The first time I charged to speak: What I quoted vs. what I should have

I’ll never forget the first time someone asked me, “So, what’s your speaking fee?”

I’d been preparing for that moment for months maybe even years. I’d devoured books on public speaking, polished my keynote, and told myself over and over, “You’re ready. You’ve got this.”

But when the email landed i...

Continue Reading...
The one thing I always do before a big speaking gig (even if I’m in a porta-loo)

When you’ve been speaking for as long as I have, you develop certain habits, little rituals that keep you grounded no matter where in the world you are or how big the crowd might be. Some people meditate. Some listen to pump-up playlists. Me? I have one non-negotiable, can’t-skip, do-it-or-I’ll-regr...

Continue Reading...
Why I say no to free gigs (even when they look ‘good for exposure’) free gigs mc paid speaking public speaker public speaking

A few years ago, if you asked me to speak at your event for free, I probably would’ve said yes.

I’d have done it with a smile, put on a fresh outfit, maybe even hired a babysitter, and rocked up like the pro I am. And most of the time? I’d leave with nothing but a thank-you and a lukewarm sandwich....

Continue Reading...
Speaking burnout is real: Here’s how I avoid it while running a business

As a professional speaker and business owner, I know firsthand how quickly burnout can creep in. Between delivering keynote presentations, running my programs, managing a team, and staying on top of client needs, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constant output with little recovery. Speaking burno...

Continue Reading...
Why paid speaking is the new funnel for high-ticket sales

Because a webinar can warm them up, but a stage sets them on fire.

If you’re still clinging to your opt-in freebies and evergreen webinar replays hoping for a big-ticket client to slide into your DMs, it’s time to talk.

There’s a new funnel in town and it doesn’t involve fancy landing pages, endle...

Continue Reading...
How to build a long-lasting career in public speaking in a competitive industry

Public speaking isn’t just a talent, it’s a career path that, when done right, can offer long-term fulfilment, income, and impact. But let’s not sugar-coat it: the speaking industry can be fiercely competitive. From seasoned keynoters to emerging thought leaders, everyone is vying for that next gig,...

Continue Reading...
How to use feedback to evaluate and improve your speeches

There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get after delivering a speech. Whether it went off without a hitch or had a few bumps along the way, the moment it ends is when real growth begins. That growth comes through evaluation.

Strong public speakers are not born with perfect skills. They develop ...

Continue Reading...
Building a strong personal brand as a professional speaker

In today’s noisy digital world, being a great speaker is no longer enough—you need to be memorable. You need to stand out before you even open your mouth. That’s where your personal brand steps in. For professional speakers, your brand isn’t just a logo or a website—it’s the feeling people get when ...

Continue Reading...
How to deal with hecklers and disruptions like a pro

Every speaker dreams of delivering a flawless presentation—engaged audience, nodding heads, smooth transitions. But sometimes reality throws a curveball in the form of a heckler or an unexpected disruption. Whether it's someone disagreeing loudly, a ringing phone, or chatter in the back row, how you...

Continue Reading...
Mastering the art of non-verbal communication in public speaking

When it comes to public speaking, your words are only part of the story. In fact, research suggests that how you say something often has a greater impact than what you say. That’s where non-verbal communication comes into play—body language, facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and ev...

Continue Reading...
Why public speaking is the fastest way to build your personal brand

In today’s crowded marketplace, standing out isn’t just about having a good product or service—it’s about becoming known, trusted and remembered. That’s where your personal brand comes in. And one of the most powerful, fastest ways to build it? Public speaking.

Whether you’re on a stage in front of...

Continue Reading...
How to recover from a tough question without losing credibility

Whether you’re on stage, in a boardroom, or giving a media interview, being hit with a tough question can rattle even the most experienced speaker. Maybe you don’t know the answer, you’re caught off guard, or the question strikes a nerve. Regardless of the situation, how you handle the momen

...
Continue Reading...