Unleash Your Voice: 10 Proven Tips for Transformational Coaches

HOW TO FIND YOUR NEXT SPEAKING GIG

As a business coach/trainer struggling to position yourself as an authority and find speaking opportunities, it’s important to explore various online platforms to expand your reach. Consider utilizing webinars, podcasts, YouTube, virtual summits, and social media as effective channels to connect with your target audience and inspire them.

To discover potential speaking opportunities, leverage platforms like Eventbrite to find upcoming events relevant to your industry. Additionally, research Meetup groups to connect with local communities and join relevant Facebook groups to network with other professionals. Before reaching out to potential contacts, ensure you have a clear and concise message about what you offer as a speaker. Prepare a mini signature talk and a well-crafted bio. Identify topics that resonate with each contact to demonstrate your value.

Building relationships with event organizers is key to securing speaking gigs. Take the initiative to introduce yourself directly to them and offer your expertise. By nurturing these relationships, you can increase your chances of securing speaking opportunities and potentially become a regular speaker at their events.

As a business coach/trainer, it’s important to show a genuine interest in the event’s topic and audience. When making requests, be specific and articulate how you can contribute value as a speaker. Demonstrate your expertise and passion for the subject matter to inspire and engage the audience. This approach will help you grow your speaking career effectively.

By exploring different online platforms, conducting thorough research, preparing a clear and compelling message, building strong relationships with event organizers, and genuinely connecting with the event’s topic and audience, you can expand your speaking opportunities as a transformational coach. By speaking at events and conferences, you will have the chance to share your unique message and valuable insights with a wider audience.

This blog post provides valuable strategies and insights on how to grow your speaking career, including options for online platforms such as webinars, podcasts, YouTube, virtual summits, and more. It also offers tips on finding potential speaking opportunities using platforms like Eventbrite and social media, along with advice on approaching potential contacts and building relationships with event organizers. Remember, as a business coach/trainer, you have a unique perspective to share and valuable knowledge to offer. This post aims to support you in reaching more people with your transformational message.

Unleashing Speaking Success: 10 Proven Strategies to Unlock Lucrative Opportunities

A Comprehensive Guide for Expert Speakers Seeking to Position Themselves as Authorities and Land Lucrative Speaking Gigs

As an expert speaker, you possess valuable knowledge and insights that can inspire and educate audiences. However, positioning yourself as an authority and securing speaking opportunities can be challenging. In this guide, we unveil 10 proven strategies that will help you unleash your speaking success and unlock lucrative opportunities. By implementing these strategies, you will elevate your professional standing, captivate audiences, and attract high-profile speaking engagements.

1. Power up your network:
Harness the power of your existing network to tap into potential speaking opportunities. Engage with colleagues, clients, and friends who can benefit from your expertise. By leveraging your relationships and expanding your reach, you can uncover valuable speaking gigs that align with your areas of expertise.

2. Strategic considerations:
Delve into the essential factors when exploring speaking opportunities. Evaluate the relevance of events and organizations to your expertise, ensuring they align with your niche and target audience. Understand different talk formats, adapt your presentations to various settings, and master the logistical aspects of each opportunity to deliver a seamless experience.

3. Customized talks for impact:
Craft tailored presentations that leave a lasting impression on audiences. Adapt your talks to different time frames and formats, such as panel discussions, workshops, or captivating keynote speeches. By customizing your content and delivery, you will resonate deeply with your listeners and create a memorable experience.

4. Logistics mastery:
Pay meticulous attention to the logistical details of each speaking engagement. Familiarize yourself with event locations, whether in-person or virtual, and ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment to deliver a flawless presentation. By being well-prepared, you will exude professionalism and create a positive impression on organizers and attendees.

5. Goal setting and negotiation finesse:
Define clear goals for your speaking endeavors and establish your value as an expert speaker. Learn effective negotiation techniques to secure fair compensation for your services. By setting ambitious yet achievable goals and negotiating with confidence, you can maximize the benefits of each speaking engagement.

6. Expanding horizons:
Broaden your horizons by engaging with professional associations, attending networking events and conferences, and actively participating in local schools and community organizations. These activities will expand your visibility, introduce you to new opportunities, and enhance your credibility as an authority in your field.

