What’s the difference between a speaker and a keynote speaker? (and why Jez Rose stands out)
Jez Rose is a sustainability speaker, motivational speaker, and expert on authenticity with 22 years experience at conferences worldwide.
When planning an event - whether it's a corporate conference, leadership retreat, or industry summit - you’ll likely come across two common roles: speakers and keynote speakers.
While they both have important functions, understanding the difference can significantly shape the impact of your event.
So, what’s the real difference between a speaker and a keynote speaker? And how does someone like Jez Rose redefine what a keynote can truly achieve?
Speaker vs. Keynote Speaker: What’s the Difference?
General Speaker:
A speaker is typically one of many presenters during an event. Their role might include:
Offering expert insights on a niche subject
Running a workshop or panel discussion
Supporting the theme of the event with practical knowledge
They’re usually chosen for their topic-specific knowledge and are part of a broader program.
Keynote Speaker:
A keynote speaker, on the other hand, delivers the main address - typically either opening or closing the event. The word "keynote" itself refers to setting the tone or theme of the event. The dictionary defines “keynote” as: a prevailing tone or central theme, typically one set or introduced at the start of a conference.
Keynote speakers are expected to:
Inspire and energise the audience
Tie the message of the event together
Leave a lasting impression that resonates beyond the event itself
It’s not just about what they say - but how they make people feel, connect ideas, and create momentum.
Why This Matters for Event Success:
Choosing the right keynote speaker is like choosing the right engine for a car - you can have all the other parts in place, but without the right power at the centre, your journey won’t go far.
A great keynote speaker does more than educate - they transform. They bring emotion, clarity, and energy. They frame the entire experience.
Enter Jez Rose: Redefining the Keynote Experience…
If you’ve been searching for a keynote speaker who does more than talk and instead truly engages minds and shifts perspectives, then Jez Rose is someone worth knowing.
Who is Jez Rose?
Jez Rose is an internationally renowned keynote speaker, philosopher, expert on human behaviour, and author. What sets him apart isn’t just his decades of experience working with organisations like HSBC, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer - it's his remarkable ability to blend science, humour, and storytelling to inspire real, lasting behavioural change.
How Jez Rose Elevates the Keynote Role:
Deep behavioural insight: He doesn’t just entertain - he helps people understand why they think and act the way they do.
Custom storytelling: Jez tailors his keynotes to each audience, weaving in relevant, real-world examples that stick.
Sustainable change: His talks often focus on lasting impact, not just motivation that fades after lunch.
Whether he's speaking on authenticity, change, or purpose, Jez’s keynote presentations are designed to spark curiosity, challenge thinking, and create meaningful action.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Voice for the Right Moment
While every speaker has something valuable to contribute, a keynote speaker like Jez Rose has the unique power to set the emotional and intellectual tone for your entire event.
So, when planning your next event, consider:
What message do you want to drive home?
How do you want your audience to feel when they leave?
Who can deliver that message memorably and meaningfully?
If your goal is inspiration, clarity, and measurable change, then you’re not just looking for a speaker, you’re looking for a keynote. And Jez Rose might just be the voice your audience needs to hear.