Nashville Speakers

A Nashville speaker is a professional who delivers talks, keynotes, or workshops-either virtually or in person-while being based in or strongly connected to Nashville, Tennessee. But this isn't just about geography. It's about influence, relevance, and cultural context.

Local Roots, Global Reach
Nashville speakers often draw from the city's rich blend of music, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and education. Whether they're talking about leadership, branding, or resilience, their content is often shaped by the creative and collaborative spirit of the city.

Not Just Musicians
While Nashville is known for its music scene, its speakers come from diverse industries. You'll find tech founders, authors, wellness coaches, and nonprofit leaders all sharing stages. For example, someone like Annie F. Downs brings faith-based storytelling to national audiences, while Dave Delaney focuses on digital communication and workplace culture.

Formats and Venues
A Nashville speaker might present at a corporate retreat in Franklin, a TEDx event in Germantown, or a virtual summit hosted globally. They adapt to the format-live, hybrid, or pre-recorded-and often bring a uniquely Southern blend of warmth and authenticity.

In short, a Nashville speaker is someone who informs, inspires, or educates through spoken word, while carrying the creative DNA of one of America's most dynamic cities.

When you're curating an event or podcast, the speaker you choose can either elevate the experience or leave your audience disengaged. That's where a Nashville speaker brings unique value.

Cultural Relevance Meets Professionalism
Nashville speakers often blend Southern hospitality with sharp business acumen. Whether they're speaking on entrepreneurship, wellness, or innovation, they tend to deliver with warmth and clarity-qualities that resonate across industries.

Access to Diverse Expertise
From healthcare executives to Grammy-winning artists, Nashville is home to a wide range of professionals who speak. This means you can find someone who not only understands your niche but also brings a fresh, localized perspective.

Connection with Regional Audiences
If your event is in the Southeast or targets a Southern demographic, a Nashville speaker can connect more authentically. They understand the cultural nuances, language, and values that matter to your audience.

Trusted by National Platforms
Many Nashville speakers have been featured on major stages like TEDxNashville, SXSW, and national podcasts. Their credibility and experience make them a smart choice for organizers who want both impact and reliability.

So whether you're hosting a virtual summit or an in-person conference, a Nashville speaker can bring the right mix of insight, relatability, and professionalism to your lineup.

Nashville speakers deliver more than just speeches-they create experiences that inform, inspire, and activate audiences. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Deliver Keynotes and Workshops.
They speak at conferences, corporate meetings, and virtual summits. Topics range from leadership and branding to mental health and innovation. For example, a speaker like Brittany Cole might lead a session on inclusive leadership, while another might focus on scaling creative businesses.

2. Customize Content for Specific Audiences.
Nashville speakers are known for tailoring their message. Whether it's a startup crowd in The Gulch or a healthcare symposium in Brentwood, they adapt tone, examples, and delivery style to fit the room.

3. Engage Across Formats.
They're not limited to podiums. You'll find them on podcasts, webinars, panel discussions, and even Instagram Lives. Their versatility makes them valuable for hybrid and digital-first events.

4. Collaborate with Hosts and Brands.
Many Nashville speakers work closely with event organizers to co-create sessions, promote events, and even offer follow-up content. This partnership approach helps extend the impact beyond the talk itself.

5. Represent Nashville's Voice on National Stages.
They often serve as cultural ambassadors, bringing the spirit of Nashville-its creativity, resilience, and warmth-to audiences around the world.

In essence, Nashville speakers are communicators, educators, and connectors. They don't just speak-they build bridges between ideas and action.

If you're aiming to become a Nashville speaker, you're stepping into a vibrant scene of conferences, music industry panels, entrepreneurial summits, and creative events. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche and Message.
- Nashville is known for music, yes, but it's also a hub for startups, healthcare, education, and social impact. Pick a topic you're passionate about and experienced in.
- Ask yourself: What unique insight can I offer? Are you a tech founder? A wellness coach? A music industry insider?

