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In this blog post, we will explore the essential strategies for leveraging speaking engagements to grow your business, enhance your visibility, and build meaningful connections in your industry with Emily Hall, Emily is the founder and CEO of Rhetorik Agency, where she specializes in helping speakers, authors, consultants, and thought leaders leverage speaking as a growth tool for their businesses. Join us as we break down the five P’s of speaking success and provide actionable insights to help you get started on your speaking journey.

Develop Your Media Kit

To kickstart your speaking journey, it’s essential to have a well-crafted media kit ready to go. Emily emphasizes that “you have to have amazing brand photos that capture you doing that speaking,” as these visuals are crucial for establishing credibility. Your media kit should serve as a “speaking brochure” that outlines who you are, what you talk about, and your credentials. This not only helps you present yourself professionally but also signals to event organizers that “you are legitimate” and capable of delivering value. Make sure your media kit is easily accessible on your website, as it acts as a digital sign that says, “yes, world, this is a thing that I do.”

Build Your Photography Library

As you prepare your media kit, focus on building a robust photography library that reflects your speaking engagements. Emily suggests capturing “not just you on stage, but also you interacting with audience members,” which adds depth to your visual storytelling. This library will be invaluable for your media kit and any promotional materials you create. Consider organizing mock speaking events or inviting friends to simulate an audience, as this can help you gather high-quality images. The goal is to create a visual narrative that showcases your ability to engage and connect with your audience.

Create a Speaking Reel

Once you have some footage from your speaking engagements, it’s time to compile a speaking reel. Emily notes that “a speaking reel and a sample of the work that you’re doing is so, so important for event hosts.” This reel serves as proof of your competence and ability to engage an audience effectively. While you may not need a fully polished reel right away, aim to gather clips that demonstrate your speaking style and the energy you bring to the stage. Over time, updating this reel will help you command higher fees and secure more prestigious speaking opportunities.

Leverage Your Existing Network

To find speaking opportunities, start by tapping into your existing network. Emily advises that “when you can tap into your existing network, you’re tapping into warm leads,” which can lead to immediate opportunities. Reach out to contacts and ask for introductions to event organizers or other speakers who might be able to help you. This initial outreach can yield quick wins, such as being invited to speak at an event where someone has dropped out. Remember, the goal is to build relationships, so be genuine in your requests and offer to help others in return.

Expand Your Outreach Efforts

After leveraging your network, it’s crucial to expand your outreach to find additional speaking opportunities. Emily explains that “the idea is that you’re building relationships in each of these opportunities,” which can lead to repeat appearances. Research events that align with your expertise and reach out to organizers, even if you don’t have a direct connection. Keep an eye on event schedules and apply for speaking slots well in advance, as many opportunities are “anywhere from six to 18 months out.” This proactive approach will help you build a sustainable pipeline of speaking engagements over time.

“The trick is to align what your business needs and what your audience needs one step before your product or service.” -Emily