How to Start Speaking at Events

December 8, 2008 · Comments

Chris Brogan speaker One day, I wasn’t a speaker at conferences, and then I was. And then a little while later, I was a paid speaker. And now, I’m a decently paid speaker. Some day, I hope to be a really well-paid speaker. It’s not a bad way to make a few pesos, if only to fund all the crazy research I like to do all the time. (Also nice that it pays for the occasional bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats -strawberry flavor- for my kids, too.) If you’re interested in speaking at events, I have some ideas on how you might get that going.

You might first ask yourself what your goal might be. Are you speaking to further establish yourself and your company as thought leaders? Are you trying to pitch some amazing product? Are you hoping to share the learnings found in your awesome book (available for 24.95 from O’Reilly Publishing)? That’s a good first thing to know: your goal. But after that, my advice is fairly the same.


How to Start Speaking at Events

Blog Your Speech – My first presentation at a conference was Content Networks are the New Blogs. I gave it at BarCamp Boston. I think it went smashingly, but if you want to know for sure, ask Christopher S. Penn. He was there. That’s where we founded PodCamp. Before I stepped on stage (in this case, it’s BarCamp, so the barrier to speaking is pretty low), I looked for support about the blog post, to see if it fit my potential audience.

Since then, I still use the technique. I write about the types of speeches I hope to give. It works all the time. I often hear from various verticals with an association meeting who want to better understand something I brought up in a blog post, or they’ll ask me to further customize something to a specific industry. In both cases, I love the opportunity. It’s a great way to find new places to speak.

Make Friends – It never hurts to actually know some conference organizers. I didn’t know Rick Calvert well before speaking at the first BlogWorld Expo, but I met him and Patti Hosking at Gnomedex and that made it easier to be invited to speak.


Showing up at conferences and having decent conversations with people makes it a bit easier to start speaking at events, because then people come to realize and appreciate the kinds of things you’re about, and might want to know more about your ability to speak on a stage.

Shoot Video- So, you might not have put this one together, but you don’t have to attend a conference to speak. You can just set up your video camera or the iSight in your laptop, and shoot your own speech. Videobloggers do it all the time. Or haven’t you ever watched Gary Vaynerchuk?

Now, if you get to speak at an event, at all costs, try to get some video capture of it. Why? Because it means that people will get the chance to see you in action. And that brings me to my next point .

Have a Speaking Page

One of the best things I ever did was build a speaking page, which contains a few elements for you to get a better sense of what I can do for your organization:

  • It starts with a two paragraph overview of who I am and what I talk about.
  • It goes right into sample speaking topics, which are write-ups of presentations I’ve given. (These make it really easy for someone to envision how to use me at their event.)
  • Next comes some sample video presentations (see why I told you to shoot video?). These have proven really helpful to me.
  • I then follow with the laundry list of places crazy enough to have had me speak there.
  • Next to last, but vital are testimonials, which give others the chance to brag about you.
  • And finally, I give people an email address where to contact me.

Having a speaking page has given me lots in the way of evidence that I’m doing okay when it comes to presenting.

Social Proof

I also use my LinkedIn profile to get recommendations from people who’ve seen me speak, and I list professional speaker as one of my “jobs” on the site. Further, if I’m going to an event, I blog about the event at least once before attending, and I use Twitter a lot at the event so that it’s not unknown that I’m speaking yet again.

This is all under the realm of social proof. When people see you in the role of speaker, they better understand how you’re going to help, and what you’re going to deliver. The more they see proof of how you’ve delivered, the more they’ll be interested in hiring you for the next gig.


How to Get Paid to Speak

Ask.

Okay, that’s step 1, and believe me it’s not that easy. We don’t pay speakers for my New Marketing Summit, and I couldn’t pay for speakers at Video on the Net. Lots of shows can’t afford to pay for speakers, but those are just the shows you know about. There are very deserving and interesting shows out there that do pay a speaker’s fee, and that do want a paid professional speaker who will deliver quite a lot of value back to their attendees for that money.

One way to see who might potentially pay is to see what they charge for admission. If the price is high, there’s likely a little budget for speaking fees.

**Note: The opportunity to speak at certain places, even for free, sometimes outweighs a fee.

Don’t discount a speaking opportunity because it doesn’t pay. Some places even charge for speaking, as part of a larger sponsorship or exhibitor’s package. That doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities and value in speaking there. Instead, it means that you have to have a conversion plan in mind to transform your efforts as a speaker into business downstream.

