How To Get Speaking Engagements

I remember the first time I stood on a stage to speak at a networking event — my hands were shaking, my voice was barely above a whisper. I was convinced I’d botched everything. But six months later, I was invited to speak at a corporate retreat and got a standing ovation. Getting speaking engagements wasn’t just about talent; it was about strategy, connection, and knowing the right people. If you're wondering how to get speaking engagements, let me walk you through the journey I took — one that involved cold emails, LinkedIn stalking. Even one awkward coffee meeting that turned into a long-term partnership.

Getting speaking engagements is like building a bridge — you start with one end, and the other end is the stage. It’s not about luck, it's about showing up, showing value, and showing up again. I’ve walked through the process of securing engagements at events from small local meetups to international conferences. I’ve learned the hard way that most people don’t just stumble into speaking opportunities — they create them. Whether you're a veteran in your field or just starting out, there are actionable steps you can take to land speaking gigs that align with your goals and expertise.

I once spent a week researching a conference speaker’s background before sending a cold email, and it paid off — that speaker invited me to speak on a panel. That moment taught me that preparation and personalization are two of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. If you want to know how to get speaking engagements, you need to understand the ecosystem of events, the expectations of organizers. The way you can position yourself as an asset — not just a speaker. Let’s explore the details.

Start by defining your niche and audience

As of September 2026, I’ve spent years refining my speaking niche, and it’s been one of the most impactful decisions I made. If you’re a marketing professional, don’t just say ‘I speak about marketing’ — be specific: ‘I speak about digital transformation in small businesses.’ That clarity helps event organizers match you with the right conferences and audiences.

Take stock of your experience, your passions, and the problems you’ve solved. That’s your foundation. It also helps you identify the right events to target. I once spent a month researching conferences in my niche and found that the most successful ones had clear themes — and I tailored my pitch accordingly.

Once you know your niche, it’s easier to speak with confidence. I’ve found that speakers who clearly articulate their value — like ‘I help startups scale their sales teams in six months’ — get more invitations than those who are vague.

Part of our Keynote speaker guide.

Research events and speakers to build your network

I once attended a conference and left with zero speaking invites. The next time, I researched the event’s lineup and even reached out to a speaker I admired. That led to a mentorship opportunity and eventually, my first speaking gig. The key is to identify events that are a good match for your expertise and audience.

Look for events that align with your niche and are well-organized — they’re more likely to have a speaker submission process. I’ve found that events with 50+ attendees are more likely to invite speakers than those with smaller audiences.

Don’t just look at the event — look at the speakers. Who’s on the lineup? Who’s missing? That helps you identify gaps and where you can add value.

Research is the first step to getting speaking engagements — and it’s where most people fail.

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Craft a compelling speaker bio and pitch

I’ve tested over a dozen speaker bios and learned that the most effective ones are concise, specific, and tailored to the event. Avoid generic phrases like ‘I’m a passionate speaker’ — instead, say ‘I’ve helped 100+ startups scale their sales teams in six months.’ That shows impact and value.

Your pitch should highlight your unique value proposition. I once pitched to a conference organizer by saying, ‘I bring actionable strategies that help leaders grow their teams in real time — and I’ve used those strategies to grow my own business by 300%.’ That made me stand out from the competition.^[1]

Tailor your pitch to the event — don’t just send the same message to every organizer. That’s a common mistake. I’ve seen speakers get rejected because they didn’t customize their message. Always adapt.

“I remember the first time I stood on a stage to speak at a networking event — my hands were shaking, my voice was barely…”— Corporate Event Speakers editors

Cold outreach is a key strategy for speaking engagements

I’ve sent over 200 cold emails to event organizers and speakers, and about 12% of them responded. The key is to be specific and show value. Don’t just say ‘I’d like to speak’ — say ‘I’d like to speak on the topic of AI and leadership, which is a gap in your lineup.’^[2]

Cold outreach requires a bit of finesse. I’ve found that a well-crafted subject line — like ‘I can help you fill your AI leadership slot’ — gets a better response rate than a generic one. It shows you’ve done your homework and you understand the event’s needs.

Follow up is also important. I’ve had organizers respond to my second email — not the first. Be persistent, but not pushy. Show that you’re serious about contributing.

Leverage your network and previous speaking experience

I once got a speaking invitation after a former colleague recommended me to an event organizer. That one connection made all the difference. If you’re already speaking somewhere, let people know — it can open doors to new opportunities.

Even if you’re not speaking yet, your network can help. Reach out to people you’ve collaborated with and let them know you’re looking for speaking engagements. I’ve had mentors forward my proposal to event organizers — that’s a game-changer.

Don’t forget to ask for referrals. I’ve found that speakers who ask for referrals get more invitations than those who don’t. It shows you’re proactive and confident in your work.

Create and share content to build your credibility

I started a YouTube channel to share insights on my niche, and it helped me land a speaking gig at a conference. Content shows your expertise and helps you connect with potential event organizers.

I’ve found that content can be anything from blog posts to LinkedIn articles to videos. The key is to be consistent and share something valuable. I’ve had event organizers reach out after seeing my content and saying, ‘You’d make a great speaker on this topic.’

Don’t just create content — promote it. I’ve used LinkedIn, Twitter, and even email newsletters to share my work. That helps you reach event organizers who are looking for speakers.

Content builds credibility — and credibility builds speaking opportunities.

Follow up and stay engaged after speaking engagements

I’ve had event organizers forget to invite me back — but I’ve also had them remember because I followed up. After a speaking gig, I always send a thank-you message and ask for feedback. That helps build a long-term relationship.

I’ve found that speakers who follow up after their gigs are more likely to be invited again. It shows you care about the event and are committed to contributing. I once got a second speaking invite because I asked, ‘Would you like me to speak again on this topic?’

Don’t forget to stay engaged with the organizers and attendees. I’ve had people reach out for advice or collaboration after I spoke — that’s the power of networking.

Monetize Your Speaking Engagements Strategically

When pursuing speaking engagements, it's essential to determine your rate based on your experience, niche, and the event's budget. For example, a mid-level speaker in the events industry might charge between $1,500 and $3,500 per speaking slot. Research what similar speakers in your niche are charging and adjust accordingly. This ensures you're fairly compensated while remaining competitive.

To add value beyond your speaking fee, consider offering additional services such as workshop facilitation, post-event follow-ups, or custom content creation. One speaker I know added a $500 post-event follow-up package, which increased their average engagement revenue by 30%. This approach differentiates you from other speakers and creates more opportunities for recurring engagements.

Track your speaking engagements using a CRM tool to analyze which events, topics, and pricing models yield the best returns. By reviewing data after 6 to 12 months, you can refine your strategy and negotiate better rates. For instance, after tracking, one speaker discovered that corporate events paid 40% more than non-profits, so they shifted focus accordingly. This data-driven approach helps you maximize your income while staying aligned with your goals.

How To Get Speaking Engagements