Is a Free Speaking Gig Worth It? 3 Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes
Not all speaking gigs are created equal—especially when it comes to the free ones.
In this episode, I share how one unpaid event I almost skipped ended up opening doors I never expected. It led to over a dozen other speaking opportunities, simply because I met the right people in the right room.
That experience taught me something crucial: the return on a free gig can be truly valuable, but only when you're intentional about where and why you say yes.
If you're wondering which free speaking events are worth your time and which ones to decline, I've got you covered with three key questions to ask:
1. Is the audience aligned with your ideal clients or decision-makers?
2. Will you walk away with valuable assets like video, photos, or testimonials?
3. Is there a clear lead generation opportunity?
This isn’t just about getting on stage—it’s about showing up strategically so your speaking serves your business goals.
Whether you're just getting started or expanding your reach, free gigs can powerfully support your growth—when chosen wisely.
Want to design a speaking strategy that amplifies your impact *and* supports your revenue goals?
Come visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn how we can work together.
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.
In this episode, I share how one unpaid event I almost skipped ended up opening doors I never expected. It led to over a dozen other speaking opportunities, simply because I met the right people in the right room.
That experience taught me something crucial: the return on a free gig can be truly valuable, but only when you're intentional about where and why you say yes.
If you're wondering which free speaking events are worth your time and which ones to decline, I've got you covered with three key questions to ask:
1. Is the audience aligned with your ideal clients or decision-makers?
2. Will you walk away with valuable assets like video, photos, or testimonials?
3. Is there a clear lead generation opportunity?
This isn’t just about getting on stage—it’s about showing up strategically so your speaking serves your business goals.
Whether you're just getting started or expanding your reach, free gigs can powerfully support your growth—when chosen wisely.
Want to design a speaking strategy that amplifies your impact *and* supports your revenue goals?
Come visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn how we can work together.
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.
Join us for our three-day speaking retreat, happening in February 2027, in Downtown Orlando, Florida.
You'll create and refine high-impact Signature Stage Segments - the kind that set you apart as a speaker; practice onstage multiple times with our expert coaching and feedback; and professionally film your dynamic segments in front of a warm, supportive audience so you have edited video and a speaker reel to show event organizers what you can do.
Our retreat is limited to 12 women, so get all the details and request your place at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/.
Early bird pricing is on for a limited time.
You'll create and refine high-impact Signature Stage Segments - the kind that set you apart as a speaker; practice onstage multiple times with our expert coaching and feedback; and professionally film your dynamic segments in front of a warm, supportive audience so you have edited video and a speaker reel to show event organizers what you can do.
Our retreat is limited to 12 women, so get all the details and request your place at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/.
Early bird pricing is on for a limited time.