2. Build Your Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to create a professional speaker profile. Include your bio, speaking topics, audience types, testimonials, and a high-quality headshot.
- Add videos of past talks or even a short demo reel. If you're new, record a 3-minute pitch on your topic.

3. Start Local, Then Scale.
- Reach out to local meetups, coworking spaces, and community events in Nashville. Offer to speak for free at first to build your portfolio.
- Use Talks.co to connect with event hosts looking for speakers in your niche.

4. Network With Other Speakers.
- Attend events like PodX, 36|86, or Music Biz to meet other speakers and organizers. Join speaker groups on LinkedIn or Facebook.
- Collaborate with podcast hosts or virtual summit organizers to get more visibility.

5. Collect Feedback and Refine.
- After each talk, ask for feedback. What resonated? What could improve? Use this to sharpen your delivery and content.
- Add testimonials and updated videos to your speaker page regularly.

Once you've got a few gigs under your belt, you can start charging, pitching bigger events, and even building a business around your speaking. The key is consistency and clarity in your message.

Being a Nashville speaker isn't just about grabbing a mic and telling your story. It takes preparation, positioning, and the right tools to stand out in a city full of talent.

First, you need a clear message. Whether you're talking about entrepreneurship, music production, mental health, or DEI in the workplace, your message should be focused and relevant to the audience you're targeting. Nashville audiences can range from corporate professionals to indie creatives, so tailor your content accordingly.

Second, you need credibility. That doesn't mean you need a PhD or a bestselling book (though those help). It means you need to show you've walked the walk. Share your results, your experience, and your perspective. A solid LinkedIn profile, a Talks.co speaker page, and a few video clips of you speaking can go a long way.

Third, you need visibility. Event organizers won't book you if they can't find you. That's where platforms like Talks.co come in. You can list your speaking topics, availability, and testimonials, and connect directly with hosts looking for speakers.

Finally, you need presentation skills. This includes storytelling, pacing, audience engagement, and handling Q&A. You don't have to be Tony Robbins, but you do need to be clear, confident, and authentic. Practice in front of small groups, join a Toastmasters club, or get feedback from peers.

In short, to be a Nashville speaker, you need a compelling message, proof of expertise, a way to get discovered, and the ability to deliver. When those pieces come together, opportunities start to open up.

Yes, Nashville speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's break it down.
First, the type of event matters. Corporate conferences, industry expos, and leadership summits typically have budgets for speakers. Local meetups, nonprofit events, and grassroots festivals may not. For example, a keynote speaker at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center's events might earn $2,000 to $5,000, while a panelist at a local coworking space might speak for free or for exposure.
Second, experience and reputation play a big role. If you're a well-known author, CEO, or influencer, you can command higher fees. Newer speakers often start with unpaid gigs to build their portfolio.
Here's a quick comparison:

Speaker Type	Typical Pay Range
New Speaker	$0 - $500
Mid-Level Professional	$500 - $2,500
High-Demand Keynote	$5,000 - $20,000+

Third, the format matters. Virtual events tend to pay less than in-person ones. Workshops and training sessions often pay more than a 20-minute talk.
So yes, Nashville speakers do get paid, but it's not automatic. You need to position yourself, build demand, and negotiate based on your value.

Nashville speakers make money through a mix of direct fees and indirect revenue streams. It's not just about the stage time - it's about the ecosystem around it.

Here are the main ways they earn:

- Speaking Fees. This is the most obvious one. Speakers charge for keynotes, panels, workshops, and breakout sessions. Rates vary depending on experience, topic, and audience size.

- Product Sales. Many speakers sell books, online courses, or digital downloads. For example, a speaker on songwriting might sell a course on melody writing or a PDF guide to music licensing.

- Consulting and Coaching. After a talk, attendees often want more. Speakers can offer one-on-one coaching, group programs, or corporate consulting. This is especially common in business, health, and leadership niches.

