Public speaking can feel like stepping onto a stage naked with a spotlight exposing every insecurity you’ve ever had. And launching a career in it? Feels just as brutal.
But here’s the thing—there’s a ridiculously simple way to kickstart your speaking career.
If you want to speak, start speaking. To your network.
Yeah, those people you grab drinks with after work while sharing about your latest exciting project? The mentor who keeps you from making terrible life choices? The friend who always hypes you up? That’s your ticket.
You’ve already built a network—some people you stumbled into, others you intentionally connected with. And guess what? Each of them has their own network. They already like you, trust you, and would probably be more than happy to introduce you to someone looking for a speaker.
Your network is basically a cheat code for getting on stage. You don’t need a massive audience or a perfect reel. You just need to start asking.
So, how do you get started?
Want to Get Booked? Stop Selling Your Story & Start Solving a Problem
If you think event planners are booking speakers because of their amazing life story, I hate to break it to you—but they’re not. They’re booking speakers who solve a problem their audience is struggling with.
It’s not about you. It’s about them—their challenges, their blind spots, their growth. So, if you want to start landing gigs, stop pitching your life story and start positioning your keynote as the answer to something keeping their audience stuck.
Here’s how you do it:
1. Get Crystal Clear on the Problem You Solve
No one is paying you to just “motivate” people. That’s a bonus, not the product. Your keynote needs to target a real pain point—something that makes your audience say, “Holy sh*t, this is exactly what I’ve been dealing with.”
Think about your expertise and ask:
- What’s the #1 struggle my audience is facing?
- What’s keeping them from solving it?
- What happens if they don’t fix it?
If your talk doesn’t solve something urgent and important, you’ll have a hard time getting on a stage.
2. Explain Why That Problem Exists (So You Build Instant Credibility)
A great keynote doesn’t just say, “Here’s a problem!” It digs into why that problem keeps happening. That’s what makes people lean in.
Does your audience struggle with burnout? Maybe it’s because they’re addicted to urgency.
Are they stuck in their business? Maybe they’re drowning in tactics instead of focusing on strategy.
Are they terrible at leadership? Maybe they were never taught how to actually lead.
When you can clearly explain why the problem exists, you immediately position yourself as the expert who can help solve it.
3. Show Why YOU Are the One to Fix It
Your story does matter—but only in the context of why you are the person to help this audience break through.
What do you know about this problem that others don’t?
What experience do you have in solving it?
What have you personally done to fix this in your life or business?
This is where you stop being just another speaker and start being the speaker they can’t ignore.
4. Deliver 5 Tangible Takeaways That Actually Help People
People don’t just want to feel inspired—they want to walk away with real strategies they can use immediately.
Your keynote should answer: “What will the audience be able to do differently because of this talk?”
Here’s what your takeaways should include:
- A Mindset Shift – The thing they need to stop believing or start believing.
- A Proven Framework – A repeatable, step-by-step approach (bonus if you trademark it).
- Tactical Strategies – A list of clear, practical actions to implement.
- A Resource or Tool – Something they can use after they leave.
- A Challenge – The thing that makes them actually apply what you taught.
If your talk doesn’t change behavior, it’s just entertainment. And entertainment doesn’t always get rehired.
5. Package Your Keynote Like the No-Brainer Solution It Is
Event planners don’t care about your personal journey as much as they care about what their audience will walk away with.
So, when you pitch your talk, don’t lead with your story.
Lead with the problem you solve, why it matters, and the transformation your audience will experience.
- Bad pitch: “I share my story of overcoming adversity and pushing past obstacles.”
- Great pitch: “I teach high-performing teams how to stop self-sabotaging and unlock 10x more productivity—without burning out.”
See the difference? One is about you. The other is about the audience and the results they’ll get.
Want to Get Booked? Sell the Solution, Not the Story.
If you start positioning your keynote as the answer to an urgent problem, you’ll stop chasing gigs and start attracting them.
And when you master this? You’re not just getting booked—you’re getting rehired, referred, and paid what you’re worth.
Now, go build a keynote that actually changes the game. Once you do that, then take action.
How to Get More Speaking Gigs (Without Waiting for Permission)
If you want to book more speaking gigs, stop waiting for someone to “discover” you and start putting yourself out there. The best opportunities don’t just land in your lap—you create them. Here’s how to make it happen.
1. Tap Into Your Network (Because It’s Bigger Than You Think)
Your next speaking gig is probably sitting in your network right now. You just haven’t asked.
Think about the people who already get what you do—friends, colleagues, clients, mentors. If they love your message, they know people who would love your message. So, make it stupid easy for them to connect you.
- Make a list of people who are already in your corner.
- Let them know you’re actively booking speaking gigs.
- Ask them if they know of events, conferences, or podcasts that need a speaker.
- Tap into your virtual network—LinkedIn groups, industry forums, and social media.
The opportunities exist. You just have to ask.
2. Get in the Reps (Because Practice is Everything)
The first time you give a talk; it won’t be perfect. The second time? Still not perfect. That’s the point.
- Record yourself speaking—yes, it’s painful to watch, but it will make you better.
- Pay attention to what lands and what falls flat so you can tweak and refine.
- Ask for real feedback (not just “That was great!”) from people you trust.
Every stage—whether it’s a corporate keynote or a small local meetup—is practice for the next one. The speakers who get booked over and over are the ones who treat every gig like a chance to get better.
3. Build Momentum (and Stay on Their Radar)
Speaking isn’t a “one and done” game. If you want to keep getting booked, you need to stay visible.
- Post about your speaking journey. Share clips, lessons, and behind-the-scenes moments.
- Keep adding value. Show up in conversations—on social media, in groups, and at events.
- Follow up with the people who help you. Send quick check-ins, share how your last talk went, and look for ways to return the favor.
The speakers who win long-term aren’t just great on stage. They’re great at building relationships, staying top-of-mind, and consistently showing up.
Final Thought: Take the Damn Mic
A speaking career isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about creating opportunities, showing up, and getting better every time.
You don’t need a TEDx stage to get started. You need a willingness to speak, connect, and keep improving.
Now, go book your next gig. And don’t forget to have some fun!
