
Episode 3: You’ll NEVER Get Booked If You Keep Doing THIS as a Speaker
03/10/25 • 9 min
Episode 3: You’ll NEVER Get Booked If You Keep Doing THIS as a Speaker
Most speakers misunderstand what event planners truly value when booking talent, focusing on credentials instead of problem-solving capabilities, audience engagement, and professionalism. This episode reveals exactly how to position yourself as the perfect choice for any event by understanding the real decision factors planners use.
• Event planners look for speakers who solve specific problems for their audience, not just good presenters
• Successful pitches focus on clear learning takeaways and how you'll help their particular audience
• Top three booking factors: credibility/experience, professionalism/responsiveness, and audience engagement/customization
• Red flags that get speakers rejected immediately: vague value propositions, unprofessional materials, difficult reputation
• Small gestures like thanking event teams and being easy to work with significantly impact rebooking potential
• Effective speakers tailor their content to each event's industry, theme, and challenges
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this with a speaker friend who needs to hear it. Next week we'll cover how to price yourself as a speaker without undercharging or overpricing.
Connect with me on Social Media:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
- Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comk
- Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah
Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!
Episode 3: You’ll NEVER Get Booked If You Keep Doing THIS as a Speaker
Most speakers misunderstand what event planners truly value when booking talent, focusing on credentials instead of problem-solving capabilities, audience engagement, and professionalism. This episode reveals exactly how to position yourself as the perfect choice for any event by understanding the real decision factors planners use.
• Event planners look for speakers who solve specific problems for their audience, not just good presenters
• Successful pitches focus on clear learning takeaways and how you'll help their particular audience
• Top three booking factors: credibility/experience, professionalism/responsiveness, and audience engagement/customization
• Red flags that get speakers rejected immediately: vague value propositions, unprofessional materials, difficult reputation
• Small gestures like thanking event teams and being easy to work with significantly impact rebooking potential
• Effective speakers tailor their content to each event's industry, theme, and challenges
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this with a speaker friend who needs to hear it. Next week we'll cover how to price yourself as a speaker without undercharging or overpricing.
Connect with me on Social Media:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
- Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comk
- Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah
Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!
Previous Episode

What Event Planners REALLY Look for When Booking Speakers
Summary
In this episode of 'Booked, Banked and On Stage', Deborah Northcutt reveals the essential insights for speakers looking to get booked by event planners. She discusses the common misconceptions speakers have about what event planners want, emphasizing the importance of understanding their needs and objectives. The episode outlines key factors that influence booking decisions, red flags that can lead to rejection, and the significance of professionalism and audience engagement. Deborah provides actionable tips for speakers to enhance their credibility and make a lasting impression, ultimately guiding them towards a successful speaking career.
Connect with me on Social Media:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
- Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comk
- Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah
Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!
Next Episode

Episode 01: From Free to Fee: How to Land Your First Paid Speaking Gig in 60 Days
In this episode of 'Booked, Banked, and Onstage', Deborah Northcutt shares actionable strategies for speakers looking to transition from unpaid to paid gigs. She outlines a 60-day game plan to secure paid speaking opportunities, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's niche, creating a professional speaker one sheet, and effectively pitching to event planners. She also discusses how to leverage free speaking engagements to build credibility and convert them into paid opportunities, while treating speaking as a legitimate business rather than a side hustle.
Connect with me on Social Media:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
- Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comk
- Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah
Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!
Booked Banked & OnStage - Episode 3: You’ll NEVER Get Booked If You Keep Doing THIS as a Speaker
Transcript
Welcome to Booked , banked and On Stage , the podcast for speakers who want to get booked , get paid and own the stage . I'm Debra Northcutt and every week , I'm bringing you insider strategies , expert interviews and no-fluff advice to help you turn your voice into a thriving business . If you're ready to stop speaking for free and start making money from your message , you're in t
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