The Speaking Industry Is Broken—But That’s Actually Great News

The professional speaking industry is in turmoil.?

There, I said it.?

I know, I know, everyone’s trying to put a positive spin on it, but let’s be honest—if you’re a speaker (or thinking about becoming one), you’ve probably noticed it’s not all sunshine and standing ovations right now in the world of professional speaking.

With the pandemic now safely behind us and in-person events becoming dominant again, organizers are becoming increasingly budget-conscious.?

According to All American Entertainment (AAE) Speakers Bureau, 41% of event organizers claim that staying on budget is their biggest priority this year.?

Moreover, speakers are struggling to stand out from the crowd. The landscape has shifted dramatically due to an oversupply of speakers, which has outpaced the demand.?

This imbalance has numerous consequences.?

1. It’s led to decreased speaking fees, making it harder for speakers to earn what they once could.
2. Oratory skills aren’t enough anymore as organizations look for individuals who have accomplished significant achievements and can speak from a place of experience and authority.?

This shift also means that those who haven't established themselves as thought leaders or haven't achieved notable success in their fields find it increasingly difficult to secure high-paying speaking engagements.

But here’s another truth for you: this chaos might just be the BEST thing that could happen to your speaking career.?

Yes, you heard me right. All these things above could be good for YOU. Here’s how.?

1. Saturation = The Survival of the Most Creative

“When the market gets crowded, the weird and wonderful ideas shine.”

We’ve all heard it—“The market is oversaturated!” Cue the dramatic music and collective sighs.?

But guess what? A saturated market is a breeding ground for creativity. When everyone’s vying for the same gigs, only the most innovative voices will rise above the noise.

So, if you’ve been playing it safe, now’s the time to flip the script.?

The speakers who succeed will be those who break the mold, mix up their formats, and deliver something fresh. Who says a keynote has to be a one-way monologue? What if you turned it into a dialogue, a game show, or even a group therapy session (yes, really!)??

The point is, when the market gets crowded, the weird and wonderful ideas shine.

2. Tight Budgets? Perfect, Less is More!

“Constraints breed focus.”

Organizers are slashing budgets left and right, which sounds like bad news—until you realize it’s actually an opportunity.?

Why??

Because constraints breed focus.?

When you can’t rely on flashy props or big production values, you’re forced to double down on what really matters: your message.

This is where the concept of “less is more” really shines.?

If your talk can’t stand on its own without a fog machine and a laser show, it’s time to refine your content. The best talks don’t need the bells and whistles—they just need clarity, a strong narrative, and a healthy dose of humor.?

Your audience doesn’t want to be dazzled; they want to be moved.

3. Virtual Fatigue? Time to Get Phygital

“Instead of just giving a talk, you create an experience.”

Yes, people are tired of Zoom.?

No one wants to sit through another pixelated keynote from their kitchen table. But this isn’t a reason to ditch virtual events altogether. Instead, it’s an opportunity to go “phygital” (physical + digital).

Hybrid events are the future, and that’s a great thing.?

Why??

Because they allow you to reach broader audiences without losing the intimacy of in-person connections.?

Think of it like this: Instead of just giving a talk, you’re creating an experience that bridges the gap between those in the room and those online. Done right, it’s the best of both worlds.

4. The Return of the Generalist (Yes, You Can Be a Jack-of-All-Trades)

“We live in a complex world, and audiences are hungry for insights that connect the dots between disparate fields.”

Contrary to popular belief, being a specialist isn’t always the golden ticket.?

In a world where everyone is niching down to microscopic levels, there’s something refreshing about a speaker who can weave together different disciplines and offer a broader perspective.

Don’t get me wrong—expertise is crucial. My mentor, Seth Godin, emphasizes that we need to focus more on building unique combinations of existing ideas—same goes for combining who we are and our different areas of expertise in a unique way.

But don’t be afraid to let your inner generalist out for a spin. We live in a complex world, and audiences are hungry for insights that connect the dots between disparate fields.?

So, whether you’re blending leadership with neuroscience, or innovation with improv, your ability to synthesize ideas could be your superpower.

5. Embrace the Chaos (It’s Not Going Away)

“Rather than resisting the chaos, embrace it.”

Here’s the ultimate non-obvious takeaway: The speaking industry is always going to be a bit of a mess.?

Trends will shift, budgets will ebb and flow, and the next big thing will be lurking just around the corner. But that’s exactly why it’s so exciting.

Rather than resisting the chaos, embrace it.?

See it as a playground where you get to experiment, fail, learn, and grow. If you can find joy in the unpredictability, you’ll not only survive—you’ll thrive.

Wrapping Up: The Future Looks Bright (If You’ve Got the Right Sunglasses)

So, if you’re feeling a little disillusioned by the current state of the speaking industry, take heart.?

This is the perfect time to rethink your strategy, push your creative boundaries, and maybe even have a little fun with it. The old rules are crumbling, and that’s your chance to write new ones.

Remember, the best speakers aren’t just the ones with the best speeches—they’re the ones who can adapt, innovate, and find opportunity in every challenge.

Now, go out there and make some noise. The world needs your voice—more than ever.

With gratitude,

Saleema

P.S. If you know someone who’s ready to embrace the chaos and turn challenges into opportunities, share this newsletter with them. Let’s rise above the noise together!