Other Things to Consider

Have a good About page on your website. People want to know about the person they’re considering for a slot in their show. Make sure you’re timely in responding to requests for information (which I’m horrible at, but people have been nice to me). Do what you can to make your presentation worth their time, let alone their money.

And above all else, start somewhere. I’ve done some rough analysis, and it turns out that exactly 100% of speakers I’ve met at conferences all started by speaking.

The Bonus Round

If you want to learn more about what I think makes a top shelf presentation, I’m going to cover that in my free newsletter, which is different than my blog content. That’ll come out by the end of the week, so if you’re interested in more, subscribe for free.

What do you think? Did I miss anything? What else would you tell folks who want to start speaking at events? How did you get your start? What else can I answer for you?

And what do you think makes a speaker into a rockstar?

rocking out

Photo credit, Mister C.C. Chapman and Christopher S. Penn

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  • Good tips on speaking, Chris.
    This sounds like the same plan that has yielded success for me as a speaker on online entrepreneurship topics, too. (except that I am way overdue on posting some video of me speaking on my Speaking page at ScottFox.com 0 thanks for the reminder!).
  • Great summary. I've done most of these things, just haven't put together the 'speaking page' part. My evolution on speaking at places is very similar to yours. Sort of happened as a result of my company. And I'd add a way related to that. If you are a founder/executive at a company, you can leverage your company and its services and customers and traction into speaking opportunities as well. Sometimes as part of exhibitor sponsorships, etc. as you mention, but a lot of times, if you pitch the company as much or more as you, it gives you a different element of credibility with conference and event organizes.
  • Insightful post here Chris. I especially agree with speaking for free when starting out (and even sometimes as a veteran). You just can't put a price tag on reputation and building your influence.
  • It helps to be seen speaking with Chris Brogan. See you in Miami on Wednesday.
  • Bradjward
    Above all else, please make sure you have something interesting to say/share. Don't just assume it; ask colleagues who you know will give you real advice.

    @bradjward
  • Chris, thanks for tweeting about this article. I'm a Pastor, so I speak four times per week, but sometimes I long to speak in an atmosphere that's totally outside my element - as in the realm of business or social media. Perhaps someday. Thanks!
  • I like that you added the sample video presentations to your Speaking Page. I definitely think that that in particular Rocks your page (in addition to some of the testimonials).

    Having had a few speaking engagements, the one thing I definitely wish I would have done was had somebody record a segment so that I could showcase it on my own site. That would have been really cool! But alas, I got my flipcam a little too late :-/ But now I see where it comes in handy.

    Here's a question that I have...for someone who's getting started, do you recommend a particular approach to submitting "speaking proposals?" (Length, amount of detail, etc.)
  • Great post, Chris!
    Though probably every individual who knows me would say otherwise, I consider myself on the shy side and at times have a challenge presenting my knowledge to the "masses". If you saw me at networking events, I am enjoying and making the effort to talk to everyone. Put me on the podium and it takes lots of focus (does not help that I need to be mindful about my accent).
    That all said, I started by following experts on subjects that interest me, than I moved up to adding my blog on running lean startups (www.LeanStartups.com), and now I am considering participating as a panelists at smaller events. The ultimate goal will be public speaking at large events, but until than I need to crawl, walk... and only than run.

    Just my humble 2 cents.

    Apolinaras "Apollo" Sinkevicius
  • @Ricardo - here's how I approach speaking proposals: I write them so compelling that the person HAS to contact me, even if they don't want to use me for the show. I'll write audacious claims, or I'll write something with such a sense of humor, that they have to call up and ask if I'm for real. Gimmicky? Hell yeah. But I always have the "real" proposal at the ready. : )

    There's no magic formula. Write something YOU'D want to attend, and that helps.
  • The speakers I enjoy the most are ones that both educate and entertain. If I don't find myself laughing every now and again during the presentation, I'm probably not thoroughly enjoying myself. I also want to be able to take away a nugget or two which I can implement in my own business. I also want to hear passion in their voice, those that truly love what they are presenting will provide an undeniable passion that is not fake or manufactured.

    I have watched a few of your videos and enjoy your style, content, and delivery. I attend as many seminars as I can to continue learning how to deliver material. The Yes network has provided some really great speakers I've enjoyed listening to and will continue to seek out those that provide value.
  • Brogan's right, (damn I wish I had $5 for every time I said that) if you are little bit of a ham, actor(tress) or former television news anchor, that can open doors. Oh did I mention stand up comic, that pays worse than speaking.

