Selling Speakers

Not every speaker is a selling speaker - and that distinction matters. A selling speaker is someone who delivers a presentation with the specific goal of driving conversions. That could mean sales, signups, or even booked calls. But the key is this: they're not just informing or inspiring - they're strategically guiding the audience toward a decision.

Selling speakers blend education with persuasion. They often use a structured format like the Problem-Agitate-Solution model, or frameworks like Story-Solution-Offer. Their talks are designed to build trust, establish authority, and make the offer feel like the natural next step.

Unlike traditional keynote speakers who may focus on motivation or thought leadership, selling speakers are outcome-driven. They're often featured in virtual summits, webinars, or JV events where the host and speaker both benefit from conversions.

You'll find selling speakers across industries - from SaaS founders pitching demos, to health experts selling coaching programs, to authors launching courses. What unites them is their ability to speak with purpose and convert with integrity.

In short, a selling speaker is a conversion catalyst. They don't just talk - they move people to act.

When you're building a virtual event or online show, the difference between engagement and revenue often comes down to one thing: the speaker's ability to sell. That's where a selling speaker becomes essential.

A selling speaker bridges the gap between content and conversion. They don't just deliver value - they deliver results. For hosts, this means higher opt-in rates, more sales, and stronger partnerships. For audiences, it means clarity, confidence, and a compelling reason to take action.

Consider the rise of virtual summits and online workshops. In these formats, attention is limited and competition is fierce. A selling speaker knows how to cut through the noise. They use proven frameworks, emotional triggers, and clear calls to action to keep people engaged and ready to buy.

From a business perspective, selling speakers can transform a free event into a revenue-generating machine. They often bring their own audiences, promote the event, and share in the upside. That makes them not just speakers, but strategic partners.

So whether you're a solo creator or a corporate host, having a selling speaker on your lineup isn't just helpful - it's a smart move for growth.

Selling speakers do more than just talk - they drive action. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

- Craft Conversion-Focused Talks. They design presentations that educate and persuade. Their content is structured to build trust, address objections, and lead to a clear offer.

- Deliver With Energy and Clarity. Whether live or pre-recorded, they know how to keep attention high. They use pacing, tone, and storytelling to keep audiences engaged from start to finish.

- Promote the Event. Many selling speakers bring their own audience. They'll share the event with their list, post on social, and sometimes run ads. This expands your reach and boosts attendance.

- Drive Sales or Signups. Their main goal is to convert. That might mean selling a course, booking discovery calls, or getting people into a funnel. They use proven strategies like urgency, bonuses, and testimonials to make it happen.

- Track and Optimize Performance. Top selling speakers pay attention to metrics. They review opt-in rates, click-throughs, and sales data to improve future talks.

In essence, selling speakers are strategic communicators. They combine content, psychology, and performance to turn attention into action. As explained in 'What is a selling speaker', their role is about more than speaking - it's about selling with purpose.

Becoming a selling speaker isn't just about having a great message. It's about packaging, positioning, and promoting yourself in a way that gets you booked and paid. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get there:

1. Define Your Niche and Message
- Identify the specific topic or problem you solve. Are you helping SaaS founders scale? Teaching educators how to engage Gen Z? The more specific, the better.
- Craft a signature talk that delivers real value and transformation. Think in terms of outcomes: what will the audience walk away with?

2. Build Your Speaker Page
- Use platforms like Talks.co to create a professional speaker profile. Include your bio, headshot, talk titles, testimonials, and a short video clip.
- Make it easy for event organizers to understand what you offer and how to book you.

3. Collect Social Proof
- Start with smaller events or podcasts to build your portfolio. Record every talk and ask for testimonials.
- Highlight any media features, client logos, or audience numbers to boost credibility.

4. Connect with Hosts and Organizers
- Use Talks.co to connect directly with event hosts looking for speakers.
- Reach out on LinkedIn or via email with a short pitch: who you are, what you speak on, and why their audience will benefit.

