Becoming a Paid Professional Speaker

How does one get paid to speak:

There are several ways to get paid for public speaking:

Speak at conferences and events: Many organizations and businesses host conferences and events that pay speakers to give presentations or lead workshops. You can find these opportunities by searching online for upcoming events in your field, or by contacting event planners directly.

Keynote speaking: Many organizations and businesses also pay keynote speakers to give speeches at their events. Keynote speakers are often thought leaders or experts in their field.

Professional speaking agency: Some speakers use professional speaking agencies to help them find paid speaking opportunities. These agencies represent a number of speakers and help match them with organizations and events that are looking for speakers.

Own speaking engagements: You can create your own speaking engagements by reaching out to organizations and businesses, and offering to speak at their events.

Online speaking: With the increasing popularity of online events, you can find opportunities to give paid presentations and workshops over the internet.

Remember, the key to getting paid speaking opportunities is to establish yourself as an expert in your field and to market yourself effectively. It is also important to have a clear message, a well-crafted speech, and a professional presence.

How do I pitch to speak at conferences:

Here are a few steps you can take to get speaking opportunities at conferences:

Research conferences in your field: Look for conferences that are relevant to your area of expertise and focus on topics that you are passionate about. You can find these opportunities by searching online, or by checking with industry associations and professional societies.

Submit a proposal: Many conferences have a call for papers or a submission process where you can submit a proposal for a presentation or workshop. Be sure to follow the guidelines provided and tailor your proposal to the conference's theme and audience.

Network with conference organizers: Attend conferences in your field, and make connections with the organizers and other speakers. This will help you get on their radar and increase your chances of being selected as a speaker in the future.

Speak at smaller events first: Start by speaking at smaller events, such as meetups or local chapter meetings, to build your reputation and gain experience.

Contact conference organizers directly: Reach out to conference organizers and offer to speak at their event. Show them your expertise, your passion and how it aligns with the conference's theme and audience.

Use a professional speaking agency: Some speakers use professional speaking agencies to help them find speaking opportunities at conferences. These agencies represent a number of speakers and help match them with conferences that are looking for speakers.

Here are a few steps you can take to get keynote speaking opportunities:

Establish yourself as an expert in your field: Build a reputation as a thought leader and subject matter expert by writing articles, blog posts, and books, and by speaking at smaller events and conferences.

Network with event planners and conference organizers: Attend industry events and conferences, and make connections with the organizers and other keynote speakers. This will help you get on their radar and increase your chances of being selected as a keynote speaker in the future.

Create a professional speaking website and portfolio: Build a website that showcases your speaking experience, testimonials, and video/audio recordings of your speeches. This will make it easy for event planners to evaluate your speaking skills and see if you are a good fit for their event.

Create a speaker's kit: Prepare a kit that contains a bio, headshot, speaking topics, and testimonials. This will make it easy for event planners to learn more about you and your speaking style.

Contact event planners and conference organizers directly: Reach out to event planners and conference organizers and offer to speak at their event. Show them your expertise, your passion, and how it aligns with the conference's theme and audience.

Use a professional speaking agency: Some speakers use professional speaking agencies to help them find keynote speaking opportunities. These agencies represent a number of speakers and help match them with events and conferences that are looking for keynote speakers.

Who do I pitch to speak at organizations/corporations:

When pitching to speak at a corporation, you should first identify the decision maker or the person in charge of arranging speakers for the company's events. Here are a few steps you can take to find the right person and make your pitch:

Research the company: Look up the company's website, press releases, and social media accounts to learn more about their events and initiatives. This will help you identify the departments or teams that might be interested in your speaking services.

Identify the decision maker: Look for the contact information of the person in charge of arranging speakers for the company's events. This might be a Director of Events, or the Head of a certain department.

Prepare your pitch: In your pitch, highlight your expertise and experience, and explain how your speech will benefit the company and its employees.

Tailor your pitch to the company: Customize your pitch to match the company's values, goals, and interests. Show them how your talk aligns with their business objectives.

Follow up: If you don't hear back from the person you contacted, don't be afraid to follow up with them after a week or two.

It is also important to have a clear message, a well-crafted speech, and a professional presence. You can also use a professional speaking agency to help you find paid speaking opportunities at corporations.

How does one create a well-crafted speech with a clear message:

Crafting a clear and concise speech requires careful planning and preparation. Here are a few steps you can take to create a clear and concise speech:

Define your message: Identify the main point or theme of your speech and make sure it is clear, concise and relevant to your audience.

Identify your audience: Understand the background, interests, and needs of your audience, and tailor your speech to meet those needs.

Outline your speech: Create an outline that includes an introduction, main points, and a conclusion. Keep in mind that your introduction should grab the audience's attention and your conclusion should leave a lasting impression.

Use simple language: Use simple, easy-to-understand language that is appropriate for your audience. Avoid jargon and technical terms that may be unfamiliar to your audience.

Use examples and storytelling: Use examples and storytelling to illustrate your points and make your speech more engaging.

Use visual aids: Use visual aids like slides, images, and videos to supplement your speech and help your audience better understand your message.

Practice: Practice your speech several times before the actual event. This will help you become more comfortable with the material and make it easier to deliver your speech clearly and concisely.

Time yourself: Time yourself while practicing your speech to ensure that it fits within the allotted time.

Get feedback: Get feedback from others on your speech, hire a speaking coach and receive feedback, and make adjustments as necessary.

How do I increase my professional presence as a speaker:

Increasing your professional presence as a speaker involves building your reputation and establishing yourself as an expert in your field. Here are a few additional steps you can take to increase your professional presence:

Get certified: Become certified in your field, and use that certification to showcase your expertise. I have a Transformational Speaker Certification program to help with this.

Be a mentor: Offer to mentor other speakers or aspiring speakers in your field. This will help you build relationships and gain recognition in your industry.

Speak at free events: Speak at free events, such as meetups or local chapter meetings, to build your reputation and gain experience.

Publish research or articles: Share your knowledge and expertise by publishing research or articles in industry publications.

Participate in industry groups or associations: Get involved in industry groups or associations, and contribute to the conversation through discussions, social media, or event participation.

Create a strong personal brand: Develop a strong personal brand that reflects your expertise and values, and use it consistently across all your platforms.

Be consistent: Be consistent in your speaking engagements and in promoting yourself. This will help you build a following and establish yourself as a professional speaker.

Be authentic: Be true to yourself, and be authentic when communicating your message.

Remember, building a professional presence takes time and effort, but it is essential for success as a speaker. It is important to have a clear message, a well-crafted speech, and a professional presence. Your reputation and your ability to connect with your audience will be key factors in how well you are received as a speaker and in how you are perceived by your audience. You don’t have to do this alone,  jump on a call with Erin to start this process for yourself.  https://calendly.com/erinlomanjeck/speaking-coaching-erin-loman-jeck