    Ok I realize there are tons of tools to do this, but give this a look see http://www.providentpartners.net/mhscn/ click on my mug on this landing page. I do summary presentations for groups so they can redistribute to the members that perhaps didn't attend or want to review to see if I messed up the first time, I'm OK with that bring it on.

    More importantly it's a way for others to see your work. It is sometimes difficult to get good quality of a speech in front of an audience, and what's good for a room might not make for good web presence.

    Also one style I have is a throw back to my news anchor days, I use lots of soundbites usually, but not always take from the Marketing Edge podcast.

    The tool I used to shoot video of me, then have powerpoints and roll in soundbites and even other video is called Proclaim www.proclaimyourself.com

    Nice work CB
  • Chris, again, a great post! I will share this my clients, peers, strategic partners! I will post (or re-tweet this on my blog and my social networks (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Squiddo, Sta.rtUp.Biz and My Business Community) for the hundreds that I interact with online! Keep up the good work and valuable advice!

    Sincerely,
    @KenE3C (Twitter ID)
  • Hey, Chris.

    The advice "Blog Your Talk" got me thinking (oh come on, this entire post and your site has got me rethinking sections of my own site...) about how I could do that. When I write, there is a sense of humor there, but I remain formal, polished, and prolific. That's the writer in me. I want my blog to sing; and with bylines under my belt, even comments like this one will come under scrutiny.

    When I'm speaking, though, I tend to do what you had blogged previously about ("Own the Crowd"). I move on points, make eye contact, and — if the inspiration hits — bring up recent events or people in the house that react positively (or negatively) to my message. For me, crowd reaction is essential as it fuels my own enthusiasm. While I love speaking gigs, I tend to be gun-shy on webinars. My first experience was not a pleasant one. What was missing from it, for me, was being able to connect and react with the audience.

    My question is how do you translate that spontaneous spark found in a live talk, in a series of blog posts? Even when I podcast, it's a different experience. My "Survival Guide to Writing Fantasy" is still fun but formal when I'm in studio, but this year I did my first show with an in-studio audience. It was an entirely different experience; and while I could give you a run-down in bullet points of what I talked about with a crowd present, writing it out in a blog format wouldn't carry over as well as listening to the recording.

    So, how do you make the jump between live magic and online blog?

    Thanks for all you do, Chris. I love your site.
  • what makes a speaker into a rockstar is creating an experience for the people who are listening. A positive experience for as many as possible and a negative experience for those who are not your target market. Polarizing people makes rockstars.


    Dr. Wright
    The Wright Place TV Show
    www.wrightplacetv.com
    www.twitter.com/drwright1
  • Great advice Chris, especially get it on video, then get it on your speaking page. Gotta do that.

    As for getting paid, that's always a sticky area. And as you point out, there's many events where you might not get paid to speak, but you still get value from speaking there, with SXSW being the perfect example.

    One problem with getting paid to speak is that when you start out, you might not have a good idea of what to ask for, or what type of price you can reasonable expect. From my experience, many events (especially bigger ones) do have a budget set aside for speaking, and many times they will NOT mention paying your fee (or even travel), unless you ask. So if you get an invitation to speak and you really can't afford it, counter by explaining that you require them to cover your travel as well as a fee. If they say no, no problem because you couldn't make it anyway. But if they respond by offering to cover your fee (or make a counter-offer), this gives you a better idea of your marketability as a speaker.

    Great advice Chris, as always!
  • Chris, thanks for the advice. You laid out some nice ways to claim your expertise on the subject that you are looking to speak about. How about some resources for people who want to polish their skills and get to keynote level?
  • There are a number of online forums cropping up that offer opportunities to speak as well. Some of these are offshoots of Webcasting platforms, like On24, others have started up to do online events, like BrightTalk. I was invited to present at a BrightTalk online summit, and I was pleasantly surprised: they did a ton of PR and marketing promotion for the summit, and the views continue long after the event is over. Depending on the forum, you can view the people who came and watched your presentation and connect with them. It's another opportunity to get yourself out there.
  • I appreciate your advice. I have recently delved into Public Speaking and really enjoy it. I also run the Learn About Web Conference and believe your right on key about approach for paid speakers. My first conference nearly killed me because of fees, and I took the loss to do so. But I also believe that the right speakers shouldn't have to pay. For my upcoming show I have a speaker who will attend and I agreed to pay the way, all food hotel and flight expenses.

    You have to have good speakers to attract others, and others will pay for the right information. Don;t try to kill the promoter with fees and you will find them asking you to help them grow into a paid speaking arrangement.

