Journaling Speakers

A journaling speaker is someone who specializes in delivering talks, workshops, or presentations centered around the practice of journaling. But they're not just talking about writing in a notebook-they're guiding people through the transformative power of self-reflection, goal-setting, and emotional processing through written expression.

These speakers often come from diverse backgrounds: psychology, education, wellness, productivity, or even the arts. What unites them is their ability to translate the act of journaling into something actionable and accessible for an audience. Whether they're speaking at a corporate retreat, a mental health summit, or a creative writing conference, their focus is on helping people use journaling as a tool for growth.

Journaling speakers might cover topics like:
- How to use journaling to reduce anxiety or burnout.
- Bullet journaling for productivity and time management.
- Reflective writing for leadership development.
- Journaling as a mindfulness or spiritual practice.

They often incorporate live exercises, prompts, or guided reflections into their sessions. This makes their talks more interactive and helps attendees experience the benefits of journaling firsthand.

In short, a journaling speaker is not just a presenter-they're a facilitator of insight. They help audiences slow down, look inward, and walk away with tools they can use long after the event ends.

When you're curating an event or podcast that aims to inspire real change, a journaling speaker brings something unique to the table: depth. Not just motivational soundbites, but a framework for self-inquiry that sticks.

Journaling is one of the most accessible and evidence-backed tools for personal development. From mental health professionals to Fortune 500 executives, people across industries use journaling to clarify goals, process emotions, and spark creativity. A journaling speaker helps demystify that process and make it actionable for your audience.

Here's why they matter:

- They bridge insight and action. A good journaling speaker doesn't just share ideas-they guide people to apply them through writing. That's powerful, especially in a world where information overload is real.

- They create space for reflection. In fast-paced environments-whether it's a startup culture or a school district-people rarely pause to reflect. A journaling speaker builds that pause into the event itself.

- They support diverse goals. Whether your audience wants to improve focus, heal from trauma, or plan their next big move, journaling can help. A skilled speaker knows how to tailor their message to those different needs.

- They foster long-term impact. Unlike a one-time motivational talk, journaling is a habit. A speaker who teaches journaling gives your audience a tool they can use daily.

So if your event is about more than just hype-if you want your attendees to leave with something they can actually use-a journaling speaker is a smart investment.

Journaling speakers do more than just talk about writing-they create experiences that help people connect with themselves through guided reflection. Their work spans education, wellness, leadership, and creativity, depending on the audience and context.

Here's a breakdown of what journaling speakers typically do:

- Design and deliver talks or workshops. They create presentations that explore the benefits and techniques of journaling, often customized for specific audiences like entrepreneurs, students, or healthcare workers.

- Lead live journaling exercises. Many journaling speakers incorporate real-time prompts into their sessions. For example, they might ask attendees to write about a recent challenge or visualize their future goals.

- Teach journaling frameworks. From Bullet Journaling to Morning Pages to gratitude logs, they introduce structured methods that attendees can adopt in their daily lives.

- Facilitate emotional processing. Especially in wellness or trauma-informed settings, journaling speakers help people use writing to explore emotions safely and constructively.

- Inspire habit formation. They often provide tools, templates, or follow-up resources to help attendees build a consistent journaling practice after the event.

- Collaborate across industries. You'll find journaling speakers at tech conferences talking about productivity, at yoga retreats focusing on mindfulness, or in classrooms teaching reflective writing.

In essence, journaling speakers act as guides. They don't just talk about journaling-they help people experience its power, right there in the room or on the screen.

Ready to take your passion for journaling and turn it into a speaking career? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you become a journaling speaker who gets booked, builds authority, and connects with audiences around the world.

1. Define Your Niche and Message.
- Journaling is a broad topic. Are you focused on mental health, productivity, creativity, or healing? Get specific.
- Example: If you're passionate about trauma recovery through journaling, make that your core message.

2. Develop Your Signature Talk.
- Create a 20- to 45-minute presentation that delivers value, tells a story, and includes actionable takeaways.
- Tip: Use a 3-part structure: personal story, journaling framework, and audience application.

3. Build Your Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to create a professional speaker profile.
- Include your bio, headshot, talk topics, testimonials, and a short video clip.

