Open Speakers

An open speaker is someone who delivers a talk, presentation, or keynote in a public or semi-public setting, often as part of an event, summit, podcast, or panel. Unlike closed or internal speakers who address private company meetings or invite-only groups, open speakers share their insights with broader audiences.

These speakers can come from any industry - tech, education, health, finance, or entertainment. What defines them isn't their background, but their willingness to speak openly, often to diverse audiences, and sometimes across borders. Think of someone like Simon Sinek giving a TED Talk or a startup founder sharing lessons at a virtual summit.

Open speakers are typically invited to share expertise, inspire action, or educate an audience. They might speak live on stage, virtually via webinar, or asynchronously through pre-recorded talks. Their content is usually accessible to the public, either free or ticketed.

In many cases, open speakers are part of a larger event lineup, contributing to a theme or series. They may be thought leaders, practitioners, or even rising voices with a unique story to tell. What matters is that their message is intended for open consumption, not behind closed doors.

So whether it's a YouTube live session or a global conference, an open speaker is someone who steps up to share knowledge with the world - not just the boardroom.

When you're organizing an event, podcast, or summit, the open speaker isn't just another name on the schedule - they're the bridge between your audience and your message.

First, open speakers bring credibility. Whether it's a well-known author or a niche expert, their presence signals that your event has value. For example, having someone like Seth Godin speak at your marketing summit instantly elevates the perceived quality.

Second, they drive engagement. A strong open speaker knows how to hold attention, spark curiosity, and encourage interaction. This is especially crucial in virtual events where distractions are just a tab away. A dynamic speaker can keep people tuned in and talking long after the session ends.

Third, they offer fresh perspectives. Open speakers often come from outside your immediate circle, bringing new ideas, global insights, or cross-industry comparisons. This diversity of thought can challenge assumptions and inspire innovation.

Finally, open speakers help with promotion. Many have their own followings and are willing to share your event with their audience. This expands your reach and can drive more signups or views. As mentioned in 'How to Book a open speaker', it's worth asking if they'll help amplify your event.

In short, an open speaker isn't just a content provider - they're a strategic asset that can shape the success of your entire show.

Open speakers contribute to events, summits, and platforms by sharing their expertise, stories, and insights with a public or semi-public audience. Their role can vary depending on the format, but here's a breakdown of what they typically do:

1. Prepare and Customize Talks
- Open speakers usually tailor their message to fit the event theme and audience.
- For example, a cybersecurity expert might adjust their talk for small business owners vs. enterprise IT leaders.

2. Deliver Engaging Presentations
- Whether live or virtual, they present their content in a way that's clear, compelling, and relevant.
- This might include storytelling, data visualization, audience interaction, or live Q&A.

3. Educate and Inspire
- Many open speakers aim to leave the audience with actionable takeaways or a new way of thinking.
- Think of someone like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose talks blend cultural insight with personal narrative to spark reflection.

4. Promote the Event
- Some open speakers help promote the event to their own networks, especially if they're aligned with the topic or cause.
- This can include sharing on social media, email newsletters, or even podcast mentions.

5. Participate in Follow-Up Activities
- After the talk, speakers might join panels, answer questions, or provide resources.
- In some cases, they're invited back for future events or collaborations.

Ultimately, open speakers are not just voices on a stage - they're collaborators in creating meaningful experiences for audiences around the world.

Becoming an open speaker isn't about waiting for someone to hand you a mic. It's about stepping up, showing up, and sharing your voice with intention. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Message.
- What do you stand for? What unique insight or experience can you share?
- Narrow your focus to a core topic or theme. For example, are you passionate about open-source software, transparency in leadership, or community-driven innovation?

2. Build Your Speaker Page.
- Create a profile on platforms like Talks.co to showcase your expertise.
- Include a professional headshot, a compelling bio, and a short video of you speaking (even if it's just a Zoom clip).
- Add testimonials or endorsements if you have them.

3. Start Small, Speak Often.
- Look for local meetups, webinars, or online summits where you can volunteer to speak.
- Reach out to podcast hosts or virtual event organizers. Talks.co is a great place to connect with hosts looking for guests.
- Record every talk. Use clips to build your portfolio.

