Speaker Preparedness

To help promote yourself as a speaker, create a one-page speaker sheet. Sometimes known as a “one sheet,” it’s a document that highlights information about your public speaking offerings.

Many speakers hire graphic designers or use an online resource like Canva (www.canva.com) to create an attractive document. Regardless of how it’s developed, here’s what to include:

• A recent headshot. Although you can have a friend or family member take a photo, we recommend using a professional portrait when possible. Secondary images might show you on a stage, in front of a podium, or interacting with an audience.
• Summary of your expertise. If you’ve read previous blog posts, you’ll know that we recommend finding a niche and remaining focused on becoming the expert in that specific topic. For example, instead of just saying “mental health,” a professional might list his or her expertise as “trauma-informed spaces” or “dealing with grief after the loss of a spouse.”
• Related topics on which you can speak, or a list of titles from previous presentations. This allows event planners to determine if your expertise is right for their event and audience.
• Anticipated results. Include the learning objectives you’ll meet, the value you’ll deliver, or the experience your audience will have. Help event planners imagine the effect you’ll have on your audience. State how the audience will benefit. Will they learn? Laugh? Relate? Feel motivated?
• Client names and testimonials. This is part of the “social proof” that you’ve got a positive track record. If you specialize with a specific audience (at-risk youth, parents/caregivers, medical professionals, etc.), say so.
• Links to your personal website and/or social media accounts. When event planners click through to learn more about you, they should find more information on your credibility and expertise. They will also expect to find video clips of your prior speaking engagements.
• Your contact information. Usually, a phone number and e-mail address are all you need.
• Optional: fee structure. We recommend you don’t include your fee on your speaker sheet, because the fee may vary, depending on who books you. Some speakers charge less for their alma mater or a non-profit, for example.

Photo credit: Pexels