7. Online platform prowess:
Harness the vast potential of online platforms for research and discovery. Utilize tools like Google, Eventbrite, and comprehensive directories to identify relevant events and organizations within your industry. Stay abreast of industry-specific conferences, events, and insightful articles to remain informed and spot speaking opportunities.

8. Stay informed with Google alerts:
Keep yourself updated on the latest industry developments by setting up Google alerts tailored to your areas of expertise and target audience. By staying informed about conferences, events, and relevant articles, you can stay ahead of the curve and position yourself as an authority in your field.

9. Proactive outreach:
Take the initiative to connect with organizations and event planners proactively. Craft a compelling signature talk that showcases your unique perspective and expertise. With a persuasive call to action, capture the attention of event organizers and highlight the value you can bring to their audience.

10. Contact consolidation:
Streamline your progress by creating a comprehensive contact list. Organize it in a detailed spreadsheet, including email addresses, audience-specific topics of expertise, and innovative ideas for delivering value to different audiences. This consolidated approach will help you manage your outreach efforts effectively and track your progress.

MASTERING THE ART OF SPEAKING: PROVEN STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

Welcome to this training video designed to empower expert speakers like yourself who are seeking to establish themselves as authorities and secure valuable speaking gigs. In this video, I will provide you with the proven strategies and practical insights that will unlock speaking opportunities and elevate your professional standing.

As an expert speaker, you possess valuable knowledge and insights that can inspire and educate audiences. However, breaking through the barriers to establish yourself as an authority and land speaking engagements can be challenging. That’s why this training video is here to guide you through the process.

Throughout this training, we will delve into the key aspects that have empowered many expert speakers to achieve speaking success. From building a strong personal brand to networking effectively, we will cover all the essential steps you need to take to position yourself as an authority and attract lucrative speaking opportunities.

By implementing the strategies outlined in this training, you will gain the necessary tools and knowledge to establish your expertise and captivate audiences. Whether you are just starting your speaking journey or looking to take it to the next level, this training video will provide you with invaluable insights and practical guidance based on proven methods.

My goal is to equip you with the confidence, skills, and resources you need to unlock a world of speaking opportunities and make a meaningful impact with your message. Together, we will navigate the path towards becoming a recognized authority in your field and securing the speaking gigs you deserve.

So, get ready to embark on this transformative training video. Let’s dive in and discover the proven strategies that will propel you towards speaking success.

Time Stamps

0:00: Introduction of the speaker and the topic of the three-day event which is teaching how to get more speaking gigs.

01:15: Starting with people in your network for finding speaking opportunities and the speaker found 40 places, sharing a few later, with the rest available on their website.

02:37: Professional speaker’s checklist, including relevance, audience, format, and time.

03:49: Adapting content to the expected format and respecting the time allotted to you.

05:01: Considering the venue, travel, amenities, and expenses when negotiating fees for paid events or expenses for free events.

06:13: Importance of networking and continuing conversations with people in the audience.

07:05: Wendy’s coaching program focuses on creating a signature program, raising visibility, and impacting effortlessly.

10:17: Key points for creating a speaker bio that positions oneself as a credible and authoritative expert.

12:12: Describe how you help clients and the transformation they can expect to experience.

16:40: Importance of a structured approach when reaching out to potential speaking engagements.

SHOW NOTES

Welcome, you can go back and watch the training video. You have already created your show-stopping bio, which includes your values and the value you can bring to the audience, along with three signature talks. If you’re struggling to create your talk or bio, please reach out to us because we have a service that can be perfect for you.

Now that you have everything together, what’s next? I did some quick research online about the various speaking opportunities available.

At 00:37, you can go back and watch the training video. You have already created your show-stopping bio, which includes your values and the value you can bring to the audience, along with three signature talks. If you’re struggling to create your talk or bio, please reach out to us because we have a service that can be perfect for you.

Now that you have everything together, what’s next? I did some quick research online about the various speaking opportunities available. It can be overwhelming as there are limitless options. However, I recommend starting with the people in your network who already know you. In my initial research, I found 40 places, both on and offline, but I just scratched the surface. Later, I will share some of these places and put the rest on my website, so you can access them.

