How to Find Paid Speaking Gigs in 2025 (Even If You’re Just Starting Out) Feeling stuck waiting to get picked for your next speaking gig? In this episode, Wendi McNeill of Charli Jane Speakers shares five proven strategies to land paid gigs in 2025, even if you’re brand-new to the industry.  Discover where to find real opportunities, how to pitch with confidence (not pushiness), and what simple materials help you stand out to planners. You’ll also get a free resource, 50 Events Looking for Speakers Right Now, so you can start pitching today. Grab your free list: https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers Resources mentioned: Pitch Like a Pro | Speaker One-Sheet $7 Starter Kit  Breathrough Public Speakers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers  

The #1 Mistake New Speakers Make With Their Bio (And How to Fix It) 🎙 Episode Summary If you're pitching yourself as a speaker (or avoiding it altogether), your bio could be the silent dealbreaker. In this episode, I break down how your speaker bio plays a crucial role in getting noticed by event planners, and what to do if it's falling flat. Plus, I’ll share easy ways to streamline your pitch process and start landing more opportunities with clarity and confidence. This is a practical, no-fluff episode …  let’s get you moving forward! A weak bio doesn’t just hurt your pitch …  it keeps you stuck and silent. Resources Mentioned: Meet Bobbi – Your personal bio-building sidekick. (powered by AI) Grab the Pitch Pack Pro – Email + DM scripts that help you pitch without the stress. Land Your Next Gig Challenge -  A 3-day challenge to help you find, pitch, and land your next speaking gig fast. 50 Events looking for Speakers!  Join My Free 20k Speakers Facebook Group    Connect With Wendi: Website: https://charlijane.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlijanespeakers  

If you're sending pitches and hearing crickets, you're not alone. You're probably not doing anything wrong; you're just missing a few key tweaks. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the three biggest mistakes speakers make when pitching themselves for events (and how to fix them fast). These aren’t just theories—they're based on 22+ years of helping speakers get booked. Whether you're new to pitching or have been sending emails without much traction, this episode will help you stand out in a crowded inbox—and start landing “yes” responses from event planners. You’ll Learn: Why generic pitches get deleted (and how to make yours pop) How to instantly shift your pitch from “me-focused” to audience-centered The simple follow-up framework that gets you back on an organizer’s radar A better way to pitch without sounding pushy or robotic Free Resource: Want a shortcut to finding events that are actively booking speakers? Grab my free curated list of 50 speaker-friendly events here  https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers Links Mentioned: Speaker Biz Toolkit: https://charlijane.com/growyourspeakingbiz  Charli Jane Speakers Club: https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  Speaker Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers  Let’s Connect: Have a question or pitch struggle you want help with? DM me on Instagram @CharliJaneSpeakers or drop a message at Wendi@CharliJane.com Rate & Review: If this episode helped you, would you mind taking 60 seconds to leave a review? Your support helps get this show into more speaker ears, and helps more speakers get on more stages.   Keep Inspiring, Wendi - Charli Jane Speakers- CharliJane.com

Figuring Out What to Charge as a Newbie Speaker Figuring out what to charge as a newbie speaker is a common challenge, but today, we will crack the code and set you up for speaking success. We'll explore the factors influencing your speaking fee, the pricing pitfalls to avoid, and the strategies to find your sweet spot. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to charge what you're worth.   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Keep Inspiring, Wendi Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a New Speaker Stepping into the world of public speaking can sometimes bring a sneaky feeling called 'impostor syndrome.' It's that voice in your head saying you're not good enough or you don't belong on stage. But guess what? Many great speakers have felt this way at some point. The good news is you can overcome it and shine as the speaker you're meant to be.   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc  Keep Inspiring, Wendi - Charli Jane Speakers, LLC - CharliJane.com

10 Ways to Leverage Social Media for Speaker Brand Building Are you a speaker looking to get more people to know and love what you do? Social media is like a magic wand that can help you do just that! It’s a great way to show the world how awesome you are. Let’s discuss how to use social media to build your brand and become a well-known speaker!   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc  Keep Inspiring, Wendi - Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

