Professional public speaking has a long history, and my students often want to know how to get started. Russell Conwell, the founder of Temple University, gave countless speeches at Chautauqua programs around the country. His theme, "Acres of Diamonds," was that riches await anyone who takes advantage of opportunities. He made a fortune from speaker's fees. William Jennings Bryan, better known for his three presidential campaigns and his testimony at the Scopes Monkey Trial, earned an even larger fortune on the Chautauqua circuit, often speaking on a religious topic, "The Prince of Peace."
William Jennings Bryan giving a speech, image from the Library of Congress collection
A successful speaker's most important quality is to master a subject that people want to learn about: people who hire speakers want good, solid, useful information, and the speaker needs to provide it. Speakers must practice and master their art. The market is very competitive; dull, boring, or confusing speakers will find no customers. Speakers can start by giving free presentations at schools, community groups, church meetings, and so forth. This helps them polish their skills and develop a reputation. A brush-up college speech course could be a good plan for anyone. (I'm a college professor; you knew that I needed to say that.)
Most professional public speakers today work through speakers' bureaus, which connect speakers with programmers. Business conventions are among their biggest markets. Speakers create marketing materials such as brochures, one-sheets, sample videos, and souvenirs such as coffee cups, planner books, pens, and so forth. Many speakers also write books; if they cannot find a publisher, they can self-publish, often through CreateSpace. Speakers often make substantial additional money by selling their books, souvenirs, and videos in the back of the room after the presentation.
My favorite book about professional public speaking is Dottie and Lilly Waters' Speak and Grow Rich. Of course, like most self-help authors, they make getting started sound much easier than it really is. Professional speakers should consider consulting with an attorney to establish and license a business entity and to comply with all business regulations.
Top business speakers today continue to receive an excellent income, and this career path can also be an option for part-time work. Some excellent speakers moonlight from their day jobs when they are invited to speak. So, outstanding speakers will find that this old, honorable, and potentially lucrative career path continues to be available. Good luck! And good speaking.
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