How To Get Speaking Engagements: Best Tips

In all my years as an entrepreneur and business owner, I have seen how public speaking engagements can produce revenue for you.

For more than a decade, I have worked with full-time professional speakers. I’ve seen them deliver thousands of speeches to millions of people. They’ve spoken in classrooms with a few students and in an arena with 10,000 people (which was fantastic, I should add). They also earned millions for speaking fees. 

Paid speaking engagements are an excellent opportunity to make a living by sharing knowledge and experience. But how do you go about this? Based on research and my experience with friends and colleagues, I will cover all you’ll need about the business prospects for speaking engagements and how to find and close business opportunities around them.

What is a Speaking Engagement?

Speaking engagements or opportunities are events where a single speaker or a panel of speakers share their expertise. These events provide a platform for knowledgeable individuals to engage with an audience, sharing their expertise on subjects that they find intriguing, inspiring, or informative. Various opportunities are available in different industries, and individuals can take advantage of these opportunities to establish themselves as professional speakers.

Speaking is an excellent approach to building your audience or platform. It’s a powerful way to convey an idea or thought, a fantastic tool for creating relationships, and so much fun. It’s no surprise that this topic piques so many people’s interest. If we agree that speaking is valuable for personal and professional reasons, the next question is…

How do you get paid for doing this? Let’s find out…

How to Get Paid Speaking Engagements

Again, these steps are based on in-depth research and interactions from working with industry experts, mostly family and friends who are successful in this field.

#1. Develop Your Capabilities to Succeed in Your Industry

Learning from others in public speaking is one way to accomplish this. To find speaking engagements, you can also network with other accomplished speakers in your sector or with executives in the business. It’s also critical to feel at ease utilizing technology.

Here are simple steps to develop your capabilities in the industry

• Knowledge pursuit: You should always look to learn new things, take advantage of speaking engagements, and broaden your expertise. You can read trade journals, sign up for workshops and conferences, and take courses. Keep up with the latest advancements and trends.

• Practice a lot: Put your knowledge to the test in real life. Accept new tasks and difficulties. This will enable you to put everything you’ve learned into practice, expand your skill set, and gain real-world experience.

• Request Feedback: Don’t be afraid to request feedback. Start by talking to your mentors, bosses, or coworkers. It will assist you in pinpointing your areas of weakness and implementing the required changes to advance your abilities.

• Interact with others in your sector to create a nexus: Look for peers or mentors who can guide and encourage you. Connecting with emerging prospects and patterns within your industry can also be beneficial.

• Be tech-savvy: Learn to use new technologies relevant to your area and stay current on them. This can improve your productivity and effectiveness at work and make you a priceless asset to your company.

• Conference on Marketing: Use an inbound marketing approach to entice business associations to produce insightful content.

Pro Tip: Developing new skills is a continuous process. You have to keep assessing the work you've done. Adopt a positive mindset to secure a paid speaking engagement. 

#2. Establish a Network and Identify Your Niche

Establishing a lucrative career in paid speaking engagements requires identifying your target audience. You must know your hobbies, interests, and abilities to determine your target audience. Once you’ve established your strengths and areas of passion, consider looking into several businesses and public speaking events that fit your target audience.

Creating a network is just as crucial to success in your selected field. By networking, you can connect with other influential people in your industry, gain knowledge from their experiences, and establish chances for cooperation and development.

Pro Tip: Building a network takes time and energy, and it's crucial to prioritize quality over quantity. Maintain regular contact with your network and cultivate a relationship with a target market.

#3. Consistently Provide Original and Authentic Content

In this case, I advise continually producing original and new material, essential to maintaining a strong online presence. It makes your viewers more involved, and you will be better able to remain dedicated to and aware of your audience’s demands and interests. Over time, you can produce content that gains traction and strengthens your internet profile. 

These tips from one of the experts I spoke with will assist you in consistently producing original and fresh content:

• In your writing, express your distinct viewpoint and voice. Being genuine will make you stand out from the rest.
• Whether your material is educational, amusing, or inspirational, make sure it is valuable to your audience.
• To keep your audience interested, solicit feedback from them and use it to inform future content development.

