How to become a public speaker

How to become a public speaker (and actually get paid for it)

The entrepreneur of the future. That was the big topic when I stood in front of 200 women entrepreneurs in Gothenburg not long ago. On paper it sounds glamorous: lights, stage, applause. In reality, on my way there I was in a car on the highway, snacks on the dashboard, Robin by my side with a camera. Ranting about what it really takes to become a speaker.

That mix of adrenaline, nerves, and behind-the-scenes chaos is part of the deal. And if you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to be up there on stage one day,” I want to tell you: you absolutely can.

I’m not a celebrity. I didn’t start with a massive platform. What I did was build a personal brand, say yes to opportunities, and learn to make speaking a business instead of just a hobby.

Here’s how you can do the same:

1. Build your brand before you build your keynote

No one hires “a good speaker.” They hire someone who is known for something. The real work starts long before you step on stage. Share your ideas online, write posts, make videos, show up consistently. The more you show up with clarity, the more people start seeing you as the obvious choice when they need someone in your area. If you want some help on the way when you’re building your personal brand, watch my talk here.

2. Start small and treat it like it’s big

Your first stage might not be a big conference. It might be a local entrepreneur meetup, a podcast, or even your own LinkedIn Live. That’s fine. Every stage counts. When you treat a small gig with the same respect as a big one, you build both skill and reputation.

3. Storytelling beats slides every time

Event organizers don’t remember your perfect bullet points. They remember the story you told that made them feel something. Don’t get stuck polishing your PowerPoint, focus on the stories that only you can tell. In fact, people write waaay to much in one slide. I usually just put a sentence on my slides, so there are many slides but they’re just there to support my story. I should always be able to tell my story without the slides if it comes to it.

4. Capture and share everything

This is where many new speakers miss the mark. After the gig, they think the job is done. Wrong. The real work starts after you leave the stage. Film yourself, get photos, share clips online, write about the experience. The more you spread your talks, the more organizers see you in action, and the more invitations (and better paid ones) will follow.

5. Collect proof and make it visible

Speaking is a trust game. Organizers, collaborators, and even speaker bureaus want to see evidence that you can deliver. Collect testimonials, record audience reactions, and post clips on your website and LinkedIn. That proof becomes your portfolio, and it’s what convinces others to book or represent you.

6. Know when to say yes for free, and when to charge

There’s no shame in doing free talks at the start, as long as there’s real value for you in visibility or relationships. But learn to set boundaries. If someone is charging tickets or has budget, you should be paid. Moving from “I’ll do this for free” to “Here’s my fee” is a mindset shift, but it’s what turns you from hobby speaker into professional. I still do free or low paid talks some times, if it’s for a good cause and if I have the time. But I have realised that the better I am at setting boundaries - the better the offers get.

The bigger picture

It might feel scary to step onto the stage, but here’s the truth: it’s not really about you. It’s about your message. Speaking can be a powerful way to cement your reputation, build your personal brand, and open doors to new opportunities. It’s also great for visibility and leads, because one speaking gig almost always leads to another.

But remember, it’s part of the long game. If you feel called to it, it’s for you. And if you don’t, that’s okay. There are many other ways to build your personal brand. Speaking is just one of them.

👉 Want to know exactly how I became a public speaker and hear me tell you in person what my best tips are?
Watch my YouTube video here, a behind-the-scenes vlog from the very talk I mentioned at the start of this article.

/M.

Ps. If you are curious about hiring me as a public speaker you can read more about my talks here. I speak internationally in English, having grown up bilingual. I also give talks in Swedish for my Swedish clients.