Networking for Newbie Speakers My Top Tips for Maximizing Events When building your business in this industry, it’s one thing to have incredible speaking skills down pat, but there's another crucial aspect you can't afford to neglect: networking. That's right, rubbing elbows with industry folks, making connections, and building relationships – it's all part of the gig.  Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.samcart.com/products/proposal-email-template-spc  Keep Inspiring, Wendi - Charli Jane Speakers, LLC CharliJane.com

Effective Time Management for Busy Public Speakers   In the fast-paced world of public speaking, managing your time effectively is as crucial as delivering a great speech. Juggling speaking engagements, preparation, and personal life can be a challenge, but you can excel on stage and off with smart time management. Let’s explore how to maximize your hours to become an efficient and stress-free speaker. Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio    Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club    I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/    Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc  Keep Inspiring, Wendi - Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

Speaking at Local Events: A Gateway to Bigger Stages   Are you looking to make a splash in the world of public speaking? Starting local is a brilliant strategy. Local events offer a unique platform to hone your skills, build your reputation, and prepare for larger stages. It’s like training in a friendly arena before heading to the Olympics of public speaking. Resources:   Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio    Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club    I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/    Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc  Keep Inspiring, Wendi - Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

How to Craft Your Compelling Speaker Backstory in 30 Minutes   Want to know the secret sauce to captivating your audience from the get-go? It's all about your speaker backstory – the tale of how you became the incredible speaker you are today.    It’s a key tool in getting your audience (either online or in-person) to relate to you on a human level. And the best part? You can create your compelling speaker backstory in just 30 minutes. Yes, it can be THAT fast. In just half an hour, you can whip up a backstory that'll have your audience on the edge of their seats. Let's get started!   Resources:   Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio    Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club    I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/    Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc  Keep Inspiring, Wendi - Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

11 Key Elements to a Successful Speaker Website   Want to have a website that makes a planner say, “Wow, this speaker is amazing!”? Your website is like your online home where people can learn all about you and what you do. Let’s explore the key things you need to make your speaker website awesome!   Resources:   Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club/   I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/   Speaking for Pay: A Crash Course for Beginners. Designed with beginners in mind, this course walks you through seven actionable steps to help you transition from a passionate speaker to a sought-after, paid professional. https://charlijane.samcart.com/products/speaking-for-pay-a-crash-course-for-beginners    Join us in our free speaker Facebook community Breakthrough Public Speakers https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers    If you enjoyed the Podcast and have time, I would LOVE and appreciate a review :) Thank you so much!   Keep Inspiring!  ~ Wendi  

Maximizing Social Media to Expand Your Reach as a Speaker Ready to supercharge your online presence by leveraging the power of social media?  With billions of eyeballs spread across multiple platforms, if you’re desperately trying to expand your reach as a speaker, there’s seriously no better – or faster – way of doing it than by upping your game on your social channels. So, let's dive into some juicy strategies to make your social media game stronger than ever! Resources: Keynote Speech Outline- Grab it here!  https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/keynote-outline  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc    Keep Inspiring, Wendi Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

Crafting Effective Calls to Action in Your Speeches Hey friends! Do you want to make your speeches powerful and get your audience to do something amazing after listening to you? That's what a 'Call to Action' (CTA) is all about. It's like a superhero's punch in your speech that makes people want to act. Let’s learn how to make your CTAs super effective!   Resources:    Keynote Speech Outline- Grab it here!  https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/keynote-outline    Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club    I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/    Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc  Keep Inspiring, Wendi Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

Creating Impactful Speaker Bios That Attract Organizers Are you excited to craft a bio that makes event organizers think, “We absolutely need this speaker!”? A great bio is like a magic key that opens the doors to fantastic speaking opportunities. Let’s learn how to create one that sparkles with your unique personality!   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio    Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc    Keep Inspiring, Wendi Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

9 Must-Know Strategies for Marketing Yourself as an In-Demand Keynote Speaker Have you ever dreamed of being the keynote speaker that captivates event audiences? Do you aspire to spread your message on big stages but aren’t sure how to position yourself to get booked?  If so, leveraging smart marketing tactics is key to establishing your authority and credibility - which drives more lucrative speaking opportunities.  In this training, I will provide nine proven strategies a speaker can immediately apply to upgrade their visibility and value in the eyes of meeting planners.  Follow these strategies to differentiate yourself, amplify your reach, and ensure event organizers eagerly book you for their next event. Resources: Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4xs a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/ Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc

