

Speakernomics
National Speakers Association
The speaking industry is constantly evolving. Listen weekly for voices of experience from experts in the speaking industry with tips, insights and knowledge to help you become a better speaker, build a better business, and get paid to speak.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2025 • 30min
Activate Conference Preview: Jason LeVasseur, CSP Shares Low Tech Tips for High Engagement
Get ready to elevate your virtual speaking game! In this episode of Speakernomics, Jason LeVasseur shares practical, low-tech strategies for making a real impact and keeping your audience engaged in the digital world.
Why stories matter more than slides in virtual presentations
How props can boost audience attention and interaction
The importance of human connection in today’s digital-first world
Balancing personal and external stories for engaging talks
Tips on being authentically yourself and preparing for any virtual scenario
Don’t miss these actionable insights to transform your online speaking presence! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 2025 • 25min
From Technologist to Speaker: Trevor Perry on Slide Deck Excellence
Ready to take your presentations to the next level? In this episode of Speakernomics, guest Trevor Perry shares essential strategies for creating slide decks that amplify your message–not distract from it.
The importance of making your slides clear, concise, and consistent
Why your slides are not your message, but simply a tool
Common mistakes speakers make with fonts, images, and deck consistency
When (and when not) to use animations and transitions
Tips for leveraging digital presentations to grow your speaking business
Tune in for practical advice to help you stunify your slide decks and deliver a more memorable presentation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 24, 2025 • 52min
Community, Friendship, and Legacy: The Kenneth "Shark" Kinney Tribute
Join us for a heartfelt tribute to Kenneth "Shark" Kinney, beloved host of Speakernomics and an influential member of the National Speakers Association, who recently passed away. In this special episode, friends and colleagues gather to share their memories, stories, and the impact he made on the speaking community.
What you'll hear in this episode:
Personal stories from Tom Singer, Maureen Mahoney, and many others about their unique connections with Shark.
Reflections on Shark's generosity, humor, and passionate support within NSA.
Insights into Shark's influential role as host of Speakernomics and champion of fellow speakers.
Touching anecdotes of Shark's friendships, mentorship, and the legacy he leaves behind.
A community call to honor and remember Shark's contributions both professionally and personally.
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Sep 9, 2025 • 24min
What Do You Wish Every Speaker Knew?
What do top speakers wish they knew when starting out? In this episode, industry veterans and experts dish out hard-earned wisdom to help you thrive in the speaking business.
Why playing the long game matters more than chasing quick wins
The critical importance of authentic connection with your audience
Avoiding ego traps and keeping the focus on service, not self
How being easy to work with sets you apart for meeting planners and agencies
Simple strategies to stand out and keep your speaking business sustainable
Watch now to level up your speaking career with advice from Hall of Famers and seasoned pros!
Compilation: Sam Silverstein, CSP, CPAE, Amanda Gore, Joyce Marter, Bill Cates, CSP,CPAE, Stan Phelps, CSP, Larry Long Jr., Laurie Guest,CSP, CSP, CPAE, Jeff Rogers, Tamra Gaines, Jeff Civillico,CSP, CPAE, David Stollman, Christa Haberstock
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Sep 2, 2025 • 37min
How AI Engines Are Finding: Speakers Is Your Digital Footprint Ready
AI is transforming how speakers are discovered, trusted, and booked—and your content strategy needs to change with it. In this episode, Lethia Owens shares actionable insights on optimizing your digital footprint for both human and AI-driven search.
How meeting planners and bureaus are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to find speakers
Strategies for creating “AI-friendly” content across your website and social platforms
Why video and high-authority content (like definitive guides and white papers) boost your visibility
The importance of niche expertise and authoritative frameworks to get noticed by AI engines
Lethia’s tips for consistent content creation, brand auditing, and becoming an “AI-first” speaker entrepreneur
Want to future-proof your speaking business? Watch now and level up your digital presence for the age of AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 26, 2025 • 24min
The Financial Mindset Fix for Speakers: Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance
Unlock the secrets to thriving as a professional speaker, even in uncertain times. In this episode of Speakernomics, Joyce Marder shares expert insights on shifting your financial mindset, building business resilience, and unlocking greater value from your speaking career.
Identify and overcome the most common mindset blocks holding speakers back from financial success
Strategies for maintaining confidence and pitching high-value clients during industry shifts
The power of community: why being vulnerable and sharing challenges with other speakers matters
How your personal “money story” impacts your business—and how to reframe limiting beliefs
Creative ways to diversify your income streams and practical daily habits for cultivating an abundance mindset
Ready to grow your speaking business? Don’t miss these must-hear strategies and real talk from industry leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2025 • 33min
Stop Waiting for the Phone to Ring: Outreach Strategies That Book Stages.
Get the inside scoop on how Sam Demma became the youngest Certified Speaking Professional and booked over 750 paid speaking gigs, all before 2025. In this episode of Speakernomics, Sam breaks down the exact outreach and sales strategies that built his thriving speaking business in the education market.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
How Sam focused and expanded his market from local schools in Ontario to the entire US and Canada
The concrete sales and outreach tactics he used to land hundreds of gigs, including video emails and social media
Why value always wins over budget objections—and how to position yourself for higher fees
The three-part sales playbook (pre-call, during-call, post-call) Sam uses to consistently close 30-40% of leads
Creative ways to turn “no” into new opportunities and keep your speaking pipeline full
If you want a no-nonsense blueprint for growth as a professional speaker, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right away!
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Aug 12, 2025 • 29min
Your Story Isn’t About You—How to Connect Without Oversharing
In this engaging discussion, Kevin Snyder, a Certified Speaking Professional and best-selling author, shares his journey from being a dean to a dynamic speaker. He emphasizes the power of vulnerability in storytelling, revealing how personal tales can deeply connect with audiences. Kevin also offers practical advice on transitioning to full-time speaking, mastering lead generation, and impactful speech delivery techniques. Additionally, he discusses his new book, 'Speechless', aimed at inspiring others in the speaking industry while supporting the NSA Foundation.

Aug 5, 2025 • 39min
Mic Check for Speakers: Branding, Bookings, and the Podcast Advantage
Ready to take your speaking career to the next level? In this episode of Speakernomics, industry pros break down exactly how podcasting can amplify your brand, grow your business, and keep your voice front and center.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
The unique value of hosting your own podcast as a professional speaker
How podcasting strengthens your message, builds your platform, and boosts credibility with clients and event planners
Strategies for managing podcast production and avoiding common pitfalls like “podfade”
Ways to effectively repurpose podcast content across social, newsletters, and other channels
Real-world advice on staying consistent, finding your audience, and making podcasting work for your business
Straightforward insights, practical advice, and actionable steps—hit play and level up!
Episode includes Guests: Mark Hunter and 2 Influence 2025 sponsors, Ellie Puckett of Resonate Recordings and Larry Roberts of Red Hat Media) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4, 2025 • 11min
From Delays to Networking Smart Travel Strategies for Busy Speaking Professionals
Ready to take your travel game to the next level as a professional speaker? In this episode of Speakernomics, top speakers share their favorite travel tips to help you stay efficient, comfortable, and ready for anything on the road.
Smart packing strategies for both carry-ons and checked bags
How to use travel downtime productively—think handwritten notes and task batching
Essential comfort tips, including seat cushions, neck pillows, and snacks
Building relationships with flight crews and networking at your destination
Leveraging tech tools like the Flighty app to stay ahead of travel delays
Tune in and make your next trip your best one yet!
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