

The Speaker Lab Podcast
The Speaker Lab
Want to learn how to get booked and paid to speak — consistently? The Speaker Lab podcast features business tactics, speaking tips, and insider strategies from TSL CEO Dan Irvin, The Speaker Lab coaches, and some of the world's most successful speakers.You'll learn how to find speaking gigs, build relationships in your industry, negotiate higher speaker fees, and grow your speaking business. Every week, this podcast will give you key insights and practical advice from speakers who have been there and done that and can help you take the next step in your speaking journey. Whether you’re just getting started as a paid speaker or you’re a veteran speaker looking to build and grow your business, The Speaker Lab Podcast is here for you!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 14, 2019 • 41min
The History of The Speaker Lab Part I
Episode 237 of The Speaker Lab is a unique show: we are diving into the history of The Speaker Lab!And we are doing it by flipping the tables: I am going to be interviewed by Eric Rheam. You may recognize him from previous shows, he's a former alum of Booked and Paid to Speak and a current coach with the program.This is the first of a two-part series in which we detail how I got into speaking, what my early years were like as a speaker, and then how and why I created The Speaker Lab. Join us for those goodies and more on today's edition of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What's a great exercise I recommend to other speakers today?How many gigs did I do in my busiest year?How long did it take to go from my first gig to my first $1k gig?Do I still experience insecurities and doubts today?What is the purpose of The Speaker Lab?Why speaking is a high-paying manual labor gig.What are the two primary ways to make more money as a speaker?What does it mean to "sell the sawdust"?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESThe Speaker Lab on YouTubeEpisode 001 of The Speaker Lab48 Days to The Work You Love, by Dan MillerThe Cure For The Common Life, by Max LucadoRework, by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier HanssonGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 7, 2019 • 48min
The Things Nobody Tells You About Speaking with Jane Atkinson
On this episode of The Speaker Lab I have a fireside chat with Jane Atkinson, founder and creator of The Speaker Launcher. The journey to creating this business began with a desire to work for an inspirational speaker. The seed was firmly planted when she saw a Les Brown TV special not long after, and it soon sprouted her first marketing gig.Hear how that gig led her to later work with Peter Legge and Vince Vicente, before she ultimately formed The Speaker Launcher. You'll hear her stories and advice, as well as some of my own experiences when you join us for episode 236 of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What is one of the most difficult finds in this industry?What it means if you aren't getting referrals.Why being difficult doesn't just mean being a diva.What to do when fear creeps in.Why referring business to other speakers is critical to your own success.What's the difference between speakers who make it and speakers who don't?How becoming known for one thing can be beneficial.Why you should triple down on what is working.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCES The Speaker Launcher web siteThe Wealthy Speaker 2.0, by Jane AtkinsonThe Wealthy Speaker podcastJane Atkinson on TwitterJane Atkinson on FacebookHow to get booked and paid to speakGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 30, 2019 • 28min
Speech Breakdown of Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins, a renowned keynote speaker and presenter famous for her TED Talk, dives into the art of impactful presentations. She shares insights on crafting engaging openings that grab attention right away. The conversation highlights the power of humor and relatability through personal stories and effective callbacks. Robbins emphasizes the importance of audience connection and authenticity, showcasing techniques like the five-second rule to spur action and seize opportunities. Tune in for invaluable tips on enhancing your speaking skills!

Apr 23, 2019 • 42min
Intellectual Property (IP) For Speakers with Pamela Slim
Has a company ever asked to license your material? Whether or not you've ever been approached, it's important to understand the topic of intellectual property for speakers.Here to tell us about IP for speakers is Pamela Slim. Pamela is a successful coach, author, speaker and all-around amazing woman.On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Pam explains when and how to license your material, how to protect your IP (intellectual property), as well as how to market it, price it, and leverage it to your greatest advantage.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What qualifies as intellectual property?How can licensing help you leverage your knowledge and tools to reach new markets?When do you know licensing is your best option?Do you need to be famous to license your material?What is essential to intellectual property and brand recognition?What are the best ways to market your licensed material and IP?Why do you need to track how many people use your materials?Why money shouldn't be your sole focus when licensing your IP.And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESPamela Slim's web sitePamela's blog post on licensingPamela Slim on TwitterEscape From Cubicle Nation, by Pamela SlimBody of Work, by Pamela SlimQuiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan CainThe Speaker Lab on YouTubeGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 16, 2019 • 13min
Speech Breakdown of Toastmasters Champion Ramona Smith
We're doing something different this week on The Speaker Lab: coming straight from our YouTube channel is our play by play breakdown of speeches and popular Ted Talks. We'll talk about what works, what doesn't work and some ideas on areas to improve.Today our speech breakdown is of 2018 Toastmasters Champion Ramona J. Smith.Personally, I have mixed feelings about Toastmasters which I will share on today's episode. So tune in to hear my thoughts on Toastmasters and our speech breakdown of Toastmasters champion Ramona Smith on episode 233 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What is one of the ways you get better as a speaker?How does Toastmasters help you improve?Can you ever be too polished as a speaker?What are the drawbacks to Toastmasters?How to use cadence in your speeches for the greatest effect.When does physicality work in your favor and when does it not?How can you create visual representations on stage?How to use strategic pauses to emphasize your points.And so much more... EPISODE RESOURCESThe Speaker Lab on YouTube2018 Toastmasters Champion Ramona J. Smith's videoGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 9, 2019 • 37min
Simple Ways to Book More Gigs with Kris Reece
