Grief Speakers

Not every speaker is equipped to talk about grief-and that's exactly why grief speakers exist. A grief speaker is someone who specializes in communicating about loss, mourning, and emotional healing in a way that's accessible, compassionate, and often transformative.

Unlike general motivational speakers, grief speakers focus specifically on the human experience of loss. This could include the death of a loved one, but also extends to other forms of grief: divorce, infertility, chronic illness, or even identity loss. Their role is to help audiences process these experiences, often by sharing personal stories, psychological insights, or practical coping tools.

Grief speakers come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are therapists or counselors. Others are authors, spiritual leaders, or individuals who've experienced profound loss and turned that into a message of support. What unites them is their ability to speak about grief with clarity and care.

They're often invited to speak at mental health conferences, corporate wellness events, support groups, schools, and online summits. Their talks can be educational, inspirational, or therapeutic-sometimes all three.

In essence, a grief speaker is a guide. Not someone who tells you how to grieve, but someone who helps you understand that whatever you're feeling is valid. And that you're not alone.

When grief enters the room, most people don't know what to say. That's where a grief speaker steps in-not to fill the silence, but to help people understand it.

Grief speakers are important because they normalize conversations that are often avoided. In workplaces, for example, employees might be expected to 'move on' after a loss. A grief speaker can educate managers on how to support grieving team members, reducing burnout and increasing empathy across the board.

In schools, grief speakers can help students process loss in healthy ways. After a community tragedy, for instance, bringing in a trained grief speaker can provide structure and support that teachers and counselors alone may not be equipped to offer.

They're also crucial in digital spaces. Online summits, podcasts, and webinars often tackle mental health, but few dive deep into grief. A skilled grief speaker can bring nuance to these conversations, offering both emotional resonance and practical tools.

Ultimately, grief speakers matter because they give people permission to feel. And in a world that often rushes past pain, that permission is powerful.

Grief speakers do more than talk-they facilitate healing, spark conversation, and create safe spaces for emotional exploration. Here's a breakdown of what grief speakers typically do:

- Share Personal or Professional Insights. Many grief speakers draw from their own experiences with loss, while others bring clinical or spiritual expertise. Either way, their stories are crafted to resonate and educate.

- Deliver Keynotes and Workshops. Whether it's a 20-minute TED-style talk or a half-day workshop, grief speakers tailor their content to the audience. For example, a grief speaker at a corporate event might focus on grief in the workplace, while one at a hospice conference might dive into anticipatory grief.

- Facilitate Discussions. Some grief speakers lead group conversations, panel discussions, or Q&A sessions. They're skilled at holding space for tough emotions and encouraging open dialogue.

- Provide Tools and Frameworks. From the Five Stages of Grief to newer models like the Dual Process Theory, grief speakers often introduce frameworks that help people understand their emotions. They might also share journaling prompts, breathing exercises, or communication tips.

- Advocate for Grief Literacy. Many grief speakers are also advocates. They work to dismantle stigma around grief, promote mental health awareness, and push for more compassionate policies in schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems.

In short, grief speakers educate, empower, and empathize. They're not therapists, but they often complement therapeutic work by making grief a little less isolating-and a lot more human.

Becoming a grief speaker is a meaningful path, but it takes more than just a personal story. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started and build a career that connects with audiences in a powerful way:

1. Define Your Message and Audience.
- Start by clarifying your core message. Are you focusing on child loss, partner grief, trauma recovery, or grief in the workplace?
- Identify your audience: therapists, corporate teams, schools, or bereaved families? The more specific, the better.

2. Build Your Story and Signature Talk.
- Develop a compelling narrative that balances vulnerability with value. Your story should be relatable and structured with a clear beginning, middle, and takeaway.
- Practice your talk in small settings: local support groups, churches, or online webinars.

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker page. Include your bio, talk topics, testimonials, and a video clip of you speaking.
- This acts as your digital resume and makes it easier for hosts to find and book you.

