ASk AN EXPERT: WHY ARE THE BEST FUTURISTS ALSO STRONG KEYNOTE SPEAKERS?

It’s a timely question to consider: Why are the best futurist speakers so popular on the lecture circuit? And why is it important for most futurologists and practicing future trends experts to have at least one virtual speaking presentation under their belt? To make things a little simpler, let’s talk about various qualities and abilities that distinguish the best futurist speakers and practitioners in the field:

• Forward-thinking – Thought leaders are able to see beyond current trends and envision plausible future scenarios in innovative ways by leveraging imagination, flexibility and open-mindedness.
• Pattern recognition – Top futurists can discern important patterns, drivers and discontinuities that point to emerging changes and future opportunities. They connect the dots, so to speak.
• Holistic perspective – Also keep in mind that the best futurist speakers consider how trends across society, technology, economics, environment, politics etc may converge and interact to shape the future and utilize systems thinking.
• Expertise – Many have deep knowledge in a domain like technology, demographics, medicine etc to better evaluate the impact of developments in their field.
• Research skills – Rigorous research, data analysis and scenario modelling informs their forward views. Folks in the space back opinions with evidence.
• Communication skills – The ability to compellingly articulate concepts and complex insights in simple, engaging ways. Storytelling is a common talent among the best futurist speakers.
• Adaptability – As new developments emerge, the best adjust their views while maintaining a coherent framework for evaluating change.
• Influence – By sharing valuable and often provocative foresight, experts here capture attention and shape discussion around future opportunities and risks.
• Track record – Over time the most skilled futurists accumulate a body of predictions and forecasts that prove prescient and enhance their reputation.
• Pragmatism – Pros also balance imagination with a practical view on what future scenarios are actionable for organizations. Insight to strategy.

Put simply: The best futurist speakers combine these attributes to provide visions of the future that challenge assumptions, identify implications, and guide better decisions today.