Public speaking can be a lucrative and fulfilling career, but it’s not always easy to find new gigs. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been speaking for years, it can be tough to keep your calendar full. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to find speaking engagements. Here are 20 great options:
1. Reach out to your network: Start by reaching out to your personal and professional contacts. Let them know that you’re available for speaking engagements and ask if they know of any opportunities.
2. Join a speaker’s bureau: Speaker’s bureaus are organizations that help connect speakers with events. Some charge a fee, while others take a commission on bookings.
3. Attend events: Attend conferences, trade shows, and other events in your niche. You may be able to meet event organizers and pitch yourself as a speaker.
4. Offer to speak for free: Giving a free talk can help you build your reputation and get your foot in the door. Plus, you never know who might be in the audience.
5. Use social media: Share your speaking experience and expertise on social media. You may attract the attention of event organizers who are looking for speakers.
6. Write articles: Write articles for industry publications and blogs. This can help establish you as an expert in your field and may lead to speaking opportunities.
7. Create a website: A website can showcase your speaking experience and make it easier for event organizers to find you.
8. Join a speaker’s association: Speaker’s associations can provide networking opportunities and may also offer speaking opportunities to members.
9. Attend networking events: Attend networking events in your area. You may meet event organizers who are looking for speakers.
10. Reach out to event planners: Contact event planners directly and let them know that you’re available for speaking engagements.
11. Speak at colleges and universities: Many colleges and universities host speakers. Contact professors and student groups to see if there are any opportunities.
12. Speak at industry events: Look for events in your industry and offer to speak. This can be a great way to get exposure and build your reputation.
13. Host your own event: Consider hosting your own event, such as a workshop or seminar. This can help establish you as an expert in your field.
14. Offer to speak at non-profit events: Many non-profits host events and may be in need of speakers. Offer your services for free or at a discounted rate.
15. Contact trade associations: Many trade associations host events and may be in need of speakers. Contact them directly to see if there are any opportunities.
16. Speak at community events: Look for community events, such as festivals and fairs, and offer to speak. This can be a great way to get exposure and build your reputation.
17. Reach out to event sponsors: Contact sponsors of events and let them know that you’re available for speaking engagements.
18. Partner with other speakers: Partner with other speakers in your niche and offer joint presentations. This can lead to more speaking opportunities for both of you.
19. Offer to speak internationally: Look for speaking opportunities outside of your home country. This can be a great way to build your reputation and get exposure.
20. Contact event venues: Contact event venues directly and let them know that you’re available for speaking engagements. They may be able to refer you to event organizers.
There are plenty of ways to find speaking engagements, but it takes persistence and hard work. Keep reaching out to event organizers and building your reputation, and you’ll soon find that your calendar is full of speaking engagements.
Finding Speaking Leads