01:15 There are countless speaking opportunities available to you, which can be overwhelming. However, I always advise starting with the people in your network who already know you. In my initial research, I found 40 places both online and offline, but I barely scratched the surface. I’ll share some of them later and put the rest on my website for you to access.

01:53 I’ll put the link below which will name all the other resources as well. It’s where you can reach out to get speaking engagements. So, I want to start with a professional speaker’s checklist before we get into today’s challenge or, more importantly, before you start reaching out to people. Firstly, make sure that the person or organization you’re reaching out to is relevant for you and that you’re relevant to their audience.

02:37 Needs and wants you want to make sure that you understand their pain points and that you’re able to offer solutions or insights to help them. Another point is to check the timing and logistics, ensure that you’re available to speak at the given date and time, and also make sure that you understand any logistics involved such as travel arrangements or technical requirements. Finally, consider the budget and compensation, make sure that you’re clear on what the compensation is and that it aligns with your expectations and the value that you’re providing. With all of these points considered, you can now start to look for speaking opportunities that are a good fit for you and your expertise.

03:12 Is that you can tailor it to fit different formats and different time frames so that’s something to consider as well. And then you want to think about the logistics, so things like the location, the date and time, and any travel arrangements that you may need to make. And then finally, you want to think about the value that you’re going to bring to the event. What is it that you’re going to offer to the audience? What are they going to take away from your talk or your workshop or your panel discussion? So those are some things to consider before you start reaching out to potential speaking opportunities.

Now, in terms of actually finding those opportunities, like I mentioned earlier, start with your network. Think about the people you already know who are in your industry or who have connections to events or organizations that could benefit from your expertise. And then, of course, there are online resources like speaker directories, event listings, and industry associations that you can reach out to. And I’ll share some of those resources on my website for you to check out.

So that’s it for today’s challenge. Your task is to do some research and make a list of at least five potential speaking opportunities that you could reach out to. And remember to consider the relevance, the audience, the format, the logistics, and the value that you can bring. Good luck, and I’ll see you in the next video. 

04:28 issues with you but also the audience will feel like their time is not being respected so make sure that you stick to your time slot. Next, you want to consider the location and the setup. Will you be speaking in person or virtually? Will there be a stage, podium, or mic available? These are all important factors to consider so that you can prepare accordingly. And finally, you want to think about your goals. What is your purpose for speaking at this event? Is it to promote your business or brand, educate the audience, or inspire them? Make sure that your goals align with the event and that you have a clear message to convey. By following this checklist, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for any speaking opportunity that comes your way.

05:37 It’s important to negotiate with the event organizers if you’re speaking for free, to ensure that you are getting something out of it, such as the ability to do a call to action or promote yourself. Additionally, you should ask if there will be opportunities for networking and continuing conversations with attendees. When crafting your talk, consider including a call to action that takes attendees to a website or encourages them to book a call with you. After the event, it’s important to follow up with attendees and continue building relationships with them.

06:13 the networking portion of the event, where you will have the opportunity to mingle with the audience. This is a great chance to connect with people and exchange phone numbers to continue conversations later. However, it’s important to keep in mind how you craft your talk and what type of call to action you include. Remember, I taught you about two different types of call to actions to use in your mini signature talk. One could be directing them to a website page, which is what we discussed previously. Keep in mind that the networking portion is a valuable opportunity to make connections and continue conversations.

06:49 Earlier, I mentioned that there are numerous resources available to help you find speaking opportunities. In fact, I have compiled a list of 40 different places where you can look for these opportunities. The second type of call to action that I discussed involves booking a call with you so that you can have a conversation about the topic you presented. This is a crucial step that many people forget, including myself at times. Following up after the event is important in order to continue the conversation and build relationships with potential collaborators or clients. Don’t forget to take advantage of this opportunity and make the most of it!

07:19 It’s important to not only follow up after the event, but also when you are reaching out to people and they don’t respond. Don’t assume that they are not interested or that it’s because of you. They may simply be busy and need a reminder. Always make sure to send a follow-up email or message.

As an example, I am currently researching for a new book that I am writing about signature programs. I reach out to around 30 people each week, but only 10 people respond. It’s important to not take it personally and to remember that people have busy lives and schedules. A friendly follow-up can often make all the difference in getting a response.

