Once you’ve been in any industry for an extended period of time, a growing number of people will start to view you as an expert in your field. And with the knowledge of your expertise often comes speaking opportunities. However, not all speaking engagements are created equal. Some will propel you forward in your career, while others won’t do much for you at all.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to accept a public speaking opportunity, ask yourself these questions first.
How Relevant is it, Really?
It’s tempting to show off your expertise no matter the event, but if you want it to be worth you while you really need to be sure it’s relevant to you and your career trajectory.
First, ask yourself if you find the event personally compelling. Are you intrigued by the other events and speakers that are part of it? Or is it something you’d otherwise never consider attending? If it’s the latter, then it might not be a good fit.
To Whom Are You Speaking?
Assess the audience you’ll be speaking to. Are they colleagues? Do they have a personal investment in what you’re speaking about? What are their expectations of the event and what do you think they’re hoping to get out of it?
You want to feel like those you’re speaking to care about your topic and your industry, and that they generally feel they’re part of your tribe. If not, you could very well be wasting your time.
Is it Immediately Clear Why You Should Be There?
A lot of event organizers get turned down by the first, second, and third people they ask to present. This, in turn, can lead them to invite presenters that aren’t a perfect fit with the event itself.
If it’s not immediately clear to you that you and your topic belong at the event, then it’s a strong indicator that perhaps you don’t. The last thing you want is to confuse people with your very presence, so be sure to ask yourself if it really makes sense for you to be there.
Is the Speaker’s Budget (if Any) Aligned With Your Needs?
Asking about pay can be uncomfortable for a lot of us, but it’s absolutely necessary. Never assume that an opportunity will be in line with your financial expectations; always get a clearcut answer up front.
Of course, pay isn’t always involved. If you’re speaking for free, that can still be very valuable to you professionally, you’ll just want to be confident that you’re likely to receive additional career opportunities in exchange for your time.
What’s Behind the Event?
Before committing to an event, you should do your research on it. Is this the first time it’s happening? Is it an annual event? What do online resources have to say about its reputation? Who are the other speakers that have participated in it?
You never want to attach your name to an event with a bad reputation because that rep will wash off on you. Therefore, take care to research what people, brands, and industries are affiliated with it now and in the past.
Looking for more help honing your public speaking career? Start with our Badge Assessment to discover your unique presentation persona.