Are you overlooking some simple ways to book more gigs? You'll find out when you listen to today's show!Kris Reece is a professional faith-based speaker who also coaches and writes books for women about reaching their fullest God-given potential.On this episode we talk about some issues she is facing in her speaking business. Specifically, we help Kris find new gigs, leverage connections from previous gigs and evaluate whether it makes sense to pay to speak.Join us to hear insights on those topics and more on the 232nd edition of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What are the reasons you should consider speaking for free?Why you send an invoice even if you speak for free.The two things you can do during a speaking gig to generate future gigs.What's the best way you can approach previous clients for referrals?How do you evaluate whether you should buy a sponsorship and pay to speak?What is one of the quickest ways to build a relationship?How do you find the key person who books speakers at big events?Why you should never stop marketing your speaking services.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESKris Reece's web siteKris Reece on TwitterThe Speaker Lab on YouTubeGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 2, 2019 • 44min
How to Follow Through on Your Follow Up with Jim Kukral
Follow up is what separates part-time speakers from full-time professionals.But how do you follow through on your follow up in the most effective way? That's what we are talking about today on The Speaker Lab with Jim Kukral.Jim is an online marketer and serial entrepreneur who wants to grow the speaking aspect of his business. This episode is a one on one coaching call with Jim about what he's been doing for follow up and what he can start doing right now to improve that aspect of his business. You'll hear that topic and more on episode 231 of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What does it mean to be "unskippable"?How do you get better as a speaker?Why speaking fees are more than just a check.How often should you follow up?When should you call people you've contacted about potential gigs?How to ensure you have accountability.What do you do when you have a hot lead?Why you need to always be knocking on doors for leads.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESJim Kukral's web siteBe Unskippable web siteJim Kukral on TwitterJim's TEDx TalkThe E-Myth, by Michael GerberEpisode 162 with Ty BennettGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 26, 2019 • 38min
How to Narrow Your Speaking Audience with Rocco Cozza
Ever feel like your topic should be heard by everyone? If you said yes today's show is perfect for you. Our guest is facing the same dilemma many speakers have faced: how to narrow your speaking audience.To address this common challenge on today's The Speaker we are joined by Rocco Cozza. Rocco is a successful businessman who wants to do more speaking and today we're going to help him accomplish that goal by narrowing his audience.Join us to hear exactly how to do this and so much more on this edition of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: Why is kindness the most important thing in business?Why a message for everyone is a message for no one.When you pick a lane does that choice have to be permanent?How to determine if there is a market for your topic.How you can trojan horse your topic into existing speaking needs.What should you do if you have doubts about your speaking fees?How do you determine if a free speaking gig is valuable to you?What is one of your best marketing tools?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESRocco Cozza's web siteRocco Cozza on TwitterThe A.L.P.H.A. Way, by Rocco CozzaEpisode 158 with Phil JonesThe Speaker Lab on YouTubeGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 19, 2019 • 34min
How to Use Blogging to Book Speaking Gigs with Hugh Culver
Hugh is one of our rare 3-peat guests and he's back to tell us how to use blogging to book speaking gigs.On today's edition of The Speaker Lab, Hugh specifically explains why you should blog to grow your speaking business including how often you should blog, what you should blog about, how long your blog posts should be, and where you should promote your blog.In addition to being a keynote speaker and best-selling author, Hugh runs a business called BlogWorks. BlogWorks is a company devoted to helping speakers book more speaking gigs through the art of blogging.Hugh shares his wealth of knowledge and more so join us to hear it all on episode 229 of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: How often should you post to ensure you're relevant?Why more is not necessarily better.The three steps to take after you write every blog post.Should you write your blog for your audience or people who hire speakers?What are the two ways to know if your blog post resonates with your audience?What should you do if you have run out of topic ideas?Is there a standard format you can use for your blog posts?What four statistics should you focus on?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESHugh Culver's web siteBlogWorks web siteHugh Culver on TwitterHugh Culver on episode 10 of TSLHugh Culver on episode 120 of TSLFree Speaker WorkshopThe Speaker Lab on YouTubeGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 12, 2019 • 37min
How to Network and Get More Keynote Speeches with Lea Pica
Do you know how to network and get more keynote speeches as a result? Our guest is here to find out, and you'll hear too when you listen to today's episode of The Speaker Lab.Lea Pica is part of our elite coaching program and she is looking for ways to turn her existing speaking opportunities into additional paid keynote engagements. Lea is a data storytelling evangelist who teaches digital analysts and internet marketers how to look at the data from their programs, tie it to the success of their organizations or clients and then tell that story.During episode 228, Lea tells us how speaking fits into her current business model, what she is doing right now to garner more gigs and what type of follow has worked and hasn't worked for her. We dive into all of that and more on this edition of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What options is she considering to boost her keynote opportunities?Do you have to be outgoing and extroverted to be a good networker?Why direct conversations translate to the hottest leads.What are the two ways to promote yourself while you're speaking?Why do you want to be the one to follow up, not vice versa?Why it's easier to get more gigs the more you speak.Why should you do your keynote before your workshop when you're doing both at a conference?How to use video to follow up with stagnant leads.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESLea Pica's web siteLea Pica's speaking pageLea Pica on TwitterLoomBonjoroBombBombScreencastifyThe Speaker Lab on YouTubeGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


