Best Creative Options To Use Keynote Speakers

When looking to advance in your career, you need to think creatively—especially if you’re getting overlooked at work. In my talk “Realize Untapped Potential of Underutilized Leaders,” which I often present to diversity and inclusion audiences, I share creative strategies for getting noticed and getting ahead.

In this talk, I explain how to grow your perception, visibility, and influence to become one of the up-and-coming leaders that all the senior execs are talking about. Here are some of the creative options I share as a motivational keynote speaker in this talk.

1. Prepare reminders for things you want to say in meetings:

   If you’re an introvert, take advantage of your natural propensity for reflection by jotting down notes about things you want to say in meetings. Everything you say doesn’t need to be brilliant—give someone else a compliment; back up another person’s idea. But when you do have a great idea of your own, make yourself a short outline of the main points you need to hit.

2. Take stock of your value:

   When I speak to audiences of women and minorities, I advise them to take inventory of their own strengths and successes. I share prompts to help them think through the full spectrum of the value they bring to their organization, so they can explain why they’re perfect for that prestigious project or ideal for a promotion.

3. Cultivate allies:

   Chances are you’re not the only one who feels you’re not getting as much notice at work as you deserve. Build relationships with other talented people who fly under the radar, so you can support one another’s ideas vocally.

4. Grow a network of advocates:

   Likewise, build your network of people who already have power and influence at work, enlisting them to speak up on your behalf. If you need support for an idea, ask for it. Set yourself up for success before that important meeting by pitching your idea to your advocates in advance. That way, they’ll feel more invested in your idea’s success. (To make sure no one unintentionally claims credit for your work—especially if they’re helping you fine-tune your idea—pitch it to multiple people, ideally using email to document who came up with it.)

5. Initiate team-building activities:

   As a keynote speaker, I emphasize to employees that creative options for getting noticed often require you to step outside of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to step into the spotlight by proposing a team-building activity you’re more comfortable with. Pitch a volunteering day with a local organization you support, which will help coworkers and leaders see you in a more well-rounded way—while revealing your commitment to strengthening your team and demonstrating your leadership ability.

6. Notice the needs of others:

   If you’re trying to build your own confidence, you might not notice when others feel like they’re floundering as well. Try to tune into opportunities to reach out and give coworkers a hand. If Alice is stressed out because she’s afraid of missing a pressing deadline, offer to take on a task that will help her to meet it, if you’re able. Hopefully she’ll return the favor one day—and your boss may take notice as well!

7. Give a demonstration:

   Have a skill that others could benefit from learning? Offer to give a short presentation at a meeting, or meet with your boss for a one-on-one demo. If you see a gap in knowledge that needs to be filled, study up on that area so you can become the in-house expert on the subject. You’ll brand yourself as a great coach as well as someone with valuable expertise.

By sharing actionable tips that catalyze change, I deliver lasting value to organizations. As a keynote speaker, I’ll share creative options for helping you and your employees to step into their full potential.

Hire Joel for a professional keynote speech and start inspiring your people today!