4. Get Booked Through Speaker Networks.
- Join directories and platforms that connect speakers with event hosts. Talks.co is a great example, especially for niche topics like grief.
- Reach out to podcasts, virtual summits, and conferences that align with your message.

5. Build Authority and Social Proof.
- Start a blog, write articles on grief, or contribute to mental health publications.
- Collect testimonials from event organizers and attendees. These build trust and credibility.

6. Monetize and Scale.
- Offer workshops, online courses, or coaching services related to grief.
- Consider writing a book or launching a podcast to expand your reach.

Becoming a grief speaker is about service, but it's also about strategy. With the right tools and platforms, like Talks.co, you can grow your influence while helping others heal.

To be a grief speaker, you need more than a story. You need clarity, credibility, and connection. Let's break it down:

1. A Clear Message and Purpose
Grief is a broad topic. Are you speaking from personal experience, professional expertise, or both? Your message should be focused. For example, someone who lost a sibling might speak to youth groups, while a hospice nurse might address healthcare professionals.

2. Communication Skills
You don't need to be a polished TED speaker, but you do need to communicate with empathy and clarity. Grief is sensitive. Your tone, pacing, and language matter. Practice helps, but so does feedback from trusted peers or mentors.

3. A Platform to Share Your Work
Having a speaker page is crucial. Platforms like Talks.co let you showcase your bio, topics, and testimonials. This helps event organizers vet you quickly. A short video clip of you speaking is gold here.

4. Emotional Readiness
This one's often overlooked. Are you ready to share your story without retraumatizing yourself? Can you hold space for others' pain? If not, consider working with a therapist or coach before stepping on stage.

5. A Network of Hosts and Allies
Grief speakers thrive in communities. Connect with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and nonprofits. Talks.co helps by connecting speakers with event hosts, but you can also build relationships through LinkedIn, Facebook groups, or local events.

In short, being a grief speaker is part storytelling, part service, and part strategy. Equip yourself with the right tools and mindset, and you'll be ready to make a real difference.

Yes, grief speakers do get paid, but the compensation varies widely depending on experience, audience, and event type. Let's break it down:

The Range of Compensation
Grief speakers can earn anywhere from $0 to $10,000+ per event. Here's a rough breakdown:

- Free or Volunteer Talks: Common for beginners or community events like churches or support groups.
- Honorariums ($100-$500): Often offered by nonprofits or local organizations.
- Professional Fees ($1,000-$5,000): For experienced speakers at conferences, corporate wellness events, or summits.
- High-End Engagements ($5,000-$10,000+): Reserved for well-known authors, therapists, or media personalities.

Factors That Influence Pay
- Experience and Reputation: A speaker with a bestselling book or media presence commands higher fees.
- Event Type: Corporate events usually pay more than nonprofit gatherings.
- Location: Urban centers and international gigs often have larger budgets.
- Format: Keynotes pay more than panel appearances or breakout sessions.

Pros and Cons
- Pros: Speaking can be a steady income stream, especially when paired with books or coaching.
- Cons: It's not always consistent, and some events offer exposure instead of cash.

Grief speakers who build a strong brand and leverage platforms like Talks.co to get booked are more likely to earn consistently. As with any speaking niche, the key is to position yourself as both impactful and professional.

Grief speakers don't just earn from keynotes. They diversify their income streams to build sustainable businesses. Here's how they do it:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Keynotes: At conferences, memorial events, or corporate wellness days.
- Workshops: Interactive sessions for therapists, HR teams, or support groups.
- Panel Discussions: Often at summits or online events.

2. Online Courses and Webinars
- Many grief speakers create digital products. For example, a course on 'Navigating Grief in the Workplace' can sell for $99-$299.
- Webinars can be monetized through ticket sales or sponsorships.

3. Books and Publications
- Publishing a memoir or guidebook can generate royalties and boost credibility.
- Self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP make this accessible.

4. Coaching or Consulting
- One-on-one grief coaching is a growing field.
- Some speakers consult with organizations on grief-informed practices.