    My 2 cents anyway!

    By the way, we have to talk :)

    Thanks!
  • Good advice. I have been speaking for over 3 years (longer if you count my days in radio). The speaking page is important (I cover most things mentioned at www.ShotgunConcepts.com/speaking The only things that I would add to Chris' advice are: 1) Choose speaking topics that no one else knows about. Speakers need to be experts and 2) make sure that you can actually SPEAK. Getting up in front of people and rattling on will not go far. Audiences and organizers won't readily admit it, but entertainment goes farther than actual knowledge.
  • This is great information. I have been doing a lot of speaking and am looking at doing a lot more. It isn't a natural strength so I'm practicing to be as efficient and effective a speaker as possible.
  • Very interesting tips :)

    From the audience point of view, I really appreciate a little humor to lighten up public speaking! To me, it shows the speaker is comfortable and confident and knows his topic if he is able to interact unexpectedly and adlib when necessary.
  • I did have to call bullshit on a speaking gig in Boston recently, on the paid thing. They said, oh, we're running on a tight budget, we can't afford to pay, but we can comp an admission ticket - and the tickets for the gig are $2,199. I'm sorry, but if you're charging over $1K for tickets, you have more than enough room for speaking fees. We did all of PodCamp Boston at a kick ass, first class venue, WITH some food and a party, for $35,000 TOTAL, for 450 people, and managed just $50 per person.
  • I love the tip about writing about what you're going to speak on. One of the most important recent speeches I made was a little over a year ago to a room of three people - the second out of three interviews for my current job. I wrote about Generation Y leadership on my blog and then I told it all back to them. It totally worked. :)
  • Really helpful tips. I've spoken at a variety of places in my past lives, and before Web 2.0. Your ideas help me bring it all together, and plan for my next speaking engagement...in my current incarnation. Thanks!
  • Great information!

    I'd have to say anyone that's ever done anything has started by doing something. :)

    The thought of speaking in front of a large group of people scares the shit out of me, but I'm sure once I started it wouldn't be that big of a deal.

    I'd better learn though if I'm gonna be the next big rockstar blogger. :)
  • Tip: setup a profile on speakersite.com.
  • Thanks for the great advice Chris! One of my goals for 2009 is to develop a unique small business speaking presentation focused on the web, online reputation, new media, etc. I can't wait to write it, blog it and put up a slideshare - asking for feedback from my blog/social network is such an awesome idea!
  • Chris

    Good thoughts and ideas. I would echo the idea of starting and barcamps are a great place to start. They're more informal.

    I would add three things for getting started:

    1. Start today - it could be at work, with your sports or parents group. Don't stand back but see it as an opportunity to practice. Be sure to always ask for feedback. Find out "what could I have done better?" Don't just ask "how was it"? Lots of people are too nice to say what they really think, so you need to ask a more focused question.. If you want to grow as a speaker, you need to know what's working (keep it and do more of it) and where to work on things

    2. Have something to say - pick a topic that you're passionate about. Enthusiasm and knowledge is contagious and engaging.

    3. Watch and learn. Listen to great presentations and think about what the speaker is choosing do at each point. Learn from really good speakers that are giving the same type of talks that you want to give. There's a style for the inspirational speech, a style for the Ted Talks (i.e. speakers tell a story) and almost all of the Ted talks are wonderful to learn from; and then there's the "how to do it" demo/speech.

    Remember to have fun yourself - if you have some fun, chances are your audience will too.

    Darlene
  • if starting out you should definitely speak as often as possible at whatever meeting, event or brunch you can get the opp to do so. after you get comfy with delivery then break out the camcorder.
  • Here are two additional tips:

    * Build a multi-media CV at Visualcv.com, so that event organizers can see you in action.

    * ABS: Always be speaking. The more you speak, the more you get invited to speak, the more you speak. So accept every speaking engagement you can to get out there. Two benefits: you'll get more practice and someone will see you and invite you to speak at something else. Then upward spiral begins.

    You can also get some great tips here: http://speaking.alltop.com/.

    Guy
  • found you via Twitter a la Guy Kawasaki. awesome and straight-forward guidelines. i've been looking for this information and didn't really even know it. hopefully, this may be the starting point for a new and different phase in my academic career.
    thanks for the great article.
  • Hi Chris,

    I must have been mind reading your suggestion to blog about your speech. I began speaking again earllier this year; rather than reinvent the wheel, I chose blog articles to convert into workshops.

    If I had a tip it would be to consider facilitating workshops first. Facilitating workshops is an easier form of public speaking, in my opinion, due to the amount of information you do NOT have to memorize.

