Here's How You Grow Your Speaking Tree 🌳

Daron K. Roberts

Oct 11, 2023

What is a Speaking Tree?

You’ve probably heard of “coaching trees” in the sports world, but if not, here’s an example:

NFL coaching trees: Mapping the roots, influences of every active head coach - Washington Post

As a coach, someone gave you the first opportunity, and from there you launch a career.

Well, I like to think of speaking trees in the same way.

From one speech, you are able to land another speech which leads to another speech…

You-get-the-point GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

Here’s an example.

1️⃣ Back in 2022, I gave a talk at Stand Up Rural America, thanks to the invitation of Lorie Vincent.

That speech led to…

2️⃣ Speaking to the South Carolina Power Team thanks to James Chavez (who was in the audience for speech #1)

Which led to…

3️⃣ Speaking to Piedmont Technical College thanks to the invitation of Dr. Hope Rivers who was in the audience for speech #2.

One talk led to two talks. How did I do it?

Here’s a blueprint. 👇

1. Crush Speech #1

It goes without saying, but deliver a message that makes people in the audience say, “I gotta bring her to my team.”

Be funny. Smile. Ask questions. Share salient points.

Be the person that someone wants to invite over for dinner.

2. Sell Yourself (at the End 😉)

Never assume the audience knows that you're a keynote speaker.

Some of them may think that you are doing the speech as a favor (and maybe you are😂).

So, in the last five minutes, make sure the audience knows: 1) that you’re not just doing this for fun; you’re a professional speaker and 2) how to secure your services for their organization.

This is not the time to be shy.

Place a QR code on your last slide (that links to your email address or Calendly) and make the sale.

3. Arrive Early and Stay Late

Those one-on-one convos before and after your talk are liquid gold.

Take the time to strike up meaningful conversations.

Personal contact will leave an impression that could lead to a contract.

The Mic Drop 🎤

What is a topic that I should explore before the end of the year? Send an email to me here.

Ready to invest in your speaking business? Here are ways we can help:

Our “Get Paid to Speak” course shows you, step-by-step, how to build a speaking business. These seven modules will put you in position to monetize your message.

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