

Speakernomics
National Speakers Association
The speaking industry is constantly evolving. Listen weekly for voices of experience from experts in the speaking industry with tips, insights and knowledge to help you become a better speaker, build a better business, and get paid to speak.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 7, 2026 • 33min
Playing the Long Game in Speaking: Timeless Strategies from Industry Veterans
Want to build a speaking business that lasts? In this episode, Anne Bonney, CSP chats with Terri Sjodin, CSP, CPAE about the essential strategies for playing the long game in the speaking industry.What you'll learn:* How to future-proof your content and brand for decades of relevance* The importance of adapting to market shifts and knowing when to pivot* Why slow, intentional growth beats chasing every trend* How to pass the "so what" test with everything you create and sell* The role of networking and association involvement in sustaining your speaking careerBecome an NSA Member! https://nsaspeaker.org/join/#membershipJoin us at Influence! https://influence.nsaspeaker.org/
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Mar 31, 2026 • 33min
Mastering Merch: Practical Strategies for Speakers Seeking Audience Connection
Discover how speakers can effectively use merchandise to boost their brand and impact, featuring insights from Jake Thompson, CSP, founder of Compete Every Day. Unpack actionable strategies and mistakes to avoid when adding merch to your speaking business.* Why starting small with merchandise is crucial for speakers* How to choose merchandise that resonates with your audience and reinforces transformation* The pitfalls of cheap giveaways and how quality affects your brand* Creative ideas for memorable leave-behinds beyond typical promotional itemsWays to leverage merch as a client experience and not just another sales itemBecome an NSA Member! https://nsaspeaker.org/join/#membership
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Mar 24, 2026 • 38min
Capture Attention in 60 Seconds: Sam Horn’s Secrets for Speakers and Entrepreneurs
In this episode of Speakernomics, Sam Horn shares actionable strategies for crafting memorable signature stories and phrases that drive engagement and business results. Tune in to learn how to turn your experiences into marketing gold—and how to hook your audience in just 60 seconds.The power and process of creating a “phrase that pays” for repeatable, viral messaging* How to craft a signature story, aha moment, and call to action in one minute* Why specific questions spark more compelling conversations and stories* Techniques to make your message visual, memorable, and easy to repeat* Real-life examples and step-by-step guidance to stand out and close strong in your presentations
Become an NSA Member! https://nsaspeaker.org/join/#membership Attend Influence 2026! Register here: https://influence.nsaspeaker.org/
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Mar 17, 2026 • 28min
Why Stories Matter: Cultivating Impactful Narratives for Audiences and Leaders
Unlock the power of storytelling and discover how AI can elevate your impact as a speaker. In this episode, Joe Schmit, CSP shares practical advice from his Emmy-winning broadcasting career and proven strategies for memorable stories.* Why stories are essential for connecting with audiences* How to research and discover “the rest of the story” using AI* Tips for collecting and nurturing your own impactful stories* Using emotion and humor to drive your message home* Practical ways to leverage technology and video for better storytellingBecome an NSA Member! https://nsaspeaker.org/join/#membershipJoin us at Influence! https://influence.nsaspeaker.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 10, 2026 • 35min
Becoming the Obvious Choice: Personal Branding and Visibility Tips for Speakers
Ready to stand out as a speaker in today’s competitive world? In this episode, Jen Gottlieb shares actionable strategies to boost your visibility and become the obvious choice for your next client.* Why overcoming the fear of being seen is foundational for speakers* How social media has shifted to "interest media" and what that means for your brand* Essential elements of a powerful virtual footprint (beyond just a website)* The balance between curated professionalism and authentic, real-life content* Which social platforms matter most—and how to choose the right one for your goals* Listen in for direct, no-fluff guidance to elevate your speaking business and personal brand.Become an NSA Member! https://nsaspeaker.org/join/#membership Join us at Influence 2026! https://influence.nsaspeaker.org/
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Mar 3, 2026 • 36min
Resilience, Reinvention, and Speaking Success: Ross Bernstein’s Journey
Get ready for an insightful episode of Speakernomics featuring Ross Bernstein, CSP, CPAE. Host Thom Singer, CSP dives into Ross’s incredible speaking journey, his battle with stage four cancer, and valuable tips for building a successful speaking business.In this episode:* How Ross started speaking at 22 and wrote 50 books* The unique experience of speaking on all seven continents, including Antarctica*Ross’s transparent discussion about his cancer diagnosis and how it affected his business*Two key tips every speaker should know: customizing your talks and pounding the pavement for bookings*How Ross is preparing his keynote for Influence 2026 and what you can learn from his resilienceDon’t miss this candid, practical conversation packed with actionable advice for speakers!