    Once you feel comfortable facilitating a workshop, through practice and booking as many engagements as possible, it becomes much easier to transition into keynote speaking.

    Thanks for the excellent tips.

    Dean Guadagni
    Business Director
    Inner Architect
  • Great article Chris!!

    I see you mentioned the 'write a kick-ass proposal' in the comments here, so I won't add that.

    One thing I would add though? Don't think that something is beneath you. If you are asked to moderate a panel? Go for it. It helps you connect with other speakers, conference organizers and other people. if you remember to focus on making your panelists look good than worrying about how you look? They'll be more likely to put in a good word for you if someone else asks what they think of you. Even the a-list speakers I know moderate interesting panels. If you're asked to speak at the 'podunk local conference' and you can do it? Do it. You never know who will be in the audience or reading about it on Twitter or a blog... If you want to know more about how a conference works before you start speaking at them? Volunteer to help out at one for the admission so you can see what kind of speakers do well and what kind of sessions do well. Plus, again, you make connections.

    As usual though? A killer post. And I'd come listen to you speak any day!
  • Good info Chris! I guess I've been lucky - since I've been paid most of the time (other than stuff I do for charity work..) Got some rave reviews - but I do have to take the time to stick them up on the site - as well as remember to have someone shoot some video of me at my events.... The National Speaker's Assn. and speaker bureaus are also resources (which I haven't had time to even do yet) :-)
    I was thinking about someone else doing the bookings for me....pd on commission...
  • Thanks for the great tips and INSIGHTS! I've always wondered how one could get started down this path.
  • I have done a little speaking, both with a live audience, and for a small TV network. I never reall considered it something to promote on my website - but maybe it should be. Thanks for the insightful tips. :)
  • This post could not have come at a better time. I am smack in the middle of setting up contacts, venues, sponsors and speakers to roll out a series of Social Media Breakfasts for the South African "newmarketingsphere".

    I have been blessed with the gift of putting mindblowing stuff on paper (or monitor via my keyboard), however I have not attempted to speak publicly since left school in '91.

    Not only is this a confidence booster, but it's also an educational resource on how to progressively get a foot in the door. South Africa is pretty much strung out on old marketing (except for those in marketing that are active in the blogosphere). 90% of all marketing are done by advertising agencies, and I don't see them switching their strategies anytime soon to embrace (especially) inbound marketing as the strategy and not an add-on to the strategy. Therefore lots of talks, breakfasts, seminars, conferences etc. will be necessary to drive new marketing and its benefits home.

    Which means guys like me have their work cut out for them as evangelists and ambassadors of this "new new thing".

    You ROCK man.
  • Chris,

    Thanks for writing this post. I'm glad you mentioned the video part of speaking. Around my apartment, I've been practicing my speaking skills as if I were actually at a conference (I have this weird switch for different things that I can turn on where appropriate). Soon, I will start recording practice videos and posting them to my blog on topics I'm interested in speaking about (such as cloud computing, VoIP, etc.)

    Right now, I'm speaking with a major company about attending and speaking at their events in the future. So, this could be the opportunity that launches my speaking full-time. Regardless, I'm still crafting this part of my life to be really good at it in the future.
  • Really inspirational Chris. You basically provided a basic road map for newbies like myself. Which I really needed :-)

    I can't wait until I have my new website design up that includes a blog so I can start talking about the stuff I would want to speak about (later down the line).

    Keep edumacatin us youngins :-)
  • Chris,
    This is a very timely post. I have many speaking clients and I offer similar advice when they ask me about finding and landing speaking gigs.

    Having a Speaking/Media Page is very important. Showcasing your talent and ability to engage the audience could lead to opportunities you didn't know existed. The speaking pitch is vital as well. I like your idea of "gimmicky" pitching, but I'm not sure that would work for everyone. There's only one Chris Brogan. =)

    I tell the clients who are trying to break into speaking to start small and work their way to the high profile "paid gigs." Speaking is one of those things that you need to practice to master.

    Like you said, "100% of speakers I’ve met at conferences all started by speaking."

    I will definitely provide a link to this post in my next newsletter.

    Thanks.
  • Great tips Chris.
    I've been speaking for a while *3 events* and this post is a great resource for me :)
  • I want to offer encouragement to anyone reading this who wants to be a paid, professional speaker. I have the good fortune to be a keynote speaker--mostly at big events for women philanthropists or women in leadership. Speaking at these events is a lot of fun for me, but mostly because I believe I have something important to say.

