11. You Must Have Formal Public Speaking Training
While public speaking courses and coaching can certainly help, they’re not a
necessity. Many successful speakers learned through experience. What makes you
an impactful speaker is your ability to communicate your message and connect
with your audience, not the number of certificates on your wall.
12. You Need to Be in a Big City to Get Noticed
In the age of virtual events, location doesn’t matter. You can speak to
audiences around the world from the comfort of your own home. What matters is
your message, not where you’re based. **Location is no longer a barrier** to
becoming a paid speaker.
13. You Have to Be a Master Storyteller
While storytelling is a powerful tool in public speaking, it’s not the only
way to succeed. If storytelling isn’t your strength, you can still captivate
audiences with **practical insights, actionable advice, or expertise** that they
can’t find elsewhere. There’s no one formula for being a great speaker—find what
works for you.
14. You Need a Fancy Website
Sure, a polished website can add credibility, but a simple, straightforward
one that clearly explains who you are, what you do, and how to contact you is
often more than enough to land paid gigs. **Don’t let the lack of a fancy site
hold you back** from getting started.
15. You Have to Be the Best in Your Industry
You don’t need to be the top expert to get paid as a speaker. What you need
is **relevance**. If you can provide a fresh perspective, solve problems, or
offer practical advice that people need, you’re already positioned to get paid
to speak. You don’t have to know everything—you just need to know something
valuable to your audience.
16. You Must Speak on Big Stages
Many paid speaking opportunities come from smaller events like workshops,
corporate meetings, or niche conferences. You don’t need to start with
stadium-sized crowds. In fact, **starting small** can help you build your
confidence, hone your message, and refine your delivery. The big stages will
come as you gain more experience.
17. You Need the “It Factor”
People often talk about the “it factor” as if successful speakers have some
kind of magical, intangible quality. But here’s the thing: **there is no secret
formula**. What makes you a great speaker is your ability to be yourself, share
your message, and connect with the audience. Your unique perspective is what
sets you apart—there’s no need to fit into someone else’s mold.
18. You Need to Memorize Your Speech Word-for-Word
Trying to memorize a speech can actually backfire and make you seem robotic.
**Familiarize yourself with your key points** but allow room for spontaneity and
connection. When you’re flexible, you can respond to the energy in the room and
engage with the audience in a more natural way.
19. You Have to Be a Motivational Speaker
Not every speaker needs to inspire like Tony Robbins. There’s a huge demand
for **subject-matter experts, trainers, educators, and consultants** who provide
practical advice, technical know-how, or industry insights. Find your niche and
lean into it—there’s a place for all types of speakers.
20. You Need to Wait for the Right Opportunity
Stop waiting for the “perfect” moment. There’s no right time to start—you’ll
never feel 100% ready. **The best time to begin is now**. Start small, take the
opportunities that are in front of you, and learn as you go. Your speaking
career will grow with every stage you step on.
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All of these myths are rooted in a single, limiting belief: that you’re not
enough. That somehow, you need to be more—more experienced, more famous, more
polished, or more “perfect” to deserve a paid speaking gig!
If you have been struggling to find Paid Speaking Gigs in your business, 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!
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To Your Ongoing
Success...