The Speaker Lab Podcast

One of the common questions I get asked is what you need to know before signing a contract. To answer this question we are joined by Melanie Deziel today. But unlike our usual format Melanie isn't a guest today, she's our first co-host!Melanie was a student who has gone through our training programs and has become one of our coaches. Before branching out on her own in the speaking world, Melanie worked in a corporate environment. She helped brands think more like journalists and tell better stories.She shifted into speaking when she realized how much she enjoyed the speaking gigs she was doing to represent her team. She took a course with The Speaker Lab and for the last two years she's been speaking and consulting full-time.To keep things interesting and extra fun, I invited Melanie to join me as a co-host for the next four weeks. Today we're talking about a common question we get at the speaker lab: what do I need to know before signing a contract? We'll dig into that answer today on this edition of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  The two reasons to ask potential clients about the length of your speech.How to be the hero for your event organizer.What can you ask to find out details about your audience?Why does it matter to you and your contract who the other speakers are at the event?What is the one question to ask so you know what success looks like to your client?What is a rider and how can you use one for logistics like travel and technology?Why should you find out specifics about the venue beforehand?Why does dress code matter?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESMelanie Deziel's websiteMelanie Deziel on TwitterMelanie Deziel on InstagramEpisode 92: How to Dress as a Public SpeakerFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Because there is a right way and a wrong way to sell yourself, our guest is here to explain how to sell yourself with digital persuasion. Erin Gargan is a multi-entrepreneur who currently owns and operates an agency that specializes in social media for trade shows, conferences and events.One day a client of hers was in a panic: they were a week away from the opening of their event and one of their social media speakers had canceled. Erin offered to help her client by filling in. Her speech went so well several audience members approached her about speaking for them, and asked for her fee. And so began her journey into public speaking.Today on The Speaker Lab, Erin tells us who she primarily speaks to today, how to be different by focusing on others (rather than ourselves), and how to use the art of digital persuasion to create higher quality connections that serve others while also growing our own careers. Erin holds nothing back on this episode so be sure to join us and catch it all! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How does she avoid falling into the comparison trap?Why doesn't she watch other speakers before she takes the stage?How much more persuasive in person are we according to the Harvard Business Review?How can you be different than 99% of all cold outreach messages?What does PUB stand for and how do you use it?How to get a 60% higher response rate in half the time.What is the ideal length of any email?What is your next step after initiating contact with someone?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESErin Gargan's web siteSocialite Agency's web siteThe Art of Digital Persuasion, by Erin GarganErin Gargan on TwitterFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To be comfortable with your imperfections may not be a speaking goal you've set for yourself but our guest on today's episode of The Speaker Lab shares how doing so has made an impact on his career and an even bigger impact on his audience.John Michael Morgan is a world-class coach, best-selling author and keynote speaker who has found just how powerful it is to be raw, vulnerable and real with his audiences. On this episode of The Speaker Lab he shares how he came to this discovery and how doing so helped him branch out from speaking on branding and marketing to also speaking about the power of mindset.You'll also hear John's story of what he learned from interrupting Seth Godin at breakfast and how to create a distinct speaking brand even if you have a common name. This is a fun and illuminating learning session on the 169th edition of The Speaker Lab with John Michael Morgan! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  If you have a common name how can you create a distinctive personal brand?How did he make the shift from talking about branding to speaking on mindset?Why being raw made his speaking more relevant to his audience.What is the purpose of influence?How to put your oxygen mask on first.What is the core strategy in all of speaking, in his opinion?What are two common limiting beliefs speakers have?Do you have to be an expert first in order to be successful?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESJohn Michael Morgan's web siteAchievers Alliance group coachingJohn Michael Morgan on TwitterJohn Michael Morgan on FacebookFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If the true hallmark of a great speech is how many referrals it generates, how can you create the most referrals from your speeches? Our guest, Andrew Davis, knows exactly how to do it and he tells us on this episode of The Speaker Lab.In the process of becoming an international keynote speaker, Andrew has discovered how to consistently generate a high number of referrals every time he speaks to an audience.On episode 168 he explains how he does it, which industries and which events he focuses on and why and whether or not bigger events are the better events. Join us to hear that and more on this edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How does he know he has given a great keynote speech?Does he ever recommend doing industry gigs for free?What is a kingpin conference?How can content production help you speak at national conferences?What is the audience influence pyramid?Is everyone facing similar problems, regardless of their niche?The three ways he evaluates new verticals, and why he focuses on one each year.Why you must focus on the speech first.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESAndrew Davis' speaking websiteAndrew Davis on TwitterAndrew Davis' marketing websiteFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Social media is part of our everyday lives, and it can be an effective business tool. But do you know how to use social media to land more gigs, while still being the real you? Our guest, Jon Acuff, does and he'll explain how in episode 167 of The Speaker Lab.When Jon isn't speaking or writing best-selling books, including his latest book Finish, he is actively sharing his work and his life on social media.Today we talk about how his social media platform and his online content have helped his business grow, plus the various strategies for each of his platforms. We also talk about how and why he learns about speaking from comedians, as well as the hows and whys of goal-setting for speakers. Join Jon and I as we explore these topics and more on the latest edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What's the fastest way to get feedback?How does he avoid becoming complacent with his success?How did he use soft pitches to land more gigs and work with a speakers bureau?What are ways you can establish authority (without overselling) while you're speaking?How can social media help you and how can it hurt you?Every gig is a chance to do what?Why it's important to make your goals fun.How many forms of income should you aim for as a speaker?