How can you get speaking gigs at conferences?

I also make sure to speak to the organizers and ask them what they want their audience to leave with — how they want to feel and what actions should they be taking — to make sure both of our intentions are aligned!

Adding an experiential element to your presentation can help engage your audience better, make your content memorable, and help you stand out from other presenters. Perhaps you've taped something to the bottom of one of the chairs that a participant can read, or you have them turn and share with the person next to them. This also helps build networking opportunities among the audience and can foster feelings of fun and good-will.

Speaking at conferences or events is not just about stepping on a stage and delivering a speech. Identify Your Goals & determine why you want to speak at a conference. Some speakers aim to educate or inspire, while others use these opportunities for branding. Being clear about your goals will help you choose the right conferences to speak at and craft your speech accordingly. Understand Your Value Proposition: This involves understanding your unique strengths, your areas of expertise, and what you can offer that others can't. It's also crucial to ensure that your speech is original and valuable to your target audience. This can be achieved by offering unique insights, presenting your own research or case studies.

Absolutely, having a crystal-clear vision of your goals and understanding what you bring to the table are fundamental. Highlighting your uniqueness is key because it sets you apart. Always keeping the end goal in sight is crucial; it provides direction and keeps you on track. But here's another vital aspect not to overlook: knowing where to share your message. It's essential to think about speaking in the right room – in front of the right people who can truly appreciate and benefit from what you have to offer. When you find the right audience, it's like unlocking the gateway to success. Their understanding and connection with your message will propel you toward achieving your goal and reaching new heights in your endeavors.

I find that if I'd been an attendant at the previous conference, I'd known more about the audience, its vibe, and what speakers were talking about. That's all very helpful in understanding on how to stand out from the crowd. On top of that, I'd use the most recent trends and hot topics to address because usually that's what the attendees are after. They want to hear new ideas they haven't heard before.

Remember, You Must Identify Your Core Speaking Topics: It's essential to stick to topics you are passionate about and have deep knowledge in. This not only helps you speak more authentically, but also makes it easier to engage your audience. However, make sure these topics align with the themes of the conferences you're targeting. Understand Industry Trends and Challenges: Research the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in your industry. This will not only help you provide timely and relevant conferences— but also position you as a thought leader in your industry. Use reliable sources like industry reports, research papers, trade journals and news articles for this purpose. Be a detective!

One strategy that has proven incredibly effective in securing speaking opportunities for me is the art of building relationships. Here is an example. Whenever I attend a live event, I research all the speakers beforehand and I create a list of those whom I feel a genuine affinity with. Before the conference kicks off, I proactively reach out to them, sharing my excitement about the conference. I mention that I plan to approach them to introduce myself officially and have a chat. More often than not, the speakers end up remembering my name and our initial interaction. Also, these speakers have valuable connections with event organizers. So these conversations could potentially open doors to new speaking opportunities or collaborations.

We are using AI tools such as ChatGPT, etc, to help us find the best options, old friend Google is also helpful, and make sure to put things into a spreadsheet. A VA can easily help with those tasks as well as reaching out to organizers

Here is the bottom line! Anyone looking to hire a speaker will want to see you in action. The best way to do that is to have a professional video of you actually speaking at a conference. Are you engaging, do you use humour, are you storytelling etc etc.

If you do not have experience speaking, it's important to highlight in your proposal why you are the best person to speak on the topic. Be sure to highlight your research, presentations of that research, books, etc...You want to prove that you are the best thought leader for that speaking opportunity. We all have to start somewhere but don't always have the experience at first. But, starting at smaller events, maybe virtual events, can help you build your speaking portfolio and prepare you for the type of conferences you would like to speak at.

Crafting and submitting a compelling proposal, especially for speaking opportunities at conferences is an art. Understand the Guidelines: Before you begin writing your proposal, make sure to thoroughly review the event's call for speakers or submission guidelines. Be compliant! Start with a Captivating Title: A strong title is crucial. It should be catchy, concise, and clear. The aim is to grab the reader's attention. Write a Compelling Abstract: This is a concise summary of what your speech will cover. It should highlight the main points, the value for attendees, and why your perspective is unique. Ensure it aligns with the event's theme and audience.

Rehearsing your presentation is critical. It helps you get comfortable with your content, improves your delivery, and gives you a chance to iron out any issues. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or present to a small group of peers. Pay attention to your body language and voice modulation. Get Feedback: Getting feedback is a great way to identify areas of improvement. You can get feedback from your practice audience or by reviewing your recordings. Be open to criticism and ready to make necessary adjustments. Time Yourself: Timing your presentation during practice helps ensure you stay within the given limit. Remember, going over time can be seen as a lack of respect for the audience and the organizers. Prepare!

Like any presentation, a conference session or keynote should be an experience with highs and lows. It should be practiced but not rehearsed. And it should be tailored to that specific audience. That’s key to resonance.

Being fully prepared for a presentation empowers you to tackle any challenge that comes your way with confidence. There's this one memorable situation during a presentation where something unexpected was happening at the same time, and I knew it was worth mentioning. I did, without losing my focus or leaving my audience feeling disconnected. When you're well-prepared, it allows you to remain present and navigate smoothly back to your planned content, all while ensuring your audience doesn't sense any confusion or uncertainty. Instead, they feel engaged and immersed in the experience you've created. This emotional connection leaves a lasting impact, and they will fondly remember your presentation because of how you made them feel.

Deliberately develop and meticulously rehearse your upcoming presentation to ensure you're thoroughly prepared for a confident and successful delivery.

Remember that it's natural to feel nervous. However, being well-prepared can help minimize nerves. Believe in your expertise and remember that the audience is there to learn from you. It’s all about mindset.

I think if someone has an opportunity, take a communication/speaking course to get ready and feel in charge. Also, practice makes it perfect. First 5 seconds are the most crucial, so make sure to shine there

The actions you take depend a bit on if you are a professional (paid) speaker. You will want to have a one-sheet and video (or examples of you speaking or equivalent testimonials), you will need a contract. If this is something new for you, I recommend looking for the National Speakers Association chapter near you. It’s all about the business of speaking. If you are a speaker who does not need to be paid, perhaps you work for a company you are trying to promote), you can consider speaking at a conference from an organization you belong to or introduce yourself by offering to do something else first, like write a letter for their newsletter.