5. Affiliate and Sponsorship Revenue
- Partnering with grief-related brands (journals, therapy apps, etc.) can bring in affiliate income.
- Sponsored podcast episodes or newsletters are another option.

6. Membership Communities
- Some grief speakers build paid communities for ongoing support.
- Think $10-$50/month for access to live calls, resources, and peer support.

7. Virtual Summits and Events
- Hosting your own summit lets you earn from ticket sales, upsells, and sponsorships.

The most successful grief speakers treat their work like a business. They diversify, build assets, and use tools like Talks.co to connect with hosts and grow their visibility.

Grief speakers can earn a wide range of income depending on their niche, visibility, and business model. Let's look at the numbers:
Typical Income Ranges

Experience Level	Per Talk Fee	Annual Income Estimate
Beginner	$0 - $500	$0 - $10,000
Intermediate	$500 - $2,500	$10,000 - $50,000
Established Expert	$2,500 - $10,000+	$50,000 - $150,000+

Key Variables That Affect Income
- Number of Events: Someone doing 4 talks a year vs. 40 will see drastically different results.
- Diversified Income: Speakers who also offer coaching, courses, or books can double or triple their earnings.
- Audience Type: Corporate and healthcare organizations tend to pay more than nonprofits or schools.
Real-World Examples
- A grief speaker with a strong online presence might earn $3,000 per keynote and supplement that with $5,000/month in coaching.
- A lesser-known speaker doing 2-3 local events per month might earn $500 per talk, totaling $12,000-$18,000 annually.
Growth Potential
Speakers who invest in branding, build a speaker page on Talks.co, and consistently pitch to hosts can scale quickly. Some even transition into full-time authors, consultants, or course creators.
Bottom line: grief speaking can be a meaningful and profitable career, but it requires strategy, consistency, and multiple income streams.

Hiring a grief speaker can cost anywhere from free to over $10,000, depending on several factors. Here's a breakdown to help you understand what influences the pricing:

Cost Tiers
- Free to $500: Community events, churches, or local support groups often rely on volunteers or offer small honorariums.
- $500 to $2,500: Mid-level speakers with some experience. Common for nonprofits, schools, or small conferences.
- $2,500 to $10,000+: High-profile grief speakers, authors, or therapists with national recognition. These fees are typical for corporate events, healthcare summits, or international conferences.

What Influences the Cost?
- Experience and Credentials: A licensed therapist or bestselling author will charge more than a new speaker.
- Event Type and Budget: Corporate wellness events usually have larger budgets than grassroots grief groups.
- Format: A 60-minute keynote costs more than a 15-minute panel appearance.
- Travel Requirements: In-person events may include travel and lodging fees.

Additional Costs to Consider
- Customization: If the speaker tailors content for your audience, that may come with an added fee.
- Workshops or Breakouts: Add-on sessions can increase the total cost.
- Virtual vs. In-Person: Virtual talks are often more affordable.

How to Book Efficiently
Using a platform like Talks.co helps you compare speaker profiles, fees, and availability in one place. It also streamlines communication and contracts.

In summary, grief speakers come at a range of price points. The key is to match your event's goals and budget with the right speaker profile.

- Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: Best known for the 'Five Stages of Grief', her work revolutionized how we talk about death and dying. Though more of a researcher and author, her lectures were foundational.
- David Kessler: A protégé of Kübler-Ross, Kessler is a leading voice in modern grief education. His talks blend clinical insight with deep compassion.
- Megan Devine: Author of 'It's OK That You're Not OK', Megan is a powerful speaker who challenges toxic positivity in grief culture.
- Nora McInerny: With a TED Talk that's been viewed millions of times, Nora brings humor and honesty to the grief conversation.
- Brené Brown: While not exclusively a grief speaker, her work on vulnerability and loss has deeply influenced the space.
- Alan Wolfelt: Founder of the Center for Loss & Life Transition, Wolfelt is a respected educator and speaker on grief and mourning.
- Sheryl Sandberg: After the sudden death of her husband, the Facebook COO became a public voice on resilience and grief, especially in the workplace.
- Terri Daniel: A hospice chaplain and interfaith minister, Terri speaks on spiritual perspectives of grief and end-of-life transitions.
- Frank Ostaseski: Co-founder of the Zen Hospice Project, his talks blend mindfulness, death awareness, and compassionate care.
- Claire Bidwell Smith: A licensed therapist and author, Claire's talks focus on anxiety and grief, especially for younger audiences.

