<P> A keynote in public speaking is a talk that establishes a main underlying theme . In corporate or commercial settings, greater importance is attached to the delivery of a keynote speech or keynote address . The keynote establishes the framework for the following programme of events or convention agenda; frequently the role of keynote speaker will include that of convention moderator . It will also flag up a larger idea--a literary story, an individual musical piece, or event . </P> <P> At political or industrial conventions and expositions and at academic conferences, the keynote address or keynote speech is delivered to set the underlying tone and summarize the core message or most important revelation of the event . Some of the more famous keynote speeches in the United States are those made at the party conventions during Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns . Keynote speakers at these events have often gained nationwide fame (or notoriety); for example, Barack Obama at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and have occasionally influenced the course of the election . In the commercial arena, Steve Jobs delivered influential keynote speeches at Apple product, system and service launches . </P>

What does it mean to be a keynote speaker