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESJon Acuff's websiteFinish, by Jon AcuffThe Finish CourseJon's other booksJon's email list solely for speakersJon Acuff on InstagramJon Acuff on TwitterJon Acuff on LinkedInFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it's the start of a new year or not, it's your job to stay healthy. Your health should be a top priority for you as a speaker. Which begs the question: how to stay healthy when speaking on the road? It can be challenging and here to offer some practical solutions is Shawn Stevenson.Shawn knows all about speaking and staying healthy, he may be the healthiest person I know! I'm excited to share our conversation with you, we talk about his travel tips for eating healthy, staying hydrated and getting good, quality sleep.Today we also talk about the origins of his online business and how he transitioned into it from a brick and mortar location. You'll hear that story plus many fascinating insights into how the human body works and what keeps us healthy! Join us for episode 166 of The Speaker Lab with Shawn Stevenson.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How do many of his speaking clients find him?How does he plan ahead so he can eat healthy meals while on the road?Does your metabolism slow down if you don't eat?What is one of the biggest contributors to jet lag?How much water should we drink, and what temperature should it be?What exercise does he recommend when on the road?Why it's important to exercise the first day you are home from a trip.His weird recommendation for the best possible sleep.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESThe Model Health Show websiteThe Model Health show podcastSleep Smarter, by Shawn StevensonShawn Stevenson on InstagramFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you know why and how to diversify your revenue streams? Our guest for today does and she's here to tell all. Dorie Clark is a marketing strategy consultant, executive coach, author and professional speaker who has 8 different revenue streams!Today she shares how she evolved her business to include speaking and diversified to have 8 different revenue streams. We also touch on how she's built those revenue streams over time, how she's positioned them to all feed into each other and how you as a speaker can find and create other revenue streams to add to your business.Whether you are just starting out or are a long-time veteran of the speaking world, you'll learn something new to enhance your speaking career in episode 165 of The Speaker Lab with Dorie Clark.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What is Clark's Law of Professional Speaking?Why and how to raise your profile to help your keynote speaking career.The three key components to being seen as an authority and recognized expert.What type of content is most valuable for speakers who want to raise their marketability?What is one of the most powerful forces in networking?How does she manage 8 revenue streams, and how long did it take her to develop them all?Which revenue streams should you add and when should you add them?Why speaking is tied to the economy, and how to ensure your bottom line is not.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESDorie Clark's websiteDorie Clark on TwitterThe Recognized Expert Evaluation ToolkitEntrepreneurial You, by Dorie ClarkFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vinh Giang, an international speaker and magician, shares his journey from performing magic to captivating audiences as a speaker. He reveals his greatest competitive advantage and the dedication behind securing his first paid gigs. Vinh recounts how his significant TEDx talk drastically changed the course of his career, leading to higher speaking fees. He emphasizes the importance of continual feedback and stage time, and cleverly integrates magic into his presentations, all while crafting a unique brand that stands out in the competitive speaking landscape.

The key to repeat business and staying booked solid is learning how to stay top of mind with potential clients. And one man who knows exactly how to do this is Brandon Edmonson of Premiere Speakers Bureau.Brandon is an agent with the bureau and in his role he books hundreds of gigs each year. He's gained a lot of insight in the process, all of which he shares today.On this episode of The Speaker Lab, we talk about how he finds and books engagements, how he stays top of mind with his potential clients as well as what common topics associations and companies are booking for and how you can position your material on those topics.We wrap up with a chat about what it's like working with celebrities, including a really great story of working with a late night talk show host! This is a fun and informative session with Brandon you won't want to miss so listen in to episode 163 of The Speaker Lab now.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why you need to have 3 actionable items for your audience.What is the #1 marketing asset all speakers need to have?How do you narrow down a broad topic to pursue a specific market?What will always be a requested topic for speakers?What do the bureaus do during "dead" months?How does he balance staying top of mind without being a bother?Why you should create a documentary-style video as part of your marketing effort.How important are your website and your one sheet?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESPremiere Speakers BureauBrandon Edmonson on TwitterEpisode 24 of TSL with Shawn HanksEpisode 154 with Ryan GiffenExactly What to Say, by Phil M. JonesVinh Giang's websiteFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you want to know how to land 100 speaking gigs a year, or even a fraction of that number, you will love today's guest! Ty Bennett first found his passion for speaking and training when he and his brother built a $25 million a year direct sales business together. As part of growing that business, he did a lot of speaking and training for their sales teams.In 2010, he decided to make speaking his top priority after he published his first book. He sold his half of the business to his brother and focused solely on speaking and writing. Currently, he gives about 100 keynote speeches a year for corporations and associations.Today he joins us to share sound advice for speakers of every level, including the two most important aspects of ability, how to build a platform when starting from nothing and what his marketing efforts look like. Whether you're an up-and-coming speaker or established veteran you're going to learn so much from this episode 162 of The Speaker Lab with Ty Bennett! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why are his keynotes based on three of his books?Where does he primarily spend his outbound marketing time, and why?What are the three things every speaker needs, according to Ty?The one honest question you have to answer to be hired as a speaker.What is the true test of your ability as a speaker?These are two areas all speakers can improve on - what are they?What technique has a unique ability to connect you with an audience?Why does Ty study comedians so much?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESTy Bennett's websiteThe Power of Storytelling, by Ty BennettThe Power of Influence, by Ty BennettPartnership is The New Leadership, by Ty BennettTy Bennett on TwitterGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.