Community Building Speakers

A community building speaker is someone who educates, inspires, and equips audiences to create, nurture, or scale communities-whether online, offline, or hybrid. These speakers focus on the strategies, psychology, and tools behind meaningful human connection.

Unlike general motivational speakers, community building speakers dive deep into the dynamics of group behavior, trust-building, and engagement. They might explore how to onboard new members in a way that fosters belonging or how to scale a grassroots movement without losing its soul.

You'll find them on stages at tech conferences, nonprofit summits, creator economy panels, and even internal corporate events. Their audiences range from startup founders and HR leaders to educators and activists. What unites them is a shared interest in building spaces where people connect with purpose.

Some well-known examples include Rosie Sherry (Rosieland), who speaks about community-led growth, and Jono Bacon, who brings an open-source lens to community strategy. These speakers often bring frameworks, case studies, and personal insights that help others replicate or adapt successful community models.

In short, a community building speaker isn't just talking about people-they're talking about the systems, rituals, and decisions that help people come together and stay together.

Not every expert knows how to translate their knowledge into something that moves people to action. That's where a community building speaker comes in.

These speakers are important because they help organizations and individuals understand the 'why' and 'how' of connection. In an era where loneliness is rising and digital spaces are crowded, knowing how to foster real belonging is more than a nice-to-have-it's essential. A speaker can distill complex ideas about human behavior, group dynamics, and platform design into actionable insights.

For example, a startup might be struggling to retain users. A community building speaker could help them rethink their onboarding process, introduce rituals that build trust, or suggest peer-led engagement strategies. In a different context, a school district might bring in a speaker to help educators create more inclusive classroom communities.

These speakers also bring an outside perspective. They've seen what works across industries, from open-source tech communities to fan-driven entertainment groups. That cross-pollination of ideas can spark innovation in unexpected places.

Ultimately, a community building speaker is important because they don't just talk about connection-they catalyze it. They help people see the bigger picture and their role in it.

Community building speakers do more than just talk-they teach, challenge, and activate. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Educate Audiences
- They share frameworks, models, and strategies for building communities.
- Example: Explaining the difference between transactional and transformational communities.

2. Share Real-World Case Studies
- They bring examples from different sectors-like how Patagonia built a values-driven community or how Duolingo uses gamification to keep learners engaged.

3. Facilitate Workshops or Panels
- Many go beyond keynotes and lead interactive sessions where attendees map out their own community strategies.

4. Inspire Action
- Through storytelling and clear calls to action, they motivate people to start or improve their own communities.

5. Customize Content for Different Audiences
- Whether speaking to a group of rural health workers or a global SaaS company, they tailor their message to fit the context.

6. Offer Follow-Up Resources
- Great speakers often provide toolkits, reading lists, or community invites so the learning continues after the talk.

In essence, community building speakers are educators, strategists, and connectors. They help people understand not just what community is, but how to build it with intention and impact.

Want to become a community building speaker? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started and actually get booked.

1. Define Your Niche and Message
- Community building is broad. Are you focused on online communities, local grassroots movements, corporate culture, or something else?
- Clarify your unique angle. For example, do you specialize in building inclusive communities in tech startups or scaling Facebook Groups for e-commerce brands?

2. Build Credibility Through Experience
- Start by leading or contributing to real communities. Host meetups, moderate forums, or run online groups.
- Document your results. Did engagement grow? Did retention improve? Use metrics to back your story.

3. Create a Speaker Page
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile. Include your bio, topics, testimonials, and a short video of you speaking.
- Make it easy for event organizers to find and book you. Include clear contact info and speaking fees if applicable.

4. Start Speaking for Free (Strategically)
- Offer to speak at local events, virtual summits, or niche podcasts. Focus on audiences aligned with your expertise.
- Use these opportunities to refine your message and build a portfolio of talks.

5. Connect with Hosts and Organizers
- Use Talks.co to connect with summit hosts and podcast producers actively looking for speakers.
- Reach out with a short pitch: who you are, what you speak about, and why their audience will benefit.