- Affiliate Marketing. Some speakers promote tools or platforms they use and earn commissions. For instance, a tech speaker might recommend podcast gear or software and earn a cut.

- Sponsorships and Brand Deals. If you have a strong following, brands might pay you to speak and promote their products. This is more common for influencers or niche experts.

- Virtual Summits and Webinars. Hosting your own events or being featured on others' platforms can generate revenue through ticket sales, upsells, or partnerships.

The most successful Nashville speakers diversify their income. They don't rely on one-off gigs. Instead, they build a brand that generates ongoing opportunities.

The income of Nashville speakers varies widely, depending on their niche, experience, and business model. Let's look at the numbers and what influences them.
On average:
- Beginner speakers (0-2 years): $0 to $1,000 per event.
- Mid-level speakers (2-5 years): $1,000 to $5,000 per event.
- Top-tier speakers (5+ years, strong brand): $5,000 to $25,000+ per event.
Some Nashville-based speakers, especially those in music, entertainment, or entrepreneurship, also earn income through workshops, online courses, and consulting. For example, a music business speaker might earn $3,000 from a live event and another $10,000 that month from course sales.
Here's a breakdown of potential annual income:

Speaker Level	Events/Year	Avg. Fee	Est. Annual Income
Beginner	10	$500	$5,000
Mid-Level	20	$2,500	$50,000
High-Level	30	$10,000	$300,000

Keep in mind, these are gross figures. Travel, marketing, and content development costs can eat into profits. But with a strong brand and multiple revenue streams, Nashville speakers can build a six-figure business over time.

Hiring a Nashville speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the event and the speaker's profile. Here's a breakdown to help you budget:
- Local Experts or New Speakers: $250 - $1,000. Great for panels, workshops, or community events. These speakers are often building their portfolio and may offer lower rates.
- Mid-Level Professionals: $1,000 - $5,000. These speakers have experience, a clear message, and a track record. They're ideal for conferences, corporate training, or industry events.
- High-Profile Keynotes: $5,000 - $25,000+. These are well-known authors, CEOs, or influencers. They bring name recognition and often draw bigger audiences.
Other cost factors include:
- Travel and Accommodation: If the speaker is not local, you'll need to cover flights, hotels, and per diem.
- Customization: If you want a tailored talk or workshop, expect to pay more.
- Virtual vs. In-Person: Virtual talks are usually 30-50% cheaper than in-person ones.
Here's a quick reference table:

Speaker Type	Cost Range
Local/New Speaker	$250 - $1,000
Experienced Speaker	$1,000 - $5,000
Celebrity/Keynote	$5,000 - $25,000+

If you're booking through a platform like Talks.co, you can often filter by budget and see speaker availability, which makes the process smoother.

- Dave Ramsey. Financial guru and radio host known for his no-debt philosophy. His talks on money management have influenced millions.
- Donald Miller. Author of 'Building a StoryBrand', he's helped entrepreneurs clarify their message and grow their businesses.
- Annie F. Downs. Christian author and speaker with a strong following in the faith and personal development space.
- Scott Hamilton. Olympic gold medalist and cancer survivor, known for his motivational talks on resilience and purpose.
- Mignon Francois. Founder of The Cupcake Collection, she speaks on entrepreneurship, faith, and overcoming adversity.
- Carlos Whittaker. Speaker and author focused on mental health, faith, and leadership. Known for his engaging storytelling.
- Beth Moore. While based in Texas, she's a frequent speaker in Nashville and a major voice in Christian women's conferences.
- Michael Hyatt. Former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, now a leadership speaker and productivity expert.
- Ben Rector. Singer-songwriter who occasionally speaks at music and creative entrepreneurship events.
- Rebekah Lyons. Speaker and author focused on mental wellness, family, and faith-based leadership.

These speakers have made a lasting impact on Nashville's speaking scene through books, events, and community leadership.

