How I Started Getting Paid to Speak (and how you can too!)

You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be flawless. But you do need this…

Years ago, the idea of “being a speaker” sounded kind of ridiculous to me. I was a mom of (then) seven kids, juggling naps and laundry, writing late at night, and scraping together content during early morning coffees and afternoon drives to baseball practice.

But one day, I got an email from a women’s group in Pennsylvania. They had read one of my books and wanted to know: Would you come speak at our event?

I laughed. I panicked. And then I said yes.

Was I nervous? Oh yes.

Did I have a speaker’s contract or a fancy webpage? Not even close.

But that yes changed everything.

Since then, I’ve spoken at events across the country (and beyond), from cozy parish halls to huge conference ballrooms, and I’ve been paid to do it. And what’s more, I’ve found out I really enjoy doing it!

But here’s the truth no one tells you: You don’t have to wait for someone to “discover” you. You don’t need a huge platform or a hundred published pieces. You can get started right where you are.

And if you feel called to speak—whether that’s sharing a story, teaching, encouraging, or witnessing—you absolutely should pursue it. The world needs your voice!

Here’s how to begin:

✅ Start with the message that won’t leave you alone.
What do people ask you about over and over again? What makes your heart beat faster? That’s a good place to start. Your personal story, your wisdom, your mistakes and victories—they are the message.

✅ Create one talk. Just one.
Not ten. Not three. One solid 40-45 minute talk you’d be excited to give. Then practice. Polish. Share it with trusted friends. Make it real.

✅ Make it easy to find and book you.
Have a short page (or even a Substack post) with your speaker bio, your sample talk(s), and how to contact you. People can’t invite you if they don’t know you’re available.

✅ Don’t be afraid to say, “Here’s my speaking fee.”
Even if it feels awkward. Even if it’s low at first. Asking to be paid doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you a professional steward of your time and gifts.

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I get a lot of questions about speaking, and I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned (including the stuff I wish someone had told me earlier).

If you’re ready to take the next step—from dreaming to doing—I’ve put together something special for you:

👇👇👇

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🔒Paid Subscriber Bonus:

My Personal Speaker Toolkit

A behind-the-scenes look at how I run the speaking side of my work, including:

• What I charge (and how I adjust for budgets)

• Real email templates I use to pitch and confirm events

• My speaking checklist

• A sample one-sheet format

• Tips for getting booked again and again
  

This is all the nitty gritty I wish I had when I started. I hope it saves you time, builds your confidence, and helps you step forward in faith.

Upgrade to read + download the Speaker Toolkit ➤