BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

15 Tricks Of The Trade For Booking Speaking Gigs

Forbes Coaches Council

Securing a speaking gig at a large business conference can be a great opportunity for an up-and-coming leader. Delivering a speech or a presentation to others in your industry allows you to share your expertise and knowledge with a potentially wider, yet at the same time, more niche, highly relevant audience. However, the competition can be fierce, and the process of getting selected can be daunting.

Here, members of Forbes Coaches Council share some strategies to help you increase your chances of being chosen to speak at a major conference. By following their advice below, you can position yourself as a leading authority in your industry, stand out from other potential guest speakers and get noticed by event organizers.

1. Search On LinkedIn

To keep my calendar filled with speaking engagements, I perform a weekly search on LinkedIn using the hashtag #callforspeakers. First, I filter the results by “posts” and then by “date,” so that I only see the most recent opportunities. Even when an opportunity doesn’t interest me, I still reach out to the organizer to get on their radar for future events. - Dr. Tajuana Ross, drtajuanaross.com

2. Describe How You Fit The Conference

Take time to learn about the conference and its attendees. If you see a fit between the conference theme and what you’re an expert on, then contact a member of the planning committee. Describe why and how their audience would be interested in what you have to share. In your conversation with a conference planner, get clear on how to ensure your message will be impactful—then, start practicing! - Sandy Schwan, Evolving Strategies LLC

3. Create A Portfolio

Create a portfolio for yourself that is unique and attractive. Make sure you position yourself well among the crowd, as competition is on the rise. Nevertheless, embrace confidence in what you do. Enrich your mind with knowledge. Surround yourself with experts in the field. Connect with conference organizers. Be visible professionally on social media. - Alex Jones, National Leadership Association

4. Look Outside Your Industry

Target organizations outside of your own industry. I have a six-figure speaking business focused on digital marketing. I don’t speak at digital marketing conferences where I’m one of 1,000 experts. Instead, I speak at healthcare conferences, homebuilder associations and legal conferences. In these niches, I’m the only expert in my space. - Krista Neher, Boot Camp Digital


Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?


5. Connect Before You Convert

Be interested in what interests your prospects. Then, show how what you do is valuable to the prospect. Don’t share business cards; rather, share lead cards that explain what you do and how you can serve them. Make sure the lead card has a spot for them to fill in their very brief bio; once they fill that out, you cut that strip off and leave them with your lead card. - Steve Harris, EdgeEcution

6. Practice Online And Offline

Practice at every opportunity initially. Do podcasts. Go live on LinkedIn or Instagram. Offer to speak for free at companies or networking events. Share your videos in your channels. Additionally, participate in your target conference or in related events to just observe and meet people first. - Alessandra Marazzi, Alessandra Marazzi GmbH

7. Deliver Engaging Experiences

The best speakers prioritize experience over content. They understand that having a deep knowledge of their topic is foundational, not a differentiator. They can easily explain and show how their speaking style creates an experience that will enhance the conference and leave the audience wanting more. Delivering engaging experiences will get you more referrals and secured speaking gigs. - Justin Patton, justinpatton.com

8. Start Small And Keep Going

First, identify a topic where you will be credible and present original material (such as research, a case study or a client’s story). Second, offer to speak for free at any events, clubs, conferences or panels where you can easily be introduced. Then, publish comments and pictures on social media, write articles and prepare your speaker book. Finally, apply for bigger events. Be persistent! - Catherine Tanneau, Activision Coaching Institute

9. Use Loss Aversion To Your Benefit

If they don’t get you as a speaker, what will they lose? Prepare a sharp speaker’s profile—state their losses and gains, and answer two important “why” questions: “Why you?” and “Why now?” Show the organizers how you can add value to their event. - Alla Adam, Alla Adam Coaching

10. Be Respectful And Easy To Work With

Obviously, you have to be smart and knowledgeable about your topic. What can set you apart is being easy to work with, responding to emails, appreciating the meeting planner and adding value. In this business, ego can cause people to be nonresponsive and demanding. Basic manners and showing respect will distinguish people when all else (network, fee, style) is similar. - Kelly Byrnes, Voyage Consulting Group

11. Establish Contact With The Organizers

You will be surprised by how many organizers struggle to find speakers for their conferences. You may not get an opportunity for one particular conference, but it is good to establish contact and remain on their radar for the next one. You can also sign up with a professional speakers forum, which connects speakers with organizers. - Sandeep Jain, Value-Unlocked Private Limited

12. Be A Remarkable Speaker

There are no tricks. The best way to secure a speaking gig is to be a remarkable speaker. Always create real value for your audience; educate, entertain and inspire! And if you do an excellent job, you’ll become a referable speaker, which is the biggest compliment a speaker can get and the way to secure gigs. - Lital Marom, LITAL MAROM

13. Build A Strong Personal Brand

Build a strong personal brand and reputation in the industry. Network with conference organizers and thought leaders, provide valuable insights and solutions through writing and speaking opportunities and showcase your expertise through social media and professional profiles. Demonstrate the value you can bring to the conference and its attendees. - Jonathan H. Westover, Human Capital Innovations, LLC

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

Accept invitations to speak at smaller events, invitations to be a guest on podcasts and other opportunities to establish yourself as the “go-to expert” in your area of expertise. Amplifying your presence this way increases the likelihood of being asked to speak at a major conference. You also can let your friends and colleagues at large enterprises know that you’re ready, willing and able to be a keynoter. - Nadine Hack, beCause Global Consulting

15. Sponsor An Event

One of the easiest ways to secure a speaking gig at a large event is to pay for it. Many large events pull together an audience with a targeted profile and generate revenue by selling tickets and sponsorship. Many events will allow a speaker to sponsor the event in exchange for time on the stage. As long as the time on stage can produce a financial return, it may be a great investment. - Robert Gauvreau, Gauvreau | Accounting Tax Law Advisory

Check out my website