4. Start Speaking for Free (Strategically).
- Reach out to podcasts, online summits, local events, and community groups.
- Focus on visibility and feedback, not just income at this stage.

5. Collect Testimonials and Recordings.
- After each talk, ask the host for a testimonial and permission to use the recording.
- These assets build credibility and help you land paid gigs.

6. Connect with Hosts and Event Planners.
- Use Talks.co to match with hosts looking for journaling speakers.
- Send personalized pitches that highlight how your talk aligns with their audience.

7. Package Your Offer.
- Create a speaker kit with pricing, topics, and optional workshops or coaching add-ons.
- Tip: Offer a journaling challenge or workbook as a bonus to increase engagement.

8. Keep Practicing and Refining.
- Watch your recordings, ask for feedback, and iterate your talk.
- The more you speak, the better you get-and the more demand you'll generate.

Being a journaling speaker isn't just about loving notebooks and pens. It's about transforming personal insights into powerful, shareable messages that resonate with audiences. Here's what you really need:

1. A Clear Purpose and Perspective
You need a strong 'why'. Are you helping people heal, grow, or create? Your unique perspective on journaling-whether it's rooted in psychology, productivity, or spirituality-sets you apart. For example, someone with a background in cognitive behavioral therapy might focus on journaling for anxiety, while a creative entrepreneur might speak on journaling for innovation.

2. A Compelling Story or Framework
Audiences connect with stories. Your personal journey with journaling should anchor your talk. But you also need a repeatable framework-something people can take home and use. Think of Mel Robbins' 5 Second Rule or James Clear's Atomic Habits. What's your version for journaling?

3. Speaking Skills and Confidence
You don't need to be a TEDx veteran, but you do need to speak clearly, confidently, and with intention. Practice at local meetups or virtual summits. Record yourself. Join a speaker mastermind. Tools like Talks.co can help you get discovered and booked, even if you're just starting out.

4. A Digital Presence
You'll need a speaker page (again, Talks.co is great for this) with your bio, topics, and a short video. Social proof matters. If you've been featured on a podcast or blog, highlight it. If not, start pitching yourself to shows in the wellness, self-help, or creative spaces.

5. A Willingness to Serve
Journaling is often deeply personal. As a speaker, you're holding space for others to explore their own stories. Empathy, authenticity, and a service mindset are non-negotiable.

In short: you need a message, a method, a platform, and a heart for impact. Everything else-like tech gear or fancy slides-is secondary.

Yes, journaling speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, niche, audience size, and platform. Let's break it down.
1. Paid vs. Free Gigs
- Many journaling speakers start by speaking for free to build credibility, especially at online summits or wellness podcasts.
- Paid gigs typically come from corporate wellness events, personal development conferences, or educational institutions.
2. Factors That Influence Pay
- Experience Level: New speakers might earn $100-$500 per talk. Seasoned experts can command $2,000-$10,000 or more.
- Audience Size: A keynote at a 5,000-person conference pays more than a workshop for 20 people.
- Format: Live, in-person keynotes usually pay more than virtual panels or webinars.
3. Industry Comparisons

Speaker Type	Avg. Fee per Talk
New Journaling Speaker	$0 - $500
Mid-Level Expert	$1,000 - $3,000
High-Demand Keynote	$5,000 - $15,000

4. Other Compensation
Some events offer non-monetary perks:
- Free travel and lodging.
- Access to high-level networking.
- Opportunities to sell products or services.
So yes, journaling speakers can and do get paid-but it's often a mix of direct fees, indirect revenue, and long-term brand growth.

Journaling speakers often diversify their income streams beyond just speaking fees. Here's a breakdown of how they generate revenue:

1. Speaking Engagements
- Keynotes at wellness conferences, educational summits, or corporate retreats.
- Workshops for schools, nonprofits, or creative writing groups.
- Virtual events and summits, often hosted on platforms like Zoom.

2. Product Sales
- Branded journals, templates, or guided workbooks.
- Digital courses on journaling for specific outcomes (e.g., stress relief, goal setting).
- Example: A speaker might sell a 30-day journaling challenge for $49 after their talk.

