SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor cover art

SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor

SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor

By: James Taylor - Keynote Speaker
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 SpeakersU Podcast host James Taylor brings you weekly speaker training, interviews and public speaking tips. You'll learn strategies on how to launch and grow your professional speaking business. The SpeakersU Podcast will teach you how to become a better public speaker and ways to get booked to travel the world as a highly-paid keynote speaker. You’ll go behind-the-scenes as innovation keynote speaker, creativity expert and speaking business coach James Taylor travels the world speaking at global conferences and interviewing top leadership speakers, business speakers and speaker bureaus. Subjects covered in the SpeakersU Podcast include how to become a top keynote speaker, motivational speaker or public speaker, working with speaking bureaus, how to make money speaking, speaker marketing automation, selling your speaking, joining speakers associations, improving your communication skills, presentation training basics, and how to become a successful professional speaker.SpeakersU Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Speaker Contracts – How to Protect Yourself and Get Paid as a Professional Speaker #SUP2-5

    Speaker Contracts – How to Protect Yourself and Get Paid as a Professional Speaker #SUP2-5
    Oct 17 2025
    In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni dig into one of the least glamorous but most important parts of every speaking business — speaker contracts. Whether you’re new to professional speaking or a seasoned pro, understanding how to protect your intellectual property, ensure timely payment, and manage client expectations can make or break your business. Maria explains why every speaker should have their own agreement rather than signing the client’s, outlines the three most essential contract clauses, and shares tips learned from decades of managing high-profile speakers. James discusses real-world examples, from green riders and recording rights to payment terms and handling last-minute “scope creep.” Packed with practical templates, cautionary tales, and negotiation tactics, this episode will help you get paid on time, protect your content, and build lasting professional relationships with clients and bureaus. Key Takeaways Have your own contract – Don’t rely on the client’s; be in control of your terms. Three must-have clauses – Payment terms, cancellation terms, and recording/IP rights. Scope creep is real – If the client adds panels, dinners, or extra work, renegotiate. Never travel without payment – Aim for full balance 30 days before the event. Use “firm offer” forms – Simplify admin and confirm all details before committing. Protect your recordings – Approve edits, restrict public use, and get a copy of all footage. Green riders matter – Add sustainability or ethical clauses that reflect your values. Be clear on travel and security – Define who pays, how you travel, and what safety steps apply. Weird rider stories – From “no journalists allowed” to 10 a.m. wine, the industry has seen it all. Memorable Quotes “Speakers should have their own contract — not the client’s.” – Maria Franzoni “The date is the contract. If it changes, renegotiate.” – Maria Franzoni “Don’t step on stage until 100 percent of your fee has been paid.” – James Taylor “You can’t control when a client pays, but you can control when you travel.” – Maria Franzoni “Add the day of the week next to the date — it saves endless confusion.” – Maria Franzoni “Keep your contracts simple enough to understand, but strong enough to protect you.” – James Taylor Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & catching up on dogs, lunches, and life balance 01:47 – Why contracts matter (and the legal disclaimer) 03:22 – What hasn’t changed in speaker contracts for 25 years 05:14 – The three essential clauses every speaker needs 06:52 – Payment schedules and why balance should be due 30 days before 08:09 – Firm offer forms vs. booking forms and confirmation letters 11:07 – Common negotiation points and dealing with slow-paying clients 12:35 – Accepting credit cards – yes, but add the surcharge 14:27 – Late-payment clauses and procurement headaches 15:58 – Scope creep: when clients add panels, dinners, or sponsor meetings 17:22 – Recording and IP rights: how to protect your material 20:21 – What to allow (and not allow) for public or internal use 23:19 – Editorial approval and licensing fees for wider distribution 25:50 – Using a bureau’s contract to simplify client onboarding 27:03 – Travel clauses and buyout options 29:34 – The rise of the Green Rider and sustainable speaker travel 32:17 – Security clauses – from former heads of state to practical travel safety 36:08 – Craziest contract clauses: no journalists, no competitors, no flashes 39:15 – Funny (and alarming) rider requests from celebrity speakers 42:12 – Templates, tips, and the “add the day of the week” trick 43:56 – Digital signatures: Hello Sign, Echo Sign, and Google Docs e-signing 45:00 – Wrap-up and listener invitation for contract questions Resources & Links Free Speaker Contract Template: speakersu.com/contracts (example placeholder) Email questions or ideas: hello@speakersu.com Follow James Taylor & Maria Franzoni on LinkedIn for daily speaking tips
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    46 mins
  • Staying Relevant as a Speaker – How to Future-Proof Your Speaking Career #SUP204

    Staying Relevant as a Speaker – How to Future-Proof Your Speaking Career #SUP204
    Oct 10 2025

    In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni explore one of the most important challenges for professional speakers: how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace.

    Maria explains why relevance to a paying market is the first element of her Bookability Formula and how speakers can identify what audiences will need today—and in five years’ time. James shares how he blends perennial topics like creativity with fast-moving ones like AI, and why staying a few steps ahead of clients keeps him in demand.

    From industry reports and boardroom insights to experimenting with new keynote content and testing topics with the market before creating them, this conversation is packed with strategies to help speakers stay visible, booked, and valued in an ever-evolving industry.

    Key Takeaways

    • Relevance drives bookings – It’s the #1 factor in Maria’s Bookability Formula.

    • Think five years ahead – Use strategy insights to prepare for how industries and audiences will evolve.

    • Blend perennial and trendy topics – Pair evergreen skills (creativity, leadership, resilience) with emerging trends (AI, tech, demographics).

