The method
BUILD. PROVE. BOOK.
A Practical Path From Aspiring Speaker to Paid Professional
People often ask me how to become a professional speaker. They want to know where to begin, what equipment to buy, how much to charge, and how to get booked.
Those are important questions. But here's something I learned from building my own speaking business.
You can't build a sustainable career on enthusiasm alone.
You need to develop your presentation skills. You need proof that you can deliver. And you need a way to find organizations willing to hire you.
That's the thinking behind Build. Prove. Book. It's a simple way to organize the ten steps I teach aspiring speakers.
PHASE ONE: STEPS 1 TO 3
Build
PHASE TWO: STEPS 4 TO 6
Prove
PHASE THREE: STEPS 7 TO 10
Book
Phase one
BUILD
Create a Message People Want to Hear.
Your first job is not to make a speaker website. It's to become clear about what you're offering.
Who needs your message?
What problem can you help them solve?
What will they understand or be able to do after hearing you speak?
During this phase, focus on three steps.
1 Identify Your Signature Topic
Choose a topic based on your experience, knowledge, and the needs of a specific audience.
2 Develop Your Signature Talk
Create a presentation with a strong opening, clear message, engaging stories, and useful takeaways.
3 Practice and Refine Your Delivery
Get comfortable with your material. Rehearse, record yourself, seek feedback, and improve.
The goal is simple. Create a presentation that gives an audience a reason to listen.
Phase two
PROVE
Give Meeting Planners Confidence in Your Ability.
IMAGINE THIS
Imagine you're planning an important conference.
You've never heard of a particular speaker. They tell you they're amazing.
Would you hire them based on that statement alone? Probably not.
You'd want to see them speak. You'd want to know how audiences respond. You'd want evidence that they can deliver what they promise.
That's what the Prove phase is about.
4 Gain Real Speaking Experience
Look for suitable opportunities to speak in front of audiences. Start where you can provide value and develop your skills.
5 Create Your Speaker Reel
Capture genuine footage of yourself delivering a presentation so potential clients can evaluate your style and ability.
6 Build Your Speaker Website
Create a professional online home featuring your topics, speaker reel, biography, relevant experience, and contact information.
Your goal is to make it easier for event planners to understand what you offer and evaluate whether you're right for their event.
Phase three
BOOK
Turn Your Experience Into Speaking Opportunities.
Now you need to learn the business side of speaking.
You can't depend entirely on people discovering your website.
You must understand your market and learn how to approach potential buyers.
7
Contact Event Planners
Research events where your topic could be relevant. Introduce your presentation clearly and professionally.
8
Develop Industry Relationships
Connect with organizations, event professionals, fellow speakers, and relevant speakers bureaus.
9
Improve Your Craft and Business Skills
Use every presentation to learn, refine your offer, and strengthen your business practices.
10
Grow Your Speaking Business
Improve your positioning, marketing, relationships, and services as your experience increases.
Your next move
Which Phase Should You Focus on First?
That's the question I want you to answer.
Some people need a stronger presentation. Others need better video footage or more speaking experience. And some are ready to begin actively marketing themselves.
Take my free Speaker Readiness Quiz to learn where you stand.
Build. Prove. Book. is a suggested organization of Rene Godefroy's existing ten step teaching approach. Results vary, and this framework does not guarantee paid engagements.