3. Coaching and Consulting
- One-on-one coaching for individuals who want to deepen their journaling practice.
- Group coaching programs or mastermind cohorts.
- Consulting for organizations looking to integrate journaling into wellness programs.

4. Affiliate and Sponsorship Deals
- Promoting journal brands, writing tools, or wellness apps.
- Collaborations with platforms like Calm, Notion, or Moleskine.

5. Licensing and Content Licensing
- Licensing journaling frameworks or content to schools or companies.
- Selling rights to use their journaling method in other programs.

6. Books and Publishing
- Publishing a book on journaling can open doors to higher-paying gigs and media appearances.
- Self-published or traditionally published, books often act as a credibility booster.

In short, journaling speakers make money by combining stage time with scalable offers and strategic partnerships. The most successful ones treat speaking as the top of a funnel-not the whole business.

Earnings for journaling speakers can vary widely depending on experience, niche, and business model. Here's an analytical look at the numbers:
1. Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $500 per talk.
- Often speak for free at virtual summits, podcasts, or local events.
- May generate income through backend offers like coaching or digital products.
2. Mid-Tier Professionals
- Earn between $1,000 and $3,000 per speaking engagement.
- Usually have a published book, strong online presence, and a clear niche.
- Supplement income with course sales, affiliate deals, or workshops.
3. High-Demand Experts
- Can earn $5,000 to $15,000+ per keynote.
- Often speak at major conferences, corporate events, or international summits.
- May have a team, multiple products, and a licensing model.
Income Breakdown Example

Revenue Stream	Monthly Avg. (Mid-Level)
Speaking Fees	$4,000
Course Sales	$2,500
Coaching Programs	$3,000
Affiliate Income	$500
Total	$10,000/month

Key Factors That Impact Income
- Niche demand (e.g., journaling for trauma recovery vs. general creativity).
- Marketing and visibility (e.g., Talks.co profile, podcast appearances).
- Ability to scale (e.g., group programs vs. 1:1 coaching).
So while some journaling speakers earn a few hundred dollars a month, others build six-figure businesses by leveraging their platform strategically.

Hiring a journaling speaker can range from free to several thousand dollars, depending on the context. Here's a breakdown to help you understand the costs:
1. Free or Low-Cost Options
- New speakers often present for free at virtual summits, podcasts, or nonprofit events.
- Some may charge a nominal honorarium ($100-$300) to cover time or preparation.
2. Mid-Range Speakers
- Typically charge $1,000 to $3,000 per event.
- Suitable for wellness retreats, educational workshops, or corporate wellness days.
- May include a Q&A session, workbook, or follow-up materials.
3. High-End Speakers
- Charge $5,000 to $15,000+ for keynotes or full-day workshops.
- Often have bestselling books, media appearances, or a large following.
- May include travel, lodging, and licensing fees for proprietary content.
Cost Comparison Table

Speaker Tier	Cost Range	Ideal For
Emerging Speaker	$0 - $500	Podcasts, small virtual events
Professional	$1,000 - $3,000	Schools, wellness retreats
Celebrity Expert	$5,000 - $15,000+	Conferences, corporate summits

Other Cost Considerations
- Travel & Lodging: Often billed separately unless it's a virtual event.
- Custom Content: Tailored talks or workshops may cost more.
- Add-ons: Journals, courses, or coaching packages can be bundled.
So if you're planning an event, your budget should align with your goals, audience size, and the speaker's level of expertise.

Here's a curated list of some of the best journaling speakers ever-those who've made a lasting impact through their talks, books, and workshops on journaling:

