Whether it’s a corporate meeting, a conference, or an industry convention, I have the perfect topic to captivate your audience. Reach out to me directly to discuss how I can bring value to your event.

Understanding the Key Terms in Booking a Keynote Speaker

Before we dive in, let’s clarify some important definitions in the world of professional speaking:

• Professional Speaker: A paid speaker, much like an athlete who becomes a professional upon receiving payment. A professional speaker may have another career but is compensated for delivering a speech at an event.
  
• Motivational Speaker: While also a professional speaker, this title is commonly used for those who focus on self-improvement, personal growth, and goal-setting. Even when I’m hired to speak on trauma, I am often labeled a motivational speaker because all speakers should inspire their audience to take action.
  
• Celebrity Speaker: A well-known figure—whether an athlete, politician, or actor—who speaks to audiences, often due to their fame and influence.
  
• Speakers Bureaus: These agencies connect speakers with clients, managing bookings and handling logistics. They are compensated by taking a percentage of the speaker’s fee. While bureaus provide a convenient booking process, hiring a speaker directly can eliminate these additional costs.

I can be considered a Professional, Motivational, and Celebrity Speaker, and because I do not work with a Speakers Bureau, you won’t need to pay an agency fee when booking me directly.

The Pre-Booking Call: What You Need to Know

Whether booking independently or through a bureau, your decision isn’t complete until you’ve spoken directly with the speaker. A pre-booking call helps ensure they align with your audience and event goals. Ask about their background, experience, and preparation methods—this conversation will reveal their professionalism and dedication to delivering an impactful speech.

Speaker Fees: What to Expect

Speaker fees vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for newcomers to $100,000+ for high-profile individuals. Former President Bill Clinton, for example, has commanded speaking fees exceeding $250,000.

For professional speakers, fees typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, with experienced experts who have published best-selling books or achieved industry recognition charging upwards of $20,000 to $25,000.

Travel Expenses: Planning for Additional Costs

Many speakers request reimbursement for travel costs, often providing itemized expense reports or a flat fee covering all expenses. The advantage of a flat-rate travel charge is eliminating surprise costs on the final invoice.

Six Key Questions to Ask Before Booking

To ensure the best fit, consider asking:

1. What’s your background?
2. Why do you think you would be a good fit for our audience?
3. Have you spoken to similar organizations before?
4. Do you have articles, books, or videos showcasing your content?
5. Do you customize your speech to fit our needs? If so, how?
6. Would you be willing to connect with our leadership before the event?

Additional questions regarding fees, travel expenses, and the speaker’s alignment with your event’s theme will help determine whether they are the right choice. Build rapport during your call—this insight into their personality and communication style can be invaluable.

Making the Right Choice

Whether booking independently or through a bureau, choosing a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success minimizes risk. While occasional mishaps occur, the majority of full-time speakers deliver consistently strong performances.

A great speech isn’t always about huge breakthroughs; sometimes, it’s about steady progress. Even if an audience member doesn’t experience a dramatic transformation, they may still leave inspired, gaining the stability, confidence, and motivation to move forward—one step at a time.

Let’s talk about how I can make your event unforgettable!