6. Collect Testimonials and Refine
- After each talk, ask for feedback and testimonials. These build social proof.
- Use this feedback to improve your delivery, slides, and storytelling.

7. Scale Up
- Once you've got a few talks under your belt, start charging. Position yourself as a go-to expert in your niche.
- Consider creating a signature talk or workshop that you can deliver repeatedly.

Becoming a community building speaker is about showing up consistently, sharing real value, and making it easy for others to say yes to you.

To be a community building speaker, you need more than just a good story or a few social media followers. Here's a breakdown of what it really takes:

1. Subject Matter Expertise
You need to know your stuff. Whether it's building online communities, fostering engagement in coworking spaces, or scaling alumni networks, your experience should be deep and demonstrable. This could come from:
- Running a successful community (e.g., a 10,000-member Slack group).
- Leading community strategy in a company.
- Publishing research or case studies on community growth.

2. Communication Skills
You must be able to translate your knowledge into something actionable and engaging. This includes:
- Public speaking ability: clarity, pacing, and presence.
- Storytelling: real-world examples that resonate.
- Visual communication: effective slides and visuals.

3. A Platform to Showcase Yourself
Having a speaker page is essential. Platforms like Talks.co help you:
- Create a professional profile with your topics and bio.
- Upload sample talks or reels.
- Connect with hosts looking for speakers in your niche.

4. A Clear Value Proposition
Why should someone book you? What transformation do you offer their audience? For example:
- 'I help SaaS founders build loyal user communities that reduce churn.'
- 'I teach educators how to create inclusive classroom communities.'

5. Network and Visibility
You need to be visible in the right circles. This means:
- Attending events and summits.
- Being active in online communities related to your niche.
- Collaborating with other speakers or hosts.

In short, being a community building speaker is about combining deep expertise with strong communication and a platform that gets you in front of the right people. Tools like Talks.co make this easier, but the foundation is your knowledge and clarity.

Yes, community building speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's break it down.
Paid vs. Unpaid Opportunities
- Paid gigs are more common at corporate events, industry conferences, and private workshops.
- Unpaid gigs often include podcasts, virtual summits, or grassroots events. These can still be valuable for exposure and lead generation.
Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience: A speaker with a proven track record of growing communities (e.g., building a 100K-member Facebook group) commands higher fees.
- Audience Size: Events with larger audiences or corporate sponsors are more likely to pay.
- Format: Keynotes and workshops tend to pay more than panel appearances.
Pros of Getting Paid
- Validates your expertise.
- Helps sustain your speaking career.
- Opens doors to higher-tier events.
Cons
- Not all events have budgets.
- You may need to prove your value before getting paid consistently.
Data Snapshot

Speaker Level	Typical Fee Range
Beginner	$0 - $500
Mid-Level	$500 - $3,000
Expert/Niche Leader	$3,000 - $10,000+

In summary, yes, community building speakers do get paid, especially when they position themselves well and target the right events. But early on, you might mix paid and unpaid gigs to build momentum.

Community building speakers have multiple income streams beyond just speaking fees. Here's a breakdown of how they monetize their expertise:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Conferences, corporate events, and summits often pay for keynotes or workshops.
- Rates vary based on experience, audience size, and event type.

2. Virtual Summits and Webinars
- Some speakers get paid directly.
- Others use these platforms to generate leads for their services or products.
- Talks.co helps speakers get booked on summits that align with their niche.

3. Consulting and Coaching
- After a talk, attendees often want more. Speakers offer 1:1 coaching or group consulting on community strategy.
- Example: A speaker on community-led growth might offer a 6-week coaching program for SaaS founders.

4. Courses and Digital Products
- Many speakers monetize their frameworks through online courses, toolkits, or templates.
- Example: A speaker might sell a 'Community Launch Playbook' for $97.

5. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
- Speakers with an audience can promote tools they use (e.g., Circle, Mighty Networks) and earn commissions.
- Some partner with brands for sponsored talks or webinars.