- Julia Cameron - Author of 'The Artist's Way', Cameron has spoken globally about 'Morning Pages' and creative recovery through journaling.
- James Pennebaker - Known for his research on expressive writing, Pennebaker has delivered academic and public talks on the psychological benefits of journaling.
- Brené Brown - While not a journaling speaker per se, her talks on vulnerability and self-reflection often include journaling as a tool. Her influence in this space is undeniable.
- Hal Elrod - Creator of 'The Miracle Morning', Elrod includes journaling as a core practice and speaks about its role in personal transformation.
- Danielle LaPorte - Her talks blend spirituality, journaling, and self-inquiry. Her 'Desire Map' workshops often include reflective writing.
- Tim Ferriss - In his talks and books, Ferriss frequently discusses his journaling habits, including fear-setting and morning reflections.
- Robin Sharma - Known for 'The 5AM Club', Sharma often speaks about journaling as a tool for elite performance.
- Tara Brach - A mindfulness teacher who integrates journaling into her talks and meditative practices.
- Austin Kleon - Author of 'Steal Like an Artist', Kleon speaks about the creative process and uses journaling as a key tool.
- Cheryl Strayed - While known for 'Wild', Strayed often speaks about writing and journaling as a form of healing and storytelling.

Looking for the top journaling speakers making waves right now? These are the global voices currently shaping the conversation around journaling, creativity, and personal growth:

- Ryder Carroll (USA) - Creator of the Bullet Journal method. Carroll speaks at design, productivity, and mental health events worldwide.
- Jay Shetty (UK/USA) - Former monk turned speaker, Shetty often incorporates journaling into his talks on purpose and mindfulness.
- Marie Forleo (USA) - While primarily a business coach, Forleo frequently speaks about journaling for clarity and decision-making.
- Yung Pueblo (USA/Ecuador) - Poet and speaker whose talks and books encourage self-reflection through writing.
- Ali Abdaal (UK) - Productivity expert and YouTuber who speaks globally about journaling for focus and mental clarity.
- Dr. Nicole LePera (USA) - Known as 'The Holistic Psychologist', she integrates journaling into her talks on self-healing.
- Lisa Nichols (USA) - Motivational speaker who uses journaling as a tool for transformation in her workshops.
- Robin Sharma (Canada) - Still active globally, Sharma continues to speak at leadership and personal mastery events.
- Kemi Nekvapil (Australia) - Speaker and coach who uses journaling in her work on self-worth and empowerment.
- Seth Godin (USA) - While not a traditional journaling speaker, Godin often speaks about daily writing as a discipline for creative professionals.

These speakers are not only active but also influential across continents, industries, and platforms-from TEDx stages to global summits and online events.

Myth 1: Journaling speakers are just glorified diary keepers.
This one pops up a lot, especially among folks unfamiliar with the power of intentional reflection. The truth is, journaling speakers don't just talk about writing down feelings. They explore frameworks for self-inquiry, mindset shifts, and personal growth. Think of speakers like Tim Ferriss, who often discusses journaling as a tool for performance optimization, or Julia Cameron, whose 'Morning Pages' method has helped thousands unlock creativity. These speakers bring structure, psychology, and strategy to the stage-not just anecdotes.

Myth 2: You have to be a therapist or psychologist to speak about journaling.
Not even close. While mental health professionals can offer valuable insights, journaling speakers come from all walks of life: entrepreneurs, educators, artists, even athletes. What matters is the clarity of your message and the impact of your journaling framework. For example, Ryder Carroll, creator of the Bullet Journal method, is a digital product designer-not a therapist. Yet his system has sparked a global movement.

Myth 3: There's no real audience for journaling talks.
This is a big misconception, especially among new speakers. In reality, journaling intersects with multiple high-demand topics: productivity, mental wellness, creativity, leadership, and even spirituality. Conferences like SXSW and Wisdom 2.0 have featured journaling-focused sessions. Podcasts and summits focused on personal development are constantly looking for guests who can speak to inner clarity and self-awareness.

Myth 4: Journaling speakers only appeal to a niche, mostly female audience.
While it's true that journaling has historically been marketed more toward women, that's changing fast. Men like Ryan Holiday and Lewis Howes openly discuss their journaling habits. Corporate wellness programs are integrating reflective practices into leadership training. The appeal is broadening, and journaling speakers who can tailor their message to different demographics are thriving.

Myth 5: You need to publish a book before you can speak about journaling.
Publishing helps, but it's not a prerequisite. Many journaling speakers build authority through workshops, online courses, or even social media content. What matters more is having a clear framework or methodology that delivers results. If you can articulate your process and back it up with examples or testimonials, you're already ahead of the game.

