Get Real with Your Speech Title and Conference Theme

Are you planning your next business conference? Or, perhaps you have the task ahead of speaking at a conference? If you are, that's great to hear. Because a well-planned and executed conference is an essential part of a modern business communications plan. There are, however, a few pitfalls that you'll want to avoid. One of them is your speech title. And the other is the conference theme.

So today we won't consider the more obvious conference pitfalls of venue location, organisation and delegate management. No, we're going to focus on your conference speech title and conference theme. Two really important elements in the conference mix.

Why? The reason why is quite simple. Since we discover examples of superb conference themes deployed across all the many conference activities. But, increasingly, we also discover some absolute howlers.

Tedious Conference Themes and Speech Titles

One example of a howler was this conference reported via the Kazinform International News Agency in Almaty. The event was the 9th North and Central Asia Multi-stakeholder Forum on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Already we sensed panic and dread. But it got worse. Because the theme for the event that ran for two days in early September 2025 was: 

Transformative, Equitable, Innovative and Coordinated Actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a Sustainable Future for All.

Indeed. That was the theme for the event. And we wonder why the United Nations is considered by many to be a busted flush.

We also spotted a speech title from Dr. Husnu Tekin, Director for Human Resources and Sustainable Development at ECO:

Strengthening the Means of Implementation and Revitalizing Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development with a Thematic Focus on Regional Cooperation.”

Marvellous. Now, we can guarantee that the audience for this particular event in Almaty wasn't entirely voluntary. Their function is to attend such events, listen, talk and give their presentations. And, once they're done, they agree to hold another such event in 3 months time. Altogether it's very dispiriting and undoubtedly pointless...unless a global government function is your ambition. We know this for a fact. Because neither the event theme nor the title of this presentation would encourage anyone to travel to Almaty to witness the forum. No chance.

Build Interest with Themes and Titles

However, in the real world your conference theme and your speech titles have to positively ooze interest, life and vitality. Because if they don't, you won't have a successful conference event. It really is that simple. Since speech titles attract audiences.

Your job as a conference organiser or a speaker is to encourage audience participation with your event. And you can do that with a central theme for the conference and solid, dependable titles for each speech or presentation. It's not exactly rocket science. So, don't be like José Manuel Durão Barroso, formerly of the European Union with his speech title:

Considerations on the present and the future of the European Union

You can always discover plenty of public speaking tips and techniques with our regular series of tips and techniques for speakers and presenters. Plus, when you need to boost your own public speaking skills, then you can always consider some training, coaching or an online course. Please don't hesitate to get in touch when the time is right.