Udemezue John
Introduction.
Public speaking is a powerful skill. It’s one of those things that can instantly elevate your career, build your reputation, and connect you with people in a way no email or Zoom meeting ever could.
But what if I told you that you could turn this skill into a full-time career? Yes, I’m talking about becoming a freelance public speaker.
Freelance public speaking isn’t just for those who want to deliver keynote speeches at giant conferences.
It’s for anyone with a passion, expertise, or a story to share who can engage an audience. If you have something valuable to say, there’s an audience out there who will want to hear it.
Why Public Speaking?
Businesses, schools, conferences, non-profits, and even small community groups are constantly looking for speakers who can inspire, educate, or entertain.
People are looking for speakers who not only know their stuff but can present it in a way that keeps the audience interested. If you’ve got the knowledge and the ability to engage a crowd, you’re halfway there.
But the question is: How do you get started and build a successful freelance public speaking career?
Here’s everything you need to know.
How Do I Become a Freelance Public Speaker and Succeed?
1. Find Your Niche.
Before you even think about booking speaking gigs, you need to figure out what you’re going to talk about.
You don’t have to be a corporate expert or a self-help guru (unless that’s your thing). Your niche can be anything that you’re passionate about and can speak confidently on.
A few examples of niches could be:
- Motivation and personal growth
- Health and wellness
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Technology and innovation
- Mental health and well-being
- Creative arts and design
It helps to choose something you’ve either experienced firsthand or have professional knowledge of. This gives you credibility and makes your message much more impactful. The more specific you can get, the better—this will help you stand out in a crowded market.
2. Create a Speaker’s Portfolio.
Once you’ve figured out your niche, it’s time to showcase your expertise. A portfolio helps you market yourself, especially when you’re just starting out.
A great portfolio will include:
- A bio: A short, engaging description of who you are and what you speak about.
- Video demos: Record yourself speaking. Even if it’s just at a local event or as a test in front of friends, this video is key. It helps event organizers get a feel for your delivery style and personality.
- Social proof: If you’ve done speaking gigs, share feedback and testimonials from previous audiences or event organizers.
- A speaker’s one-sheet: This is a short PDF document with all the information someone might need to hire you: your bio, your niche, your speaking topics, and contact information.
Remember, this portfolio isn’t just for you to look cool online—it’s your way of showing event planners that you’re the right fit for their next event.
3. Start Small, Think Big.
Getting your first speaking gig can be a little intimidating. But don’t stress. You don’t need to start with TED Talks or giant corporate events.
Start small. Look for speaking opportunities at:
- Local community events
- Workshops and seminars
- Non-profit organizations
- Networking events and conferences
Getting these smaller gigs will help you gain experience and confidence. They’re also great networking opportunities. When you’re just starting, the more you can practice and learn the ropes, the better.
Once you’ve built up some experience, you can slowly start aiming for larger venues and more high-profile events. But don’t rush it. Even seasoned speakers started with smaller, intimate gigs.
4. Build Your Brand.
The best freelance speakers aren’t just good at talking—they know how to market themselves. Creating a personal brand is essential to standing out and getting noticed in a competitive field.
Start by building an online presence:
- Create a website: This is where people will find all your details. You can easily create one using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace.
- Be active on social media: Use Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to share content related to your niche. Post tips, articles, and videos. Engage with your audience regularly.
- Write a blog or create YouTube videos: This helps build your credibility as an expert in your field and can attract event organizers who are looking for speakers.
The more you share your expertise online, the more you position yourself as a go-to public speaker in your niche.
5. Network Like Crazy.
Public speaking is as much about who you know as it is about what you know. Building relationships with the right people can be just as important as developing your speaking skills.
Here’s how you can network effectively:
- Attend conferences and events in your niche and meet people in person.
- Reach out to event planners and offer to speak at local meetups or events.
- Join speaking organizations like Toastmasters, which helps you practice, get feedback, and meet other speakers.
The more connections you make, the more opportunities you’ll have. You’ll learn from others, get invited to events, and even receive recommendations.
6. Master the Art of Speaking.
Now, let’s talk about the speaking itself. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. There are tons of aspects of public speaking that can take you from “just okay” to “wow”:
- Engage your audience: Ask questions, tell stories, and use humour. People remember stories much more than they remember facts.
- Work on your delivery: Your tone, body language, and pacing are important. Practice in front of a mirror or with friends to improve your delivery.
- Be authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The more authentic and genuine you are, the better people will connect with you.
- Get feedback: Always ask for feedback after every speaking gig. It can be hard to hear, but it’s the fastest way to improve.
7. Grow Your Business.
Once you’ve got the ball rolling, it’s time to start scaling up. You might start receiving more speaking invitations, and your reputation will grow, but that doesn’t mean you can relax. Here’s how to keep growing:
- Increase your rates as you gain experience and credibility.
- Offer workshops or coaching services for people who want to learn more about your area of expertise.
- Write a book or create online courses that you can sell. This helps establish you as an authority in your field.
The more you expand your offerings, the more ways you can earn and the more opportunities you’ll have.
FAQs
How much do freelance public speakers make?
The income can vary significantly. On average, freelance public speakers can charge anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per speaking engagement, depending on factors like your experience, niche, and the event size.
Some top-tier speakers can make much more, especially if they’re delivering keynote speeches at large conferences or corporate events.
How do I find paid speaking gigs?
- Online speaking platforms: Websites like SpeakerHub or The Speaker Exchange help connect speakers with event organizers.
- Direct outreach: Don’t be afraid to send emails to event planners or conference organizers in your niche.
- Networking: The more people you know, the more chances you’ll have to get paid gigs.
Can I become a freelance public speaker without professional speaking experience?
Yes! You don’t need to have years of experience to get started, but you do need to start somewhere. You can begin by speaking at local events or offering free webinars to practice and build your reputation.
Conclusion
Public speaking can be an incredibly rewarding career. It allows you to share your knowledge, inspire others, and grow a business around something you love.
If you’ve got the passion and dedication, nothing is stopping you from turning public speaking into a full-time career.
But here’s the real question: How will you make your voice heard in the world of public speaking?
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