Interactive Formats Surge as Conversational Keynotes, Micro Sessions and Podcast-Style Presentations Revolutionise Business Learning

At JLA Speakers, we’ve witnessed the most dramatic transformation in corporate speaking in decades. Our booking data tells the story: interactive formats have risen from just 23 bookings in 2018 to 208 in 2024 – an increase of more than 800%. This isn’t a passing trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how organisations want to learn, connect, and be inspired.

The Social Media Effect

Attention spans shaped by social media and hybrid working are driving demand for shorter, more varied formats. Traditional 30–40 minute keynotes remain effective, but audiences increasingly expect even that format to be more of a dialogue. Where keynote speech formats once followed a 75/25 split between presentation and Q&A, many now lean closer to 50/50.

Christopher Morrel, JLA account manager, observes: “We’re seeing audiences who don’t just want to listen, they want to participate. The appetite for dialogue is stronger than ever, and that’s changing how we advise and help clients to create meaningful events.”

Conversational Keynotes

Fireside chats have become one of the most requested formats. Clients who once booked formal keynotes increasingly ask specifically for this more intimate, spontaneous style of delivery. Whilst speakers still need to understand the audience they’re addressing – their interests, background and concerns – the interview (with either a professional presenter or an internal colleague) guarantees unique content for audiences. As leadership speaker Blaire Palmer puts it: “The keynote shouldn’t be passive. If ideas are challenging, audiences want to talk about them with the speaker and each other.”

Podcast Culture Influence

Podcast culture has reshaped expectations. Clients routinely ask about podcast hosts, or ask speakers to replicate the relaxed style of the podcast where an audience feels they’re listening into an insightful, entertaining conversation. This influence also extends to marketing, with speakers using LinkedIn and short‑form video to mirror the conversational tone audiences now expect.

Dennis Perry, JLA account manager, explains: “Their starting point isn’t their end point. We collaborate to refine formats, and the result is always more tailored, more engaging, and more impactful.”

Collaborative Development

Event briefs are no longer fixed or top-down. We work closely with clients to evolve sessions, exploring what’s possible, exchanging ideas based on what we’ve seen elsewhere, which speakers will work better with a particular event structure, and how audiences can be involved. This collaboration produces tailored formats and sessions that deliver greater impact.

Premium and Virtual Innovation

Businesses are combining formats, pairing fireside chats or keynotes with exclusive speaker meet‑and‑greets or smaller working groups with VIPs, senior teams or important clients. Virtual sessions also remain strong, supported by hybrid working and teams based across regions. Blaire Palmer recently undertook a hybrid keynote streamed to multiple offices, followed by a live virtual Q&A – blending convenience with interaction.

Workshop Revolution

Workshops are the fastest-growing segment. Many speakers offer interactive elements such as polls, collaborative tasks, and panel discussions. Clients increasingly value dynamic exchanges between multiple voices over single-speaker expertise. Whilst this often only works for smaller audiences, its influence extends towards larger events where discussion can be facilitated by technology such as Slido.

Measurable Impact

This evolution reflects a sharper focus on ROI. As Palmer emphasises: “There’s no point inspiring an audience if nothing changes afterwards.” At JLA, we see interactive formats as the key to activating audiences and embedding learning.

Looking ahead, we believe conversational and interactive sessions will only increase in 2026, and may be the default by 2027. The speaking industry isn’t reverting to tradition – it’s moving forward and being creative, and JLA Speakers are proud to be leading that change.

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