As an event host and TEDx curator it’s fair to say I get my fair share of pitches. They come through social media, my website, on email and through the official application channels.
For any speaker I know that landing the gig can be the hardest part. You have the passion, the story or the idea, but it’s often the little hurdles that hold you back.
You might not have taken the step to pitch your talk idea anywhere yet because you aren’t sure about how to ‘sell’ yourself.
You might have tried a few times and been disappointed with no response or a no, because you feel personally about your passion and it hurts a little when others don’t feel the same.
I’m on a mission to help as many people share their ideas and stories with the world as possible. It brings me so much joy to see people stand up and speak out about what lights a fire inside them. It makes me feel so fulfilled to see them making an impact and being a force for good.
So I want to share some behind the scenes insights with you.
6 TOP WAYS TO LAND THE GIG
- Video
Seeing a video of you talking to camera will put you right up there at the top of the list for consideration. And I’m not talking about polished speaker reels here (unless it’s a high end industry focused or corporate event.) I connect with speakers who speak from the heart. Even if that’s just standing in your garden telling me about your talk idea and why you are so passionate about it. If I can’t see you I can’t connect with you fully.
- Interest
It’s understandable that if you have a goal to land a gig you will come at it from your point of view. But if you can flip that and focus on the event in question, the theme, the audience and show real and genuine interest in how it can help them? Then I’m listening. Flip the script from ‘what’s in it for me?’ to ‘what’s in it for you.’ If there are other ways to get involved in the event too, do it!
- Clarity
Knowing what your talk idea is, what the core message is, what it covers and what the outcomes are is a sure fire way to pique the interest of a curator or event host. I want to really understand all this. If it’s vague then I assume it’s also vague for the speaker too. You don’t need to share the whole talk either. It’s about key concepts and takeaways at the pitch stage because it may need to be tweaked.
- Simplicity
When it comes to public speaking, less is always more. Complex, multi layered messages or trying to cram too much in can muddy the waters and take away from the impact of the message. Keep it simple. Focus on one core message and a few key takeaways. Simples lol.
- Connection
A generic pitch lacking any humanness leaves me pretty cold. Remember we are all human beings and if the event host or curator can connect with you then they are way more likely to listen to what you have to say. So be kind, be genuine and respectful, no one is one up or one down in the process, it’s a level playing field.
- Tenacity
I landed my own TEDx talk, other keynotes, and have booked top speakers for my events by being tenacious. That means you don’t give up, you follow up, and you show your commitment and passion to your own growth as a speaker. In my mind it’s the number one trait I see in speakers who are successful at landing gigs. Don’t give up at the first hurdle, people are busy and don’t make big decisions quickly.
What’s your experience of landing speaking gigs?
Hit reply with any questions you have I’m here to help.
And if you want some support with this?
I’ll be opening my one to one coaching back up soon and will be launching some brand new packages and offers, all focused on my new AIR speaker system!
In the meantime, virtual speaking pro has an entire module totally focused on how to land speaking gigs
https://helenpackham.com/virtual-speaking-pro/
And my Land and Deliver course gets into the nitty gritty of how to land a TEDx gig
https://helenpackham.lpages.co/land-deliver-2020-with-helen-packham-storytelling-speaker-coach/
Much love
Helen x
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