4. Network with Other Speakers.
- Join speaker communities on LinkedIn or Facebook.
- Attend virtual summits not just as a speaker, but as a participant. Engage in the chat, ask questions, and connect with hosts.

5. Pitch Yourself with Confidence.
- Craft a short pitch email or message that outlines who you are, what you talk about, and why it matters.
- Keep it focused on the value you bring to their audience.

6. Keep Improving.
- Ask for feedback after every talk.
- Watch your recordings and note areas for improvement.
- Consider joining a speaker coaching group or taking a course to refine your delivery.

The key is consistency. The more you speak, the more you're seen. And the more you're seen, the more opportunities come your way.

Being an open speaker means you're someone who speaks transparently, authentically, and often about topics that matter to communities, organizations, or industries. But what does it actually take to step into that role?

First, you need clarity of purpose. Open speakers typically advocate for openness in systems, whether that's open-source tech, open data, or open communication in leadership. So, ask yourself: what do you believe in? What conversations do you want to lead?

Second, you need a platform. This doesn't mean a massive social following (though that helps), but a place where your voice can be heard. Talks.co, for example, is a great platform to start. It connects open speakers with virtual event hosts and helps you build a speaker page that acts as your digital resume.

Third, you need communication skills. You don't have to be a TED-level orator, but you do need to be clear, engaging, and relatable. Practice helps. So does feedback. Record yourself, join Toastmasters, or get a coach.

Fourth, you need a network. Open speakers thrive in communities. Whether it's the open-source community, academic circles, or social impact spaces, being part of a network helps you stay informed and connected to speaking opportunities.

Finally, you need credibility. This could come from your work, your research, or your lived experience. You don't need a PhD to speak about open education, but you do need to show you've walked the walk. Case studies, personal stories, and real-world examples go a long way.

In short, to be an open speaker, you need purpose, a platform, communication skills, community, and credibility. Build those, and you're well on your way.

Yes, open speakers can and do get paid-but it depends on a few key factors. Let's break it down.
First, the type of event matters. Corporate conferences and industry summits often have budgets for speakers, especially if the topic aligns with their mission or product. On the other hand, grassroots events or community meetups may not offer payment, but they can be great for exposure.
Second, your experience and reputation play a big role. If you're a recognized expert in open-source governance or data transparency, you're more likely to command a fee. Newer speakers might start unpaid but can build toward paid gigs over time.
Third, the format of the talk can influence compensation. Keynotes usually pay more than panel discussions or workshops. Virtual events may offer less than in-person ones, but they often come with lower time and travel costs.
Here's a quick comparison:

Event Type	Typical Pay Range
Local Meetup	$0 - $200
Online Summit	$100 - $1,000
Corporate Conference	$1,000 - $10,000+
Government Panel	$500 - $5,000

Pros of paid speaking:
- Validates your expertise.
- Helps fund your advocacy or business.
- Encourages professional development.
Cons:
- Not all events pay.
- Some industries (like nonprofit or academia) expect free contributions.
So yes, open speakers do get paid-but it's not guaranteed. Think of it as a mix of paid gigs, passion projects, and strategic exposure.

Open speakers have a few different revenue streams, and the most successful ones diversify. Here's how they typically earn:

1. Speaking Fees.
- This is the most direct method. Events pay for keynotes, panels, workshops, or webinars.
- Rates vary based on experience, topic, and audience size. (See 'Do open speakers get paid' for more.)

2. Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships.
- Some open speakers partner with companies aligned with their values. For example, an open data advocate might be sponsored by a civic tech company.
- These deals can include branded talks, social media promotion, or co-hosted events.

3. Courses and Workshops.
- Many open speakers package their knowledge into online courses or live training sessions.
- Platforms like Teachable or Podia make this easy to scale.

4. Books and Publications.
- Publishing a book or ebook can generate passive income and boost credibility.
- Self-publishing is common, especially for niche topics like open-source licensing or decentralized governance.

