Are you thinking of being a keynote speaker? Ever wonder why and how some keynote speakers make it to the big time while others are stuck at small events? How about why some speakers inspire us to change our lives, while others inspire us to check our phones? The most amazing speakers can get us feeling excited, inspired and motivated while providing insights and stories you can quote for years.

As an exec of a leading business speakers bureau for almost 12 years, I’ve witnessed some of the best keynote speakers and some that, let’s just say, have opportunities for growth. Over the years, I’ve found the best keynote speakers are similar to great stand-up comedians or actors. They’ve spent the time and effort researching their industry, developing their craft and polishing the experience so they can deliver to the audience.

If you’re a business entrepreneur who wants to give more talks or a professional keynote speaker who wants to reach the next level, here are my tips for becoming an amazing keynote speaker.

Spend The Time

The most important element to becoming an amazing speaker is time. Keynote speakers who are commercially successful invest a substantial amount of time developing their speaking. They treat it as their full-time vocation, not just a one-off gig.

he best speakers are constantly honing their craft, doing all the tasks on this list. They don’t do things halfway. If you aren’t willing to spend the time to improve, chances are you’ll not reach the goal of being an amazing speaker.

Get Feedback And Learn

Amazing keynote speakers are always gathering professional and personal feedback to improve their performance. Many hire speaking coaches to help develop their talk and presentation skills. You can find many great ones online.

However, they not only get feedback from professionals, but they also record their own talks so they can land the joke, sell the story or simplify the idea. Invest in a nice tripod and camera so you can record your presentations.

Do The Research

Amazing speakers have done the research or lived the experience. They don’t repeat the same facts or tell the same stories as other speakers because they have gone deeper into the topic from personal research or experience.

You’ll find that the most amazing speakers have accomplished something. They have written books, led companies, built businesses, won championships or survived a crisis. If you haven’t done anything amazing, you won’t become an amazing speaker.

Hire Writers And Designers

Amazing speakers don’t have to be audio/visual design experts or stand-up comedians. The best speakers concentrate on the content and hire professionals to improve the rest.

Hire a graphic designer to design a flashy presentation, a video editor to create an amazing video or a joke writer to lighten your talk. Let them do what they do best so you can focus on what you do best.

Speak Everywhere

The most amazing keynote speakers have gotten in their “reps,” speaking at many events. Just like comedians who do many small clubs before you see their comedy special on a streaming service, professional speakers present anywhere they are asked so they can become better.

Speak everywhere. Present at the Lion’s Club, guest on a podcast or webinar, give a talk at the local YPO, or do your own YouTube or TikTok videos. Whatever gets you practice.

Present A TED Talk Or Other High-Stakes Presentation

The reason many of the amazing speakers you know have done TED talks is that the TED organizers do a great job at preparing their speakers. Preparing and presenting a TEDx talk is a great way to understand what it takes to do a great talk. It requires spending time to do it right, getting feedback from professionals and watching other presenters do it well.

TED talks not only help you improve, but they also can improve your speaking brand by adding credibility and serving as a sample of a great talk. Most towns and universities have their own TEDx events, so do a search and fill out an application.

If you’re an entrepreneur or professional speaker looking to up your speaker game, you can become an amazing speaker if you take the time and follow these tips. Get the feedback, do the research, hire professionals, put in the reps, and present as if there’s no tomorrow!

This article was originally published by Forbes March 15, 2023.