    For me, the path to becoming a paid professional speaker started with writing articles that were featured in print publications. I am sure that, as Chris stated, publishing in a blog could have a similar affect. By expressing my unique point of view in an entertaining manner, I caught the attention of meeting planners who assumed I would be a good speaker.

    My next step down the path involved my inner game. My head game, actually. I had to self-define as a professional speaker--someone worthy of being paid. This shouldn't be hard for anybody who has great content to deliver, a point of view and good presentation skills, but sometimes it is. Sometimes we get caught up in a belief that we should simply be flattered to have been asked to speak and grateful to have an audience. I say, yes, feel flattered; be grateful, and expect to be paid.

    Once I started charging for my speaking, I made it my practice to always charge the same amount to my clients. I refer to this as "fee integrity." Others will disagree, but I think it is important. You, yourself may justify charging differing fees to different clients, but you can't really expect your clients to understand this. And the first thing a potential client is going to ask another event organizer is, "How much did she charge?"

    Over time I have raised my speaking fees to what most would consider sizable. I have used this practice to do so. When asked to quote my fee, I close my eyes, breathe deeply, multiply by three and say the number. Be bold. Ask to be paid what you want to be worth. Then work hard to prepare a fabulous presentation and deliver the goods! My own experience is that the more my clients pay me, the better they love me. That may sound obnoxious and cheeky, but I want you to know this. After all, I am trying to offer you encouragement.

    The thing you must remember is that, actually, professional speaking is a lot of work. Even for someone like Chris Brogan and Kay Ballard, who are alike in the fact that we have never seen a microphone we didn't love. Professional speaking involves travel and that involves airports and hotel rooms and every sort of imaginable inconvenience. Professional speaking also involves ancillary obligations like dinners with board members, receptions in your honor, etc. Much of the time you will probably enjoy these event but you will not be compensated beyond your speaking fees for participating.

    One more thing: I agree that uncompensated speaking at select conferences is worthwhile in that it can sometimes be leveraged into paid speaking gigs. However, if you aspire to be a paid professional speaker, I think you should have a policy regarding the amount of unpaid speaking you are willing to do and be very selective in regard to the conferences you speak at pro bono.

    Good luck to each of you regardless of where you find yourself on the path. I look forward to seeing you on stage!

    Kay Ballard
  • I really liked the post, that is why decided to leave a short comment. It is really interesting to start public speaking with a blog post. I had never thought that it helps to fine tune the speech, and customize it.
  • I can remember one of the first speeches I did was when I was in highschool and the business teacher asked me to come and speak to his class about what I was doing on the net....I learnt so much from that.

    Take every opportunity you get when starting out!
  • karalyniaa
    Great tips! Entrepreneur steps for good oratory. To evaluate own's words before speaking is also a good art. decision, self-determination, art of merging words are some good tips to speak on any topic and blog. We can take this type of inspiration on search engine also.
  • Everyone is invited to join SpeakerSite, a free, open social network of public speakers and event planners. Not yet three weeks old and already 600+ members. It's a great way to find speaking opportunities — and be found by them, too.

    http://www.speakersite.com
  • Hmm this is a timely post - it's something I've been thinking about expanding on for a while. As a college professor, I speak and give presentations all the time, and years ago I did the circuit around town speaking at tech events and such. It's a pile of fun and what I love about it is that every time I give a talk, I learn 10 times more than if I was the one sitting in the audience.

    A couple of things I would add to your tips -

    Learn how to give an mind-blowing presentation. It's one thing to know your subject matter...it's entirely another to be able to present it well. A good way to learn this is to watch other mind-blowing presenters - TED Talks is an invaluable resource. Watch talks by Christopher Penn - he's fantastic - and of course Chris Brogan too!

    Another speaking opportunity that often goes overlooked is speaking to classes at community colleges. I often invite 2 or 3 guest speakers to talk to my classes every semester. Schools don't usually have the budget to pay speakers, (you might get a a nice coffee mug or gift card, or even lunch!), but it's great experience, and the audience is usually pretty forgiving.
  • sent the article to my son.I used to speak for aldus corporation.Got there by doing side by side comparisons of their product and the competitor's products on pc and mac platforms.that was ages ago.
    wishihadcontinued with it.
  • Hi Chris,
    Excellent post.

    I've got a lot of this information spread around, but not centralized on my speaking page.

    You can check out the BEFORE:

    Speaking
    http://stevegarfield.com/Site/Speaking.html

    That page includes a really great video of me speaking at Streaming Media West.