07:50 Out of those 10 people who respond, only 5 end up booking a call with me for research. In this situation, I make sure to reach out to everyone again and remind them to book a call if they haven’t done so yet. For those who haven’t responded, I follow up again and a percentage of them usually end up getting back to me.

I apologize if I am speaking quickly, as there is a lot of information to cover. Feel free to pause and replay the video as needed. Additionally, the show notes will be available on my website, so you can refer to them later.

08:32 If you prefer not to follow the video, you can always visit the website and read the show notes. I appreciate you taking the time to be here because public speaking and sharing our message is a privilege. We are fortunate to live in an age where we can reach people all over the world and connect with them in meaningful ways.

As I mentioned earlier, there are numerous opportunities available for public speaking. I have highlighted just a few of them, but there are many more out there waiting for you to discover. So take advantage of these opportunities and don’t be afraid to share your message with the world!

09:09 Here are a couple of ideas to get your brain thinking about potential opportunities for public speaking. I have tried a variety of offline and online combinations, and I find that all of these options are relevant. There is one option that may not be as applicable, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

CRAFTING SUCCESSFUL PRESENTATIONS: KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR EXPERT SPEAKERS

Relevance: Aligning Your Expertise with Event Themes and Goals

To make the most of speaking opportunities, it is crucial to ensure that the event’s theme and goals align with your expertise and the topics you plan to speak on. By offering value that resonates with the audience and fits within the event’s overall context, you can establish yourself as an authority and deliver impactful presentations.

Understanding the Audience: Tailoring Content to Resonate

Before diving into presentation preparations, take the time to thoroughly research and understand the audience attending the event. Consider their interests, backgrounds, and expertise to tailor your content and messaging specifically for them. By crafting a presentation that speaks directly to their needs and aspirations, you can create a profound impact.

Adapting to Different Formats: Tailoring Your Approach

Recognize that different events require various presentation formats. Will you be delivering a captivating keynote speech, participating in a stimulating panel discussion, leading an interactive workshop, or engaging in a dynamic fireside chat? Understanding the expected format allows you to adapt your content and delivery style accordingly, maximizing your influence on the audience.

Time Management: Optimizing Presentation Length

Mastering time management is critical when planning your presentation. It is essential to understand the allotted time for your speaking engagement, leaving room for engaging Q&A sessions and audience interaction. Striking the right balance ensures that you deliver your key points effectively without rushing or exceeding the designated time, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Venue Considerations: Enhancing Presentation Impact

The event venue, including its location and amenities, can significantly impact your presentation. Determine if you require audiovisual equipment, consider the stage size, seating capacity, and overall ambiance. Familiarizing yourself with the venue ensures seamless logistical preparation and enables you to deliver a compelling presentation with confidence.

Fair Compensation: Negotiating Fees and Expenses

If you will be paid to speak, it is essential to negotiate fair compensation with the event organizer. Consider your experience, expertise, and the effort you invest in preparing and delivering your presentation. When factoring in travel expenses, transportation, lodging, and meals, ensure that you are appropriately compensated for your time and costs associated with attending the event.

Promotion and Networking: Maximizing Exposure and Connections

Understanding your role and level of involvement in promoting the event on social media and other channels is key. Some event organizers may expect you to actively promote the event, while others may handle promotion themselves. Additionally, take advantage of networking opportunities to connect and build relationships with fellow attendees and speakers, expanding your professional network.

Post-Event Follow-Up: Gathering Feedback and Building Relationships

After the event, follow up with attendees and organizers to express your gratitude for the opportunity to speak. Collect valuable feedback on your presentation, which can contribute to enhancing future engagements and strengthening your personal brand. Building and nurturing relationships formed during the event will prove invaluable for future speaking opportunities.

Unique and Fresh Perspectives: Tailoring Topics to Event Themes

When considering speaking at an event, conduct thorough research to ensure that your proposed topic aligns with the event’s theme and offers fresh perspectives. Avoid covering previously explored subjects, and strive to provide new insights that captivate and engage the audience. By offering unique perspectives, you position yourself as an authority with a distinct voice.

