How to find paid virtual speaking gigs in the global market

If there’s one thing the pandemic taught us, it’s that location is no longer a barrier when it comes to business – and that includes professional speaking. The rise of virtual events has opened up a whole new world of opportunity for speakers to earn income without ever stepping foot on a plane. If you’re ready to go global with your speaking career, here’s how to tap into the international market for paid virtual speaking gigs.

1. Position Yourself as a Global Expert

To appeal to international event organisers, you need to brand yourself as someone with universal appeal. Update your speaker bio, website, and social media profiles to reflect your experience and relevance beyond your home country. Make it clear that you are available for virtual keynotes, panels, and workshops across time zones, and highlight any cross-cultural or international experience you already have.

2. Tailor Your Topics for a Global Audience

Some topics translate better globally than others. Focus on themes that resonate across industries and cultures—like leadership, innovation, communication, mindset, entrepreneurship, or diversity and inclusion. It’s also important to do a little research: what’s trending in different regions? You might find your signature keynote is in high demand in countries you’ve never even considered.

3. List Yourself on International Speaker Bureaus and Platforms

Sign up for speaker directories and marketplaces that cater to a global audience. Platforms like SpeakerHub, eSpeakers, and Women Speakers Association allow you to create a profile and be found by event organisers from around the world. Many conferences are now fully virtual or hybrid, and they’re actively looking for fresh faces who can deliver dynamic presentations online.

4. Get Comfortable with Virtual Tech

You need more than just a good message—you need to deliver it seamlessly. Invest in high-quality lighting, audio, and video equipment. Learn to master Zoom, Microsoft Teams, StreamYard, or whatever platform is most commonly used in your industry. A polished virtual presentation can be just as powerful as one delivered on stage—and often even more convenient for everyone involved.

5. Leverage LinkedIn for Global Reach

LinkedIn is an essential tool for reaching global decision makers. Share regular posts about your speaking work, testimonials, and insights related to your area of expertise. Use hashtags strategically, and don’t be afraid to reach out to event organisers or conference hosts with a short, compelling pitch. If your profile clearly communicates your value, you’ll start attracting inbound requests too.

6. Offer Time Zone Flexibility and Clear Pricing

When pitching yourself for virtual gigs, make it easy for organisers to say yes. Mention your availability across various time zones and outline clear pricing for virtual speaking packages. Some speakers offer live sessions, while others offer pre-recorded talks with live Q&A—either can work brilliantly.

Tapping into the global market isn’t about being famous—it’s about being visible, valuable, and available. If you position yourself well, stay consistent, and show up professionally online, your message can reach audiences far beyond your own backyard—and you’ll get paid for it too.