Member! https://nsaspeaker.org/join/#membership
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Feb 24, 2026 • 20min
Turning Change Enthusiasm Into Tangible Keynote Frameworks with Cassandra Worthy
Join host Anne Bonney, CSP, as she chats with Cassandra Worthy about her journey from corporate leader to main stage Influence speaker. Get straight talk on the strategies, mindset, and frameworks that can help you bring lasting value to your clients and grow your speaking business.What you'll learn in this episode:* How Cassandra Worthy transitioned from corporate America to a career in speaking* The pivotal moment that inspired her "change enthusiasm" framework* Why building a practical, actionable framework sets speakers apart* What clients are really looking for now—partnership over performanceTop advice for speakers preparing for big stages and growing their network strategicallyBecome an NSA Member! https://nsaspeaker.org/join/#membership Attend Influence 2026! Register here: https://influence.nsaspeaker.org/
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Feb 17, 2026 • 36min
Stop Chasing Leads: Build Strategic Partnerships and Lifetime Value as a Speaker
Unlock the secrets to landing high-paying, right-fit clients and taking your speaking business to the next level. In this episode, Gina Carr interviews Angelique Rewers, CEO of BoldHaus, who shares actionable advice for speakers looking to transform their impact and grow sustainably.* The biggest untapped opportunities speakers miss with corporate clients* How to maximize client lifetime value and avoid the "one-and-done" keynote trap* Building scalable training offerings (and when to bring in outside support)* The crucial role of AI in today's business landscape and how to position your expertise* The 5 rules of business every expert needs to accelerate growth and profitabilityBecome an NSA Member! https://nsaspeaker.org/join/#membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 10, 2026 • 27min
How Personal Branding and AI Shape the Future of Professional Speaking
In this episode of Speakernomics, Terry Brock, CSP, CPAE welcomes renowned personal branding strategist and Speaker Hall of Fame member Rory Vaden, CSP, CPAE, for an engaging exploration on building, refining, and leveraging your personal brand as a professional speaker.In this session, Rory will:* Define and distinguish the real meaning of personal branding as the formalization, digitization, and monetization of your reputation—moving beyond logos and social media to focus on trust and authenticity.* Demonstrate how to effectively leverage emerging tools, including AI and custom GPT bots, to streamline and personalize your speaking business while maintaining your unique human touch.* Formulate actionable strategies for breaking through industry noise, finding your uniqueness, and applying proven frameworks to grow your business, secure higher speaking fees, and expand your platform.* Whether you’re an established professional or just building your brand, this discussion will help you evaluate the strengths of your current reputation and construct a targeted plan to enhance your recognition and reach in the speaking marketplace.
Become an NSA Member! https://nsaspeaker.org/join/#membership THRIVE 2026! You NEED to be here! https://thrive.nsaspeaker.org/
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Feb 3, 2026 • 31min
From Sports Illustrated to Keynote Stages: Don Yaeger’s Speaker Journey and Actionable Advice
Hall of Fame speaker Don Yaeger joins Thom Singer for the first Speakernomics episode of 2026, sharing actionable insights on building a lasting career and business in professional speaking. Get straight to the essentials with proven tips, powerful stories, and strategies for growth.* How to constantly develop fresh content to keep your talks relevant and engaging* The importance of multiple streams of income for long-term stability* Insights from writing bestselling books and leveraging them in speaking* Creating a powerful inner circle and the impact of NSA community connections* Why signature stories set great speakers apart and tips for mastering yours
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