5. Monetize Strategically
- Don't just speak for exposure. Offer a product, service, or next step that attendees can buy.
- Bundle your talk with a workshop, coaching session, or digital course to increase your value.

6. Keep Improving
- Record and review your talks. Join speaker masterminds or hire a coach.
- Stay current with trends in your industry and update your content regularly.

Follow these steps, and you'll not only get booked... you'll get paid and build a reputation as a true selling speaker.

To be a selling speaker, you need more than just a good story or a confident stage presence. You need a system that turns your voice into value. Here's what that looks like:

1. A Clear Value Proposition
You must be able to answer: Why should someone book you? Selling speakers solve specific problems or deliver clear outcomes. Whether it's increasing sales, improving leadership, or inspiring change, your message has to be tied to results.

2. A Professional Speaker Profile
This is your digital storefront. Platforms like Talks.co make it easy to build a speaker page that showcases your bio, topics, testimonials, and video clips. Think of it as your speaker resume. Without it, you're invisible to event organizers.

3. A Signature Talk
You need one go-to talk that you can deliver with confidence and clarity. It should be structured, engaging, and aligned with your audience's needs. Bonus points if it leads naturally into your product or service.

4. A Booking Funnel
Selling speakers don't wait for gigs to come to them. They build funnels that attract and convert leads. This might include:
- A lead magnet or free resource
- A booking calendar
- An email sequence that nurtures interest

5. A Monetization Strategy
Whether you're selling from stage, offering consulting, or promoting a course, you need a way to turn attention into income. This is what separates selling speakers from hobbyists.

6. Relationships and Visibility
Get active in speaker communities. Use Talks.co to connect with hosts. Attend virtual summits. Visibility leads to credibility, and credibility leads to bookings.

In short, being a selling speaker is about building a business around your voice. It's equal parts message, marketing, and monetization.

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

1. Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
Not all speaking engagements come with a check. Some events offer exposure, networking, or lead generation instead of cash. But top-tier selling speakers know how to turn even unpaid gigs into revenue through backend offers.

2. Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience Level: New speakers might earn $0 to $500 per talk. Mid-level speakers can command $1,000 to $5,000. High-demand experts? $10,000 and up.
- Industry: Tech and finance events often pay more than education or wellness.
- Audience Size: A keynote at a 5,000-person conference pays more than a breakout session at a local meetup.
- Value Delivered: If your talk helps the audience generate revenue or solve a high-stakes problem, you can charge more.

3. Pros of Getting Paid
- Immediate income.
- Validation of your expertise.
- Budget for travel and production.

4. Cons (and Workarounds)
- Fewer paid slots than unpaid ones.
- High competition.
- Some events prefer speakers who don't pitch.

Bottom Line: Selling speakers absolutely get paid-but the smartest ones also build systems to monetize beyond the stage. (See 'How do selling speakers make money' for more on that.)

Selling speakers make money in multiple ways, and the most successful ones don't rely on a single stream. Here's an analytical breakdown of how they monetize:
1. Speaking Fees
This is the most direct method. Event organizers pay you to speak. Fees range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on your niche, reputation, and audience size.
2. Product or Service Sales
Many speakers use their talk to lead into an offer:
- Online courses
- Coaching or consulting packages
- Books or digital downloads
This is often referred to as 'selling from stage'-but it works just as well virtually.
3. Sponsorships
If you have a strong personal brand or a niche audience, sponsors may pay to be associated with your talk. This is common in tech, health, and finance sectors.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Some speakers promote tools or services they use, earning a commission on every sale. For example, a productivity speaker might promote Notion or ClickUp with an affiliate link.
5. Licensing Content
You can license your talks, frameworks, or training materials to companies or organizations. This is popular in corporate training and education.
6. Hosting Your Own Events
Running your own virtual summits or workshops lets you control the revenue and the audience.
Comparison Table:

Revenue Stream	Passive?	Scalable?	Typical Earnings
Speaking Fees	No	Limited	$500 - $50,000/talk
Product Sales	Yes	High	$50 - $5,000 per sale
Sponsorships	Semi	Medium	$1,000 - $20,000/event
Affiliate Marketing	Yes	Medium	10% - 50% per sale
Licensing	Yes	High	$5,000 - $100,000/year
Hosting Events	No	High	Varies widely

Smart selling speakers combine several of these to build a sustainable income.