- Simon Sinek. Though not based in Nashville, his talks on leadership and purpose are frequently referenced at Nashville business events.
- Brené Brown. Her research on vulnerability and courage resonates across industries, including Nashville's creative and corporate sectors.
- Tony Robbins. A global icon in personal development, often cited by Nashville entrepreneurs and coaches.
- Mel Robbins. Known for her 5-second rule, she's a favorite among productivity and mindset speakers worldwide.
- Gary Vaynerchuk. His talks on marketing and hustle culture are popular with Nashville's startup and music scenes.
- Lisa Nichols. A powerhouse in motivational speaking and transformation, often featured at global summits.
- Jay Shetty. Former monk turned storyteller, his talks on purpose and mindfulness have global reach.
- Eric Thomas. Known as the Hip-Hop Preacher, his energy and message resonate with youth and corporate audiences alike.
- Seth Godin. Marketing legend whose ideas on tribes and permission marketing influence speakers everywhere.
- Marie Forleo. Entrepreneur and speaker whose online presence and business advice are top-tier.

While not all are Nashville-based, their influence is felt in the city's events, workshops, and speaker lineups. They set the bar for what it means to inspire and educate on a global level.

Let's talk about some of the assumptions people make about Nashville speakers. These aren't just harmless misunderstandings - they can actually hold aspiring speakers back from stepping onto the stage.

- Myth #1: Nashville speakers only talk about country music.
This one's persistent, but way off. Sure, Nashville is the heart of country music, but the speaker scene here is incredibly diverse. You'll find experts in healthcare, tech innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and even AI ethics. For example, Dr. Alex Jahangir, a public health leader based in Nashville, has spoken extensively on pandemic response and civic leadership - nothing to do with music.

- Myth #2: You need to be famous to get booked in Nashville.
Nope. While some events do feature big names, many conferences, workshops, and community events are looking for fresh voices with real expertise. Organizers want speakers who connect with their audience, not just celebrities. Local TEDx events, university panels, and industry meetups often prioritize authenticity over fame.

- Myth #3: Nashville speakers are all from Tennessee.
Not true. Many speakers fly in from across the country - even internationally - to speak at events in Nashville. It's a hub, not a bubble. Virtual summits and hybrid events have made it even easier for speakers outside the region to participate.

- Myth #4: You have to be a natural performer to succeed.
This myth keeps a lot of people on the sidelines. The truth? Great Nashville speakers come in all styles. Some are high-energy storytellers, others are calm and analytical. What matters is clarity, relevance, and connection. Tools like speaker coaching and practice platforms help refine delivery over time.

- Myth #5: There's no money in it unless you're a keynote star.
While top-tier keynotes can command high fees, many Nashville speakers build income through workshops, consulting, digital products, and online courses tied to their speaking. It's about building an ecosystem, not relying on one-off gigs.

When you think of Nashville, your mind might jump to guitars and cowboy boots. But behind the scenes, there's a thriving ecosystem of speakers who've carved out powerful platforms in unexpected ways.

Take Marcus Whitney. He's a tech entrepreneur who co-founded Jumpstart Health Investors and speaks regularly on innovation, venture capital, and diversity in tech. His talks blend personal grit with sharp business insights, and he's become a go-to voice at healthcare and startup events across the U.S. What's striking is how he leveraged his Nashville roots to talk about national issues - proving that geography doesn't limit your impact.

Then there's Heather Monahan. While not originally from Nashville, she's spoken at events here and built a strong following through her podcast and book, 'Confidence Creator'. Her talks on leadership and self-worth resonate with corporate audiences and solo entrepreneurs alike. She's a great example of how speakers can cross-pollinate between cities and still feel local.

Another standout is Dr. André Churchwell, a cardiologist and diversity advocate at Vanderbilt University. His talks on equity in medicine have reached national platforms, but many of his most impactful sessions have been right in Nashville - at medical schools, community centers, and policy forums. His story shows how academic speakers can influence both local and national conversations.

