emotional core, an emotional connection is created. By telling stories, sharing personal experiences, and giving relatable examples, it hits you right in the feels! And with that emotional connection, you become emotionally invested and now more likely to be open to change.
3. The Power of Social Proof
Ever noticed how crowded restaurants tend to look more appealing? We humans are naturally social beings who influence one another on how to behave. It’s simply social proof at play. Keynote speakers can employ the principle of social proof by throwing in stories of folks who’ve successfully changed their behavior for the better. When you see other people doing it, you’ll think that it’s the natural thing to do. So your tendency is to mimic their actions and behaviors.
4. Commitment and Consistency
One of the things that people tend to be consistent with is their past choices, commitments, and actions. This psychological principle can be used by keynote speakers to get you to make small commitments. They can encourage you by starting small with initial commitments that can eventually create a sense of alignment and identity with their message. And you’ll find yourself following through with these behaviors that can lead to bigger changes down the road.
5. Fear as a motivator
Fear can be used as a motivational tool. By showing the audience the consequences of not embracing change and maintaining current behaviors that aren’t helpful, keynote speakers can paint a picture of this un-ideal situation in the minds of the listeners. In turn, this can serve as a wake-up call and create a sense of urgency for us to take action and work our way around those consequences.
6. Authority Figures and Influence
The principle of authority suggests that people are more likely to follow the guidance of experts so we tend to look up to experts and follow their advice. Keynote speakers often have authority or are perceived as authority figures in their field. When they speak and impart their knowledge, it’s like getting insider information. As a result, you’re more likely to listen and adopt the recommended behaviors.
7. The Element of Surprise
Everyone loves a good surprise, don’t we? Just as much as we love surprises, keynote speakers love throwing in unexpected twists, mind-blowing ideas, or surprising questions. Novelty and surprise can capture an audience’s attention and make a message more memorable. It also keeps you on your toes and encourages audience engagement to be receptive to their message.
To sum it all up, keynote speakers aren’t just charismatic orators and smooth talkers, they’re skilled in the art of persuasion. By leveraging principles of credibility, emotional resonance, social proof, consistency, fear, authority, and surprise, they can influence behavior change in profound ways. Whether it’s getting you to embrace new company values or convincing individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, they’re catalysts for positive transformation. So, the next time you’re listening to a speaker, keep an eye out for their magic—they might just make you want to change the world, one talk at a time.