How to Be Invited to Speak at Conferences
It just doesn't happen, so you need to position yourself and your message...
Speaking at conferences and events is a powerful step toward getting your ideas and expertise into the marketplace. And yet, most people have no idea how to get considered for the speaking roster. If you have a message you’d like to share, here are a few keys to getting your name in the hat as a potential speaker:
1) Volunteer behind the scenes. My very first speaking opportunity was an event where I volunteered to work behind the scenes. When one of the workshop speakers missed his flight, they were desperate to fill the slot. To a great extent, just because I was there, I got the nod. Had I not been working the event, they would have never asked me, and who knows how long it would have been before my speaking career would have started?
2) Become an “expert.” Early in my career, I had the opportunity to travel to a number of Third World countries to film documentary footage. After those trips, I had enormous experience with the challenges of shooting internationally – particularly in difficult situations. So I started writing magazine articles and talks on what producers needed to consider before filming outside the United States. Before long, a media conference asked me to share on the subject, and I was off and running.
3) Plan ahead. I get calls from people a week before conferences asking if they can speak. But conference schedules and speakers are decided six months to a year in advance. Pinpoint the best conferences, events, and workshops, and then get in line early. Start talking to those conference leaders way ahead of the date.
4) You don’t need an agent. Some excellent agencies represent public speakers, but many of the top speakers don’t use them. If you can get represented, then great. But it’s not a requirement. It’s more important that you be known in your area of expertise and make contact with conference planners. When it comes to conferences, networking matters.
5) Finally, become a great speaker. If you can’t capture the audience’s attention, you won’t get a second shot. Here are a few resources to help:
Give Your Speech, Change the World – My friend Tim Sanders recommended this book, and it’s fantastic.
Anything by Nancy Duarte – Nancy co-founded “Duarte” – an innovative agency designed to help their clients communicate ideas. She’s written some amazing books on how to give compelling presentations, and I’m a huge fan.
Scorre Training by Ken Davis.
Step out there. Make some connections and start speaking. People need to hear your ideas.
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