Audiovisual Requirements: Preparing for Smooth Presentations

Understanding the event’s venue and format will determine the audiovisual equipment or resources needed for your presentation. Communicate with the event organizer beforehand to clarify these requirements, ensuring a seamless and impactful delivery. Select appropriate audiovisual resources considering the venue size and the number of attendees to optimize engagement.

Engaging the Audience: Maintaining Interest and Participation

Audience engagement is vital to maintain their attention and interest throughout your presentation. Incorporating interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, or breakout sessions encourages participation and helps attendees apply the concepts you discuss. Integrating relatable examples and compelling storytelling enhances audience engagement, creating a memorable experience.

Language and Cultural Considerations: Adapting Your Delivery

When speaking to a global or multilingual audience, consider language and cultural differences that may affect your delivery. Adjust your presentation style, tone, and language to ensure that everyone understands your message clearly. Simplify your language, avoid idioms and colloquialisms, and speak at a moderate pace to accommodate non-native speakers. Consider cultural nuances in communication style, body language, and humor to make your presentation relatable and engaging.

Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusivity for All Attendees

It is crucial to ensure that your presentation is accessible to all attendees, including those with hearing or visual impairments. Provide closed captions or sign language interpreters for individuals with hearing impairments. For those with visual impairments, offer audio descriptions or utilize text-to-speech technology. Additionally, make your presentation easy to read and comprehend for people with color blindness or dyslexia, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for all.

Embrace these key considerations to create and deliver impactful presentations, establish yourself as an authority, and secure valuable speaking gigs. By implementing these strategies, you’ll elevate your speaking career and leave a lasting impression on every audience you encounter. 

Unlocking Live Speaking Opportunities: Exploring Diverse Avenues

Welcome to a world of live speaking opportunities! As an aspiring speaker, you have a wealth of platforms to share your expertise and engage with diverse audiences. In this guide, we will explore a range of sources where you can find speaking gigs beyond the traditional avenues. Prepare to expand your horizons and seize new opportunities to captivate audiences and make a lasting impact.

1. Professional Associations: Tap into Networks and Industry Events

Joining professional associations related to your field opens doors to valuable networking opportunities. These organizations often host industry events and conferences where you can offer your speaking services. By connecting with fellow professionals, you can build relationships that lead to speaking engagements and elevate your professional standing.

2. Conferences and Trade Shows: Amplify Your Presence

Immerse yourself in relevant conferences and trade shows where you can showcase your expertise. Approach event organizers proactively and offer your speaking services. With your knowledge and captivating presentation skills, you can position yourself as a sought-after speaker, attracting invitations to share your insights and experiences.

3. Faith-Based Organizations: Connecting through Shared Values

Faith-based organizations frequently hold events aligned with their mission or community interests. They seek speakers who can address topics relevant to their audience. Explore opportunities to collaborate with these organizations, sharing your expertise while forging connections based on shared values and interests.

4. Networking Events: Connect and Contribute

Attend networking events within your industry or areas of interest and leverage them as platforms to share your knowledge. Engage with organizers and express your willingness to speak at future events or workshops. By actively participating in networking communities, you position yourself as a valuable resource, leading to speaking invitations and expanding your network.

5. Meetup Groups: Engage Local Communities

Tap into local Meetup groups that align with your field or interests. Attend their events, connect with group members, and offer your speaking services. Meetup groups are vibrant communities hungry for knowledge and insights. By sharing your expertise, you can establish yourself as an authority and unlock speaking opportunities within these engaged communities.

6. Corporate Events: Share Insights with Businesses

Approach local businesses and corporations to offer your speaking services for their events. Many companies organize training sessions, conferences, or team-building events that can benefit from expert speakers. By tailoring your presentations to address their specific needs, you position yourself as a valuable asset, boosting your authority and securing speaking engagements.

7. Local Clubs and Organizations: Impact Your Community

Engage with local clubs and organizations, such as Rotary clubs, Kiwanis clubs, and Chambers of Commerce. These groups frequently host events and are always on the lookout for speakers who can provide valuable insights. By contributing to these community-driven organizations, you not only establish yourself as an authority but also create meaningful connections and impact your local community.

8. Libraries: Enlighten and Inspire

Public libraries are hubs of knowledge and community engagement. They often host events and workshops and welcome local experts as speakers. Reach out to libraries in your area and offer your services. By sharing your expertise, you can contribute to the enrichment of minds, establish yourself as a trusted resource, and gain exposure to potential speaking opportunities.