6. Books and Publications
- Publishing a book on community building can open doors to higher-paying gigs and bulk book sales.

7. Membership Communities
- Some speakers create their own paid communities where they offer ongoing support, Q&As, and exclusive content.

In short, community building speakers diversify their income by combining speaking with scalable offers, services, and digital assets. The smartest ones use each talk as a launchpad for deeper engagement and revenue.

The income of community building speakers varies widely, depending on their niche, experience, and business model. Let's break it down with some real-world context.
Entry-Level Speakers
- Often speak for free or for small honorariums ($100-$500).
- May earn more through backend offers like coaching or consulting.
Mid-Tier Speakers
- Typically earn $1,000 to $5,000 per talk.
- Often have a signature talk, a speaker page on platforms like Talks.co, and a few testimonials.
- Supplement income with online courses or group programs.
Top-Tier Speakers
- Can command $10,000 to $50,000+ per keynote.
- Usually have a book, media appearances, and a strong personal brand.
- Often booked by Fortune 500 companies or global conferences.
Other Income Sources

Source	Typical Monthly Range
Coaching/Consulting	$2,000 - $20,000+
Online Courses	$500 - $10,000+
Affiliate Revenue	$100 - $5,000
Memberships	$1,000 - $15,000+

Variables That Affect Income
- Niche demand: Community building in Web3 or DEI may command higher fees than general networking.
- Geography: Speakers in the US, UK, or Australia often earn more than those in emerging markets.
- Language: Bilingual speakers can access more global opportunities.
So, how much do community building speakers make? It ranges from a few hundred dollars per month to multiple six figures per year, depending on how they package and scale their expertise.

Hiring a community building speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several key factors. Here's a breakdown to help you budget smartly.
1. Speaker Experience Level
- Beginner: $0 - $500. Often emerging experts or local leaders looking for exposure.
- Mid-Level: $500 - $5,000. These speakers have a track record, a speaker page (often on Talks.co), and a few notable events under their belt.
- Top-Tier: $5,000 - $25,000+. These are published authors, TEDx speakers, or corporate consultants.
2. Type of Event
- Virtual Summit or Webinar: $0 - $3,000. Many speakers waive fees for lead generation or exposure.
- Corporate Workshop: $2,000 - $15,000. Includes prep, customization, and sometimes follow-up consulting.
- Keynote at Conference: $5,000 - $25,000+. Pricing depends on audience size and prestige.
3. Location and Travel
- In-person events may require covering travel, lodging, and per diem.
- International speakers may charge more for time zone differences or visa requirements.
4. Add-Ons and Licensing
- Want to record and reuse the talk? That could add $1,000 - $5,000.
- Need a custom workshop or breakout session? Expect to pay more.
Sample Cost Table

Speaker Type	Virtual Talk	In-Person Keynote	Workshop + Q&A
Beginner	$0 - $300	$500 - $1,000	$1,000
Mid-Level	$500 - $2,000	$2,000 - $7,000	$3,000 - $8,000
Top-Tier	$3,000+	$10,000 - $25,000	$10,000+

Bottom line: the cost of a community building speaker depends on what you're asking for and who you're hiring. Use platforms like Talks.co to compare speaker profiles and get transparent pricing.

- Seth Godin: While known for marketing, Seth has been a pioneer in community thinking. His book 'Tribes' reframed how leaders build movements.
- Howard Rheingold: Author of 'The Virtual Community', he was one of the first to explore online community dynamics in the 1990s.
- Priya Parker: Her book 'The Art of Gathering' has become a go-to for anyone thinking about intentional community design.
- Derek Sivers: His TED talk on leadership and movements is a masterclass in how communities form from a single follower.
- Clay Shirky: A thought leader on digital collaboration and community behavior, especially in the context of social media and open-source platforms.
- Sherry Turkle: Explores the psychology of digital connection and disconnection, offering deep insights into modern community challenges.
- Danielle LaPorte: Known for her soulful approach to community and personal development, especially in women-led spaces.
- Peter Block: Author of 'Community: The Structure of Belonging', he's influenced how civic and corporate communities are built.
- Tina Roth Eisenberg: Creator of CreativeMornings, a global community of creatives that meets monthly in over 200 cities.
- Van Jones: Bridging political divides through community-led initiatives, his speaking blends activism with practical frameworks.