    About Me:
    http://stevegarfield.com/Site/About_Me.html

    This page has a list of past speaking engagements on it, but it needs to be moved to the Speaking page.

    Obviously.

    I'll send you a link to the after once I've implemented your suggestions.

    Thanks!
    --Steve
  • Hmm, it's as if you had a conversation with someone recently at a bar about starting as a speaker and here you have this amazing article. Thanks. You really motivated me to get serious about speaking (just as soon as I finish procrastinating on my book!). If you have any good conferences you think I'd be a good fit for, let me know.
  • Some speakers get paid really well, a well known internet marketer just got $20,000 for speaking one hour about making money online.I´m just wondering what these speakers have in common.What makes an excellent speaker besides having excellent knowledge and no stage fright?
  • @Tom - don't assume that excellent speakers have no stage fright! I know a few that actually physically get sick beforehand every time.
    It's more a matter of channeling that energy into your audience.

    The 3 things I've noticed about great speakers? Passion, anecdotes, and an ability to go 'off-script' without feeling lost (when something from the audience needs addressing) but still getting back on their track.
  • So you think you're a rock star? haha. I would like you to post a video of you rocking out. I think that would be sweet and a great Christmas present to all of us. Good idea?
  • These are excellent speaking tips, Chris. Incredibly helpful. But I must ask, where do I get a top hat like that? I think the hat seals the deal.
  • Chris,

    Thanks for writing this was just starting to work on me Speaking pages so it was very timely and great advice. I think that the making friend suggestion has to be one of the most important.

    One other idea: Have you thought about featuring someone from your Rockstars page every week on your blog? I think it would be really good exposure for other smart folks you could pick them at random even but it would be interesting since that list is getting very lengthy. Have a great day.
  • Thanks a lot for this post..makes me feel like I can speak in public.
  • As usual, a great, actionable, helpful post. And, it appears, very timely for a lot of people. I just put in my first speaking proposal in the last week or two. Will definitely have to add a Speaking page to my blog, and probably knock out a few videos, since most of my previous presenting has been to prospects and clients. :)
  • I really like the "how to get paid" advice: Ask. A lot of people don't. I also like your hat in the picture. I wore one similar to that at an HP Users Group conference I spoke at (long ago). I always wore hats when I spoke; it seemed to help the audience focus more quickly.
  • Rocking Hot Post Chris! Been doing it full time for 15 years and your post is one of the best I have read as far as tips for the beginning newbies-especially the speaking page and the LinkedIn page- great ideas!!! and man- never knew you were a bonfide singing rock star! Move over Jack White!
  • Chris -

    This topic sure is popular. I help manage a few speakers as well as do a lot of speaking myself. One tip I have for new speakers is to develop a number of session descriptions they would be able to present. A good session description is key to getting the attention of a conference planning committee. It is a challenge to be succinct and speak in benefits language in a description. Along with that description having learning objectives or an outline will help. It is also important to have a well written bio. Once these are in place an individual can start to look for conferences within their area of expertise. Many have online submission sites which is where the aforementioned work on a bio and description will come in handy. The descriptions may need to be tweaked to fit the confernece theme or audience but having them ready to go really saves time as opportunities arise.

    Jennifer H. Selke, Ph.D.
    http://jennselke.com
    http://thecampdirector.com/
  • Thanks for the great tips Chris! I hear all of the time about the "big time bloggers" attending conferences and speaking, but it's great to get tips about it as well! It's always so promising to hear bloggers taking their passion in different creative directions.
  • Great post and so many tried and true methods.
  • Thanks Chris for sharing this with others and most importantly, stimulating a discussion on it, getting speaking events is like going out on your own, lots of people want to do it but don't know how. Hopefully this post gave the right nudge to a few people to go out there.
  • I would add, "do what you love, and the money will follow." This is a little tip I picked up 30+ years ago and it has worked for me. I've had two or three wonderful careers (depending upon how you count), and they have each included some level of writing and speaking - in addition, each better prepared me for the next.

    I know write and speak weekly. And, I love what I do! But I didn't intend to be a public speaker - it just kind of fell into my lap.

    I remember years ago, I awoke in the morning with faint recollections of a dream. I dreamed that I was making a public presentation to hundreds of people and they were laughing - not at me, mind you, but with me. At the time I was doing some small-time emergency services training, but I wasn't all that good, or funny.

    Within the next year, I had pulled together a presentation that I ended up giving all over Oregon and SW Washington. One of the last times I made the presentation, there were a couple of hundred people in attendance and they were laughing - with me. It was thrilling to see that dream fulfilled.

