The Real Deal: What Meeting Planners Want Speakers to Know

By Linda Swindling, CSP, CPAE Speakers often want to know what items are negotiable and how much to charge. Not asking for what is available can be a rational concern. That said, there are lists of concessions and items to request. However, many speakers ignore the wants, needs and even fears of the busy professionals … Read more

Reinvent Your Business

By Thom Singer, CSP | The pandemic hit my speaking career hard. Speaking mostly to midsize associations, the abrupt halt of live events meant my clients didn’t hold in-person meetings. They no longer had the same budget for paid speakers, and my income plummeted by three-quarters over two years. Emerging from the pandemic felt like … Read more

Want To Create New Speaking Opportunities?

By Frank Kitchen, CSP | Many think you must have a killer Speaker’s Reel. Others will tell you to hire a Virtual Assistant. Another group will tell you it’s about creating a social media presence. You’ll hear constant comments about building a funnel. Everyone has advice. Let me be honest with you…there are numerous ways … Read more

How to Lean into Intimidation and Grow Your Speaking

By Scott Carley – The Change Energizer | For whatever reason, my whole life has been one of intimidation. Maybe it was because my brother was eight years my senior, always a step ahead and setting the bar high. Or maybe it was because I’ve always wanted more for myself and my career, which put … Read more

The Three Biggest Lessons I Learned Writing and Launching My First Book

By Brittany Hodak |  For years, people told me, “You’ve got to write a book to help your speaking career,” or “I loved you on stage, but you need to write a book!” I knew I should write a book, but I was unsure how to go about the process. I didn’t want a book; … Read more

What Is Your Why?

By Shanita Baraka Akintonde, MBA, M.Ed, DTM | Growing up as a little Black girl on the vibrant south side of Chicago, I never imagined that my voice would one day carry across continents, resonating with audiences around the world. But from those humble beginnings emerged a dream – a dream to become a speaker, … Read more

Elevate Your Stagecraft: Three Tips to Use Improv to Improve Your Speaking

By Candy Campbell, DNP, RN, CNL, CVP, CEP, LNC, FNAP | You’ve done the sound check. Gone to the bathroom. Drank some water. In a few seconds, you’ll step on the stage and deliver the message you’ve worked so hard to create. You’re excited, pumped…. but you also realize, you’re terrified! (Even seasoned speakers know … Read more

Using Words That Embrace a Wider Audience

By Jess Pettitt, CSP | If I told you that a minimum of 10% of your audience would instantly feel more connected to you if you wore yellow on stage, how many of you would re-consider your wardrobe choices?  Maybe a few of you are going, “WOW! That is why I get so many new … Read more