When Ryder Carroll first introduced the Bullet Journal method, he wasn't aiming to become a speaker. He was just trying to manage his own ADHD. But as his analog system gained traction online, invitations to speak followed. Today, he's delivered talks at Google and TEDx, and his method has been translated into over 20 languages. His story shows how a personal journaling system, when shared clearly, can resonate globally.

Then there's Mari L. McCarthy, founder of CreateWriteNow. She turned her journaling practice into a full-fledged business, offering courses and speaking engagements focused on healing through writing. Her talks blend personal narrative with actionable prompts, making her a favorite at wellness retreats and virtual summits. She's proof that you don't need a massive platform to make an impact-you just need a compelling message and a clear transformation path.

In the corporate world, Dr. Srikumar Rao uses journaling as a core part of his leadership and mindset training. His talks at Google, TEDx, and business schools like Columbia and London Business School often include journaling exercises that challenge high performers to rethink their assumptions. His success highlights how journaling can be positioned not just as a personal tool, but as a strategic asset for professionals.

Let's not forget the rise of digital-first journaling speakers. Sahil Bloom, for example, regularly shares journaling prompts and mental models on Twitter and LinkedIn. His content has led to speaking engagements, podcast interviews, and even investment opportunities. He didn't start with a book or a stage-he started with a thread. That's the modern path.

Each of these speakers took a different route: analog systems, healing journeys, corporate frameworks, and digital content. But they all share one thing in common: they turned a personal practice into a public platform by offering clarity, consistency, and real-world results.

As more people seek clarity in a noisy world, journaling speakers are stepping into the spotlight. But the way they show up is changing. Here's what's coming next:

- Hybrid speaking formats. Journaling speakers are increasingly blending live talks with interactive workshops. Instead of just delivering keynotes, they're guiding audiences through real-time journaling exercises. Expect more breakout sessions, live prompts, and even co-writing moments during events.

- AI-assisted journaling. Tools like ChatGPT and Reflectly are making it easier for people to start and sustain a journaling habit. Speakers who can integrate these technologies into their talks-either by demonstrating how to use them or offering ethical frameworks for digital reflection-will stand out.

- Cross-cultural storytelling. Journaling isn't just a Western self-help trend. Speakers from Asia, Africa, and Latin America are bringing in culturally rooted practices like morning pages, gratitude rituals, and dream journaling. This global perspective is enriching the field and expanding its reach.

- Corporate wellness integration. More companies are investing in mental fitness, and journaling is becoming part of that toolkit. Journaling speakers who can align their message with leadership development, DEI initiatives, or burnout prevention will find new stages opening up.

- Data-backed frameworks. As the wellness industry matures, audiences are asking for evidence. Journaling speakers who can cite studies on expressive writing (like those from Dr. James Pennebaker) or show before-and-after results from their clients will gain more credibility.

In short, the future of journaling speaking isn't just about telling your story-it's about helping others rewrite theirs, using tools that are personal, practical, and increasingly digital. Whether you're speaking to a room of executives or a virtual summit of creatives, the demand for structured self-reflection is only growing.

Talks.co. This platform connects speakers with podcast hosts and virtual event organizers. If you've got a journaling framework or method, this is a great way to get in front of niche audiences who are already interested in mindset, productivity, or wellness.

Notion. Use Notion to organize your journaling prompts, speaking outlines, and client testimonials. Many journaling speakers even create public Notion templates to share with their audience after a talk.

Otter.ai. Record your journaling sessions or speaking rehearsals, then transcribe them for content repurposing. You can turn a single talk into a blog post, a course module, or a newsletter series.

Canva. Design your journaling prompt slides, speaker one-sheet, or downloadable worksheets. Canva's templates make it easy to stay on-brand, even if you're not a designer.

Insight Timer. If your journaling practice leans into mindfulness or emotional wellness, consider publishing guided journaling audio sessions here. It's a great way to build authority and reach a global audience.

ConvertKit. Build an email list of people who attend your talks or download your journaling templates. Use it to share weekly prompts, speaking updates, or course launches.

Zoom. Still the go-to for virtual workshops. Use breakout rooms to facilitate small-group journaling discussions or live Q&A after your talk.