How to Land Your First Speaking Gig (and Keep the Invitations Coming)

Speaking at events might seem like something reserved for well-known names, but the reality is quite different. There’s a steady demand for new voices across industries — and if you have something useful, inspiring or insightful to say, there are plenty of people ready to listen.

So how do you get started? And more importantly, how do you turn one speaking engagement into a regular part of your personal brand?

Start Where You Are

You might be lucky enough to get invited directly. Sometimes, a message drops into your inbox from an event organiser who has seen your content or heard of your expertise. These spontaneous invitations do happen, but for most people, a little proactive effort goes a long way.

Begin by thinking about where your audience already gathers. You’ve likely attended industry events, conferences, webinars, or career fairs. The organisers of these events are almost always on the lookout for fresh perspectives and engaging speakers. Reach out, introduce yourself, and let them know what you can offer.

Speaker Bureaus and Professional Bodies

If you’re aiming for something more structured, consider approaching speaker bureaus. These agencies represent speakers across a wide range of topics and industries. They won’t accept everyone, but if your expertise is current and well-packaged, they’ll take notice.

Likewise, professional bodies, industry associations, and membership networks are often looking for subject matter experts to feature at events, seminars, or virtual panels. Even educational institutions such as universities and colleges welcome guest speakers, particularly on emerging or practical topics that go beyond the curriculum.

And yes, TEDx events are also worth considering. While they’re unpaid, they are high-profile and a fantastic platform to reach new audiences. You’ll need to be invited and follow a formal process, but it’s well worth exploring.

Why Not Host Your Own?

If opportunities aren’t arriving fast enough, create your own. Running a webinar is simpler than it sounds. You need three things:

1. Content – your insights, experience, or unique viewpoint

2. Audience – start with your LinkedIn network and extend to colleagues, clients, and peers

3. Platform – tools like Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet are widely accessible and often free

You can even record your sessions and use the footage to build credibility across LinkedIn, your website, or a YouTube channel.

Build a Speaker-Specific Portfolio

Sending a traditional CV is unlikely to grab attention in the speaking world. Instead, develop a speaker bio – a one-page document that outlines:

• Who you are

• What you talk about

• Where you've spoken (if applicable)

• What audiences can expect

Add a speaking section to your LinkedIn profile, and once you’ve delivered a few talks, include evidence. This could be in the form of videos, testimonials, or event recaps. A short video of you presenting, even virtually, can be more persuasive than a page of text.

Make It Easy for People to Book You

Once you’ve spoken at a few events, start collecting testimonial quotes from organisers and attendees. Use these across your online profiles and speaker material. Social proof adds a level of trust that makes future event organisers feel confident in approaching you.

Consider creating a simple website or landing page dedicated to your speaking work. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, but having a clear and professional digital home for your speaking activity can set you apart.

If you want to go one step further, you could build a speaker reel — a short video montage that showcases your speaking style, key moments, and audience reactions.

Use LinkedIn Strategically

If you're serious about building momentum, a LinkedIn Premium subscription could be a useful short-term investment. It allows you to message decision-makers directly and expand your reach. Use it for a couple of months to connect with organisers, speaker bureaus, and event curators.

Also, be sure to follow the application processes of speaker agencies and upload your details where required. Much like job boards, these platforms often operate on keyword searches and structured profiles. Make sure your information is clear, relevant, and professionally written.

Final Thought

Becoming a speaker is less about being “on stage” and more about being “in demand.” It is a powerful way to share your knowledge, build your brand, and unlock new opportunities — whether you’re looking for visibility, revenue, credibility, or all three.

Start with a single opportunity. Then capture it, promote it, and use it as a stepping stone to the next one.

Once the ball is rolling, speaking can become one of the most valuable tools in your professional toolkit.