Grow Your Public Speaking Business

Does Your Speaker Bio Pass the 60-Second Hireable Test? I was sitting with my coffee this morning, thinking about a member I worked with years ago, talented, gifted, and I couldn't figure out why the bookings weren't coming. We looked at her bio together, and I realized immediately: it was written for her, not for the planner. In this episode, I'm talking about the 60-second hireable test, what event planners are actually doing when they land on your page, and the three things every bookable bio needs to do fast, clearly, and confidently. After 24 years running Charli Jane Speakers and watching what gets speakers booked (and what quietly costs them stages), this is one of the most doable momentum moves you can make right now. In this episode: Why event planners scan instead of read, and what that means for your bio The 3 things every bookable bio must do in 60 seconds The shift from writing your story to solving the planner's problem Why this one fix can change your entire booking season Free Resources:  Wa

Episode Title: Your Speaker Page Is Costing You Bookings — Here's the Fix I grabbed my coffee this morning and started scrolling through speaker websites — and I kept landing on the same feeling. So close. But not quite there. Beautiful pages, talented people, but something was quietly working against them. In this episode, I'm talking about the gap between a page that looks professional and a page that actually converts — and the small, fixable things that make all the difference to a busy event planner who's deciding in seconds whether to reach out or move on. After 24 years running Charli Jane Speakers, I've watched this pattern more times than I can count. The good news? Every single thing I'm talking about today is completely fixable — and you don't need a rebrand or a big budget to do it. In this episode: Why event planners close your tab without ever reaching out The gap between "looks professional" and "feels hireable" The most common fixable mistakes on speaker pages Why clarity converts better than

Talk Title Formulas That Meeting Planners Actually Book If your talk title sounds broad, meeting planners skip it — even if your talk is fantastic. In this episode, you’ll get 5 talk title formulas (plus examples) to make your promise crystal clear and instantly more bookable. What You’ll Learn (bullets) Why “good” talks get ignored (it’s usually the title and outcomes) The difference between a topic title vs an outcome title How to add “the room” (who it’s for + when it’s used) so it fits an agenda 5 proven talk title formulas you can reuse forever How to write outcomes planners can copy/paste into an agenda Quick Wins (for listeners who want the shortcut) Do these 3 things today: Swap vague words (“inspiring,” “powerful,” “transformational”) for a clear result Add the room (who it’s for and where it’s used) Write 2–3 outcomes that sound like takeaways, not themes Links and Resources  Read the blog post: http://charlijane.com/190 Download the Talk Title & Outcomes Builder Grab the free

Meeting planners do not read your one sheet. They scan it. In this episode, I’m walking you through the 7 things planners look for fast so your one sheet feels clearer, more credible, and easier to say yes to. What You’ll Learn What planners are deciding in the first minute The 7 elements that make a one-sheet feel bookable The most common one-sheet mistake that quietly kills replies How to make your one sheet easier to scan and easier to book Quick Action Step Open your one sheet and scan it like a planner. In 60 seconds, can you find: Your one-line promise Your talk titles with outcomes Your proof How to book you If any of those are hard to spot, that is your fix list. Links and Resources Read the blog post: https://charlijane.com/189 Free list of 50 events looking for speakers https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers  Speaker One Sheet Starter Kit: https://charlijane.samcart.com/products/onesheet-starter-kit  Join Breakthrough Public Speakers https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers

How to Write a Speaker Pitch Email That Gets Opened If you’ve been pitching yourself for speaking gigs and hearing crickets, the problem might not be your topic; it might be how you’re showing up in the inbox.  In this episode, I break down a simple 3-part speaker pitch email formula that helps meeting planners actually open your email, read it, and respond.  You’ll learn how to write a subject line that gets opened, an opening line that builds instant connection, and a short pitch that makes it easy to say yes … without writing a novel. What You’ll Learn Why generic subject lines get ignored (even if your talk is great) A simple subject line structure that signals relevance fast How to start your email without leading with “Hi I’m a speaker…” The “about them” opening line that builds trust instantly How to pitch your talk without dumping your whole bio and links The easiest next step to invite (without sounding pushy) The 3-Part Pitch Email Formula Subject Line: Personal + Specific Opening Line: M

How to Find Paid Speaking Gigs in 2025 (Even If You’re Just Starting Out) Feeling stuck waiting to get picked for your next speaking gig? In this episode, Wendi McNeill of Charli Jane Speakers shares five proven strategies to land paid gigs in 2025, even if you’re brand-new to the industry.  Discover where to find real opportunities, how to pitch with confidence (not pushiness), and what simple materials help you stand out to planners. You’ll also get a free resource, 50 Events Looking for Speakers Right Now, so you can start pitching today. Grab your free list: https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers Resources mentioned: Pitch Like a Pro | Speaker One-Sheet $7 Starter Kit  Breathrough Public Speakers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers  

The #1 Mistake New Speakers Make With Their Bio (And How to Fix It)

