How to Write a Winning Speaker Proposal: Stand Out and Get Booked for More Speaking Opportunities
Welcome to the Confident Speaker Podcast by Speaking Your Brand. This is your host, AI Carol. What should you include in a speaker pitch or proposal? If the idea of pitching
AI Carol:yourself as a speaker makes your palm sweat or your cursor hover over the send button way too long, you're not alone. Most of us don't love writing about ourselves, especially when we feel like we're asking for something.
AI Carol:But here's the thing, your speaker pitch isn't about you, it's about what you can do for their audience. Let me share a quick story. A few years ago, I submitted a pitch to speak at a marketing and AI conference. I had never spoken at that particular event. And to be honest, I didn't know a single person on their team, but I crafted a pitch that clearly outlined what the audience would gain and how my topic connected with the themes of the conference.
AI Carol:I even included the why behind the talk, not just what I'd deliver, but why it mattered now. I got the spot. And that talk went on to become one of the most impactful I've ever given. Here are three things you absolutely need to include if you want your speaker pitch to stand out, and more importantly, get selected. One, a compelling title plus talk description.
AI Carol:You've got about thirty seconds to catch the reviewer's attention. And they're often reviewing dozens of applications. Give your talk a title that sparks curiosity and specific interest. Think of it as the headline for an article. They should know what the talk is about and why they should care after just one glance.
AI Carol:Then in three to five sentences, outline your talk description, focus on the transformation. What are the takeaways? Why is this topic relevant to their audience right now? Keep it audience centered. This isn't your life story or origin story.
AI Carol:It's a preview of the value you'll deliver. And pro tip, avoid generic claims like inspiring presentation or informative session. Be real, be concrete. What will they walk away knowing or feeling? Two, your bio that builds trust.
AI Carol:Include a short bio written in the third person, but make it personable and relevant. Instead of listing every credential or award, focus on what qualifies you to speak on this specific topic. Have you worked with clients in their industry? Have you published or researched this angle? Are you a founder who's lived the challenge you're helping solve?
AI Carol:That matters more than a long resume. And if you've spoken before, even if it was at a local meetup or webinar, mention that. Link to any video clips you have, even a ninety second reel can go a long way towards showing your speaking presence. Three, why this event plus this audience. This is huge.
AI Carol:Most people skip this part and it shows. Take the time to let the organizer know why this opportunity resonates with you. Why are you the right speaker for this audience? What do you understand about their industry, their mission, or their people? This demonstrates not just that you can deliver a talk, but that you care, that you've done your research, that you're looking to build a relationship, not just land a gig.
AI Carol:Now, if you're including a speaker proposal on your website on a dedicated speaker page, remember to treat that page like your speaking portfolio. Make it easy for event organizers to find topics, video, testimonials, and yes, even speaker fees, or at least a starts at rate or range. Transparency helps them qualify you and saves everyone time. Let me leave you with this. Your speaker pitch is not about proving yourself.
AI Carol:You already have the experience, the story, the message. Your pitch is simply the invitation, the bridge between what you know and who needs to hear it. So take a deep breath right from a place of service and hit send. You've got this. If you're ready to level up your speaking, we'd love to support you from helping you develop your signature talk to perfecting your pitch.
AI Carol:Head over to speakingyourbrand.com to learn how we can work together and be sure to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for more insightful and actionable strategies to grow your impact and visibility as a speaker. This on demand episode was generated by my AI voice clone trained on speaking your brand content.