- Jono Bacon (UK/US): Former community manager at Ubuntu and GitHub, Jono is a global authority on open-source and tech communities.
- Tatiana Figueiredo (US/Brazil): Creator of the Build a Community Business program, she teaches entrepreneurs how to monetize communities.
- Anil Dash (US): CEO of Glitch and a long-time advocate for ethical tech and inclusive digital communities.
- Debbie Forster (UK): A champion of diversity in tech, she speaks on building inclusive communities in STEM.
- Rosie Sherry (UK): Founder of Ministry of Testing and community lead at Orbit, she's a go-to voice in community ops.
- David Spinks (US): Co-founder of CMX, one of the largest networks for community professionals. His book 'The Business of Belonging' is widely cited.
- Shivani Siroya (India/US): Founder of Tala, she speaks on building trust-based communities in fintech and emerging markets.
- Nilofer Merchant (US): Her concept of 'Onlyness' redefines how individuals contribute to communities and innovation.
- Cat Johnson (US): Focused on coworking and local community economies, she's a frequent speaker on place-based community strategies.
- Yancey Strickler (US): Co-founder of Kickstarter, he speaks on community-driven funding and the future of collective action.

Let's talk about some of the biggest misconceptions floating around about community building speakers. These myths can hold people back from stepping into the role or hiring the right speaker for their event. So here's what's actually true.

1. Myth: Community building speakers are just motivational cheerleaders.
Many assume these speakers only deliver feel-good speeches with little substance. The reality? The best community building speakers are strategists. They blend storytelling with tactical frameworks. Think of Priya Parker, author of 'The Art of Gathering'. Her talks go deep into the mechanics of creating meaningful connection, not just surface-level inspiration.

2. Myth: You need a massive following to be a successful community building speaker.
Nope. Influence isn't always about numbers. Some of the most impactful speakers work in niche spaces. For example, local organizers in rural areas or industry-specific leaders (like in open-source software communities) often have deep credibility and insight, even if they're not internet-famous.

3. Myth: Community building is only relevant for nonprofits or social causes.
This one's outdated. Today, companies like Airbnb, Notion, and Duolingo invest heavily in community strategies. Their speakers talk about community as a growth engine, not just a feel-good initiative. So if you're in SaaS, e-commerce, or even finance, community building is still very much your lane.

4. Myth: You have to be an extrovert to be a great community building speaker.
Not true. Some of the most powerful speakers are introverts who prepare deeply and connect through empathy, not volume. They build trust by listening first, then speaking with intention. People like Susan Cain have shown how quiet leadership can be incredibly effective.

5. Myth: Community building speakers only talk about online communities.
While digital spaces are huge, many speakers focus on in-person or hybrid communities. Think coworking spaces, local entrepreneurship hubs, or even alumni networks. The principles of connection apply across formats, and great speakers tailor their message to the context.

When you think of successful community building speakers, you might picture someone on a big stage at a tech conference. But the real stories are more varied, more grounded, and often more surprising.

Take Anika Horn. She started out working with social entrepreneurs in the U.S. South, helping them build local ecosystems. Her talks now center around how to create support structures in underserved areas. She doesn't just speak about community-she builds it, then reflects those lessons back to her audiences. Her storytelling is grounded in real-world experience, and that authenticity resonates.

Then there's David Spinks, co-founder of CMX. His journey began in the startup world, but he quickly realized that community wasn't just a support channel-it was a growth strategy. His talks evolved from tactical advice to strategic frameworks, and he's now one of the go-to voices in the space. What makes him effective? He uses data, case studies, and personal reflection to connect with both corporate and grassroots audiences.

