How to Speakers

A how to speaker is someone who teaches practical skills or processes through spoken presentations, often in workshops, webinars, podcasts, or virtual summits. Unlike motivational speakers who focus on inspiration, how to speakers focus on instruction.

They specialize in breaking down complex tasks into understandable, actionable steps. Whether it's 'how to launch a Shopify store' or 'how to manage remote teams effectively', these speakers guide audiences through the 'doing' part of learning.

Typically, how to speakers are subject matter experts in their field. They might be marketers, chefs, coders, educators, or entrepreneurs. What sets them apart is their ability to communicate clearly and teach others in a structured way.

You'll often find how to speakers featured in online summits, like those hosted on platforms such as Zoom, where they deliver tactical sessions designed to help attendees walk away with new skills. Their value lies in their ability to transfer knowledge efficiently and engagingly.

In short, a how to speaker is a teacher in a speaker's body. They don't just talk - they show, explain, and empower.

When audiences are hungry for real solutions, a how to speaker delivers the goods. Unlike generalist speakers who might entertain or motivate, how to speakers provide specific, actionable knowledge that helps people move forward.

In today's fast-paced digital world, people want to learn quickly and apply immediately. Whether it's a small business owner trying to figure out Facebook Ads or a nonprofit leader learning how to run virtual fundraisers, a how to speaker can bridge the gap between confusion and clarity.

They're especially crucial in virtual events and summits, where attention spans are short and value needs to be immediate. A great how to speaker can turn a 30-minute session into a mini masterclass, giving attendees tools they can use that same day.

From a host's perspective, bringing in a how to speaker boosts your event's credibility and retention. People come back for content that helps them grow. And when your event is known for delivering real takeaways, your brand becomes a trusted source of learning.

So whether you're running a niche podcast or a global summit, including a how to speaker isn't just a nice-to-have - it's a smart move that drives engagement, satisfaction, and results.

How to speakers teach, guide, and empower - but let's break that down into what they actually do on a practical level.

1. Design Instructional Content. They create structured presentations that walk audiences through a process or skill. This might include slides, live demos, templates, or checklists.

2. Deliver Step-by-Step Training. During their sessions, they explain each step clearly, often using real-world examples. For instance, a how to speaker on podcasting might walk through choosing equipment, setting up software, and launching on Spotify.

3. Engage with the Audience. They answer questions, adapt explanations on the fly, and use interactive tools like polls or breakout rooms to keep people involved.

4. Customize for Context. Great how to speakers tailor their content to the audience. A session on email marketing for e-commerce founders will look very different from one aimed at nonprofit directors.

5. Provide Follow-Up Resources. Many offer downloadable guides, recordings, or links to further learning. This helps reinforce the lesson and adds long-term value.

In essence, how to speakers are educators in action. They don't just talk about doing something - they show you how to do it, step by step, with clarity and confidence.

Becoming a how-to speaker isn't just about knowing your stuff. It's about packaging your knowledge in a way that connects, educates, and inspires. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your 'How-To' Niche
- Focus on a specific skill or process you can teach clearly. It could be 'how to build a Shopify store', 'how to write a book in 30 days', or even 'how to start a podcast'.
- Tip: Use keyword research tools to see what people are searching for. This helps you align your topic with demand.

2. Develop Your Signature Framework
- Break down your process into 3-5 clear steps. This becomes your repeatable method.
- Example: If you're teaching 'how to launch an online summit', your steps might be: Plan, Recruit Speakers, Promote, Host, Follow-Up.

3. Create a Speaker Page
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile. Include your bio, talk topics, testimonials, and a demo video.
- Bonus: Talks.co helps connect you with event hosts actively looking for speakers.

4. Start Speaking for Free (Strategically)
- Offer to speak at virtual summits, local meetups, or podcasts in your niche. Focus on visibility and testimonials.
- Tip: Record every talk. These clips become your marketing assets.

5. Build Relationships with Hosts and Communities
- Engage with Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, and summit organizers. Comment, share, and offer value.
- Pro tip: Use your Talks.co profile link when pitching yourself to make it easy for hosts to say yes.

6. Refine and Scale
- Gather feedback. Tweak your delivery and slides. As you grow, start charging for your talks or upselling into coaching, courses, or services.

Becoming a how-to speaker is about clarity, consistency, and connection. Nail those, and you're on your way.

At its core, a how-to speaker teaches people how to do something specific. But being effective in this role requires more than just knowledge. Here's what you really need:

1. Deep Expertise in a Specific Process
You need to know your topic inside out. Whether it's 'how to run Facebook ads' or 'how to ferment vegetables at home', your audience expects actionable, step-by-step guidance. This isn't about theory. It's about proven, repeatable results.

