

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

Nov 11, 2025 • 19min
#9 - Finding Your Voice: Simon T. Bailey, CSP, CPAE on Becoming a Thought Leader, Not Just a Speaker
Whether you are an emerging or experienced speaker, let Simon’s journey inspire you to align your inner spark with external success and to leverage your expertise for meaningful, memorable impact.In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney (Shark) sits down with renowned CSP and CPAE Hall of Fame keynote speaker Simon T. Bailey to explore what it truly means to amplify your brilliance as a professional speaker. Simon, widely recognized as the world’s leading expert on brilliance, shares personal milestones, strategies for sustainable influence, and the pivotal role research has played in redefining his brand and value proposition in the speaking industry.In this session, Simon will:* Illustrate how to differentiate yourself by embracing originality and authenticity rather than mimicking industry icons, ensuring your message resonates beyond the applause.* Analyze the impact of integrating proprietary research into your business, elevating conversations with decision-makers, commanding higher fees, and building long-term influence within client organizations.* Reflect on common career challenges—such as chasing stages and seeking validation from speaker bureaus—and encourage speakers to focus on service, humility, and the true meaning behind every keynote.
Become and NSA Member! https://nsaspeaker.org/join/#membership THRIVE 2026! You NEED to be here! https://thrive.nsaspeaker.org/
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Nov 4, 2025 • 29min
#10 - Inside the Meeting Planner Studio: How to Get Booked and Rebooked
Discover what it really takes to stand out as a professional speaker in today’s evolving meetings industry. In this episode, Sarah Michel shares insider tips from both the speaker and meeting planner perspectives to help you get noticed, get booked, and add more value.The latest trends in how meeting planners search for and select speakers:*Why unedited, authentic video is more important than ever for getting booked*The critical importance of customizing your keynote to audience pain points*Creative ways speakers can deliver more value beyond just the keynote*Building lasting relationships with event professionals, not just closing a saleTune in and learn how to elevate your speaking business and get ahead of industry changes!Become an NSA Member!THRIVE 2026! You NEED to be here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 28, 2025 • 28min
Diversify, Track, Thrive: How Speakers Can Build Profitable Businesses with LaShaundra McCarty
Learn how to turn your expertise into income with practical tips from LaShaundra McCarty on this episode of Speakernomics.
Discover actionable strategies for speakers to grow their business and make smarter financial choices.* The importance of diversifying your revenue streams as a speaker* How to track your numbers for better business decisions* Passive income ideas like online courses, workbooks, podcasts, and newsletters* Monetization tips specifically for podcasting and written materialsWhy knowing your financials and audience demographics drives long-term success
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Oct 21, 2025 • 28min
Kassy LaBorie’s Secrets to Virtual Engagement and Tools for Dynamic Online Presentations
Ready to elevate your online presentations? In this episode of Speakernomics, guest Kassy LaBorie shares actionable strategies to boost connection, engagement, and authenticity in the virtual speaking world.Here’s what’s covered:* How Kassy’s journey from Silicon Valley and WebEx to the speaking stage shaped her approach to virtual engagement* The importance of making genuine invitations for audience participation, not just surface-level chat prompts* Tips on reframing questions to encourage deeper audience interaction and connection* Why owning the digital tools—and knowing when to move beyond them—leads to better presentations* Simple ways to unleash your authentic presence and engage audiences, both online and in personTune in for practical advice you can use at your next virtual event!
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Oct 14, 2025 • 25min
Master Your Digital Presence as a Speaker: Content Pillars and the Visibility Triangle
Learn how to build a smart, streamlined, and strategic digital presence as a professional speaker. Guest expert Carolyn Cummins shares actionable tips to help you master your content, connection, and credibility online.
The importance of identifying multiple target audiences for your speaking business
How to use content pillars to define what you speak about and your unique value
Measuring your digital content using the "Visibility Triangle": visibility, credibility, and hireability
Why authenticity and consistency matter on social media, even when balancing different roles and topics
Tips for leveraging keywords, alt text, and AI tools to boost your online presence and business results
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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