In the entertainment world, Issa Rae is another standout. Before she was a household name, she built a loyal following through her YouTube series 'Awkward Black Girl'. Her talks often highlight how she nurtured that community from scratch, long before the mainstream caught on. She speaks to creators, entrepreneurs, and marginalized voices with a unique blend of humor and strategy.

And don't overlook regional leaders. In Nairobi, for example, Moses Kemibaro speaks about digital communities in East Africa. His focus is on how tech hubs and local meetups are transforming economies. He brings a global lens to local stories, and that mix makes his sessions both informative and inspiring.

These speakers didn't follow a single path. Some started in tech, others in activism, media, or education. What they share is a commitment to connection, a willingness to share both wins and failures, and the ability to adapt their message to different audiences.

Community building speakers are stepping into a new era. The landscape is shifting, not just in terms of technology, but in how audiences engage, what they expect, and how value is measured.

First, hybrid is here to stay. Speakers who can navigate both in-person and virtual formats are in high demand. But it's not just about showing up on Zoom. It's about creating interactive, participatory experiences that work across platforms. Expect to see more speakers using tools like Miro, Slido, or even Discord to engage audiences before, during, and after their talks.

Second, data-driven storytelling is becoming more important. Community building used to be seen as soft and intangible. Now, speakers are expected to back up their insights with metrics: engagement rates, retention stats, even ROI. This shift is especially strong in corporate and startup environments, where community is tied to business outcomes.

Third, there's a growing demand for culturally relevant voices. Global audiences want speakers who understand local nuances. That means more multilingual talks, region-specific case studies, and speakers from underrepresented backgrounds taking center stage. Diversity isn't just a checkbox-it's a competitive edge.

Fourth, niche is the new mainstream. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, successful community building speakers are going deep into specific verticals: Web3, creator economy, regenerative agriculture, you name it. These focused communities are hungry for tailored insights, and speakers who specialize will stand out.

Key trends to watch:
- AI-powered community insights (e.g., using tools like Common Room or Orbit)
- Decentralized communities and DAOs as case studies
- Community monetization models (subscriptions, token access, etc.)
- Mental health and burnout prevention in community leadership
- Co-creation and audience-led content during talks

The speakers who thrive will be the ones who stay agile, listen closely to their communities, and aren't afraid to experiment with format, content, and delivery.

If you're aiming to become a standout community building speaker, you'll need more than a good story. You need the right tools to build authority, connect with event organizers, and deliver value. Here's a curated list to help you level up:

1. Talks.co. This is a podcast guest matching tool that helps you get booked on relevant shows. It's perfect for building your speaking resume and reaching niche audiences. Tip: Start with smaller podcasts in your domain to build momentum.

2. CMX Hub. One of the most active communities for community professionals. Their blog, events, and Slack group are goldmines for insights and networking. Bonus: They often feature speakers from within the community.

3. Notion. Use it to organize your talk outlines, collect audience feedback, and manage your speaking pipeline. Create a public-facing page with your speaker bio, topics, and testimonials.

4. Luma. Great for hosting your own community events or workshops. It integrates with Zoom and offers clean landing pages. Use it to test your content before pitching to larger conferences.

5. Otter.ai. Record your talks and get automatic transcripts. This makes it easier to repurpose your content into blog posts, LinkedIn updates, or even a book.

6. Canva. Don't underestimate the power of good visuals. Canva lets you create slide decks that look professional without needing a design degree. Pro tip: Use consistent branding across all your decks.

7. Eventbrite. Not just for attending events-use it to research what kinds of community-focused events are happening in your niche. Reach out to organizers with a tailored pitch.

8. LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn it on to highlight your speaking topics, grow your audience, and attract inbound opportunities. Share short clips or takeaways from your talks to build credibility.

Each of these tools serves a different part of your journey-from getting discovered to delivering high-impact sessions. Combine them strategically, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a sought-after community building speaker.