2. The Ability to Simplify
Great how-to speakers break down complex ideas into digestible steps. Think of Marie Forleo's 'Everything is Figureoutable' style or Pat Flynn's clear tutorials. Your job is to make the hard stuff feel doable.

3. A Clear Framework or Methodology
Audiences love structure. Having a named process (like 'The 5P Podcast Launch Method') makes your content memorable and marketable. This also helps you stand out when pitching to event organizers on platforms like Talks.co.

4. Speaking and Presentation Skills
You don't need to be a TED Talk veteran, but you should be able to engage an audience, use visuals effectively, and manage time well. Practice helps. So do tools like Toastmasters or speaker coaching.

5. A Professional Presence
This includes a speaker page (like those on Talks.co), a short bio, a headshot, and a demo video. These assets make it easier for hosts to book you. They also position you as a pro.

6. Tech Setup (for Virtual Speaking)
If you're speaking online, you'll need a decent microphone, camera, and lighting. Zoom, StreamYard, and other platforms are standard. A clean background and stable internet connection go a long way.

Being a how-to speaker is about delivering clarity and confidence. When you combine expertise with empathy and structure, you're ready to teach the world.

Yes, how-to speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on a few key factors. Let's break it down.

1. Experience and Authority
New speakers often start unpaid or with small honorariums ($100-$500). As you build credibility and results, fees can jump significantly. Established how-to speakers with a niche following can command $2,000 to $10,000 per talk.

2. Event Type
- Virtual Summits: Often unpaid, but great for lead generation.
- Corporate Trainings: High-paying, especially in industries like tech or finance.
- Workshops and Bootcamps: Mid-range fees, often bundled with upsells.
- Conferences: Varies widely. Some pay, others offer exposure.

3. Monetization Strategy
Some speakers waive fees in exchange for access to the audience. If you're allowed to pitch a course or service, the backend revenue can far exceed a speaking fee.

4. Platform Use
Using a speaker marketplace like Talks.co can increase your visibility and booking rate. Hosts can filter by topic, audience fit, and availability, making it easier to get paid gigs.

Pros of Paid Speaking:
- Immediate revenue.
- Builds authority.
- Validates your expertise.

Cons:
- Not all events pay.
- Requires negotiation and contracts.
- Can be inconsistent without a system.

In short, yes, how-to speakers get paid. But the smartest ones diversify their income streams (see the next section) and use speaking as both a revenue source and a lead magnet.

How-to speakers make money in multiple ways, and the most successful ones treat speaking as one piece of a larger business model. Here's a breakdown of the main income streams:

1. Speaking Fees
- Paid keynotes, workshops, or breakout sessions.
- Rates vary: $500 for local events to $10,000+ for corporate gigs.

2. Product Sales
- Courses, ebooks, templates, or toolkits related to their topic.
- Example: A 'how to start a YouTube channel' speaker might sell a video editing course.

3. Coaching or Consulting
- One-on-one or group coaching programs.
- Often sold at the end of a talk or via follow-up email sequences.

4. Affiliate Marketing
- Recommending tools or platforms during talks (e.g., ConvertKit, Teachable).
- Speakers earn a commission when attendees sign up.

5. Sponsorships
- Partnering with brands to promote tools or services during events.
- Common in tech, health, and finance niches.

6. Licensing Content
- Selling pre-recorded training to companies or platforms.
- Great for scaling income without live delivery.

7. Hosting Their Own Events
- Virtual summits, webinars, or bootcamps.
- Speakers control ticket sales, upsells, and partnerships.

8. Talks.co and Similar Platforms
- Listing on Talks.co allows how-to speakers to be discovered by event organizers.
- Some events offer direct payments, others lead to backend sales.

The key is to mix short-term income (fees) with long-term assets (courses, coaching). That way, every talk becomes a revenue engine.

Earnings for how-to speakers vary widely depending on niche, experience, audience size, and monetization strategy. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Experience Level	Typical Fee per Talk	Annual Income Range (est.)
Beginner	$0 - $500	$0 - $10,000
Intermediate	$500 - $2,000	$10,000 - $75,000
Established Expert	$2,000 - $10,000	$75,000 - $250,000+
Celebrity/Niche Leader	$10,000+	$250,000 - $1M+

Factors That Influence Income:
- Niche Demand: Tech, finance, and marketing tend to pay more than lifestyle or hobby topics.
- Audience Size: Speakers with large email lists or social followings can monetize more effectively.
- Backend Offers: Selling a $997 course after a free talk can be more profitable than a $2,000 keynote.
- Geography: U.S., Canada, and Australia tend to pay more than other regions, but virtual events are leveling the field.
Case Example:
A speaker teaching 'how to launch an Etsy store' might earn $500 for a workshop, but make $10,000 in course sales from attendees. Another speaker in B2B SaaS might charge $5,000 for a 60-minute webinar to a corporate team.
The bottom line: how-to speakers can earn a little or a lot. The difference lies in how they position, package, and promote their expertise.