Lights, Camera, Speaking! Creating Videos for Your Speaker Website Have you ever wondered about creating videos for your speaker website? It's like adding a sprinkle of magic that can seriously enhance your brand and connect with your potential clients. Videos give them a front-row seat to your passion, energy, and the very essence of what you bring to the stage. But how do you get started? Is it worth the effort? I can hear those questions bubbling up, and let me tell you, the answer is a resounding YES! Creating videos for your speaker website is more than just a trend; it's a powerful tool to engage and entice your audience. Resources: Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4xs a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/ Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc Join us in our free speaker Facebook community Breakthrough Public Speakers https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers  Training Library - https://charlijane.com/blog/  If you enjoyed the Podcast and have time, I would LOVE and appreciate a review :) Thank you so much! Keep Inspiring!  ~ Wendi  CharliJane.com

How to Attract Event Planners and Land Speaking Opportunities  Securing speaking engagements that align with your passion and expertise involves strategy and savvy navigation of the speaking industry. By clarifying your niche, building an authoritative online presence, leveraging your network, crafting a compelling pitch, and persistently seeking opportunities, you can attract event planners and land more of your dream speaking gigs.   Resources:   Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x's a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club    I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/   Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc   Join us in our free speaker Facebook community Breakthrough Public Speakers https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers    Training Library - https://charlijane.com/blog/    If you enjoyed the Podcast and have time, I would LOVE and appreciate a review :) Thank you so much! Keep Inspiring!  ~ Wendi   CharliJane.com

7 Quick Tips for Creating a Compelling Speaker Portfolio How do you create a compelling speaker portfolio? One that doesn't just list your credentials but truly encapsulates your spirit as a speaker? Well, you're in the right place. Today, we'll explore seven actionable tips to help you craft a speaker portfolio that shines, stands out, and sells your unique speaking style. But before we dive into that, what the heck do I mean when talking about speaker portfolios in the first place? Pop your earbuds in and listen to this week's training episode.   Resources:   1. Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4xs a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club   2. I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/   3. Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc   4. Join us in our free speaker Facebook community Breakthrough Public Speakers https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers    5. Training Library - https://charlijane.com/blog/    If you enjoyed the Podcast and have time, I would LOVE and appreciate a review :) Thank you so much! Keep Inspiring!  ~ Wendi   CharliJane.com

Unleashing Networking Magic for Speakers: 5 Quick Tips As we journey through the dynamic landscape of the speaking industry, one aspect remains a consistent game-changer: networking. If harnessed correctly, it can be the spell that turns a struggling speaker into a sought-after authority in their field. But, just what is this elusive networking “magic” for speakers? And how can you conjure it to boost your own success? Today, I will let you know how to get the most out of this powerful marketing tool. But before I give you my five top tips for leveraging networking, let's quickly recap what it means for you in the context of landing more speaking gigs and building your business.   Resources:   1. Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4xs a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club   2. I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/   3. Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc   4. Join us in our free speaker Facebook community Breakthrough Public Speakers https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers    5. Training Library - https://charlijane.com/blog/    If you enjoyed the Podcast and have time, I would LOVE and appreciate a review :) Thank you so much! Keep Inspiring!  ~ Wendi   CharliJane.com

Instant Improvements: 5 Quick Fixes for Common Speaking Mistakes Let's be real for a second. No matter how experienced we are, we all occasionally stumble over the same common speaking mistakes. Whether it's those pesky filler words or a case of the jitters, these little blips can trip us up when we're trying to rock the stage. But fear not! I've got your back. Today, I will serve up some quick fixes for these common issues. But before we get into that, let’s start by covering some of the most common mistakes I see speakers making, irrespective of experience level.   Resources:   1. Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4xs a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club   2. I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/   3. Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc   4. Join us in our free speaker Facebook community Breakthrough Public Speakers https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers    5. Training Library - https://charlijane.com/blog/    If you enjoyed the Podcast and have time, I would LOVE and appreciate a review :) Thank you so much! Keep Inspiring!  ~ Wendi   CharliJane.com