    • Listen more, talk less – Relevance often comes from asking the right questions in discovery calls.

    • Experiment before you build – Test keynote ideas, topics, or programs in the market before investing time and money.

    • Differentiate by audience – Tailor your pitch for C-suite, event professionals, and bureaus, as each values relevance differently.

    • Stay close to your industry – Associations like MPI and global markets (US, Europe, Asia) often signal future trends.

    Memorable Quotes

    • “The most important element of being bookable is relevance to a paying market.” – Maria Franzoni

    • “Don’t wait for five-year plans—ask what the world will look like in five years and move your speaking to match.” – James Taylor

    • “Sell it before you create it. The market decides what’s relevant, not you.” – Maria Franzoni

    • “Relevance isn’t just your topic—it’s how you present it to different stakeholders.” – James Taylor

    Episode Timestamps

    • 00:00 – Welcome and updates: group sessions and risky live AI music demos

    • 04:24 – Why staying relevant matters: Maria’s Bookability Formula

    • 05:18 – James on blending perennial topics with fast-changing ones

    • 06:45 – Strategy lessons from Eric Schmidt: think five years ahead

    • 07:34 – Maria on LinkedIn Learning and WEF reports as future-skills guides

    • 09:10 – How James tracks trends using board minutes, Gartner reports, Reddit

    • 11:11 – Tech examples: AR glasses, live facial recognition, event tech

    • 14:54 – Staying close to the meetings & events industry for insights

    • 16:22 – Meeting professionals shaping the future of conferences

    • 18:48 – Being too early: when audiences aren’t ready for your message

    • 20:01 – Test the market first: lessons from publishing and Dragon’s Den

    • 23:15 – Differentiating yourself in competitive pitches

    • 25:00 – Evergreen vs. niche topics and industry-specific competition

    • 27:20 – Relevance shifts depending on whether you’re pitching C-suite, planners, or bureaus

    • 28:07 – Discovery calls: listening, mirroring language, and building relevance

    • 29:18 – Why listening is the most underrated skill for speakers

    • 30:17 – Maria’s tip: ask clients “How did you find me?” and “Why me?” before and after gigs

    • 32:43 – James’ tool: Opus Pro for creating viral short-form video clips

    • 34:16 – Closing thoughts and listener questions

    👉 Have a question for James and Maria? Email: hello@speakersu.com
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    36 mins
  • Speaking for Free – When (and Why) It Makes Sense for Speakers #203

    Speaking for Free – When (and Why) It Makes Sense for Speakers #203
    Oct 3 2025

    In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni tackle one of the most common dilemmas for speakers: should you ever speak for free? From the early days of building your career to strategic opportunities later on, there are times when waiving your fee can make sense—and times when it’s a clear no.

    James and Maria share their own experiences, including James’ infamous “Ham Salad Tour” of free Rotary talks, Maria’s love of prospecting, and why speaking for peers rarely pays. They also explore when unpaid gigs can serve as marketing, help you perfect your craft, or provide valuable assets like video footage, networking access, or bulk book sales.

    If you’ve ever been asked to “speak for exposure,” this episode will give you the tools to decide whether to say yes, no, or “yes, but on my terms.”

    Key Takeaways

    • Get your reps in – Early in your career, free gigs help you practice, refine material, and build confidence.

    • Peers don’t pay – Speaking to your own industry or colleagues rarely results in paid bookings.

    • Make it part of your marketing – Free gigs targeting your ideal audience can lead to paid work.

    • Negotiate value beyond fees – Ask for video footage, attendee lists, association memberships, or bulk book sales.

    • Positioning matters – Your website, testimonials, and branding can either attract paid gigs or signal you’ll work for free.

    • Give back strategically – Schools, associations, and podcasts can be the right places to serve without charging.

    • Always set boundaries – Say “I normally charge X, but I’m waiving my fee” to reinforce your value.

    Memorable Quotes

    • “Peers don’t pay. If you’re speaking to your own industry, don’t expect a fee.” – Maria Franzoni

    • “Don’t fall in love with the stage—fall in love with the audience that can book you.” – James Taylor

    • “If you’re converting every inquiry, your fees are too low.” – James Taylor

    • “Speaking for free can be smart—but only if you’re clear why you’re doing it.” – Maria Franzoni

    Episode Timestamps

    • 00:00 – Welcome and Maria’s targeted outreach experiment

    • 01:56 – Introducing today’s topic: speaking for free

    • 04:01 – Maria’s “I will speak for biscuits” mug and first perspectives

    • 04:56 – Why free gigs are valuable for beginners (reps & stage time)

    • 06:18 – James’ first paid music gig vs. 40 free Rotary talks

    • 07:41 – Speaking for free as part of your marketing budget

    • 09:47 – The “Ham Salad Tour” and the moment free gigs led to paid bookings

    • 09:57 – Why podcasts, peer events, and associations are worth doing unpaid

    • 11:05 – Giving back: Speakers for Schools and pro bono speaking

    • 13:01 – Schools as a paid speaking market (School Speakers example)

    • 15:01 – How your positioning and testimonials attract (or repel) free requests

    • 16:45 – Negotiating non-fee value: video, access, booths, memberships

    • 18:20 – The myth of “sharing the stage with…”

    • 20:22 – Free gigs as leverage for podcasting, YouTube, and influencer deals

    • 23:41 – Digital twins, AI, and future revenue opportunities

    • 24:28 – Tools & tips: Otter.ai for transcriptions and positioning your website

    • 28:06 – Wrap-up and invitation for listener questions

    👉 Have a question for James and Maria? Email: hello@speakersu.com
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    30 mins
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