You’re a contract public speaker. How can you make sure you’re always in demand?

As a contract public speaker, establishing a niche allows you to become a recognized expert in a specific area. This not only positions you as a valuable resource for event planners but also helps you attract a dedicated audience interested in your unique perspective. By understanding your niche and tailoring your talks to address the specific needs and interests of your target audience. Furthermore, hone your ability to translate complex topics into clear, concise, and captivating narratives. This not only makes your talks more accessible to a wider audience but also positions you as a thought leader who can bridge the gap between specialized knowledge and public understanding.

Identify a specific niche: For Example, specialize in leadership development for tech companies, showcasing expertise in a particular area. Craft a compelling message: Develop a unique perspective on your niche, like sharing personal experiences or case studies to engage audiences. Market strategically: Utilize social media, networking events, and targeted outreach to reach potential clients who align with your niche. Position yourself as an authority: Offer workshops, webinars, or guest lectures to showcase your expertise and build credibility in your field. Adapt and evolve: Stay current with industry trends, continuously refine your message, and seek feedback from clients to ensure you remain in demand as a contract public speaker.

In the global ecosystem, everyone has their uniqueness and to remain in demand, rather than be like other people we must always offer our individuality.

There are 3 parts to Public Speaking. Part 1-Presentation Let them know what you are telling them, tell it to them, and tell them what you told them. Get to the point. Dress the part. Distractions can distract. Speak to the back of the room! Over enunciate your words. Be funny or over sell movements…use your HANDS! Eye contact. Change values and cadence. No teddy bears. Don’t turn down any opportunity to speak. More to come later...

Knowing your niche is essential for becoming a sought-after public speaker. Identify your expertise, passion, and unique perspective. Specializing in a specific topic allows you to build credibility, attract relevant audiences, and differentiate yourself in a crowded market. Tailor your message to resonate deeply with your target audience for maximum impact.

To build a compelling public speaking portfolio and be in demand, focus on diverse topics, tailor presentations to different audiences, and showcase your expertise through engaging delivery. Incorporate multimedia elements for dynamic presentations, gather testimonials from satisfied audiences, and actively seek speaking opportunities at events, conferences, and workshops. Cultivate a strong online presence with video clips, articles, and a professional website. Continuously refine your speaking skills and stay updated on relevant industry trends to maintain your appeal to audiences and event organizers.

I Start by identifying My objectives and the purpose of My portfolio. Determine what I want to showcase, whether it's My skills, experience, projects, or achievements. I Focus on quality over quantity and ensure that each piece effectively demonstrates My skills and expertise. I categorize my work by type, theme, or project to make it easier for viewers to find what they want.

Showcase, don't just tell. Build a dynamic portfolio that goes beyond listing past engagements. Curate a selection of captivating video snippets from your talks, showcasing your stage presence and diverse presentation styles. Include positive testimonials from previous clients and highlight media mentions to further solidify your credibility. Remember, potential clients are looking for an engaging speaker who can deliver a memorable experience, so make your portfolio a persuasive reflection of your expertise and charisma.

People want to see your work. They want to see you in action to fully be able to understand what your talk is like and the impact it will have. So ensure that you build up your portfolio of testimonials and video samples as they are all great ways to ensure potential customers can understand what you will bring to the table.

If you want to build a portfolio quickly, do 'snippets'. Everything doesn't have to be a keynote or a TED talk. Extracts from longer talks or even short stories are a good way to showcase your talents.

experts, influencers, and event organizers in your field. Offer to speak at niche-specific conferences, workshops, and webinars to establish yourself as a thought leader. Leverage social media platforms to engage with your target audience and share valuable insights. Collaborate with other professionals in complementary niches to expand your reach and credibility. Regularly contribute to niche-related publications or podcasts to showcase your expertise and broaden your network. By actively networking within your niche, you'll enhance your visibility and attract more speaking opportunities.

A leading keynote speaker once told me: 'the best way to get keynotes, is to nail your next keynote.' There are no shortcuts. In a world of cold outreach, you have to build authentic relationships. Stay close to your existing relationships so they don't forget about you, and and keep providing value with follow up offerings that speak to their latest problems. Consistently produce quality insights on LinkedIn. The time will come when they are looking for a keynote, and you spring to mind.

I focus on making connections based on mutual interests and goals. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage with others on social media platforms like LinkedIn to expand My network. Develop a concise and compelling elevator pitch that communicates who I am, what I do, and what I can offer in a brief and engaging manner. Practice delivering my pitch with confidence and enthusiasm. I was listening to others and learning about their needs and interests. Send a personalized email or message thanking them for their time and expressing your interest in staying in touch.