• Maintaining consistency is essential to keeping your target audience interested and wanting to return for more over the next year. For example, release your content weekly or fortnightly.  

• Keep up with your business’s most recent developments and trends to ensure your material is topical and relevant.
• Make time to generate ideas for new content and maintain a running list of concepts for later use.

• Try out a variety of content formats on different social media sites, such as blog entries, podcasts, videos, tales, and posts.

Pro Tip: Producing new and original material requires imagination, hard work, and perseverance. However, with the right knowledge and methodology, you can create original content to help you accomplish your objectives and engage your ideal audience.

#4. Adhere to Your Price Plan

You must have a good pricing plan if you’re trying to get paid speaking engagements. As a business owner with several years of experience, this is also one of the basic things I tell people who come to me for advice. Deciding on a price for your public speaking skills may seem odd, but ensuring you’re getting paid what you deserve is crucial.

 Here are some pointers to help you adhere to your pricing strategy:

• Display your value: When presenting to potential customers, convey the value you provide. Showcase how your knowledge and experience may assist them in reaching their objectives and benefiting their audience.

• Provide a demo: Try creating intriguing material, personalized presentations, or extra services like coaching or workshops to attract ideal clients with your cost.
• Respect your anticipated pricing: After you establish your rates, don’t alter them. Avoid haggling or cutting expenses to get a speaking engagement. It will make it more difficult for you to support yourself as a speaker and devalue your services.

• Extra Benefits: Ask to have additional benefits, like lodging or travel costs, included in your speaking fee.

Pro Tip: You can find financially lucrative and personally enjoyable paid engagements by adhering to your pricing plan and providing value to your clients.

#5. Look for Jobs on Internet Listings

A large number of websites use databases. They connect skilled public speakers with event planners who need their services and provide them with services.

Aspiring speakers can register by clicking the link and completing the Google form. This is among your greatest possibilities if you’re looking for internet directories. Additionally, it allows event planners to search for renowned speakers from many genres and areas. In this manner, requests for speakers at events can be made.

Types of Speaking Engagements for Business Prospecting

There are numerous types of speaking events linked with business prospecting. Some companies hold events to conduct interviews, assess or display products, or simply network with a broader audience. Here are the most popular business prospecting speaking engagements:

#1. Training Seminars

Training seminars are gatherings where a speaker seeks to teach an audience a new skill. These are often smaller activities designed to facilitate more efficiency in the learning process. You can teach industry-specific skills or procedures, new standards, or business skills. Businesses frequently do training seminars online, but you can also hold one at a place. While online events may reach a larger audience, in-person learning may be more effective.

#2.  Webinars

Webinars are typical seminars held online. Also, webinars provide a unique chance for speakers to reach a worldwide audience. People worldwide can attend and learn new skills or network with industry leaders and experts without regard for geography. Webinars are versatile, allowing you to hold any type of event from the convenience of your workplace or home.

#3. Expert Interviews

Expert interviews occur when a company member interviews an industry expert from another organization. The expert’s testimony can help underline the value of your product or service while establishing your brand’s authority in the sector. A medical technology business, for example, could do a live interview with a licensed physician to discuss their brand’s most recent artificial heart valve and its uses.

#4.  Networking Seminars

Networking seminars are gatherings where industry experts can meet and make new relationships. Also, networking is one of the most successful strategies for expanding a business since it connects you with people who need your services or may know someone who does. Through networking, I met many people I could do business with. Networking seminars can be informal or formal, depending on the event’s goal. Some networking events introduce professionals to new clients, while others focus entirely on industry contacts.

How To Book Speaking Engagements

Getting a speaking engagement at a large business conference can be a fantastic chance for an emerging leader. I listened to someone who narrated her journey of applying for a speaking engagement, and she mentioned something that struck my attention. She said giving a speech or presentation to individuals in your business allows you to share your skills and knowledge with a potentially larger but more niched, highly relevant audience. However, competition is high, and the selection process can be scary. 

But by following the recommendations and tips from experts, you can establish yourself as a prominent authority in your business, distinguish yourself from other potential guest speakers, and be noticed by event organizers.

