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The life of a professional speaker can be exciting.

You get to travel, meet new people.

Most important, you get to share your gift and your message and you’re getting paid to do so.

How awesome is that?

If you want to get hired as a speaker there are a few things (well maybe more than a few) you should know and have.

Two things in particular because some conference host/event planners I know shared their frustration and disappointment with previous speakers.

So if you want to get hired as a speaker, according to one event planner, please have a…

Speaker’s One Sheet

Every speaker worth their salt has one of these. It’s one sheet of paper, filled out front and back, and includes:

  • a brief description of your presentation(s)
  • book title(s)
  • a brief bio
  • special appearances
  • testimonials/reviews
  • contact information
  • social media networks
  • your photo

The event planner I spoke with was glad I knew what one was and actually had one. One sheets are a staple for your speaking business.

Here’s an example of my friend John’s and you can view mine here.

John-Osterman-One-Sheet-2

Speaker Headshot and Video

I had the opportunity to chat with a meeting planner who is responsible for hiring a number of speakers annually for big women conferences. Two things were non-negotiables for her. A good headshot and a speaker video. You weren’t being hired without these two things.

This meeting planner didn’t want to see a cell phone selfie either. Her reasoning was that if you speak professionally, you’ll invest in quality headshots that they’re proud to use in their marketing materials. She also said they should be current. One speaker showed up and was unrecognizable to the team. Why? The speaker had dyed her hair pink! Something that drastic deserves a new headshot.

And without video of you successfully stringing sentences together, the majority of meeting planners and event hosts will not hire you. If you are, it’s because they know you or you came highly recommended by a trusted member of their team. 

It can even be cell phone footage. As long as the audio and footage are clear. 

And lastly, this is a must for every speaker. If you want to get a good referral and invited back, according to one conference host, you always…

Speak On Agreed Topic

I’ve attended the conference where the speaker didn’t stay on topic or answer the question and it’s maddening! It seems topics that require you to explain how…how to crotchet a pair of shorts or how to monetize your blog…proves very difficult for some but the audience deserves you put forth your best effort to answer the question and stay on topic. Trust me, your audience wants you to succeed.

I’ve also attended the conference where the speaker not only refused to address the issue but wanted you to buy their program where they would then share the answer. I thought that’s why I bought the ticket to the conference!

You can imagine that this infuriates the event planner/conference host.

[tweet_box]A poor speaker or a speaker who doesn’t deliver makes the event planner and the event look bad. [/tweet_box]

One conference host was absolutely livid with a speaker who showed up late and then came with a different presentation. Unfortunately, someone had just finished speaking on the same subject.

[tweet_box]If you want to get hired again or referred, deliver on your presentation. [/tweet_box]

Answer the question(s) given to you and make sure you leave your audience wanting more.

#ThisWomanKnows

If you need a video and one-sheet created, the folks over at PrettyWork Creative have a speaker’s package to help you launch!

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