Selling speakers can make anywhere from a few hundred dollars per talk to millions per year, depending on their business model, niche, and visibility. Let's look at the numbers.

1. Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $1,000 per talk.
- Often speak for exposure or lead generation.
- May sell low-ticket products or services ($50 - $500).

2. Mid-Tier Speakers
- Earn $1,000 to $10,000 per keynote.
- Often have a book, course, or coaching program.
- Can make $50,000 to $250,000 annually.

3. High-End Speakers
- Earn $10,000 to $100,000+ per talk.
- Frequently speak at corporate events, global conferences, or industry summits.
- Often generate 7-figure incomes through backend offers.

4. Virtual vs. In-Person
- Virtual talks usually pay less ($500 - $5,000), but have lower costs.
- In-person events often include travel, lodging, and higher fees.

5. Additional Revenue Streams
As covered in 'How do selling speakers make money', many supplement their income with product sales, licensing, and events.

Industry Examples:
- A tech speaker with a SaaS product might earn $20,000 per month from stage sales.
- A wellness speaker might earn $5,000 per talk plus $10,000/month from coaching.

Conclusion: There's no ceiling if you build a strong brand and multiple income streams. But it takes strategy, consistency, and a clear offer.

Hiring a selling speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to six figures, depending on several variables. Here's a breakdown to help you understand the pricing landscape.
1. Speaker Tier and Experience
- Emerging Speakers: $500 - $2,000. These are newer voices with niche expertise or local influence.
- Established Speakers: $2,000 - $15,000. They've got a track record, testimonials, and often a book or course.
- Celebrity or Industry Icons: $20,000 - $100,000+. Think Tony Robbins, Simon Sinek, or Brené Brown.
2. Event Type and Format
- Virtual Events: Typically 30% to 50% cheaper than in-person. No travel costs.
- Workshops or Trainings: May cost more due to prep time and interactivity.
- Keynotes: Priced higher due to visibility and impact.
3. Customization and Add-ons
- Want a custom talk? That may add $1,000 - $5,000.
- Need post-event coaching or materials? Expect additional fees.
4. Location and Travel
- International travel can add $2,000 - $10,000+ to the total cost.
- Some speakers require business-class flights or per diem allowances.
Sample Budget Table:

Speaker Type	Cost Range	Notes
Local Expert	$500 - $2,000	Great for niche audiences
Professional Speaker	$3,000 - $10,000	Includes top-tier delivery
Celebrity Speaker	$20,000 - $100,000+	High draw, high expectations

Tip: Use platforms like Talks.co to compare speaker profiles and get transparent pricing. It saves time and helps match your budget with the right voice.

- Tony Robbins: Known for his high-energy seminars and bestselling books, Robbins has built a billion-dollar empire around personal development and business strategy.
- Zig Ziglar: A pioneer in motivational speaking, Ziglar's legacy lives on through his timeless sales and leadership teachings.
- Les Brown: With his powerful story of overcoming adversity, Les Brown has inspired millions and remains a go-to speaker for motivation and mindset.
- Jim Rohn: A mentor to Tony Robbins, Rohn's teachings on personal development and success have influenced generations.
- Brian Tracy: Author of 'Eat That Frog' and dozens of other books, Tracy has spoken to over 5 million people worldwide.
- Dr. Wayne Dyer: Blending spirituality with self-help, Dyer's talks and PBS specials reached millions.
- Louise Hay: A pioneer in the self-help movement, Hay built a publishing empire and spoke globally on healing and affirmation.
- Eric Thomas: Known as the 'Hip-Hop Preacher', Thomas connects with younger audiences through raw, passionate delivery.
- Mel Robbins: Her '5 Second Rule' talk went viral, and she has since become a bestselling author and speaker.
- Simon Sinek: Famous for 'Start With Why', Sinek's TED Talk is one of the most-watched of all time.