Building strong relationships is key to securing repeat business and referrals. Here's how to make the most of networking opportunities: Identify your ideal audience: Understand the types of organizations and events that attract your target clients. Craft a compelling elevator pitch: Briefly introduce yourself, highlight your unique value proposition, and leave a lasting impression. Follow up strategically: After connecting with potential clients, send a personalized email or LinkedIn message to stay top-of-mind. Showcase your expertise: Share valuable content, participate in industry discussions, and establish yourself as a thought leader.

If you're new to public speaking, tap into your network by sharing that you're open to speaking opportunities. I've seen colleagues successfully use platforms like LinkedIn for broader exposure. Alternatively, consider a more personal approach by reaching out directly to contacts. After delivering a speech, don't hesitate to ask for referrals to expand your reach within their networks.

Customize presentations by researching audience demographics, interests, and challenges. Tailor content with relevant examples and language. Adapt delivery style to match preferences. Demonstrate empathy and authenticity to make a lasting impact.

Unlock speaking success with "The Power of One." True strength lies in focusing on a single face. The “One” Approach: Identify not just your audience but a single person within it Who: Know your "one;" their struggles, dreams, questions What: Clearly define the transformative impact you invoke How: Resonate and deeply connect with their hopes, fears & challenges By speaking to one, resonate with countless others facing similar challenges. Start with pre-engagement research. Identify your “one:” 1. Study the engagement 2. Obtain a sample list of attendees 3. Spot interview before your talk 4. Call out names; be personal & relevant 5. Learn & utilize the audience's language Discoved more at the SPEAKPact with Antoniette Roze Podcast!

Every presentation you do will look and feel different. Yes, there will be similarities but it cannot be the same. If it is the same then you aren't fully meeting the needs of the unique audience. So, understand who they are and customise your presentation accordingly.

Talk to your people! There is nothing like building out a course or webinar that you THINK people want without actually asking them what they want. Too often we think we know what is in demand because we have read a few articles or heard a little talk out there but in reality, we take time to sit down, ask questions, have a conversation, and learn what really matters to people. Then present your ideas on how to support them in what matters.

Incorporate interactive elements such as polls, Q&A sessions, or group activities to involve your audience and make the presentation more engaging and memorable. Choose visuals that complement your message and resonate with your audience. Use charts, graphs, images, or videos that enhance understanding and engagement.

After each presentation, solicit feedback from the audience to gauge effectiveness and areas for improvement. Utilize surveys, Q&A sessions, or direct inquiries to gather insights. Act on feedback to refine future presentations and enhance audience satisfaction. Demonstrating a commitment to improvement fosters trust and loyalty among attendees.

You could also record yourself and watch it over and over again; making note on everything you think you could improve on next time.

Always be willing to learn. To stay in demand you need to constantly evolve and refine what you can offer. Like in any profession, willing to learn and grow will keep you relevant and competitive. It's not to say that the way you've done things were wrong, but it is all about evolving from talk to talk. As you learn more and speak to likeminded people, you can fine tune your skillset.

To stay in demand as a public speaker, continually refine your skills by seeking feedback, attending workshops, and studying successful speakers. Stay updated on relevant topics, adapt to audience needs, and leverage social media to showcase your expertise. Consistency, authenticity, and adaptability are key to maintaining relevance in the field.

You ever go to see a comedian and laugh so hard!? So when they are back in town 2 years later you are excited, you get good seats and invite your friends only to hear the exact same Jokes? Yeah... That is you if you don't continue learning. Once people feel they have heard all you have to say, you are done. That is the end of your demand. You must purposely change up your illustration's and example stories. Commit to life habits and experiences that give you continually fresh pertinent material.

Surround yourself with likeminded people. Life’s too short to spend time gossiping or talking about things that just don’t matter. Find friends that support your desire to exercise your brain, generate new ideas and share knowledge/experiences with.

As a speaker and podcast host one thing that I am certain of is the value of staying on top of hot topics in your area of interest in order to stay relevant and in demand. I get pitches all the time from people seeking to be guests on my show but there proposed topics are dated, run of the mill or overdone. It pays to be talking about something that people want to hear about. Put effort into constantly monitoring the buzz and tailor your talk to combine it with your expertise.

To stay in demand as a contract public speaker, consistently refine your expertise, adapt to industry trends, network actively, deliver compelling presentations, and gather positive testimonials to showcase your skills. Keep updating your content and engage with your audience to build a strong reputation in your niche. ✨💫

I think there’s value in impact & impact creates value. When the purpose of your talks is to make a difference in people’s life, you will always be on top. Think of speakers & podcasters who are trailblazing! Simon Sinek, Steven Bartlett etc.. are some names that come to mind. They deliver value no matter what the topic! Be intentional in delivering value & you will never go out of demand.

In addition to knowing your niche, consider developing strong storytelling skills to captivate and engage your audience. Practice effective communication techniques such as body language, vocal variety, and stage presence. Build a strong online presence through social media, a professional website, and content creation to expand your reach and visibility. Finally, prioritize networking and building relationships within your industry to access new opportunities and collaborations.