5. Consulting and Advisory Roles.
- After speaking, many open speakers are approached for consulting gigs.
- This can be a lucrative follow-up, especially in tech, education, or policy.

6. Affiliate Marketing.
- Some speakers recommend tools or platforms they use, earning a commission.
- For example, promoting a project management tool for open teams.

7. Virtual Summits and Events.
- Hosting your own event (via Zoom or similar) can generate revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and upsells.

The key is to treat speaking as part of a larger ecosystem. It's not just about the talk-it's about what happens before and after.

The income of open speakers varies widely, depending on niche, visibility, and business model. Let's look at the numbers.

Entry-Level Open Speakers
- These are individuals just starting out, often speaking at community events or online panels.
- Typical earnings: $0 to $500 per event.
- Annual income: $0 to $10,000 (mostly from side gigs or exposure).

Mid-Level Open Speakers
- These speakers have a niche following and a few years of experience.
- They may speak at industry events, offer workshops, or sell digital products.
- Typical earnings: $1,000 to $5,000 per event.
- Annual income: $20,000 to $100,000 (including consulting or course revenue).

Top-Tier Open Speakers
- These are recognized thought leaders in fields like open-source software, open education, or civic tech.
- They often keynote major conferences and have multiple income streams.
- Typical earnings: $5,000 to $25,000+ per event.
- Annual income: $100,000 to $500,000+.

Factors That Influence Earnings
- Topic Demand: Open AI ethics or blockchain governance are hot right now.
- Geography: Speakers in North America and Europe tend to earn more.
- Audience Size: Bigger events usually mean bigger paychecks.
- Language: Multilingual speakers can access more markets.

So while some open speakers do it for passion, others build six-figure businesses around it. The ceiling is high, but it takes time and strategy to get there.

If you're looking to hire an open speaker, the cost can vary dramatically based on several factors. Here's a breakdown to help you budget:
1. Experience Level
- New/Emerging Speakers: $0 - $500.
- Often willing to speak for free or for exposure.
- Great for community events or internal team sessions.
- Mid-Level Speakers: $1,000 - $5,000.
- Have a track record and some following.
- May include a workshop or Q&A session.
- Top-Tier Speakers: $5,000 - $25,000+.
- Recognized experts or published authors.
- Often booked for keynotes or international conferences.
2. Event Type
- Virtual Events: Typically 30-50% cheaper than in-person.
- Corporate Conferences: Higher rates due to budget and visibility.
- Nonprofit or Government Events: May negotiate lower fees or request pro bono.
3. Add-Ons
- Workshops: Add $1,000 - $10,000 depending on depth.
- Travel & Accommodation: Usually covered separately.
- Custom Content: Some speakers charge extra to tailor their talk.
Sample Budget Table:

Speaker Type	Virtual Talk	In-Person Keynote	Workshop Add-On
Emerging	$0 - $300	$500 - $1,000	$500 - $1,500
Mid-Level	$1,000	$2,500 - $5,000	$2,000 - $5,000
Top-Tier	$5,000+	$10,000 - $25,000	$5,000 - $15,000

Hiring an open speaker is an investment. Make sure their message aligns with your audience and goals. And don't forget to check their Talks.co speaker page for samples and reviews.

- Richard Stallman: Founder of the Free Software Foundation, Stallman has been a vocal advocate for software freedom since the 1980s. His talks are deeply philosophical and have shaped the open-source movement.
- Linus Torvalds: Creator of Linux, Torvalds is known for his technical insights and blunt delivery. While not a traditional speaker, his keynotes at LinuxCon and other events are legendary.
- Cory Doctorow: A prolific author and activist, Doctorow speaks on open internet, copyright reform, and digital rights. His TEDx and DEF CON talks are widely shared.
- Lawrence Lessig: Co-founder of Creative Commons, Lessig's presentations on copyright, open culture, and democracy are both powerful and visually innovative.
- Tim Berners-Lee: The inventor of the World Wide Web, Berners-Lee has consistently advocated for open data and web standards. His talks at TED and global forums have influenced policy and tech.
- Eben Moglen: Legal scholar and founder of the Software Freedom Law Center, Moglen's speeches on digital freedom are intellectually dense but foundational.
- Mitchell Baker: Chairwoman of Mozilla, Baker has spoken globally about open web standards, privacy, and ethical tech.
- Jimmy Wales: Co-founder of Wikipedia, Wales is a frequent speaker on open knowledge and collaborative platforms.
- Audrey Tang: Taiwan's Digital Minister, Tang is known for promoting open government and civic tech through engaging, multilingual talks.
- Brewster Kahle: Founder of the Internet Archive, Kahle speaks passionately about digital preservation and open access to knowledge.

