Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes to Speaking Invitations

You’ve been invited to speak! Congrats! That is exciting. And it’s proof that your message resonates. Your voice has value. But before you reply “Yes, absolutely!”, let’s slow that roll. Let’s take a moment to dig a little deeper and get strategic.

Because hard truth...not every opportunity is the right opportunity. The best stages align with your mission, amplify your message, and move your goals forward.

Here are five key questions you should ask before saying yes to speaking invitations:

1. Who is the audience? Are they your people?

Before you step onto any stage, make sure the audience aligns with your message, your mission, and your goals.

Are they decision-makers, peers, or potential clients? Are they familiar with your topic, or will you be introducing something new?

If you’re trying to grow your business or book new clients, it’s not just about getting in front of a crowd. It's about getting in front of the RIGHT crowd.

🗣️ Ask: 

• Can you tell me more about who will be in the room?

• How many people usually attend this event?

• What challenges do they have?

• Are they decision-makers?

• Are they typically buyers, influencers, or note-takers?

🧨Phoenix Effect Connection: SPARK

Knowing your audience helps you spark the right connection. When you’re in the right room, your message lands, your impact grows, and opportunities follow you home.

2. What are the event goals? How does your talk fit in?

Every event has a purpose, a goal, a mission. It could be education, inspiration, fundraising, networking, or celebration. Understanding the host’s goals helps you tailor your talk so that it not only fits but also fuels the event’s overall success.

🗣️ Ask: 

• What’s the main objective of this event?

• How do you see my talk contributing to your desired goals?

🔥 Phoenix Effect Connection: FLAME

When your message supports the event’s goals, the collaboration burns brighter. You’re not just delivering a talk. You’re helping the organizer achieve something meaningful. You shift from being “just another speaker” to being a strategic partner in the event’s success. which keeps that partnership glowing long after the event ends.

3. What’s the compensation? What’s covered?

Whether it’s a paid keynote, a breakout session, or a visibility-driven opportunity, know exactly what’s being offered. Free speaking gigs can still have value if they lead to exposure, authority, or aligned business opportunities.

🗣️ Ask:

• Are they paying a fee?

• Are they providing a copy of the recording?

• Are there additional opportunities for visibility?

🌟 Phoenix Effect Connection: EMBER

Even after the event ends, the right opportunity should keep glowing. Choosing engagements that offer long-term value, through revenue, referrals, or visibility, ensures your efforts spark sustained momentum.

4. What does setup and support look like?

This is not the sexy question, but it matters. The logistics can make or break your presentation experience. Before you commit, find out about the setup, tech, and overall event flow.

🗣️ Ask:

• Will you have a mic, slides, or stage tech?

• What’s the format?

• How much time is allotted for your presentation and Q&A?

• Will I have access to slides or tech support?

• Who can I reach out to if I need help on the day of the event?

  
  

🔥 Phoenix Effect Connection: FLAME

Strong logistics fuel your confidence and delivery. When the event team and tech support are in sync, your flame can shine without distraction, letting you and your message take center stage.

5. What’s the follow-up opportunity?

Speaking isn’t just about the time on stage. It’s about what happens next. Find out whether you’ll receive photos, recordings, or attendee lists, and if there’s a way to nurture those new connections.

🗣️ Ask:

• Can I share a lead magnet or resource for follow-up?

• Are you getting the chance to build relationships with decision-makers?

• Is there a pathway to future business and opportunities?

🌟 Phoenix Effect Connection: EMBER

The follow-up is where your spark turns into sustained success. Knowing what opportunities are available before the event helps you plan your follow-up appropriately. And when you plan your follow-up, you turn one talk into future bookings, referrals, rebookings, and new clients.  Keeping that ember alive — through post-event engagement, rebookings, or referrals — turns one opportunity into many.

Bonus Tip:

It’s okay to pause before saying yes. Every speaking invitation is an opportunity. But not every invitation is YOUR opportunity. The best opportunities are those that align with your goals, values, and vision, not just your calendar.

Remember: every “yes” is a commitment of your time, energy, and voice. Make sure it fuels your Phoenix Effect.

Need help evaluating speaking opportunities or building a stage-driven visibility plan that turns your message into momentum?

That’s exactly what I help speakers do with a repeatable system that helps them scale with strategy, organization...and profitability. Keeping their spark alive long after the applause fades.

📆 Book a complimentary consult call. Let’s chat about how to make your next “yes" strategic.