And let's not forget about the grassroots voices. Local entrepreneur Brittany Cole runs Career Thrivers and speaks on inclusive leadership. She started with small workshops and now leads sessions for Fortune 500 companies. Her path highlights how consistency and clarity of message can scale a speaking career from local to national.

Each of these speakers took a different route. Some came from business, others from academia or personal transformation. But they all share one thing: they used Nashville as a launchpad, not a limit. Their stories prove that success isn't about fitting a mold - it's about finding your voice and using it strategically.

If you're eyeing the speaking circuit in Nashville, it's worth paying attention to where things are headed. The landscape is shifting, and those who adapt early will have the edge.

First, hybrid events are becoming the norm. Even local Nashville conferences are now streaming sessions or offering virtual access. This means speakers need to master both in-person and online delivery. Expect more demand for tech-savvy speakers who can engage through a webcam just as well as they do on stage.

Second, niche is the new mainstream. Organizers are looking for speakers who go deep, not wide. Whether it's regenerative agriculture, blockchain in healthcare, or neurodiversity in the workplace, hyper-specific topics are getting more stage time. Nashville's diverse economy - from healthcare to music to logistics - makes it a perfect testing ground for these specialized talks.

Third, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) isn't a side topic anymore. It's central. Speakers who bring lived experience and actionable strategies around equity are in high demand. This includes voices from underrepresented communities, rural perspectives, and cross-cultural insights.

Here are a few trends to watch:
- Interactive formats. Panels, live Q&A, and audience-driven sessions are replacing long monologues.
- Speaker collectives. Groups like Women Who Lead or Black Speakers Network are helping speakers co-market and co-book gigs.
- Data-backed storytelling. Audiences want inspiration, but they also want evidence. Speakers who blend narrative with research are rising fast.
- Personal brand ecosystems. Speaking is just one piece. Podcasts, newsletters, and online courses are becoming essential extensions.

In short: the future for Nashville speakers is multi-platform, niche-focused, and deeply human. If you're building your speaking career, now's the time to lean into authenticity and strategy.

- Talks.co. This podcast guest matching tool is a goldmine for new speakers. You can get booked on relevant shows, build your credibility, and practice your message in a low-pressure format. Tip: Start with niche podcasts in your industry before pitching the big ones.

- SpeakerHub. A platform to create a speaker profile, list your topics, and get discovered by event organizers. It's especially useful for corporate and educational events. Tip: Include a short video clip to boost your chances of getting booked.

- Eventbrite. Not just for finding events - it's a great way to see what's happening in the Nashville area and identify potential speaking opportunities. Tip: Reach out to local organizers and offer a free workshop or panel appearance to get your foot in the door.

- Canva. For creating slide decks that don't look like they were made in 2003. Use their templates to build clean, engaging visuals. Tip: Keep slides minimal - one idea per slide, max.

- Toastmasters International. Yes, it's old-school, but it works. Nashville has several active clubs where you can practice your delivery, get feedback, and build confidence. Tip: Choose a club that aligns with your speaking goals - some focus more on leadership, others on storytelling.

- LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn on Creator Mode to showcase your speaking topics, post short videos, and attract event organizers. Tip: Use hashtags like #NashvilleSpeaker or #PublicSpeaking to increase visibility.

- Otter.ai. Use this tool to transcribe your practice sessions or past talks. It helps you refine your message and repurpose content into blog posts or social media snippets. Tip: Review your filler words and pacing to improve delivery.

- Coursera. For structured learning, check out public speaking and communication courses from top universities. Tip: Combine theory with practice - don't just watch, apply what you learn in real sessions.

These tools aren't just about looking professional - they help you build momentum, stay consistent, and show up where it counts. Whether you're just starting out or leveling up, the right resources can make the journey smoother and faster.