9. Colleges and Universities: Educate and Inspire Future Leaders

Colleges and universities provide fertile ground for sharing expertise and inspiring young minds. Contact educational institutions in your area and offer your services as a speaker for events or guest lectures. By connecting with students and faculty, you not only contribute to their educational journey but also expand your visibility as an expert speaker.

10. Community Centers: Engage Locally and Impact Lives

Community centers are vibrant spaces for hosting events and workshops. These venues often seek local experts to share insights on various topics. Collaborate with community centers and offer your speaking services

ONLINE SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES

Toastmasters International: Toastmasters is a worldwide organization that helps individuals improve their public speaking skills. They also offer opportunities to find speaking gigs through their member networks and conferences. 

SpeakerMatch: SpeakerMatch is a platform that connects speakers with event organizers. Speakers can create a profile, search for gigs, and apply for speaking opportunities. 

National Speakers Association (NSA): NSA is an association that supports and promotes professional speakers. They offer resources for finding speaking gigs, as well as opportunities to network with other speakers and event organizers. [Website: National Speakers Association (NSA)](https://www.nsaspeaker.org/)

Eventbrite: Eventbrite is a platform for creating and promoting events. Speakers can search for events in their area and contact event organizers to offer their services. [Website: Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/)

Meetup: Meetup is a platform for organizing and attending events. Speakers can search for relevant groups and attend events to network with other members and potentially find speaking opportunities. [Website: Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/)

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where speakers can connect with event organizers and share their expertise through articles and posts. They can also search for relevant events and connect with organizers directly. [Website: LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/)

Association for Talent Development (ATD): ATD is an association for professionals in talent development and learning. They offer resources and opportunities for speakers to find gigs in the learning and development field. [Website: Association for Talent Development (ATD)](https://www.td.org/)

Women’s Speakers Association (WSA): WSA is an organization that supports and promotes women speakers. They offer resources and networking opportunities for finding speaking gigs and building a speaking career. [Website: Women’s Speakers Association (WSA)](https://www.womenspeakersassociation.com/)

American Association of Professional Speakers (AAP): AAP is an association that supports and promotes professional speakers. They offer resources and opportunities for finding speaking gigs, as well as networking and professional development opportunities. [Website: American Association of Professional Speakers (AAP)](https://www.nsaspeaker.org/)

Gigsalad: Gigsalad is a platform that connects event planners with performers and speakers. Speakers can create a profile and apply for speaking opportunities in their area. [Website: Gigsalad](https://www.gigsalad.com/)

Eventful: Eventful is a platform where users can search for events happening in their area, including conferences, workshops, and festivals. Speakers can use the platform to find events to speak at and reach out to organizers directly. [Website: Eventful](https://www.eventful.com/)

Eventful Stays: Eventful Stays is a platform for listing and booking vacation rentals. However, they also offer a section for events and can be a good resource for finding speaking opportunities at events that require out-of-town speakers. [Website: Eventful Stays](https://eventfulstays.com/)

AllConferences.com: AllConferences.com is a directory of conferences, trade shows, and other events around the world. Speakers can use the platform to find events in their field or area of expertise. [Website: AllConferences.com](https://www.allconferences.com/)

Lanyrd: Lanyrd is a social conference directory that allows users to find and share information about conferences, workshops, and other events. Speakers can use the platform to find speaking opportunities and connect with event

organizers. [Website: Lanyrd](https://lanyrd.com/)

Public Speaking Academy: The Public Speaking Academy is a platform that offers online public speaking courses and also features a directory of speaking opportunities, including paid speaking gigs and opportunities for new speakers. [Website: Public Speaking Academy](https://publicspeakingacademy.co.uk/)

Eventerprise: Eventerprise is a platform that connects event planners with service providers, including speakers. Speakers can create a profile and offer their services to event planners on the platform. [Website: Eventerprise](https://www.eventerprise.com/)

ExpertFile: ExpertFile is a platform that connects experts with journalists, event organizers, and other professionals who need expert opinions or speakers. Speakers can create a profile and offer their services on the platform. [Website: ExpertFile](https://expertfile.com/)