- Audrey Tang (Taiwan): As Taiwan's Digital Minister, Tang delivers talks on radical transparency, civic tech, and participatory democracy. Fluent in multiple languages, they're a global favorite at open government events.
- Cory Doctorow (Canada/UK): A leading voice in digital rights and open culture, Doctorow speaks at tech, policy, and literary conferences worldwide.
- Rufus Pollock (UK): Founder of Open Knowledge Foundation, Pollock is a thought leader in open data and digital commons. His talks are both visionary and practical.
- Nanjira Sambuli (Kenya): A digital policy expert, Sambuli speaks on open internet access, gender equity in tech, and African digital futures.
- Aral Balkan (Turkey/UK): A designer and activist, Balkan's talks challenge surveillance capitalism and promote ethical, open tech.
- Anasuya Sengupta (India): Co-director of Whose Knowledge?, Sengupta speaks on decolonizing the internet and making open knowledge more inclusive.
- Kat Walsh (USA): Former chair of Wikimedia Foundation, Walsh speaks on open knowledge and legal frameworks for digital freedom.
- Santiago Siri (Argentina): Founder of Democracy Earth, Siri talks about blockchain, open governance, and decentralized systems.
- Mariana Dahan (Moldova): Founder of the World Identity Network, Dahan speaks on open identity systems and digital inclusion.
- Denise McKenzie (Australia): A geospatial expert, McKenzie speaks on open location data and its role in smart cities and disaster response.

Let's unpack some of the most persistent misconceptions about open speakers. These myths can hold people back from stepping into the spotlight or mislead event organizers about what to expect.

1. Myth: Open speakers are just amateurs who couldn't get paid gigs.
This one pops up a lot, especially in corporate circles. But here's the truth: many open speakers choose this format intentionally. Think of TEDx speakers, community leaders, or startup founders who speak at industry meetups. They're not unpaid because they're unskilled. They're unpaid because the value exchange is different-visibility, networking, or mission alignment often outweigh a speaker fee.

2. Myth: Open speakers don't prepare as much as professionals.
Actually, the opposite is often true. Since open speakers are frequently representing their personal brand or business, they tend to over-prepare. They know this is their shot to make an impression. Whether it's a local entrepreneur at a Chamber of Commerce event or a nonprofit advocate at a community forum, the stakes feel personal.

3. Myth: You can't build a career starting as an open speaker.
That's like saying you can't become a chef because you started cooking at home. Many top-tier speakers-like Simon Sinek or Brene Brown-began by speaking for free. Their early talks, often unpaid, built the foundation for massive platforms. The key is to treat every open speaking opportunity as a strategic move, not just a favor.

4. Myth: Open speakers are only relevant for small, local events.
Not true. Virtual summits, global webinars, and even major conferences often include open speaker slots. Organizers want fresh voices and diverse perspectives. And with platforms like Talks.co, it's easier than ever to find and book open speakers with real expertise.

5. Myth: If you're not getting paid, you're being taken advantage of.
Payment comes in many forms. Exposure, lead generation, content repurposing, and credibility can all be worth more than a one-time fee. The key is knowing your goals. If you're using open speaking to grow your authority or funnel leads into a business, it's a smart move-not a loss.

When you think of successful open speakers, you might not immediately picture bestselling authors or global influencers. But many of them started exactly there-speaking for free, sharing their message, and building momentum.