- David Kessler (USA): Globally recognized grief expert, author, and speaker. His recent work on 'Finding Meaning' has resonated across cultures.
- Megan Devine (USA): Internationally sought-after for her raw, honest approach. Her message has reached audiences in North America, Europe, and Australia.
- Nora McInerny (USA): Known for her global TED Talk and her podcast 'Terrible, Thanks for Asking'. She's a relatable voice for millennial and Gen Z audiences.
- Dr. Edith Eger (Hungary/USA): Holocaust survivor and psychologist, her talks on trauma and grief have moved audiences worldwide.
- Dr. Lucy Hone (New Zealand): A resilience researcher whose TEDx talk on grieving after the loss of her daughter has gone viral globally.
- Frank Ostaseski (USA): His teachings on death and compassion have been shared in over 30 countries.
- Claire Bidwell Smith (USA): Her online grief courses and talks have a strong international following.
- Saskia Lightstar (UK): A UK-based speaker and author who combines spiritual insight with personal grief experience.
- Yasmin Mogahed (USA/Egypt): While primarily a spiritual speaker, her talks on loss and emotional healing have a global Muslim audience.
- Dr. Sunita Puri (USA/India): A palliative care physician whose talks bridge medicine, spirituality, and grief across cultures.

Myth 1: Grief speakers only talk about death.
This is one of the most common misconceptions. While many grief speakers do address loss through death, their scope is much broader. Grief can stem from divorce, job loss, chronic illness, immigration, or even identity shifts. Speakers like Nora McInerny, who started the 'Terrible, Thanks for Asking' podcast, talk about grief in all its messy forms-not just funerals and eulogies.

Myth 2: You need to be a therapist to be a grief speaker.
Nope. While clinical training can help, it's not a requirement. Many successful grief speakers come from backgrounds in education, journalism, or even entrepreneurship. What matters most is lived experience, empathy, and the ability to communicate with clarity and care. For example, David Kessler, one of the world's foremost experts on grief, combines personal experience with professional insight, but he isn't a licensed therapist.

Myth 3: Grief speaking is too niche to be sustainable.
Actually, the demand for grief speakers is growing. From corporate wellness programs to community events and digital summits, organizations are recognizing the need to address emotional well-being. Especially post-2020, grief literacy is seen as a leadership skill. Grief speakers are being invited to speak at tech companies, schools, and even government agencies.

Myth 4: Grief speakers are always somber or depressing.
This one's easy to believe... until you hear someone like Megan Devine speak. Yes, grief is heavy. But skilled grief speakers know how to balance depth with lightness. Humor, storytelling, and even moments of joy are part of the experience. The goal isn't to bring people down-it's to help them feel seen and understood.

Myth 5: You have to have experienced a major tragedy to be credible.
While personal loss can deepen empathy, it's not a prerequisite. Some speakers focus on grief from a sociological or cultural lens. Others facilitate conversations rather than share their own stories. What matters is your ability to hold space, not your trauma résumé.

When Marisa Renee Lee stepped onto the TEDx stage, she didn't just share her story-she shifted the conversation. Her talk, 'Grief Belongs in the Workplace,' resonated with thousands. She spoke not just as someone who lost her mother, but as a former Obama White House staffer who saw firsthand how grief is often ignored in professional spaces. Her blend of personal narrative and policy insight helped her land speaking gigs with Fortune 500 companies and launch her book 'Grief Is Love.'

