How to Find Paid Speaking Gigs in 2025 (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)

Landing your first paid speaking gig can feel like scaling a mountain. Crowded markets, unclear paths, and a lot of “where do I even begin?” The good news: there’s a simple, repeatable way to get booked in 2025, even if you’re brand new. Below, I’ll walk you through the steps I teach speakers, coaches, and authors so you can start pitching with confidence.

Prefer to listen?
Click the play button above to listen as I walk you through these strategies.

Why Finding Paid Speaking Gigs Feels Hard (and Why It’s Not Your Fault)

Events have changed, competition has grown, and a lot of advice out there is vague. You don’t need a massive following to get paid, you just need clarity, a credible presence, and a value-first pitch that makes planners think, “Yes, our audience needs this.”

Step 1: Start Local Before You Go Global

Your fastest wins are often close to home. Look at chambers of commerce, women-in-business groups, associations, niche meetups, and industry breakfasts in cities like Omaha, Austin, or Nashville (and your own city too).

Local events are ideal for first-time paid gigs because decision-makers can quickly check you out and say yes.

Try searches like:

• “Your topic conference in [your city/state]”
• “Industry association meeting near me”
• “Women’s leadership summit [state]”

Build a shortlist, then move to Step 2.

Step 2: Pitch With Value, Not Just Your Topic

A great pitch isn’t “I speak on leadership.” It’s “Here’s the problem I solve for your audience and here’s the result they’ll walk away with.”

Lead with impact, not your bio.

A winning pitch includes:

• A strong subject line (example: “Boost Team Retention in 60 Days: A Practical Talk for Your Summit”)
• One clear sentence about the audience problem you solve
• Three specific takeaways that are practical, measurable, audience-focused
• 1–2 quick proof points (testimonial snippet, past client type)
• A low-friction close (“Would you like me to send my one-sheet?”)

Free Resource: 50 Events Looking for Speakers Right Now

Want a shortcut to your next booking?
Grab my free List of 50 Events Looking for Speakers Right Now and start pitching today.

If writing your pitch feels overwhelming, check out my low-cost guide and templates:
Pitch Like A Pro it gives you proven pitch templates, subject lines, and follow-up scripts you can send today.

Step 3: Find Hidden Opportunities on the Platforms Planners Use

Don’t rely on Google alone. Explore LinkedIn Events, Eventbrite, and association directories to uncover regional conferences and summits.

Track deadlines, themes, and decision-makers in a simple spreadsheet so you always know who to follow up with.

When you’re ready, send a short, value-first pitch and include a link to your one-sheet (Step 4). Consistency beats perfection here.

Step 4: Build a Simple Online Presence That Books You While You Sleep

You don’t need a massive website, just a clean speaker one-sheet and a basic online page that shows:

• What you speak about
• Who you help
• Your results
• A quick way to contact you

Make it easy for planners to say yes.

Don’t have a one-sheet yet?
Grab my Sexy, Selling Speaker Onesheet Starter pack. This will help you look polished and professional fast. It’s fully customizable and designed with what event planners actually look for.

Step 5: Network Smart …One Connection Can Open Ten Doors

Paid gigs often come from relationships. Join targeted communities, support other speakers, and follow up consistently.

Be a great guest at virtual events, collaborate, and refer others. The more value you give, the more opportunities circle back your way.

Where to Find Speaking Gigs Near You

Whether you’re in Chicago, Atlanta, or smaller markets like Omaha, these steps work anywhere. Search regionally, pitch with value, and keep your materials ready.

Inside the Charli Jane ecosystem, speakers find opportunities every week. From local women’s retreats to national leadership summits.

Ready to Land Your Next Paid Speaking Gig?

Getting booked isn’t luck, it’s a system. Start local, pitch with outcomes in mind, show up like a pro, and nurture relationships. Then repeat.

Grab the Free List of 50 Events Looking for Speakers Right Now
Skip the guesswork and use the list to find your next stage and start pitching today.

About the Author

Wendi McNeill

Founder of Charli Jane Speakers – opening doors of opportunity for speakers since 2002.