Why you should never pitch yourself without a speaker one-sheet

When pitching yourself as a speaker, first impressions matter. Imagine a busy event organiser sorting through dozens of pitches, trying to find the perfect speaker for their event. If your pitch lacks professionalism or clarity, your name won’t make it to the top of their list.

This is where a speaker one-sheet becomes your secret weapon. It’s a professional, polished document that captures your expertise, topics, and value—all on one page. Here’s why you should never pitch yourself without one.

What is a Speaker One-Sheet?

A speaker one-sheet is a one-page document designed to market you as a speaker. It typically includes:

• Your bio: A snapshot of your expertise and unique qualifications.
• Speaking topics: Engaging descriptions of the topics you cover.
• Credentials or testimonials: Highlights of your past speaking gigs, media appearances, or client reviews.
• Contact information: Clear and direct details for how to book you.

Think of it as your speaker resume, crafted for decision-makers who need to assess your fit quickly.

1. It Makes You Look Professional

Pitching yourself without a speaker one-sheet risks making you appear unprepared. Decision-makers are looking for polished, professional speakers who can deliver value and make their event memorable.

A well-crafted speaker one-sheet immediately communicates that you’re serious about your craft. It’s visually appealing, concise, and demonstrates that you’ve put effort into presenting yourself as an expert. Event organisers love working with speakers who make their lives easier, and having a professional one-sheet signals just that.

2. It Saves Time for Event Organisers

Event organisers are busy. They don’t have time to sift through long-winded emails or click multiple links to figure out who you are. A speaker one-sheet delivers all the information they need at a glance.

From your topics and testimonials to your bio and booking details, it’s all laid out in an easily digestible format. By respecting their time, you increase the chances of your pitch getting a second look—and ultimately, securing the gig.

3. It Highlights Your Value Immediately

Your one-sheet isn’t just about providing information; it’s about selling your value. It highlights how your expertise and message align with their audience’s needs.

For example, instead of a generic topic like “Leadership Strategies,” you might include:
“From Burnout to Breakthrough: Leadership Strategies to Motivate Teams and Achieve Outstanding Results.”

This kind of positioning shows the event organiser what their audience will walk away with, making your pitch more compelling.

4. It Helps You Stand Out

Not every speaker uses a professional one-sheet, which means those who do stand out from the crowd. A well-designed, branded one-sheet signals that you take your speaking career seriously. It also serves as a memorable resource for event organisers to refer back to when deciding which speaker to book.

5. It Closes the Deal Faster

Event organisers want to make quick decisions, and a speaker one-sheet reduces uncertainty. By including testimonials, media appearances, or details of past speaking engagements, you build trust and credibility. This reassures decision-makers that you can deliver on stage, helping them say yes faster.

If you’re serious about landing speaking engagements, a speaker one-sheet is non-negotiable. It shows professionalism, saves event organisers time, and clearly communicates your value.

Don’t let a lack of preparation hold you back. Invest in creating a powerful speaker one-sheet to increase your chances of landing highly paid gigs.