Hiring a how-to speaker comes with a range of costs, depending on the event type, speaker experience, and delivery format. Here's what organizers can expect:
Typical Cost Ranges:
- Beginner Speakers: $0 - $500. Often speak for exposure or lead generation.
- Mid-Level Experts: $500 - $2,500. These speakers have a track record and a defined methodology.
- High-Demand Pros: $2,500 - $10,000+. These are seasoned speakers with a strong brand and results.
- Celebrity/Niche Authorities: $10,000 - $50,000+. Think authors, influencers, or founders with large followings.
Cost by Format:

Format	Cost Range
Virtual Webinar	$0 - $5,000
In-Person Workshop	$1,000 - $20,000
Keynote Address	$2,500 - $50,000+
Panel Appearance	$0 - $2,000

Other Considerations:
- Travel & Lodging: For in-person events, expect to cover these costs.
- Custom Content: Some speakers charge extra for tailoring presentations.
- Licensing: If you want to reuse the talk (e.g., for training), licensing fees may apply.
Tips for Booking:
- Use platforms like Talks.co to find vetted how-to speakers by topic and budget.
- Be clear about your goals: education, engagement, or lead generation.
- Ask for a speaker page or demo video to assess fit.
Hiring a how-to speaker is an investment in actionable value. The right speaker can educate, inspire, and drive real change for your audience.

Tony Robbins: Known for his high-energy delivery and practical frameworks on personal development and business strategy.

Marie Forleo: Creator of B-School, she's mastered the art of teaching how to build a business and life you love.

Tim Ferriss: Author of 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Tim's talks often break down how to optimize performance and productivity.

Mel Robbins: Famous for her '5 Second Rule', she simplifies behavior change into actionable steps.

Brendon Burchard: A master of high-performance habits, Brendon teaches how to level up in life and business.

Amy Porterfield: Specializes in how to build and launch online courses. Her step-by-step teaching style is a standout.

Seth Godin: While more philosophical, his talks on how to market and lead are deeply instructional.

Chris Guillebeau: Known for teaching how to travel the world on a budget and launch micro-businesses.

Lisa Nichols: Combines storytelling with clear how-to advice on personal transformation and communication.

Simon Sinek: Though often categorized as inspirational, his 'Start With Why' framework is a how-to guide for leadership.

Ali Abdaal (UK): Teaches how to study effectively, build a YouTube channel, and boost productivity. His talks are clear, engaging, and data-backed.

Vanessa Lau (Canada): Focuses on how to grow on social media and monetize content. Her frameworks are especially popular with Gen Z and millennial entrepreneurs.

Eric Siu (USA): Co-host of Marketing School, he teaches how to scale businesses using digital marketing strategies.

Salma Jafri (Pakistan): Known for her talks on how to build a personal brand through video content. She brings a global perspective to content marketing.

Koji Pereira (Brazil/USA): A UX leader who teaches how to design better user experiences. His talks are popular in product and design circles.

Ankur Warikoo (India): Shares practical advice on how to manage time, money, and career decisions. His relatable style resonates with young professionals.

Tina Tower (Australia): Specializes in how to launch and scale online education businesses. Her talks are packed with actionable steps.

Graham Cochrane (USA): Teaches how to build a personal brand and monetize expertise through content and courses.

Julian Shapiro (USA): Breaks down how to grow startups using growth hacking and copywriting techniques.

Janet Murray (UK): Offers practical guidance on how to create content that builds authority and drives leads.

Let's unpack a few persistent misconceptions about how to speakers that might be holding you back from stepping into the spotlight.

1. "You need to be famous or have a huge following to be a how to speaker."
This one trips up a lot of people. The truth? Some of the most booked how to speakers are niche experts with small but highly engaged audiences. Think of someone like Pat Flynn, who built his speaking career by teaching people how to build passive income streams. He wasn't a household name when he started, but his deep knowledge and clear teaching style made him a go-to speaker in his space.

2. "You have to be a natural performer."
Nope. Being a how to speaker isn't about being theatrical or charismatic in a traditional sense. It's about clarity, structure, and delivering value. Many successful speakers are introverts who rely on preparation and frameworks. For example, Amy Porterfield is known for her calm, methodical delivery-and she's built a powerhouse speaking brand by teaching online marketing step by step.

3. "You must have decades of experience."
Experience helps, sure, but what matters more is your ability to teach something effectively. If you've solved a problem others are still struggling with, you've got something worth sharing. For instance, many young creators on platforms like TikTok or YouTube are now speaking at conferences about content strategy, even if they've only been in the game for a few years.