- Gary Vaynerchuk: A powerhouse in marketing and entrepreneurship, Gary Vee commands high fees and massive audiences across the globe.
- Brené Brown: With her research on vulnerability and leadership, Brown has become a global voice in corporate and personal development.
- Jay Shetty: Former monk turned motivational speaker, Shetty blends ancient wisdom with modern storytelling.
- Robin Sharma: Author of 'The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari', Sharma speaks to global audiences about leadership and performance.
- Nick Vujicic: Born without limbs, Vujicic travels worldwide sharing his message of resilience and faith.
- Lisa Nichols: A dynamic speaker on transformation and abundance, Nichols has spoken in over 30 countries.
- Sadhguru: Bridging spirituality and practical living, Sadhguru speaks at forums like the UN and World Economic Forum.
- Bozoma Saint John: A rising voice in marketing and culture, she speaks on leadership, diversity, and innovation.
- Daniel Pink: Author of 'Drive' and 'To Sell is Human', Pink is a favorite among business and education audiences.
- Vishen Lakhiani: Founder of Mindvalley, Lakhiani speaks globally on personal growth and education innovation.

Let's unpack some of the most persistent misconceptions about selling speakers. These myths often hold people back from stepping into the spotlight or charging what they're worth.

1. You need to be famous to get booked as a selling speaker.
This one's everywhere. People assume that unless you've got a blue checkmark or a bestselling book, you won't get gigs. But here's the truth: event organizers care more about relevance and results than celebrity status. If you can solve a problem for their audience-say, teaching SaaS founders how to convert leads through storytelling-you're in. Just look at folks like Marcus Sheridan, who built his speaking career by being the 'pool guy' who knew how to sell. No fame, just value.

2. Selling speakers are just glorified salespeople.
This myth misses the mark. Yes, selling speakers talk about sales-but they're educators, strategists, and motivators too. Think of someone like Jill Konrath. She doesn't just pitch products from the stage. She teaches modern sales techniques that help entire teams transform their approach. Selling speakers often blend psychology, marketing, and leadership into their talks.

3. You can't make real money as a selling speaker.
Not true-if you know how to package your expertise. Many speakers earn five figures per talk, and others use speaking as a funnel into high-ticket offers. For example, they might deliver a keynote at a B2B conference, then offer a consulting package or online course. The stage becomes a launchpad, not just a paycheck.

4. You have to speak in-person to be effective.
Virtual events have changed the game. Platforms like Zoom, Hopin, and Airmeet have made it possible to reach global audiences from your living room. Some speakers are even earning more now by doing multiple virtual gigs in a week, without travel costs or burnout.

5. Only extroverts can succeed as selling speakers.
Nope. Some of the most compelling speakers are introverts who've mastered the art of preparation and delivery. They don't rely on charisma-they rely on clarity. If you're thoughtful, strategic, and know your audience, you can thrive on stage (or screen), no matter your personality type.

When you think of a successful selling speaker, you might picture someone pacing a stage with a mic and a killer close. But the real stories are more nuanced-and more inspiring.

Take John Barrows. He started out in software sales, grinding through cold calls and demos. But over time, he realized he had a knack for teaching others how to sell. He didn't just talk tactics-he broke down the psychology behind buyer behavior. Today, he's one of the most sought-after sales trainers in tech, speaking at companies like Salesforce and LinkedIn. His secret? He built a brand around being practical, not flashy.

