What Questions Should You Ask Before Booking a Keynote Speaker?

Booking the wrong speaker is an expensive, visible mistake — so before you commit, a short set of questions separates a speaker who will deliver real value from one who won't.

1. Will the content be customized to our industry and audience, or is this an off-the-shelf talk?

2. Can we see recent video of them speaking live, not just a highlight reel?

3. What do past clients say — do they have specific, checkable testimonials?

4. What's included in the fee — travel, a pre-event call, workshop add-ons?

5. What are their technical/AV requirements, and do they support virtual delivery?

6. How far out do we need to confirm the date, and what's the cancellation policy?

A speaker who answers these clearly and specifically — not vaguely — is usually the safer bet. Kevin Allen's process is built around exactly this: pre-event research calls to customize content, a documented client list (MasterCard, Google, L'Oréal, GM, Unilever, Nestlé), and a published speaker kit with video, references, and a technical rider available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should we always ask for references?

Yes — and ideally from an event similar in size or industry to yours, not just any past client.

What if the speaker won't share unedited video?

That's a reasonable flag. A confident, experienced speaker should be comfortable sharing raw or lightly edited footage, not just a polished highlight reel.

Where can I get Kevin Allen's speaker kit?

The /speaker-kit page has the one-sheet, headshots, showreel, sample introduction script, technical rider, and testimonials in one place.

Ready to vet Kevin for your event? Check his availability or download the full speaker kit above.