Stepping up to the mic can feel like a terrifying prospect for many business owners. Yet public speaking could be the missing piece in your business strategy that boosts your profile, expands your network, and creates multiple revenue streams. Far from being just an optional extra, speaking engagements should be a central part of your business planning. Pascalle Bergmans is a keynote speaker and speaking coach specialising in getting her clients paid gigs and she’s here to tell us why getting on the mic is worth its weight in gold.
The financial case for public speaking
Public speaking isn’t merely about sharing knowledge—it can also bring the money in in more ways than one.
Direct speaker fees
Speaking engagements can provide immediate income. Depending on your expertise and experience, fees can range from a few hundred pounds to thousands for a single talk. As your reputation grows, so can your rate.
Product and service promotion
Speaking engagements provide the perfect platform to showcase your products or services without coming across as salesy. When you’ve just delivered value through your talk, your audience is primed to trust your recommendations and find out where they can get more of your stuff.
Client acquisition
Each speaking opportunity places you in front of potential clients who’ve already seen your expertise in action. The trust established during your talk can lead to someone in the audience thinking, “I need to work with this person” and the value of that relationship is likely to far exceed your speaker fee.
Passive income opportunities
The content from your talks can be repurposed into online courses, ebooks, or membership programmes—creating income streams that can continue long after you’ve left the stage.
Building authority through speaking
Every time you speak, you’re cementing your position as an expert in your field and an authority in your industry. And authority equals higher rates, more opportunities, and increased demand for your services. Speaking puts you on the radar of people who might never have discovered you otherwise. Each talk plants seeds for growth—whether financial or relational giving you broader reach.
Work the room
Speaking at events puts you in a prime position for meaningful networking—everyone will want to talk to you. Instead of awkwardly introducing yourself at events, speaking gives people a reason to approach you and the conversations that follow tend to be more fruitful.
Always keep your eyes peeled and ears open to build relationships with event organisers and other speakers for introductions, collaborations, referrals, and new speaking opportunities.
Making your talks convert
To maximise the business impact of your speaking engagements, Pascalle says focus on these elements:
Strategic positioning
Use the 3P strategy to define your talk: Person (who is your audience?), Problem (what issue do they face?), and Promise (what solution are you offering?). This creates a focused narrative that resonates with listeners.
Simplify complexity
Make complex ideas accessible through stories and relatable examples. Begin with a short anecdote that illustrates your topic before diving into details.
Create emotional urgency
Start by addressing the problem your audience faces. Build emotional resonance so they feel understood—then present your solution as the answer they’ve been seeking.
Include clear next steps
Always end with a call to action. Whether it’s an invitation to book a consultation or to download a resource, make it easy for interested listeners to take the next step with you.
How to get started with public speaking
If you’re convinced of the value but unsure how to begin, here are five steps from Pascalle to get you started:
1. Declare your intentions
Tell your peers, manager, and social media followers that you’re interested in speaking opportunities. Put it out there so people know to think of you when opportunities arise.
2. Start with what you know
Focus on topics you’re passionate about. Your enthusiasm will shine through and make your presentations more engaging.
3. Study great speakers
Watch TED Talks and presentations within your industry. Note the techniques that work well and consider how you might adapt them to your style.
4. Begin small
Start with low-pressure opportunities—perhaps a team meeting or a local business event. Build confidence gradually by expanding your comfort zone a little at a time.
5. Seek feedback
Ask for specific feedback after each presentation and critique yourself. What worked? What could be improved? This information is key for developing your speaking skills.
Overcoming the nerves
Still terrified at the idea of getting on stage? These tips might help the prospect become slightly less daunting.
1. Focus on them
“The number one thing people get wrong is thinking about themselves,” says Pascalle. “It’s not about you. It’s about serving your audience.” This mindset reduces pressure and improves your speaking.
2. Channel nervous energy
Nerves and excitement feel physiologically similar. Instead of fighting your nerves, reframe them as excitement about the opportunity to share your knowledge.
3. Prepare thoroughly
Proper preparation builds confidence. Practice your talk, arrive early to test technology, and dress in a way that makes you feel confident.
4. Start where you are
Everyone begins somewhere. Ross Simmonds, now a CEO and global keynote speaker, recalls: “My nickname at high school was ‘Shy Ross’… I was a sweaty, bumbling, stuttering mess at first. But I kept signing up to give talks so I could get better.”
By incorporating speaking engagements into your business plan, you’re not just developing a valuable skill, you’re creating multiple pathways for business growth and financial success. Make 2025 the year you step up to the microphone. Your business will thank you for it.
Pascalle Bergmans is the founder of Presentales. She can help you land paid speaking gigs and increase your impact as a speaker.
