What do you do if you need help choosing speaking opportunities for career growth?

1 Assess Goals

Before diving into the multitude of speaking engagements available, take a step back to assess your career goals. What are you aiming to achieve through public speaking? Are you looking to establish thought leadership, network within your industry, or showcase a particular skill or product? By clarifying your objectives, you can filter opportunities through a lens that aligns with your aspirations. This strategic approach ensures that each speaking engagement moves you closer to your career targets.

2 Seek Mentorship

Mentorship is an invaluable resource when honing your public speaking skills and choosing the right opportunities. A mentor who is experienced in public speaking can provide guidance, feedback, and potentially open doors to new platforms. They can help you navigate the speaking circuit, introduce you to event organizers, and advise on how to tailor your talks to different audiences. Finding a mentor within your industry or speaking community can accelerate your growth and lead to more strategic speaking engagements.

3 Research Events

Once you have a clear understanding of your goals and possibly a mentor's insight, it's time to research events that match your career objectives. Look for conferences, workshops, and seminars that attract your target audience or are renowned within your industry. Consider the size of the event, the profile of attendees, and the potential impact on your career. Remember, not all speaking opportunities are created equal; some will offer more exposure, while others may provide a more niche but engaged audience.

4 Evaluate Fit

Evaluating the fit of a speaking opportunity involves more than just matching topics; it also means considering the audience's level of expertise and interest in your subject matter. You want to ensure that your presentation will resonate with attendees and that you're positioned as a knowledgeable authority. This fit is crucial for establishing credibility and fostering meaningful connections. Additionally, consider the event's format and whether it plays to your strengths as a speaker.

5 Leverage Networks

Your professional network can be a treasure trove of information and opportunities for public speaking engagements. Reach out to colleagues, industry peers, and professional groups to learn about upcoming events or organizations seeking speakers. Networking not only helps you find opportunities that may not be widely advertised but also provides a platform for others to endorse your speaking abilities. A personal recommendation can be a powerful catalyst in securing coveted speaking slots.

6 Continuous Learning

Public speaking is an art that requires continuous learning and adaptation. Attend other speakers' sessions to gain insights into presentation styles, audience engagement techniques, and content delivery. This exposure will not only inspire your own speaking endeavors but also help you identify which events and formats best suit your style. By staying informed about trends in public speaking and actively seeking feedback on your performances, you'll refine your skills and make more informed choices about where to speak next.

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?