You’ve probably come across speaking opportunities where the event organizer expects *you* to pay a fee or buy a ticket just to be on stage.

It feels off, doesn’t it? After all, you’ve honed your expertise and crafted your message—shouldn’t they be paying *you*?

In this episode of the Confident Speaker Podcast, I dig into the nuances of when it *can* make sense to speak for free—or even pay to speak—and when it’s time to say no (or charge your worth).

I share personal insights from my own early speaking days, along with three powerful strategies to help you make thoughtful, strategic decisions about unpaid opportunities:

**1. Know What You're Getting in Return** Not all free or pay-to-play talks are created equal. Visibility, great video footage, and connections with your ideal audience *can* make it worth your while.

**2. Set a Limit on Free Speaking** Create and stick to a personal policy: How many unpaid talks will you say yes to per year? Having a clear boundary not only keeps you focused, but it also makes turning down less-aligned gigs that much easier.

**3. Position Yourself as a Paid Speaker** From your website to your pitch emails, small tweaks in how you present yourself can send clear signals that you’re a professional who gets paid to speak.

Being strategic doesn’t mean being rigid—it means honoring the value of your time, your message, and your goals. You have the power to decide which stages deserve your voice—and which ones don’t.

For more support and to work with us to grow your speaking business, head over to speakingyourbrand.com.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.

For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.

The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.

What do event organizers *really* want in a speaker - and how can you position yourself to be the one they rave about (and invite back)?

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what truly matters to event organizers. Yes, being a dynamic speaker on stage is important, but it's only part of the equation. The rest? It happens behind the scenes.

Drawing from years of working directly with events and conferences, I share the top three qualities organizers consistently look for in speakers and how you can embody them:

**1. Be a Dream to Work With Behind the Scenes**

Professionalism isn't just appreciated; it's expected. From submitting your materials on time, to showing up early for tech checks, to being responsive throughout the planning process - small actions build your reputation as someone organizers trust and recommend.

**2. Customize Your Talk for Their Audience**

A great talk isn't a one-size-fits-all. The best speakers tailor their message to the specific audience in the room. I give you practical tips for adapting your topic so it aligns with the goals and challenges of attendees and stands out in the speaker selection process.

**3. Lead with Value—Not a Sales Pitch**

Yes, you can grow your business through speaking, but you have to do it the right way. Learn how to be seen as a generous expert who leaves the audience inspired, not sold to (and leaves the organizer relieved and impressed).

The key takeaway? If you want to be the kind of speaker who gets booked again and again, it’s about more than just what you *say* - it’s about who you are throughout the entire process.

If you're ready to elevate your message and become that speaker, you can find ways to work with us at speakingyourbrand.com.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.

For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.

The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.

Feeling the flutter of stage fright before stepping onto a stage—or even into a Zoom room—is more common than you think. But those nerves? They’re not a sign of weakness; they’re a sign that you care.

In this episode, I share a personal story from my TEDxWomen talk that didn’t go exactly as planned—and how that moment sparked some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about managing nerves before speaking.

You’ll learn:
- Why preparation goes beyond memorizing your content—and the exact steps to practice the right way
- How mental rehearsal (yes, visualization really works!) can turn fear into familiarity
- Simple, science-backed ways to reconnect with your body and bring your most grounded, confident self to the stage

Whether you're stepping up for a keynote, webinar, team meeting, or podcast interview, these strategies will help you channel your nervous energy into a powerful, connected delivery.

If you’d like coaching support to feel more confident and prepared on stage and in any speaking situation, check out ways to work with us at speakingyourbrand.com.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.

For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.

The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.