How do you highlight diversity and inclusion in your speaking portfolio?

1 Choose your topics wisely

Your speaking portfolio should include topics that are relevant, engaging, and aligned with your personal and professional goals. But you should also consider how your topics reflect your awareness and respect for diversity and inclusion. For example, you can choose topics that address the challenges and opportunities of underrepresented groups in your field, or that showcase the contributions and perspectives of diverse experts and practitioners. You can also choose topics that challenge stereotypes, biases, or assumptions that may limit the potential of your audience or your field.

2 Diversify your formats and platforms

Your speaking portfolio should not only include your past and upcoming talks, but also other formats and platforms that demonstrate your versatility and reach as a speaker. For example, you can include podcasts, webinars, panels, workshops, interviews, or articles that you have participated in or created. You can also include different platforms that you have used or are open to using, such as online, hybrid, or in-person events, or different types of venues, such as academic, corporate, or community settings. By diversifying your formats and platforms, you can show your adaptability and accessibility as a speaker, and your ability to connect with different audiences and contexts.

3 Showcase your feedback and testimonials

Your speaking portfolio should also include feedback and testimonials that highlight your impact and value as a speaker. But you should also look for feedback and testimonials that reflect your diversity and inclusion efforts and outcomes. For example, you can include feedback and testimonials that mention how your talk inspired, educated, or empowered a diverse audience, or how your talk contributed to a more inclusive culture or environment in your field or event. You can also include feedback and testimonials from diverse sources, such as organizers, peers, mentors, or attendees, that showcase your credibility and reputation as a speaker.

4 Update your bio and photo

Your speaking portfolio should also include your bio and photo, which are often the first impression that potential organizers and audiences have of you as a speaker. But you should also make sure that your bio and photo reflect your diversity and inclusion values and identity. For example, you can include information about your background, experiences, or affiliations that demonstrate your diversity and inclusion advocacy or involvement. You can also use a photo that represents your authentic self, and that follows the guidelines and expectations of the events or platforms that you are applying to or speaking at.

5 Network with diverse and inclusive communities

Your speaking portfolio should also include your network, which is a valuable asset and resource for your speaking career. But you should also make sure that your network is diverse and inclusive, and that you are actively engaging and supporting them. For example, you can network with diverse and inclusive communities in your field or industry, such as associations, groups, or initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. You can also network with diverse and inclusive speakers, organizers, or mentors, who can offer you advice, feedback, or opportunities to speak at diverse and inclusive events.

6 Learn and improve continuously

Your speaking portfolio should also include your learning and improvement journey, which shows your growth and development as a speaker. But you should also make sure that your learning and improvement journey includes diversity and inclusion as a key component and goal. For example, you can learn and improve your diversity and inclusion knowledge, skills, and practices, by attending or watching diverse and inclusive talks, reading or listening to diverse and inclusive resources, or taking courses or workshops on diversity and inclusion. You can also learn and improve your diversity and inclusion performance, by seeking or applying feedback, measuring or tracking your outcomes, or setting or reviewing your goals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?