Speakermatch Academy: Speakermatch Academy offers online courses and resources for speakers, as well as a directory of speaking opportunities and event organizers. [Website: Speakermatch Academy](https://academy.speakermatch.com/)

Google Alerts: Set up Google Alerts for keywords related to your area of expertise and be notified of relevant events and opportunities where you may be able to speak. [Website: Google Alerts](https://www.google.com/alerts)

SpeakerHub: SpeakerHub is a platform that connects speakers with event organizers worldwide. Speakers can create a profile, showcase their expertise, and apply for speaking opportunities. [Website: SpeakerHub](https://speakerhub.com/)

BigSpeak: BigSpeak is a speaker bureau that represents top speakers and thought leaders. They work with event planners to find the right speakers for their events and offer opportunities for speakers to join their roster.

eSpeakers: eSpeakers is a platform that connects speakers with event planners and other speakers. Speakers can create a profile, showcase their expertise, and apply for speaking opportunities.

ExpertClick: ExpertClick is a platform that connects experts with media outlets, event planners, and other professionals who need expert opinions or speakers. Speakers can create a profile and offer their services on the platform. 

National Speakers Bureau: The National Speakers Bureau is a speaker bureau that represents a wide range of speakers, including celebrities, business leaders, and motivational speakers. They work with event planners to find the right speakers for their events. 

SpeakerNet News: SpeakerNet News is a newsletter and website that provides resources and information for professional speakers. They offer a directory of speaking opportunities and other resources for finding gigs. https://speakernetnews.com/

International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB): IASB is an association for speaker bureaus and agencies. They offer resources and opportunities for speakers to connect with bureaus and agencies and find speaking gigs. [Website: International Association of Speakers Bureaus

10times: 10times is a platform that lists conferences, trade shows, and other events worldwide. Speakers can use the platform to find events in their field and connect with event organizers.

The Speaker Lab: The Speaker Lab is a platform that offers online courses and resources for speakers, as well as a directory of speaking opportunities and event organizers. They also offer coaching and consulting services for speakers looking to grow their businesses. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

As an expert speaker seeking authority and speaking gigs, it’s important to take a strategic and proactive approach to secure speaking opportunities. By leveraging online platforms, building relationships, and tailoring your message, you can increase your chances of landing speaking engagements. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Explore online platforms: Utilize platforms like Toastmasters International, SpeakerMatch, Eventbrite, Meetup, LinkedIn, and others to find speaking opportunities. Create profiles, search for relevant events, and connect with event organizers.

2. Develop a clear message: Define your expertise and the value you offer as a speaker. Tailor your talk to match the format and audience of each event. Show a genuine interest in the event’s theme and audience to demonstrate your relevance.

3. Build relationships: Network with event organizers, fellow speakers, and professionals in your industry. Leverage your existing network and attend networking events to expand your connections. Building relationships can lead to referrals and future speaking opportunities.

4. Prepare for logistics: Understand the logistics of each speaking engagement, including time allotted, venue requirements, audiovisual needs, and audience engagement techniques. Being well-prepared ensures a smooth and impactful presentation.

5. Set clear goals: Define your speaking goals, whether it’s raising awareness of your expertise, generating leads, or promoting your brand. Align your speaking engagements with your goals to maximize their impact.

6. Negotiate compensation: Determine your worth as a speaker based on your experience, expertise, and preparation time. Negotiate fees and expenses with event organizers to ensure fair compensation for your time and effort.

7. Be proactive: Actively seek out speaking opportunities by reaching out to event organizers, participating in industry conferences, and staying updated on relevant events through platforms like Google Alerts. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you.

8. Follow up and gather feedback: After each speaking engagement, follow up with event organizers and attendees. Express gratitude, gather feedback on your presentation, and use it to improve your future speaking engagements.

9. Stay motivated and persevere: Landing speaking engagements takes time and effort. Stay motivated, maintain a positive mindset, and keep refining your skills as a speaker. With persistence and dedication, you can secure speaking opportunities that elevate your authority and expand your impact.

Remember, speaking engagements are a powerful platform to share your message and reach a wider audience. Embrace the challenges, stay committed, and continue striving to share your expertise as an expert speaker.