Be THE Speaker Every Meeting Planner Loves

Speaking is more than showing up with a killer outfit and a great presentation. It’s about the relationship you build behind the scenes. Great speakers aren’t just memorable on stage. They’re unforgettable off-stage, too.

Here’s how to go beyond delivering a speech and become THE speaker every meeting planner loves and can’t wait to invite back.

Why It Matters

Event hosts juggle hundreds of moving pieces. Your reliability, communication, and thoughtfulness make their lives easier. Being a great partner sets you apart, builds repeat opportunities, and turns one-off gigs into long-term relationships that can grow your career faster than any networking event.

It’s about approaching speaking with a heart of service. As Philippians 2:4 reminds us: “Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” When you step on stage with this mindset, you’re not just delivering a message; you’re delivering value to everyone involved.

1️⃣ Anticipate Needs Before They Ask: Proactive speakers are a host’s dream. Don’t wait until the last minute to address issues. Double-check slide formats, ask about accessibility needs, and confirm timing in advance. Often, it’s little things (like noticing the podium blocks the view or that an extra mic might help) that will set you apart as a true professional.

2️⃣ Make Their Job Easier: The more prepared you are, the more confident your host feels. Share your materials well in advance: your bio, headshot, tech setup, and slides, so there’s no scrambling. A quick pre-event check-in shows you’re a team player and gives the host confidence you’ll deliver smoothly.

3️⃣ Keep the Connection Alive: The relationship doesn’t end when you leave the stage. Send a thoughtful thank-you note, tag the event in your social posts, or even connect them with a resource or referral. These gestures turn a single speaking gig into a long-term relationship (and often, repeat invitations).

3 Insider Tips You Probably Won’t Find on Google

4️⃣ Learn the Event’s Hidden Goals: Every event has a “front stage” purpose (inspiration, education, or sales)… but many have behind-the-scenes goals too, like raising funds, building credibility, or expanding partnerships. If you understand these, you can align your message in a way that makes you invaluable to the host.

5️⃣ Bring Your Own Micro-Moments of Wow: Big keynote moments are expected. What surprises and delights people are the small, thoughtful touches. Maybe you share a short resource guide for attendees, spotlight the host on social media, or give a personal shoutout during your talk. These little extras make you memorable without being over the top.

6️⃣ Give Hosts a Pre & Post Game Plan: Sometimes hosts don’t think past the speech itself. But you can. Provide them with suggested posts to promote your session beforehand, or a quick recap afterward for their social media. Helping them stretch the value of your talk shows you’re invested in their success, not just your own.

The Secret Behind All of This: Organization

Here’s the truth. None of this is possible if you’re constantly scrambling behind the scenes. When you’re disorganized, it’s challenging to anticipate needs, follow up effectively, or think creatively about how to best serve your host. But when you’ve got your speaking details, materials, and systems in order, you free yourself up to show up with a service-first mindset.

Being a great speaker isn’t just about your content. It’s about the way you show up, communicate, and collaborate with the event host. When you lead with service, you’ll naturally stand out as someone event hosts want to work with again… and again… and again. (And spoiler alert: they become a phenomenal source for referrals.)

Are you ready to get organized so you can serve at a higher level, make a bigger impact, and land more speaking opportunities? Let’s talk! Book a call with me today. Let’s build your strategy and systems together. Start making more impact…and more money today. Not someday.

One day is here. Your audience is waiting.