Then there's Jason Rosenthal. After his wife Amy Krouse Rosenthal wrote a viral New York Times essay titled 'You May Want to Marry My Husband,' Jason became a reluctant public figure. But instead of retreating, he stepped forward. His TED Talk, 'The Journey Through Loss and Grief,' now has over 5 million views. He's since spoken at healthcare conferences, literary festivals, and nonprofit events, using his platform to advocate for end-of-life planning and emotional resilience.

In South Africa, Lebo Mashile-a poet and performer-uses spoken word to explore grief from a cultural and historical perspective. Her performances blend grief with activism, particularly around gender-based violence and apartheid-era trauma. She's been featured at international arts festivals and collaborates with mental health organizations to bring grief literacy to underserved communities.

And let's not forget the digital pioneers. Shelby Forsythia built her audience entirely online. Through her podcast 'Coming Back,' she interviews people about their grief journeys. Her authenticity and consistency helped her grow a loyal following, leading to book deals and virtual summit invitations. She's proof that you don't need a big stage to make a big impact-just a clear voice and a steady message.

These speakers didn't follow a single blueprint. Some came from politics, others from poetry. Some built platforms online, others through traditional media. What they share is a commitment to making grief visible, and a willingness to speak the unspeakable.

Grief speaking is entering a new phase-one shaped by technology, global awareness, and a shift in how we talk about emotional health. Here's what's emerging:

- Hybrid grief events are becoming the norm. Post-pandemic, audiences expect flexibility. Grief speakers are now delivering keynotes both in-person and via livestream. This opens up international opportunities, especially for speakers in smaller markets.

- Corporate wellness is integrating grief literacy. Companies like Google and Salesforce are investing in emotional intelligence training. Grief speakers are being brought in to help teams navigate layoffs, leadership transitions, and burnout. This isn't just HR fluff-it's becoming part of leadership development.

- AI and grief tech are creating new platforms. Tools like Replika and HereAfter AI are experimenting with digital memory preservation. Grief speakers are being asked to consult on ethical storytelling and emotional design. There's a growing need for human voices to guide these innovations.

- Intersectional grief is gaining visibility. More speakers are addressing how race, gender, disability, and class shape grief experiences. For example, Indigenous grief practices are being highlighted in Canadian and Australian public health campaigns. This trend is pushing grief speakers to expand their cultural fluency.

- Younger audiences are reshaping the tone. Gen Z and Millennials are more open about mental health and less formal in how they process grief. Grief speakers are adapting by using platforms like TikTok, Instagram Live, and Discord to host conversations. The tone is less clinical, more conversational.

In short, the grief speaking space is diversifying-across platforms, audiences, and formats. If you're entering this field now, you're not late. You're right on time to help shape what comes next.

- Talks.co. This podcast guest matching tool is a goldmine for new speakers. You can pitch yourself to relevant shows or get discovered by hosts looking for grief-related voices. Tip: Create a compelling speaker profile that includes your unique angle on grief.

- Grief Speaks. A curated directory of grief speakers and educators. Great for researching how others position themselves and what topics are in demand. Use it to benchmark your own offerings.

- Canva. For creating speaker decks, social media graphics, and event promo materials. Their templates make it easy to look polished even if you're not a designer. Tip: Use the 'Presentation' format to build a virtual keynote.

- Eventbrite. Not just for finding events to attend-use it to host your own grief workshops or talks. You can test your content with small virtual audiences and gather testimonials.

- The Speaker Lab. Offers free and paid resources on how to build a speaking business. While not grief-specific, their frameworks on pricing, pitching, and positioning are solid. Tip: Use their One Sheet template to create your speaker profile.

- Substack. A great platform to build your audience through writing. Many grief speakers use newsletters to share stories, reflections, and event updates. Tip: Include a 'Book Me' link in every issue.

- Zoom. Still the go-to for virtual keynotes and workshops. Learn how to use breakout rooms and polls to keep sessions interactive. Tip: Record your sessions (with permission) to build a speaking reel.

These tools aren't just about logistics-they're about amplifying your voice. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, the right stack can help you reach the people who need your message most.