Recently, I came across an article discussing Keynote Speaker versus Motivational Speaker capabilities and categorization.  Very few times do we hear that someone is JUST being asked to motivate, inspire, OR engage an audience during their speaking engagement.   So what IS the difference and what IS possible?

The below has been re-printed with permission – author currently withheld:

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What separates a keynote speaker from a motivational speaker is their tone and purpose. Though they are all hired to share experiences, impart pieces of advice, and entertain the audience, a keynote speaker’s role is focused on building and boosting a team’s morale.

Here’s what you should and shouldn’t expect from your chosen keynote speaker:

CAN

• Persuade & Influence
  

  To change the mindset of a huge number of employees who are in the verge of losing their sense of purpose (as professional). Most suffer under this due to office-related issues, and it is part of a keynote speaker to know the root and cause of the problem.

A keynote speaker can drive the audience to an intellectual and emotional trip that could move the people to positive thinking.

CAN’T

• Fix long a standing Problem & Change the World

Internal problems are hard to solve. Audience mustn’t expect to hear concrete solutions, life-saving grace speeches, or anything that could change the situation in the blink of an eye.

Address the problems and issues properly. Communication is the only thing that could settle everything. Keynote speakers are just vessels made to bridge the gap or help deliver the message on both sides.

 Expect the unexpected, but never expect the impossible.

At the time, must admit, I found myself conflicted as I definitely don’t agree with ALL of this, but would love to learn from YOU –  What do you think is possible for a Keynote Speaker do as opposed to a Motivational Speaker? What do YOU feel separates these types of engagements with audience members?