Unlocking the Chocolate Room: How to build a speaker strategy for 2025

“Too often, speakers treat each engagement like a one-time opportunity. It’s time to zoom out and think bigger.”

A little snippet from my latest podcast episode, which is designed to help you take a bigger picture view and think about things a little differently. 

I share how to make speaking more than just another item on your to-do list. It’s about creating a holistic strategy where every talk contributes to a larger vision: a sustainable presence as a thought leader.

Here’s what I covered:

1. Start with the AIR Assessment

“Authority, Impact, Reach—it’s the foundation for showing up as a true thought leader.”

This tool helps you evaluate your strengths and gaps so you can grow strategically.

• Authority: Your credibility, brand, and core story.

• Impact: Your communication skills, on and off the stage.

• Reach: Your visibility strategy to connect with the right people.

(If you want to skip the pod episode and take the AIR assessment right now here is the link https://helenpackham.lpages.co/no-cookie-air-assessment-hp-home-page-free-opt-in/)

2. Embrace the Chocolate Room Strategy

What’s the Chocolate Room? It’s the treasure trove of opportunities that comes from aligning your speaking with your broader business goals. Your signature talk is just the starting point. It opens doors to consulting, coaching, and long-term relationships.

“Speaking isn’t just about the applause; it’s about building genuine, connected partnerships.”

3. Align Your Expertise

Your keynote should be tied to your unique framework, your Expert Method. This makes you memorable and shows how you solve problems in your own unique way. 

By thinking holistically about your speaking strategy, you can move from “delivering gigs” to making a lasting impact.

Listen to the full episode here: https://podfollow.com/words-that-change-lives. If you’d like my support helping you implement these strategies, let’s connect.

PS: We are just one week away from the TEDx Quest and I’m so excited to share all my insider tips and tricks to help you land your dream speaking gig in 2025. If you haven’t joined yet it’s completely free and you can do it here.

https://helenpackham.com/tedx-quest/

Get instant access to 3 bonuses to help you kick start your 2025 and land a TEDx gig.

See you there!