How to create a killer speaker reel that gets you booked

by Jaimie Abbott

As a speaker, your speaker reel is an essential marketing tool that can help you get booked for more speaking engagements. A speaker reel is a short video that showcases your speaking abilities, your style, and your personality. It's your chance to give prospective clients a glimpse of what they can expect when they hire you to speak. In this blog post, we'll discuss six steps you can take to create a captivating speaker reel that will help you get more speaking gigs.

Step 1: Start with a clear message

Your speaker reel should be focused on a specific message or topic. You want to demonstrate your expertise in a particular area or subject matter. Make sure that your message is clear and concise. When selecting your topic, consider what you're passionate about and what aligns with your brand and values. You want to choose a topic that you can speak to with authority and passion.

Step 2: Showcase your personality

Your speaker reel should not only show your expertise but also showcase your personality. Clients want to see that you are engaging, charismatic, and have a sense of humour. So don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Consider incorporating personal stories or anecdotes that demonstrate your unique perspective and approach. This will help you stand out from other speakers and leave a lasting impression.

Step 3: Include testimonials

Testimonials are a great way to showcase your expertise and build credibility. Make sure to include testimonials from past clients who have booked you to speak. This will help you build trust with potential clients and increase your chances of getting booked. When selecting testimonials, choose ones that speak to your strengths and highlight your unique value proposition.

Step 4: Keep it short and sweet

Your speaker reel should be no longer than three minutes. Clients are busy, and they don't have time to watch a lengthy video. Highlight your strengths and expertise in a concise and engaging way. Be sure to include the most compelling parts of your speeches and avoid filler content. You want to keep the viewer engaged from start to finish.

Step 5: Use high-quality footage

The quality of your speaker reel is crucial. Use high-quality video and audio to ensure that your reel is engaging and professional. Invest in good lighting, sound, and equipment, and make sure that your footage is well-edited and polished. You want to create a video that looks and sounds professional and demonstrates your attention to detail.

Step 6: End with a call to action

Your speaker reel should end with a clear call to action. This could be a link to your website or a way to contact you to book a speaking engagement. Make it easy for potential clients to take the next step and book you for their event. You want to create a sense of urgency and encourage viewers to take action.

In conclusion, creating a killer speaker reel that gets you booked requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of your brand and values. By following these six steps, you can create a speaker reel that showcases your expertise, personality, and style, and helps you get booked for more speaking engagements. Remember that your speaker reel is a reflection of you and your brand, so take the time to create a video that truly represents you and your unique value proposition.

If you're looking for some examples of great speaker reels, check out the speaker's bureaus websites or professional speakers websites such as TED, where you can find high-quality speaker reel examples.