How to Get Started as a Public Speaker: A Step-by-Step Guide
You know you’ve got something to say. Maybe it’s an idea, a message, or an expertise you want to share. Maybe you see others on stage, commanding attention, getting paid, and making an impact—and you think, Why not me? But here’s the problem: you don’t know where to start.
Should you pay for training? Build a portfolio? Cold email event organizers? And what about the fear of standing in front of an audience?
Every professional public speaker started somewhere. This guide walks you through the exact steps to take—without wasting time on fluff—so you can start speaking, build credibility, and turn public speaking into real opportunities.
Why Public Speaking is a Game-Changer
Public speaking isn’t just about standing on a stage and talking—it’s a credibility booster, a business builder, and a networking powerhouse. Whether you want to become a professional public speaker, use speaking to market your business, or just stop feeling nervous every time you open your mouth in front of a crowd, public speaking can open doors you never imagined.
If you want to grow your influence, boost your confidence or establish yourself as a go-to expert, you’re in the right place.
Step 1: Find Your Niche (and Own It)
Before you step on stage, get crystal clear on what you bring to the table. You need a topic and a message that people actually want to hear about, and one you can communicate in a compelling way.
Ask yourself:
What topics can you speak about with authority?
What problems can you solve for people? Who are those people?
Who would benefit most from your message?
Your niche should align with your expertise, experience, or personal story. The more specific, the better. A broad topic like leadership won’t cut it. But how introverts can become confident leaders? Now you’re getting somewhere.
Action Steps:
Write down three core topics you can confidently speak about.
Research industry conferences to see what topics are in demand.
Identify a problem your target audience faces and craft your talk around it.
Step 2: Improve Your Speaking Skills (Without Feeling Like a Robot)
Public speaking isn’t just about sounding polished—it’s about delivering value in a way that keeps people listening. You don’t have to be the best speaker in the world. But you do have to be effective.
How to Improve Quickly:
Join a public speaking group – Organizations like Toastmasters offer a safe space to practice.
Record yourself – Watching yourself speak will help you spot and fix awkward habits.
Learn the power of the pause – Well-timed silence makes your message land harder.
Focus on clarity – A strong opening, clear key points, and a memorable closing make all the difference. Use stories to illustrate your main points. Storytelling keeps listeners engaged.
Get feedback – Ask people you trust for honest critiques and adjust accordingly.
Remember--confidence comes with experience. The more you practice, the better you get.
Step 3: Build Your Speaker Reel and Portfolio
If event organizers can’t see you in action, they won’t book you. That’s where a speaker reel comes in—a short, professionally edited video that highlights your best speaking moments.
What to Include in Your Speaker Reel:
Clips from previous speaking engagements (even small ones)
Audience reactions (applause, laughter, engagement)
A clear message about what you offer as a speaker
Testimonials from attendees or organizers
No Speaker Reel? No Problem.
Film yourself delivering a speech in a professional setting.
Speak at local networking groups or chamber of commerce events and record it.
Host a free workshop and get footage.
Cut a 60-second clip from a recent podcast episode you recorded on video.
Your speaker reel should be visually appealing and no longer than 3 minutes.
Step 4: Leverage Social Media & Your Network
Public speaking isn’t just about what happens on stage—it’s also about making sure the right people know who you are. That’s why building your visibility is just as important as refining your speech. The more you show up, the more people will recognize you as credible and in-demand.
How to Get Noticed
One of the best ways to establish your authority is by consistently posting insights and public speaking tips on LinkedIn. You can also share information about the topic you speak about. Engaging, valuable content positions you as a thought leader and keeps you on the radar of event organizers who are always searching for knowledgeable and engaging speakers.
Beyond creating your own content, you should actively engage with event organizers online. Follow them, comment on their posts, and contribute to relevant conversations. A thoughtful comment or a well-timed message can open doors to speaking opportunities. Many events don’t have a formal speaker application process—sometimes, it’s about being in the right place at the right time and making the right connections.
If you have video content of your speeches, start sharing short clips of them on social media. Even a well-delivered 30-second snippet can make an impact. Video is a powerful tool—it gives event organizers a glimpse of your stage presence, energy, and delivery style. If they can see you engaging an audience, they’re far more likely to reach out with an invitation.
Another key strategy is joining business networking groups. Your local chamber of commerce is an excellent resource, as well as industry-specific meetups, professional associations, and even online networking communities. These groups often host events and panels, providing a direct line to organizers looking for speakers. Plus, word-of-mouth within these circles can lead to even more invitations.
The bottom line? If you want to land speaking gigs, you have to put yourself out there. Becoming a sought-after speaker isn’t just about what you know—it’s about making sure the right people know you.
Step 5: Booking Your First Gig
Once you’re confident in your skills and have built a decent online presence, it’s time to start securing speaking engagements. This means reaching out to organizers, crafting a strong pitch, and positioning yourself as the right fit for their event.
We cover exactly how to book your first speaking gig in this separate guide, which dives into finding the right events, crafting a pitch, and negotiating your first paid opportunity.
Step 6: Monetize Your Speaking Career
Once you’ve built a strong foundation, it’s time to turn public speaking into a revenue stream. One of the easiest ways to do this is by selling a product or service. When you deliver a great talk, people naturally want more—whether that’s a book, a course, or consulting services. Your speech isn’t a sales pitch, but if you provide real value, your audience will want to work with you!
Another profitable option is offering speaking training. Many professionals struggle with communication and are willing to pay for guidance. You can teach workshops, create an online course, or offer one-on-one coaching to help others become better speakers.
To maintain momentum, build a mailing list using platforms like Mailchimp. Staying in touch with your audience and event organizers makes it easier to secure repeat bookings and sell future offers.
Monetizing your speaking career means turning each engagement into lasting opportunities. By combining speaking fees, product sales, and training, you create a steady income stream while growing your influence.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re serious about building a public speaking career, now is the time to start. Improve your skills, build your brand, and put yourself out there. The more you speak, the better you’ll get—and the more opportunities you’ll create.
Rosarium helps entrepreneurs and professionals build strong personal brands, get booked for speaking engagements, and connect with the right audiences.
Want to make an impact with your voice? Get in touch today and take the first step toward your public speaking career!
