How to Get More Speaking Gigs

Sep 29, 2010 by

How to Get More Speaking Gigs

My first “real” speaking gig was in June of 2009 when a homeschooler’s conference invited me to speak on young entrepreneurship. It was addicting, leaving me with a rush of energy that has urged me to continue speaking ever since.

So how does one land new speaking gigs?

The truth is, once you get your first 1-2 gigs, chances are that people are going to ask you to more following those events. As a business owner, I automatically had something to talk about, which gave me an opportunity to speak to the business community. After my first speaking gig last year, I was approached by someone who booked me for another event. Same thing happened at the 2nd event. And the 3rd. Now, I usually get 1-2 booking following every time I speak, not to mention the new clients and referrals I get as a result.

However, don’t be discouraged if you don’t get approached after your first couple of times. You may need to improve your presentation if you aren’t getting any new speaking gigs, so look at your overall performance. Ask someone to video tape your presentation so you can watch it later and self-critique your work. I know this can be a little uncomfortable for some (watching yourself is weird, right?) but it’s necessary. Even ask a family member or friend to watch it with you, and ask for their honest opinion. (If you think they’ll say nice things regardless of how you did, find someone who isn’t going to afraid to voice their thoughts.)

Another great way to get your name out is to send press releases to local newspapers. I haven’t sent any out myself as of lately, but the last event I spoke at sent out announcements for all of their speakers, which resulted in a couple newspaper articles. I got a call earlier this week from a woman who saw me in the paper, and wanted me to come speak at her college class. You never know where leads will come from!

Photo by Petre Birlea

Related Posts

Tags

Share This

468 ad
  • http:www.justclowningaround.biz Chester Delameter

    Mandee

    I don’t do a lot of public speaking, would like too! I use my magic shows as entertainment and some education. I also do gospel magic shows so your post will help me out in getting some more gigs

    Thanks
    Have a Great Day
    Chester

    [Reply]

  • http://7lavas.com Luay Rahil

    Keep doing what you do, you are very passionate, and it shows.

    [Reply]

  • http://PaulKlaszus.com Paul Klaszus

    Cool.. I plan on having a gig within the next year. This is awesome advice.

    Stick, stay, and make it pay. :) I like the small groups I speak for today – but it’s the 500-1000 crowd I’m excited about in the future.

    I just realized.. I’ve never been video taped. kayp! that’s next!

    [Reply]

  • http://www.invisibleheartstrings.com Debbie Lattuga

    Thanks for the great tips on getting speaking gigs. And I highly recommend Toastmasters to hone your craft.

    [Reply]

  • http://fitting-the-pieces.com Richard Goutal

    There are many avenues for speakers. You mentioned starting at a homeschooler conference. Good point – there are many such events from church conferences to professional organizations, to marketing events, small groups like BNI or Toastmasters, and many more. If you like it – pursue it!

    [Reply]

  • http://gardenblog.bluestreakhits.com Monty Ferbert

    I used to be the co host of a blog talk radio show until the host and I had a parting of ways. However I’m saving up money to become a live 365 DJ with my own station. I like introducing music and I could do a show where I interview people thing is when the guest don’t show up it really makes it hard as you got nothing prepared to talk about.

    I like to be prepared when I do a gig or I won’t do it. Speaking from the hip is not my band of coffee as they say. I’ve done it I just don’t enjoy being caught off guard.

    I’ve done debates in college but how does one get these professional speaking gigs as you call them.

    [Reply]

  • http://josephmcdevitt.com Joseph McDevitt

    Mandee, You do a terrific job speaking! Your videos are very professional. You’ll get many more speaking gigs for sure! Keep up the good work! Thanks for the great tips!
    ~Joseph McDevitt

    [Reply]

  • http://rebeccahappy.com rebeccahappy

    Sounds like things are starting to roll for you…you do a good job speaking on topic strapped into your car I can only imagine your energy when you are free to travel the stage…

    [Reply]

  • http://www.marketingdirectsales.com Janette Stoll

    Hi Mandee,

    Thanks for the great tips! I’ve done a few speaking gigs when I was in corporate and other occasions. It’s always nerve wracking at first because we tend to be self conscious but practice in front of a mirror really helps and being prepared. I also prefer a natural flow as aka conversational. This is especially useful when you’re training a team to speak for their own business/presentation.

    Thanks for sharing,

    Janette Stoll

    [Reply]

  • http://youcanbuild.it Chuck Bartok

    Another job well Done by the Pro from Upstate New York.

    Amazing, when we realize each and every person born has the unique POWER to captivate the attention of others, if they Believe.
    And the more you DO the more want to listen.

    Congratulations again!!!!

    [Reply]