Jaimie Welcome back to Paid to Speak, the podcast where I show you how to land gigs, get paid, and build a thriving speaking business.
Today’s episode is one that I know has been burning in your mind: Where do you actually find paid speaking opportunities?
Because let’s be real — it’s not like there’s a ‘paid speaker jobs’ tab on Seek or Indeed, right? You don’t just type ‘please pay me to talk’ into Google.
The truth is, opportunities are everywhere — but only if you know where to look, how to position yourself, and how to pitch.
In this episode, I’m going to break it down step by step:
1. The three big categories of speaking gigs.
2. How to research and uncover hidden opportunities.
3. Insider tips from my own journey — from $30 gigs to five-figure keynotes.
4. A system you can use every single week to generate new leads.
By the end of today, you’ll have a roadmap for where to look, how to spot the right gigs, and how to get your foot in the door.
The Three Big Categories of Paid Speaking Gigs
Let’s start with the big picture. Paid speaking opportunities usually fall into three categories:
Conferences & Events – Industry-specific, professional associations, trade shows, and summits. They pay speakers to draw audiences and deliver value.
Corporate Training & Keynotes – Companies bring in external speakers for staff conferences, sales kickoffs, leadership retreats, or professional development.
Community & Education Events – Universities, schools, chambers of commerce, and local business awards. These aren’t always as high-paying, but they’re stepping stones that lead to referrals and bigger gigs.
Listener reflection: Think of your industry right now. Which of those three categories makes the most sense for your expertise?
How to Research and Find Opportunities
Now, the juicy part. Where do you actually look?
Here are some proven places:
Google Alerts & Event Sites – Set alerts for keywords like “conference 2025 + your industry” or “summit + call for speakers.” Check sites like Eventbrite, Meetup, and 10Times.com.
Professional Associations – Nearly every profession has associations that run conferences. They usually pay external speakers.
Chambers of Commerce & Business Groups – Local chambers host luncheons, awards nights, and training events. Often overlooked, but fantastic for referrals.
LinkedIn – Search terms like “event organiser,” “conference producer,” or “training coordinator.” Connect and build relationships.
Your Own Backyard – Start with industries you’ve worked in. You already have credibility there.
Agencies & Bureaus – Speaker bureaus can be great once you’re established, but don’t wait for them. They’re easier to break into after you’ve landed gigs yourself.
Insider Stories: My Journey
When I first started, I thought I had to wait for an invitation. I was giving free talks at Rotary clubs, schools, and local business breakfasts. Good practice, but it wasn’t paying the bills.
The turning point came when I realised I could pitch myself. I remember sending my first cold pitch email to a professional association. I had no fancy speaker reel, no five-figure fees. But I did have a strong topic and a clear benefit for their audience.
They booked me for $500. That turned into another gig for $2,000. Then another for $5,000.
Every time you speak, you’re marketing yourself. People in that audience organise their own events. That’s why I always say: one gig leads to three if you do it right.
Now, I regularly charge five figures for a keynote. But it started with just asking: Who could benefit from my expertise? and How can I get in front of them?
Weekly Prospecting System
Here’s a system you can use every week to generate new opportunities:
Research (1 hour) – Use Google, LinkedIn, and Eventbrite. Find 3–5 potential events or organisations.
Reach Out (1 hour) – Send personalised emails or LinkedIn messages to organisers. Don’t say “Do you pay speakers?” Instead, say “I’d love to contribute to your event by teaching [audience benefit]. Do you have space for external speakers this year?”
Follow Up (30 minutes) – Most organisers won’t reply the first time. Follow up 2–3 times.
Nurture (ongoing) – Post valuable content on LinkedIn so organisers see you as an expert.
Pitch With Confidence – Don’t undersell yourself. Even if you start lower, show them you’re a professional by sending a speaker bio, headshot, and clear topic.
Closing Motivation & CTA
There’s no secret database of paid speaking gigs. Once you know where to look, and once you start positioning yourself as the expert you are, opportunities are everywhere.
Every conference needs speakers. Every company needs trainers. Every industry needs thought leaders. Why not you?
Don’t wait for an invitation. Go out, pitch yourself, and remember: you only need one ‘yes’ to start a domino effect of gigs.
If you want to learn exactly how to pitch yourself, create your signature talk, and start landing paid speaking opportunities, join my free Sprint to Stage Challenge — where I’ll teach you how to do all of that and more.
Join now at www.jaimieabbott.com.au/sprinttostage
Thanks for listening, and remember: your next paid gig might just be one pitch away!