    When I left that career 13 years ago, I had been invited to write for some publications and was presenting at national conferences. It was fun! And then I started over.

    Do what you love, not what you think others will love, do what you love, and the money will follow.
  • Another great way to start your public speaking career is to go out onto the Rotary circut and practice giving your speech for free. You will get a great chance to refine what you have to say, infront of people who can make decisions.

    Cheers

    Darren Fleming
    http://www.executivespeaking.com.au
  • Thanks so much for this post Chris. I had a speaking page, but it was in dire need of updating, which I've now done following your advice: . Now I just need some video!
    :)
    e
  • Emily Hansen
    A wealth of information from Brogan, plus everyone's comments. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to speak publicly on a variety of subjects in a variety of contexts from boat shows to education conferences. Enthusiasm regardless of subject is essential as is speaking with intention - what is the the goal - the results and/or reaction. Re-evaluating my life's intentions and exploring public speaking and training, the article and comments are personally and professionally timely. Much appreciated!
    Rock on!
  • Great information and advice, Chris! I have some updating to do...

    I'd second Susan Murphy's comment about considering college audiences when getting started with speaking. Connect with your alumni network, your local college, grad students, etc. I started speaking to grad students at two different schools in the last couple years, and I've found that it's been great practice and a rewarding experience, the audience is very engaged and you can have some stimulating discussions. I always walk away learning something too or thinking about something in a slightly different way, which in turn shapes my other presentations.

    Finally, I'd add that when I speak to or do presentations for clients, I try to make a point of always asking my co-workers for feedback. As an almost life-long musician (outside my day job), I think of each speaking experience as a mini-master class. (I know, not very rockstar lingo... : ) It's so invaluable to get feedback from people who know you well and can offer constructive criticism. (And it's hard to self-diagnose in the process.) If you're flying solo, it's helpful to videotape yourself and watch it carefully, making notes about worked, what didn't work as well, etc.

    I remember once reading an interview with a famous cellist in his 60's, and the interviewer asked why he still practiced scales and technical studies. His answer was something along the lines of, "There's always room for improvement."
  • Very nice article, I've added some of my own ideas and checklists over on my blog: Being a public speaker in the web business
  • Thanks for twittering this post! really great tips!!
  • Loved the post, Chris...all excellent points. I speak myself and the point about "asking for a fee" is the hardest the first few times. Oh and it's true...some events are marketing opportunities and important investments to make. As Chris said, have a goal in mind for your speaking that will help you determine whether you speak for free or move on to the next thing.
  • Hey @Chris ...

    Thanks for the advice on how to get into the world of speaking. Great tips and very practical.

    After reading i was left with one question ... How did you get your 1st speaking opportunity? It seems like this is one of the hardest parts when starting out. I get my opportunities through work, but not everyone has that ability so going out and finding speaking engagements could be difficult.

    --
    http://twitter.com/franswaa
  • Hi Chris,
    Found you via Twitter.
    This might have a good one for a vlog too.
    Best, Huub
  • thanks, chris, but one thing you forgot to mention -- sometimes libraries offer seminars and courses for free to the public. i went in my local library and asked how i could give a seminar on Web Tools for Nonprofits. After giving a 5-minute preview, I was in. Of course they didn't pay me to give the seminar, but the sweet person who coordinated the seminar invited the manager of the local Foundation Center, who has since asked me to give three seminars to nonprofits (paid) and he will probably refer me to even bigger fish (like nonprofit conferences when they come to town) if all goes well.

    that's how to get one foot in the door! another is to coordinate your own presentation -- rent out a room in a restaurant or neighborhood coffee shop, charge a fee, and advertise in Craigslist or your local business networking bulletin board. then see if anyone shows up.
  • It is seriously scary how I many times I have a question about a topic, such as "How to Start Speaking at Events", and then you write a post about the topic. I think you are doing a vulcan trick, via cyberspace. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you rock.
  • Nice post. Very informative. And much appreciated. Thank you!
  • Interesting thoughts. I am about to embark on exactly that path. I am speaking at Barcamp Miami next month. I will use your advice to build a better following for my talk.
  • Good article, twittering and blogging can really get you a lot of rapid and targeted feedback.
  • Loved the link to Wikipedia on Social Proof and how the world famous violinist played in a DC subway for 1 hour during the morning rush with a $3.5 million dollar Stradivarius violin in hand and no on really noticed.

    ...They took their cues from others around them.
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