Then there's Cherilynn Castleman. She's a powerhouse in the world of enterprise sales, especially when it comes to empowering women of color in leadership. Her talks blend data with personal insight, and she's known for helping Fortune 500 teams close complex deals. What sets her apart is her ability to connect across cultures and industries. She doesn't just speak-she resonates.

In Australia, Cian McLoughlin has carved out a niche by focusing on sales enablement and deal coaching. His talks often center on why deals are lost-and how to fix that. He's not a hype man. He's a strategist. And that's what makes him valuable to corporate audiences who are tired of generic motivation.

Even in niche markets, selling speakers are making waves. For example, in the e-commerce space, Ezra Firestone has used speaking to grow his brand and teach others how to sell physical products online. His presentations are part storytelling, part tactical breakdown-and they've helped thousands of entrepreneurs scale.

These stories show that there's no one path to success as a selling speaker. Whether you're teaching SaaS founders, retail managers, or global sales teams, what matters is clarity, credibility, and connection.

Selling speakers are stepping into a new era-one shaped by tech, audience expectations, and the hybrid nature of events. Here's what's on the horizon:

- Micro-specialization is winning. Generalist sales talks are fading. Event planners want speakers who can go deep on specific topics: outbound email strategy for fintech startups, or closing enterprise deals in Latin America. The more niche your expertise, the more in-demand you'll be.

- AI is changing the sales conversation. Selling speakers who can integrate AI tools into their frameworks-like using ChatGPT for prospecting or predictive analytics for pipeline forecasting-are standing out. Audiences want to know how to use these tools, not just hear about them.

- Interactive formats are the new norm. Forget 60-minute monologues. Organizers are looking for workshops, live Q&A, and real-time roleplays. Selling speakers who can facilitate rather than just present will have more opportunities.

- Global stages are more accessible. Thanks to virtual summits and hybrid conferences, speakers from Lagos to Lisbon can reach audiences in New York or Singapore. This is opening doors for diverse voices and regional experts who previously lacked access.

- Content repurposing is part of the business model. Smart speakers are turning talks into lead magnets, YouTube clips, and LinkedIn carousels. The stage is just the start-distribution is where the real leverage happens.

So if you're thinking about stepping into this space, or leveling up your current speaking game, keep these trends in mind. The future isn't about louder voices. It's about sharper insights, smarter delivery, and scalable impact.

Getting started as a selling speaker? Or maybe you're ready to scale? Either way, the right tools can save you time, boost your visibility, and help you land more gigs. Here's a curated list to get you going:

1. Talks.co. This is a smart platform that matches podcast hosts with expert guests. If you're looking to build authority and get speaking practice, podcasting is a great entry point. Use it to test your message and build your audience.

2. SpeakerHub. A global directory where you can create a speaker profile, list your topics, and get discovered by event organizers. It's especially useful for international gigs and virtual summits.

3. Canva. Yes, design matters. Use Canva to create sleek speaker one-sheets, slide decks, and social media promos. Pro tip: keep your slides visual and minimal-your voice should do the heavy lifting.

4. Calendly. Booking calls with event planners? Make it easy for them. Set up a custom booking link for discovery calls or pre-event briefings. It saves time and looks professional.

5. Notion. Organize your talk outlines, client feedback, and event logistics in one place. You can even create a content calendar for repurposing your talks into blog posts or LinkedIn content.

6. Zoom or StreamYard. For virtual talks, these platforms are your stage. Learn their features-like breakout rooms or screen sharing-so you can deliver smooth, engaging sessions.

7. Slidebean. If you're not a designer but want pro-level decks, Slidebean helps you create investor-style presentations with minimal effort. Great for sales-focused talks where clarity is key.

8. LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn on Creator Mode to grow your audience, showcase your speaking clips, and attract inbound invites. Post short video clips from your talks to build credibility.

These tools won't make you a great speaker-but they'll help you look and operate like one. Combine them with a clear message, a defined audience, and consistent outreach, and you're on your way.