Getting paid to speak starts with being exceptional at something. Keynote speakers earn between ₦100,000 and ₦1,000,000 per talk, depending on their industry, reputation, and level of expertise. They share insights from their careers, teach proven strategies, inspire audiences, and equip them for success.
The truth? They’re not necessarily smarter or more charismatic than you. They’ve simply understood the system, positioned themselves as experts, and built a brand that attracts paid opportunities.
If you’re ready to turn your expertise into income, here’s the proven blueprint top speakers use to build a thriving speaking business from scratch.
Build Authority Through Content Creation
Share your best ideas online. Write articles that showcase your knowledge. Start a podcast or YouTube channel where you teach what you know. Speaking opportunities are offered to people who already have an audience. Your content proves you know what you’re talking about.
Package Your Expertise Into Signature Talks
Pick three topics you could speak about for hours. Create a title and description for each one. Make each talk available in 30, 45 and 60 minute versions. Your talk topics should solve real problems for your target audience and be inspiring and entertaining as well.
Start With Free Local Events
Message local business groups and offer to speak at their next meeting. Join online entrepreneur networks and raise your hand to present. Get practice sharing your message with real audiences who need your help. Get known by the group and jump start the referrals. Record every talk you give and review the footage. Speaking is a skill you build through repetition.
Create Your Speaker Website And Materials
Build a simple website showcasing your expertise. Your media page. Include professional photos, video clips of you speaking, and testimonials from event organisers. List your signature talks with compelling descriptions. Add “speaker” as a current position on your LinkedIn profile, and include what you cover in your keynotes.
Raise Your Rates Strategically
Set an initial fee that feels right to you, then increase it each time you book three paid gigs. Keep raising your rates until you hit resistance. Once you’re a pro, act like one. Don’t speak for free once you’re established, unless there’s a really good reason to do so.
By Oyindamola Olawuyi With Agency Report