4. "You can't make real money as a how to speaker."
This one's outdated. Between virtual summits, paid workshops, corporate training gigs, and online courses that stem from speaking engagements, there are multiple revenue streams available. Some speakers even use free talks to build their email lists and sell high-ticket programs later. It's not just about keynote fees anymore.

5. "You need to be tech-savvy to succeed."
While tech helps, it's not a barrier. Many speakers outsource their slide design or use simple tools like Canva and Zoom. What matters is your content and how you deliver it. The tech is just a vehicle-not the engine.

When you look at the journeys of successful how to speakers, a few patterns emerge: clarity of message, consistency in delivery, and the ability to adapt to different platforms. Let's dive into a few standout examples.

Marie Forleo started as a life coach but quickly realized her strength was in teaching others how to build a purpose-driven business. Her signature program, B-School, became a global hit. But it was her speaking gigs-on stage and online-that helped her scale. She didn't start with a big audience. Instead, she focused on delivering actionable insights in every talk, often using real-life examples and simple frameworks. Her talks feel like conversations, not lectures.

Then there's Neil Patel. Known for breaking down complex SEO strategies into digestible steps, Neil built his speaking career by showing up at marketing conferences and sharing data-backed tactics. He didn't rely on flashy slides or humor. Instead, he focused on value. Attendees left with pages of notes and practical steps they could apply immediately. That's what made him memorable.

In the wellness space, Adriene Mishler of 'Yoga with Adriene' fame transitioned from YouTube to live workshops and events. Her 'how to' content-teaching people how to start a yoga practice at home-translated beautifully to in-person sessions. She kept her tone approachable and her instructions clear, which made her a favorite among beginners and seasoned yogis alike.

And let's not forget Chris Do from The Futur. He teaches creatives how to price their work, pitch clients, and build a brand. His speaking style is direct, visual, and interactive. He often uses live role-playing on stage to demonstrate sales techniques. That kind of engagement turns a standard talk into an unforgettable experience.

Each of these speakers carved a niche, stayed consistent, and focused on helping others solve specific problems. That's the real blueprint.

The landscape for how to speakers is shifting in some interesting directions. If you're planning to build or grow your speaking career, here are a few trends to keep on your radar.

First, hybrid formats are becoming the norm. Events are no longer just in-person or virtual-they're both. That means speakers need to master delivery across formats. A talk that works on stage might fall flat on Zoom unless it's adapted. Expect more demand for speakers who can engage audiences through a webcam just as effectively as from a podium.

Second, micro-niching is gaining traction. Instead of broad topics like 'how to start a business', audiences are gravitating toward hyper-specific sessions like 'how to launch a Shopify store in 30 days' or 'how to build a newsletter for real estate leads'. This is especially true in B2B and industry-specific events. The more tailored your content, the more likely you are to get booked.

Third, interactive content is on the rise. Attendees want more than just slides and monologues. They want Q&A, polls, breakout rooms, and real-time feedback. Speakers who can facilitate workshops, not just deliver keynotes, will stand out.

Here are a few more trends to watch:
- AI-assisted content creation: Tools like ChatGPT are helping speakers draft outlines, generate examples, and even rehearse talks.
- Global accessibility: With translation tools and international platforms, speakers can now reach audiences in multiple languages without leaving home.
- Monetization beyond the stage: More speakers are turning their talks into digital products-courses, ebooks, memberships.

Bottom line: the future of how to speaking is more interactive, more niche, and more global than ever before. Adaptability will be your biggest asset.

If you're just getting started as a how to speaker or looking to level up, having the right tools can make a huge difference. Here's a curated list of platforms, apps, and resources that can help you craft better talks, land more gigs, and grow your audience.

1. Talks.co
This is a podcast guest matching tool that helps you get booked on shows aligned with your expertise. Great for building credibility and practicing your message in a conversational format.

2. Canva
Perfect for designing clean, professional slide decks without needing a graphic designer. Use their templates to keep your visuals on-brand and easy to follow.

3. Notion
Use Notion to organize your talk outlines, keep track of event contacts, and store audience feedback. It's like your speaking HQ in one place.

4. Zoom
Still the go-to for virtual speaking gigs. Use features like breakout rooms and polls to make your sessions more interactive.

5. SpeakerHub
A platform where you can list your speaking profile and get discovered by event organizers. It also offers training resources and a speaker directory.

6. Descript
Great for editing your recorded talks or creating promo clips. It transcribes your speech and lets you edit audio like a text doc.

7. Slidebean
If you want a more automated approach to slide design, Slidebean uses AI to help you structure and beautify your presentations.

8. Teachable
Turn your signature talk into a course and monetize your expertise beyond the stage. Ideal for how to speakers who want to scale their impact.

Pro tip: Don't try to use everything at once. Pick 2-3 tools that match your current stage and goals, then expand as you grow.