Make your event a success with a unique authority on arts, politics and communication
UK
Conference moderator, TV presenter and journalist with specialist knowledge of Europe and international current affairs
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About Kirsty
Keynote
Articles
After 30 years in journalism across all platforms and over a decade employed at BBC, the keynote speaker Kirsty Lang has scaled down her BBC commitments in a bid to find new challenges. As a former foreign correspondent and news anchor on BBC World News, she has a broad global overview and extensive contacts in the arts both in the UK and overseas. This makes her a talented and sought-after moderator for conferences and panels all over the world, on topics ranging from politics to the arts. Her clients have included Global Philanthropic, Bosch Foundation, Chartered Accountants, Facilities Management, EY, WHO, NICE, IBM, BMA, Eurostudies UK, Union of Head Teachers, WISE Education conference in Qatar.
An authority on arts, politics and communication, our speaker Kirsty Lang sits on the board of the British Council. She was also recently appointed the Chair of the Baltic Centre in Newcastle/Gateshead which is a major international gallery for contemporary art with funding from the Arts Council for educational outreach. In addition, Kirsty has been a visiting professor in communications and public diplomacy at the University of Columbia, New York.
As a prominent arts journalist, the moderator and speaker Kirsty Lang is frequently asked to judge prizes. She is a BAFTA judge and chaired the Orange Prize for Women’s Literature in 2008 and the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2017.
Let Kirsty’s strong communication skills – and expertise within the arts and politics – enrich your event by booking her here.
See keynotes with Kirsty LangOther positions held by Speaker Kirsty Lang
What got you interested in journalism?
I became a journalist and a broadcaster because I like telling stories and hearing them. We know from archaeologists that for thousands of years human beings have gathered in groups to hear stories being told. It’s how we make sense of the world around us. In our increasingly distracted world, the spoken word has become even more powerful than ever.
Why did you decide to work as a conference moderator?
I’ve been moderating discussions on live TV and radio for 20 years so working as a conference moderator was a natural progression. The skills are very similar –looking confident, keeping your audience engaged, knowing the right questions to ask and good time-keeping, making sure your speakers don’t overrun. I’ve seen conferences ruined by the lack of a good moderator.
What has been your favourite experience as a conference moderator?
One of the most interesting experiences I’ve had recently was chairing a discussion on arts, culture and heritage in Saudi Arabia between a visiting British delegation made up of museum directors and curators and Saudi representatives keen to learn from their experience as they seek to build up their own cultural sector.
What inspires you?
Great speakers with a strong narrative and the power to inspire their audience. I’ve been invited to a number of TED Global conferences and I admire their carefully crafted, time limited talks. I’ve also coached several TED speakers.
What benefits have clients had as a result of hiring you?
As an experienced TV and radio broadcaster, I’m good at the big picture, pulling threads together and knowing how to engage an audience. Nothing fazes me, I’m calm, authoritative and professional. I also believe it getting the small details right, making sure the conference looks smooth and professional.
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