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Let’s break down the first 10 of the 20 most
common fallacies about becoming a paid public speaker and why they
simply aren’t true. Get ready to see the bigger picture and realize
that the world is waiting for your voice—just as you are.
1. You Need to Be Famous to Get Paid
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need
to be a household name or some kind of celebrity to land paid
speaking gigs. People often think, “Well, if I were famous, then of
course people would pay to hear me speak.” But here's the reality:
fame is not what event organizers or corporate clients care about.
What they care about is **value**. Can you offer their audience
something transformative, insightful, or practical? You don’t need to
be famous—you just need to provide solutions, inspiration, or expertise
that resonate with people.
2. You Must Have a Best-Selling Book
Another popular myth is that a best-selling book
is a ticket to becoming a paid speaker. While having a book can
definitely be a credibility booster, it’s not required. Many speakers
who command high fees do not have a published book, let alone a
best-seller. **What truly matters** is the depth of your knowledge
and your ability to deliver your message in a way that resonates with
your audience. You can be an authority without a book, especially if
your insights provide real solutions to the problems people are
facing.
3. You Need Decades of Experience
Experience is valuable, but it doesn’t have to be
measured in decades. Some people assume that only those who’ve been
in their field for 20 years can claim the title of “expert.” This
couldn’t be further from the truth. Expertise is not a matter of
time—it’s a matter of the impact you can create for your audience. If
you’re solving a problem for your clients or delivering insights that
they haven’t heard before, you already have what it takes to get paid
as a speaker.
4. You Have to Be a Full-Time Speaker to Be
Considered Professional
So many people believe they need to commit to
being a full-time speaker before they can be taken seriously or land
paid gigs. In reality, the majority of speakers don’t do it
full-time—they have other careers as coaches, entrepreneurs, business
owners, or educators. **Speaking is often an extension** of what they
already do, a way to reach new audiences, generate leads, and
establish authority. You can be a speaker part-time and still command
high fees for your expertise.
5. You Need a Perfect Speaking Style
People imagine that the top-paid speakers have a
flawless, polished speaking style—that they never stumble over words
or lose track of their thoughts. But here’s a secret: **perfection
doesn’t sell—connection does**. Some of the most memorable speakers are
the ones who are real, who let their quirks and imperfections show.
Audiences connect with authenticity, not robotic delivery. Being
yourself, with all your uniqueness, is far more valuable than being
"perfect."
6. You Need to Have a TED Talk
TED Talks have become synonymous with public
speaking success, but you do not need a TEDx appearance to be a paid
speaker. While TED can be a great platform, there are endless other
opportunities—conferences, corporate events, workshops—where you can
get paid to share your insights and expertise. **Focus on value, not
on labels. **
7. You Must Have a Huge Social Media Following
This is a common belief: to get paid, you must
have thousands of Instagram followers or viral YouTube videos. But
here’s the truth: **quality trumps quantity** every time. Many paid
speakers have modest followings but land gigs because of their
expertise and connections. It’s not about being popular; it’s about
delivering value to the right audience.
8. You Need to Be Perfectly Polished
Mistakes are part of the process, and audiences
don’t expect perfection. In fact, showing your humanity—whether
through a stumble, a laugh, or an honest moment of vulnerability—can
create a stronger connection with your audience. People relate to
realness. **Perfect is boring. ** Being yourself is where the magic
happens.
9. You Need to Be an Extrovert
Introverts often shy away from public speaking
because they think only extroverts can thrive on stage. But
introverts have their own superpowers: **depth, thoughtfulness, and
the ability to listen**. These qualities can make you a more
empathetic and engaging speaker. You don’t need to be the loudest
voice in the room to make an impact—you just need to be heard.
10. You Have to Speak for Free to Get Paid Later
Some people believe that they must do a lot of
free gigs before anyone will pay them. While speaking for free can be
a good way to get your foot in the door, it’s not a sustainable
strategy. Once you’ve established your expertise and built your
confidence, you should start charging for your time. **Your knowledge
and time are valuable**—don’t sell yourself short.
If you’re looking for opportunities in this
thriving industry, now is a great time to sharpen
your skills and take action. My Complimentary Paid
Gig Accelerator Masterclass 2.0 can
help you finish this year strong and capitalize on
the many opportunities out there as a
public speaker and coach! Click the link below to
sign up!
**Join me for the Paid Gig Accelerator
Masterclass 2.0** and take control of your future in this thriving,
unstoppable industry. The best is yet to come!
Make sure to check your email Next Monday for
the remaining 10 of the 20 most common fallacies about becoming a
paid public speaker
To Your Ongoing Success...
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