4 Tips for Landing Public Speaking Opportunities Using Your Existing Assets

Podcast Episodes, Uncategorized

October 9, 2023

Are you looking to elevate your paid speaking game and secure more public speaking opportunities? Look no further! In this blog post, we’re going to explore four unique tips to help you land paid speaking gigs by leveraging the assets you already have.

Tip 1: Send Podcast Episodes in Your Pitch

Podcasting is a powerful medium, and it can be a game-changer for securing paid speaking opportunities. Here’s how to make it work for you:

Start by leveraging your podcast content (whether it be your own show or a show you were featured on) to exhibit your expertise! By putting yourself behind the mic for an episode, you showcase your ability to impart valuable insight on a specific topic for an extended period of time.

For example, if you come across a keynote speaker gig you believe you would be a perfect fit for, find the link to your best podcast episode on the topic they are looking for, and include it in your pitch!

Since podcast episodes are long form content, you are demonstrating your vast industry knowlege on the topic of interest! However, it is a good idea to include timestamps marking the highlights as the booker may not have the time to listen to your full episode.

Bonus Tip: If your podcast content has a video format, send that in your pitch as the example! Doing this not only highlights your zone of genius, but also showcases your presence as a speaker through body language.

Kim Rittberg utilized this strategy and QUADRUPLED the number of events she booked as a speaker!

Tip 2: Leverage High-Performing Content Ideas

Your existing content is a goldmine for topic ideas that resonate with your audience. Here’s an example of how to make the most of your content analytics:

Look through the emails you’ve sent to your community, and pay attention to the newsletters that garner high open rates. If a subject line gets an open rate of ~50% or higher, it’s a sign that there is a deep interest in that topic.

Data like this can actually be leveraged in your pitch! Mention the success of this topic in your newsletter as proof of audience interest! (Screenshot the data for an extra layer of credibility.) Even though your emails aren’t delivered through a verbal medium, this is still a persuasive indicator that people are craving your perspective on this topic.

And this strategy is not exclusive to your newsletters! The same idea can be applied for a high performing social media post or YouTube video. You’d be surprised how your content can open doors for more public speaking opportunities.

Here’s another way to get booked on stages through a content strategy!

Tip 3: Show Off Reviews and Testimonials

Reviews and testimonials are incredibly influential in landing paid gigs. Here’s how you can collect and utilize them effectively:

Don’t be afraid to ask for the testimonials. When an attendee approaches you after your time on stage, don’t let their compliments or big takeaways go to waste. Capturing this can be as simple as asking them if you can record their thoughts on your phone in a voice memo.

If you can get feedback from the event planners themselves, your testimonials will become even more compelling! Their endorsement will carry significant weight with other event coordinators and can lead to more speaking engagements.

You can also source validating testimonials from your podcast reviews, comments, or even client feedback!

Including screenshots or recordings of people raving about the value that you share will strengthen your message, and will help event organizers visualize your capacity to deliver a similar experience for their attendees.

Need help drawing out testimonials? Check out this 3 step strategy 😉

Tip 4: Highlight Your Accolades from the Get-Go

Getting booked for stage time can be competitive, so it’s essential to stand out in the crowded field of professional speakers. Here’s how to grab attention right off the bat:

In your pitch, make sure to highlight your accolades at the beginning of your email. Mention your notable past experiences, such as working for a well-known company, an impressive achievement in your career, or a memorable previous speaking opportunity. Doing this establishes your credibility and creates intrigue right away.

Writing a pitch isn’t the time to be modest, because let’s face it, humility doesn’t pay the bills. Event planners are inundated with pitches, and this approach ensures your expertise is immediately recognized.

The secret to securing more public speaking opportunities is about harnessing your existing assets and showcasing them effectively. When you pitch yourself (with evidence!), you are helping the booker end their search for a speaker by demonstrating why you are the ideal person for the job.

Whether it’s leveraging podcast episodes, repurposing high-performing content, collecting impactful testimonials, or highlighting your accolades, these tips will help you make your mark on the speaking circuit and build up your speaking career. So go forth, pitch confidently, and let your expertise shine!

If you want to hear more about how Kim Rittberg used this strategy to 4X her speaking bookings, listen to episode 215 of Cubicle to CEO – available everywhere you listen to podcasts!

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