Take Mel Robbins. Before she was commanding five-figure speaking fees, she was giving talks at local events and community gatherings. Her TEDx talk, which was unpaid, went viral and launched her into the spotlight. That single open speaking gig became the catalyst for books, TV appearances, and a thriving business.

Or consider Eric Thomas, the motivational speaker known as the 'Hip Hop Preacher.' He started speaking at schools and churches for free, often driving hours just to reach a small audience. His raw, passionate delivery resonated. Clips of his talks spread on YouTube, and soon he was keynoting for Nike and the NFL.

In the startup world, founders like Rand Fishkin (Moz) and Hiten Shah (Crazy Egg) built their reputations by speaking at meetups, webinars, and community events-often unpaid. Their open speaking gigs weren't about the money. They were about building trust, sharing value, and becoming go-to experts in their space.

Even outside the English-speaking world, open speakers are making waves. In Nairobi, tech entrepreneur Judith Owigar regularly speaks at local innovation hubs. Her talks, often unpaid, have helped her build partnerships across Africa and beyond.

What ties these stories together? Intentionality. These speakers didn't wait for a paycheck to share their message. They used open speaking as a launchpad-and it worked.

Open speaking is shifting in ways that are opening up new opportunities for both new and experienced voices. Here's what we're seeing on the horizon:

- Virtual-first formats are sticking around. Even as in-person events return, virtual summits and hybrid conferences are here to stay. That means more open speaker slots across time zones, languages, and industries. If you can speak well on Zoom, you're in demand.

- Micro-niche events are multiplying. Instead of one big conference, we're seeing a rise in smaller, highly targeted events-like a summit just for indie game developers or a panel for sustainable fashion startups. These events often rely on open speakers to bring in fresh, authentic perspectives.

- AI is reshaping speaker discovery. Tools like Talks.co and AI-driven booking platforms are making it easier for organizers to find open speakers who match their audience. That levels the playing field. You don't need a big-name agent anymore-just a clear profile and a compelling pitch.

- Content repurposing is becoming a speaker strategy. Open speakers are turning their talks into YouTube clips, LinkedIn posts, and podcast episodes. The talk is just the start. If you're not thinking about how to slice and share your content, you're missing out on long-tail value.

- Diversity is no longer optional. Event organizers are under pressure to feature speakers from different backgrounds, regions, and experiences. That's a huge win for open speakers who bring unique perspectives-especially those outside the usual speaker circuit.

Bottom line: The future favors the prepared and the visible. If you're building your speaker brand now, you're ahead of the curve.

Getting started as an open speaker? You don't need a big budget or fancy credentials. What you do need are the right tools to help you find gigs, polish your message, and grow your visibility. Here's a curated list to get you going:

1. Talks.co. This is a podcast guest matching tool, but it's also a goldmine for open speakers. Many podcast hosts are looking for guests who can speak clearly, share insights, and engage an audience-exactly what you're training for. Use it to get booked and build your speaker reel.

2. Canva. Use it to design your speaker one-sheet, presentation slides, or social media promos. Clean visuals can make your pitch stand out and help you look polished, even if you're just starting out.

3. Zoom. Obvious? Maybe. But mastering Zoom as a speaker is a skill. Learn how to use breakout rooms, screen sharing, and virtual backgrounds to create an engaging experience. Record your sessions to build a speaker reel.

4. Notion. Organize your talk outlines, pitch templates, and event contacts all in one place. It's like your personal speaking HQ. Bonus: You can share your Notion page as a speaker portfolio.

5. LinkedIn. Still one of the best places to get discovered. Post short clips from your talks, write about your speaking topics, and connect with event organizers. Tip: Use the 'Featured' section to showcase your best speaking content.

6. Otter.ai. Record and transcribe your talks automatically. Great for reviewing your performance, pulling quotes, or turning your talk into a blog post.

7. Eventbrite. Search for local or virtual events in your niche. Reach out to organizers and offer to speak. Many smaller events are actively looking for open speakers with relevant experience.

Start with one or two of these tools and build from there. You don't need to use everything at once. Focus on getting visible, delivering value, and building momentum.