While there isn’t any one “secret” that will work for everyone, I’ve observed
successful speakers over 12 years in this industry and here are 10 attributes many of them have in common:
1. Relevant experience in their area of expertise (business, sports, politics, etc.) and constantly staying informed of industry trends, blogging, keeping their name out there
2. A passion for continual learning, desire to constantly improve, and work at the craft of speaking
3. Balancing humility, a down-to-earth personality, and openness to feedback (they don’t take things too personally), with being charismatic and inspirational on stage
4. Focusing on what the client wants and needs; not just telling their own stories
5. Ability to customize appropriately and drive their messages home to the audience; not only making them think differently, but giving them actionable items of things they can DO differently when they return from the event
6. Willingness to socialize on-site if the client wishes (dinner, book signing, meet-and-greet, etc.)
7. Having multiple streams of income and/or other businesses/organizations they’re involved in, so they remain a practitioner in their field
8. Author of at least one or more books and, of course, it’s even better if they make a best-seller list
9. An assistant or team of people who take care of the event coordination details, so they can focus on the big picture and all of the above
10. A community of colleagues (such as NSA or a Master Mind Group) to bounce ideas off of and learn best practices
What are some other key components for having a successful speaking career? Please share your ideas with us below.
Michele joined SpeakersOffice, Inc. as Director of Client Relations in 2005. Prior to that, she spent six years at a speakers bureau in Northern California. She has been an active member of MPI since 2002 and ASTD-San Diego since 2009. She can be reached at moc.eciffosrekaeps@elehcim.
