Securing speaking engagements can be a powerful way to elevate your professional profile, showcase your expertise, and connect with wider audiences. However, pitching for these opportunities requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. In this session, Susan Heaton-Wright shares actionable advice to help you position yourself as a sought-after speaker and successfully pitch for speaking roles.

Why Speaking Opportunities Matter

Speaking engagements allow you to share your knowledge and insights while building credibility in your field. Whether you're addressing a live audience, participating in virtual events, or speaking on panels, each opportunity enhances your visibility and adds to your professional toolkit. Importantly, organizations are increasingly seeking speakers who can provide solutions to specific challenges, making it vital to focus your pitches on the value you bring to the table.

Dispelling Common Myths

A frequent misconception is that speakers must have a dramatic backstory or larger-than-life persona to succeed. Susan debunks this myth, emphasising that what matters most is your ability to deliver valuable, relevant content to your audience. Your expertise and passion are enough to make an impact—no dramatic tales required.

Key Types of Speaking Opportunities

• Unpaid Engagements: These are great for building experience, gaining testimonials, and creating content such as photos and videos for your portfolio.
• Paid Speaking Roles: Once you've established credibility, many organizations, from universities to corporates, are willing to pay for speakers

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• Hybrid Events: Combining live and virtual audiences, these allow you to reach a broader group.
• Panel Participation: A great way to ease into speaking roles while sharing the stage with other experts.
• Master of Ceremonies (MC): Hosting events can be an engaging way to showcase your personality and organisational skills.

Crafting a Winning Pitch

To stand out, tailor your pitch to the organisation and audience. Here are some tips:

1. Identify the Problem You Solve: Understand the challenges the organisation or audience faces and present yourself as the solution.
2. Highlight Your Credibility: Share your expertise, relevant experience, and testimonials. Include a short video to demonstrate your speaking style.
3. Customise Your Approach: Research the organisation and its previous events to align your pitch with their needs.

Building Your Credibility Toolkit

Susan recommends creating a comprehensive speaker portfolio that includes:

• Professional Biography: Showcase your expertise and experience.
• Action Shots and Videos: Visual proof of your speaking engagements.
• Testimonials: Feedback from event organisers and audience members.
• Speaker Page or Brochure: A dedicated online or printable resource with links to your materials.

The Referral Game

If you’ve spoken at an event, use it as a stepping stone. Ask organisers for referrals or introductions to other opportunities. Similarly, you can recommend fellow speakers, building reciprocal relationships that benefit everyone involved.

Leveraging Detective Work

Investigate potential opportunities by:

• Tracking events at popular venues and contacting their organisers.
• Following associations and trade shows in your industry.
• Using LinkedIn to connect with event planners and speaker coordinators.
• Monitoring "Call for Speakers" notices on event websites and platforms.

Final Checklist

• Define your speaking topic and the outcomes you deliver.
• Build and update your credibility materials.
• Research and personalise each pitch to the audience and organisation.
• Collect evidence of your expertise through photos, videos, and testimonials.

Take Action Today

What’s your first step to securing a speaking opportunity? Whether it’s building your portfolio, researching events, or crafting your first pitch, start now to make speaking engagements a pivotal part of your career growth.

This session was with Susan Heaton-Wright and is available in full in the Members Club