Have you ever felt drawn to public speaking, eager to share your insights on a global stage but unsure where to begin? That was me last year—determined to secure speaker opportunities, build my credibility, grow my network, and increase my impact.
Here are the key lessons that helped me turn my ambition into reality—in less than six months.
1. Learn from the Best in the Industry
The first step was studying successful speakers. I immersed myself in their work, which included:
- Interviews with leading public speakers like Andrew Davis, Andrew & Pete, and David Allison.
- Watching inspiring TED Talks—my personal favourite being “The Happiness Advantage: Linking Positive Brains to Performance.” Watch it here, which later inspired my own keynote speech.
- Researching TED Talk organisers to understand their selection criteria. You can find a full list of events here.
These actions not only provided valuable insights but also helped me build a network that opened doors I never knew existed.
2. Connect with Event Organisers
Finding speaking opportunities goes beyond crafting a pitch; it involves understanding what event organisers are looking for.
I dedicated time to:
- Connect with past TED Talk speakers to learn from their experiences.
- Explore events in leadership, empowerment, and personal development, both locally and internationally.
- Build relationships with event founders to gain insights into their audience.
Pro tip: Organisers want speakers who can educate, inspire, and enlighten their audience. Frame your pitches around what you can offer to their community. Craft your hook by considering what makes it memorable, valuable and relatable to the audience’s ambitions.
3. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Preparation distinguishes good speakers from unforgettable ones. To build my confidence and delivery, I:
- Took TED’s Official Public Speaking Course.
- Practiced my talk twice a day for a month.
- Attended Toastmasters sessions, even at the United Nation’s Offices!
- Sought feedback from experts in branding and communication for critical feedback.
I also started attending an open-mic storytelling night to refine my delivery and test engaging, even humorous, ways to share my story.
4. Embrace Opportunities and Keep Pushing Forward
The results?
- Delivered a keynote for the largest international event about female empowerment and leadership
- Ran workshops including “Discover Your True North Star.”
- Secured a panel talk ‘GRIT or QUIT’ at an Annual Future Leadership Conference
- Received invitations to be a podcast guest – new feature episodes coming your way soon!
- Became an advisor for Enterprise Nation – New Lunch & Learn coming October 2024.
- Connected with and won new clients and partners directly from the stage.
- Became a co-host of Story Slam – the highlight of my social calendar!
If you’re dreaming of elevating your impact and secure game-changing opportunities, you can make it happen—one connection, one pitch, and one talk at a time.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re an ambitious leader ready to elevate your impact and secure game-changing opportunities, I invite you to join my 6-month accelerator program, Make Your Mark. This program is designed to help you refine your messaging, perfect your pitch, and win the opportunities that will elevate your brand and business.
Learn more and apply here, or join THE BURST weekly newsletter for free ideas to get you started.
