I want to speak on stages about marketing, branding, and the learning process. That kind of work lights me up. So I joined a group called Speaker Mastery, run by Marianne Hickman.
Here’s the link if you’re curious: Speaker Mastery on Skool.
Early on, they gave me a list of what I needed to have in place before I could confidently call myself “stage ready.” The truth? I haven’t finished doing all the steps yet.
But I want to.
So I’m writing this article for two reasons:
- To remind myself of the work still ahead.
- To give others who are on the same journey a head start.
Here’s the checklist I’ve been working through—rewritten as action steps for anyone trying to level up their speaking career.
The Stage-Ready Speaker Checklist
1. Tighten Your Signature Talk
I’ve been told “You should have more than a story, You need a story converts into action”. Refine your core presentation until it’s not only moving, but persuasive. Every story should lead your audience toward action.
🎯 My Goal: I have four topics I could speak on. To make an impact I will pick one and write out the outline. Share it to get feedback. Then write out the speech. I will share it again with my mastermind groups to get more feedback until it feels polished.
2. Build a Sales Funnel Around Your Freebie
It’s great to offer value, but what happens next? After you make an impact in your audiences life you then need an offering to invite them on the journey with you. I have a freebie but I don’t have a funnel setup yet. Set up an automated follow-up system that connects your gift to a deeper service or offer.
🎯 My Goal: To update my website with landing pages for each of my call to actions. I don’t have a clear freebie in mind yet so I will need to schedule time to think about what that will be and write up a plan on how to create it and it’s landing page on my website.
3. Finish Your Speaker One Sheet
Think of it like a resume but focused on event organizers. Highlight your bio, speaking topics, testimonials, and contact info. Make it easy for them to say “yes!”
🎯 My Goal: I have a One sheet in a google doc that I share with people when they ask but I want to move it to my website so they can find it on their own.
4. Edit a Compelling Speaker Reel
This is your trailer. Gather your best moments into one 60-90 second video that shows you in you on stage, connecting with the audience.
🎯 My Goal: I don’t have any video of me on stage. So I will look for opportunities to pay to be on a stage. Then I’ll hire a videographer to film me on stage (that is if the event planner doesn’t already have that planned.)
5. Launch Your Speaker Websit
It doesn’t need to be fancy at first but you do need a home base. Include your bio, reel, one sheet, and contact form.
🎯 My Goal: I do have a website but it doesn’t have anything about my speaking stuff on it yet. contact me if you want to learn how to make a website.
6. Upgrade Your Stage Photos
You need clear, well-lit photos of you speaking, preferably with audience engagement and movement.
🎯 My Goal: I have some professional photos done but not on stage. I will connect with event centers to see when they don’t have anything happening and ask them if my photographer and I could take some photos on their stage for 20 minutes.
7. Keep a List of Past Gigs
No one will remember your track record better than you. Start a spreadsheet (or a Notion board) with past talks, dates, locations, audiences, and feedback.
🎯 My Goal: I will create a google sheet to keep track of all my speaking gigs.
8. Clarify the ROI of Your Talk
What do people get from hearing you speak? How does it change the room? When you know your value, it’s easier to ask for what you’re worth.
🎯 My Goal: I know what I have to share in Branding and Marketing has been game changers for my clients. When I can guide people through the journey on stage they will walk away with clear action steps to improve their marketing efforts.
9. Get Crystal Clear on Who You Help
Your niche matters. Know your audience and your core message. I specialize in helping coaches, creators, and small business owners build brands that matter, because I’ve lived it.
🎯 My Goal: I’m clear on who my market is and how I help them. If you need help with this I recommend reading my article on Finding Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
10. Update Your Social Media Bios
I didn’t even have “speaker” in mine. One simple update can shift how the world perceives you.
🎯 My Goal: Update my social media bios to have speaker in them.
Are You Ready?
I’m not done with the list but now that I’ve written it all out, I know exactly where to look when I’m ready to take the next step.
So if you’re like me, working behind the scenes to someday stand in the spotlight, I hope this checklist helps you get there a little faster.
And when you do?
I’ll be in the audience, cheering you on.
– Jason