If you're sending pitches and hearing crickets, you're not alone. You're probably not doing anything wrong; you're just missing a few key tweaks. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the three biggest mistakes speakers make when pitching themselves for events (and how to fix them fast). These aren’t just theories—they're based on 22+ years of helping speakers get booked. Whether you're new to pitching or have been sending emails without much traction, this episode will help you stand out in a crowded inbox—and start landing “yes” responses from event planners. You’ll Learn: Why generic pitches get deleted (and how to make yours pop) How to instantly shift your pitch from “me-focused” to audience-centered The simple follow-up framework that gets you back on an organizer’s radar A better way to pitch without sounding pushy or robotic Free Resource: Want a shortcut to finding events that are actively booking speakers? Grab my free curated list of 50 speaker-friendly events here  https://charlijane.co

Figuring Out What to Charge as a Newbie Speaker Figuring out what to charge as a newbie speaker is a common challenge, but today, we will crack the code and set you up for speaking success. We'll explore the factors influencing your speaking fee, the pricing pitfalls to avoid, and the strategies to find your sweet spot. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to charge what you're worth.   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Keep Inspiring, Wendi Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a New Speaker Stepping into the world of public speaking can sometimes bring a sneaky feeling called 'impostor syndrome.' It's that voice in your head saying you're not good enough or you don't belong on stage. But guess what? Many great speakers have felt this way at some point. The good news is you can overcome it and shine as the speaker you're meant to be.   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing th

10 Ways to Leverage Social Media for Speaker Brand Building Are you a speaker looking to get more people to know and love what you do? Social media is like a magic wand that can help you do just that! It’s a great way to show the world how awesome you are. Let’s discuss how to use social media to build your brand and become a well-known speaker!   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember,

Networking for Newbie Speakers My Top Tips for Maximizing Events When building your business in this industry, it’s one thing to have incredible speaking skills down pat, but there's another crucial aspect you can't afford to neglect: networking. That's right, rubbing elbows with industry folks, making connections, and building relationships – it's all part of the gig.  Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive

Effective Time Management for Busy Public Speakers   In the fast-paced world of public speaking, managing your time effectively is as crucial as delivering a great speech. Juggling speaking engagements, preparation, and personal life can be a challenge, but you can excel on stage and off with smart time management. Let’s explore how to maximize your hours to become an efficient and stress-free speaker. Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio    Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club    I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/    Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach whil

Speaking at Local Events: A Gateway to Bigger Stages   Are you looking to make a splash in the world of public speaking? Starting local is a brilliant strategy. Local events offer a unique platform to hone your skills, build your reputation, and prepare for larger stages. It’s like training in a friendly arena before heading to the Olympics of public speaking. Resources:   Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio    Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club    I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/    Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive

How to Craft Your Compelling Speaker Backstory in 30 Minutes   Want to know the secret sauce to captivating your audience from the get-go? It's all about your speaker backstory – the tale of how you became the incredible speaker you are today.    It’s a key tool in getting your audience (either online or in-person) to relate to you on a human level. And the best part? You can create your compelling speaker backstory in just 30 minutes. Yes, it can be THAT fast. In just half an hour, you can whip up a backstory that'll have your audience on the edge of their seats. Let's get started!   Resources:   Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio    Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club    I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how

11 Key Elements to a Successful Speaker Website   Want to have a website that makes a planner say, “Wow, this speaker is amazing!”? Your website is like your online home where people can learn all about you and what you do. Let’s explore the key things you need to make your speaker website awesome!   Resources:   Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club/   I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/   Speaking for Pay: A Crash Course for Beginners. Designed with beginners in mind, this course walks you through seven actionable steps to help you transition from a passionate speaker to a sought-after, paid professional. https://charlijane.samcart.com/products/speaking-for-pay-a-crash-course-for-beginners    Join us in our free speaker Facebook community Breakthrough Public Speakers https://www.facebook

Maximizing Social Media to Expand Your Reach as a Speaker Ready to supercharge your online presence by leveraging the power of social media?  With billions of eyeballs spread across multiple platforms, if you’re desperately trying to expand your reach as a speaker, there’s seriously no better – or faster – way of doing it than by upping your game on your social channels. So, let's dive into some juicy strategies to make your social media game stronger than ever! Resources: Keynote Speech Outline- Grab it here!  https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/keynote-outline  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifi

Crafting Effective Calls to Action in Your Speeches Hey friends! Do you want to make your speeches powerful and get your audience to do something amazing after listening to you? That's what a 'Call to Action' (CTA) is all about. It's like a superhero's punch in your speech that makes people want to act. Let’s learn how to make your CTAs super effective!   Resources:    Keynote Speech Outline- Grab it here!  https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/keynote-outline    Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club    I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/    Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful b

Creating Impactful Speaker Bios That Attract Organizers Are you excited to craft a bio that makes event organizers think, “We absolutely need this speaker!”? A great bio is like a magic key that opens the doors to fantastic speaking opportunities. Let’s learn how to create one that sparkles with your unique personality!   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio    Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful book

9 Must-Know Strategies for Marketing Yourself as an In-Demand Keynote Speaker Have you ever dreamed of being the keynote speaker that captivates event audiences? Do you aspire to spread your message on big stages but aren’t sure how to position yourself to get booked?  If so, leveraging smart marketing tactics is key to establishing your authority and credibility - which drives more lucrative speaking opportunities.  In this training, I will provide nine proven strategies a speaker can immediately apply to upgrade their visibility and value in the eyes of meeting planners.  Follow these strategies to differentiate yourself, amplify your reach, and ensure event organizers eagerly book you for their next event. Resources: Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4xs a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use th