Here are 11 of those tips to keep in mind:

#1. Search on LinkedIn

Many of us know about LinkedIn, but few have used it. I conduct a weekly LinkedIn search with the hashtag #speakingengagement to keep my calendar full of speaking engagements. I filter the results by “posts” and then by “date” to only see the most recent opportunities. Even if a chance does not interest me, I contact the organizer to be on their radar for future events.

#2.  Connect Before You Convert

Consider what your prospects are interested in. Then, demonstrate how what you do is beneficial to the prospect. Instead of passing out business cards, give them lead cards that explain what you do and how you can help them. Make sure the lead card has a space for them to fill out a quick bio; after completing, cut that strip off and leave them with your lead card.

#3. Practice Online and Offline

Begin by practising whenever possible. Do podcasts. Go live on Instagram or LinkedIn. Offer to speak for free at a company or networking event. Share your videos across your channels. Additionally, attend your desired conference or similar events to observe and meet simply.

#4. Explain How You Fit The Conference

Spend time learning about the conference and its participants. If the conference theme matches your expertise, contact a planning committee member. Describe why and how your audience would be interested in your words during your conversation with them.

#5. Make Contact with the Organizers

Many conference organizers struggle to find speakers. You may not be able to attend a certain conference, but it is a good idea to make contact and stay on their radar for future events. You can also join a professional speakers forum connecting speakers and organizers.

#6. Be a Remarkable Speaker

There are no tricks. The greatest method to get a speaking gig is to be an excellent speaker. Always provide actual value to your audience; educate, entertain, and inspire! And if you do an amazing job, you will become a referable speaker, the highest compliment a speaker can receive, and the best way to book engagements. 

#7. Provide Engaging Experiences

The most effective speakers value experience above content. They understand that thorough knowledge of their subject is essential, not a differentiator. They can readily describe and demonstrate how their speaking style provides an experience that enhances the conference while leaving the audience wanting more. Delivering engaging experiences will earn you more referrals and speaking opportunities.

#8. Begin Small And Keep Going

This one here speaks a lot. Being consistent and not giving up will help you go high. First, choose a topic on which you can present trustworthy and original content. Second, volunteer to speak for free at events, clubs, conferences, or panels where you will be easily exposed. Then, post comments and photographs on social media, create articles, and prepare your speech book.

#9. Create a Portfolio

Make your own distinctive and appealing portfolio. As competition heats up, make sure you stand out from the crowd. Nonetheless, be confident in what you do. Enrich your intellect with knowledge. Surround yourself with specialists in your profession. Connect with the conference organizers. Maintain a professional social media presence.

#10. Create a Strong Personal Brand

Develop a strong personal brand and reputation inside the business. Network with conference organizers and thought leaders, offer valuable thoughts and solutions through writing and speaking opportunities and demonstrate your knowledge on social media and professional profiles. Showcase the value you can provide to the conference and its attendees.

#11. Amplify Your Presence As A ‘Go-To Expert’

Accept offers to speak at smaller events, requests to be podcast guests, and other opportunities to promote yourself as the “go-to expert” in your field. Increasing your visibility this way raises your chances of being asked to present at a large conference. You can also let your friends and colleagues at huge firms know you’re available and willing.

How do you line up speaking engagements?

• Make it clear why you want to speak.
• Listen to a variety of speeches from speakers you admire…
• Generate 3-5 talk ideas.
• Create an outline for each speaking concept.
• Create your event list.
• Slide into the event organizers’ direct messages.
• Send an email with your pitch.
• Convert your outline into a speaker proposal. 

Why do we need speaking engagements?

These speaking engagements can boost an audience’s faith in a brand or the speaker’s opinions. Giving these public presentations may make it easier to launch a career as a public speaker or build brand credibility.

How do you write a speaking engagement bio?

A bio should cover the following:

• The speaker’s name and title.
• Their present affiliation (e.g., CEO of Acme Corporation)
• Relevant experience and expertise.
• Accomplishments and achievements (such as prizes or publications)
• Education and credentials.
• Information on previous speaking appearances. 

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References

• Forbes.com

• Indeed.com