Discover what it really takes to stand out as a professional speaker in today’s evolving meetings industry. In this episode, Sarah Michel shares insider tips from both the speaker and meeting planner perspective to help you get noticed, get booked, and add more value. The latest trends in how meeting planners search for and select speakers Why unedited, authentic video is more important than ever for getting booked The critical importance of customizing your keynote to audience pain points Creat...
Jul 01, 2025•29 min
Unlock the secrets to landing corporate sponsors for your speaking business with expert Linda Hollander. In this episode of Speakernomics, you'll discover actionable strategies to grow your platform and fund your speaking through sponsorships. How Linda Hollander built a successful speaking business powered by top-tier sponsors like Bank of America, Walmart, and IBM The real definition of sponsorship and how speakers—new or seasoned—can connect companies to buyers Proven tactics to approach and ...
Jun 24, 2025•32 min
NFL legend and professional speaker Karl Mecklenburg joins Speakernomics to share how he captivates audiences and drives business success from the stage. Discover practical speaking, storytelling, and marketing tips directly from one of the most versatile voices in the industry. How to keep an audience engaged with dynamic storytelling, humor, and unpredictability Structuring your keynote like a flowing river, mixing serious and light moments to avoid predictability Leveraging referrals and clie...
Jun 17, 2025•18 min
What does it really mean to be a professional speaker, and how do ethics shape our industry? This episode of Speakernomics gets real about professionalism, integrity, and the standards that set true pros apart. The core values every NSA speaker should know—and actually live by Where to draw the line between self-promotion and stretching the truth How meeting planners judge speaker professionalism behind the scenes Actionable tips from experienced pros on staying authentic and easy to work with W...
Jun 10, 2025•34 min
Rebuilding your speaking business can feel overwhelming, especially when the leads go quiet. In this episode of Speakernomics, Julie Holmes shares practical strategies for jumpstarting your lead generation and making your speaking business thrive. How Julie Holmes rebuilt her speaking business from scratch after setbacks The essential mindset shift for treating your speaking business like a real business Concrete outbound lead generation strategies that go beyond waiting for inbound inquiries Tr...
Jun 03, 2025•27 min
Looking to grow your speaking business in the virtual world? In this episode of Speakernomics, Alaina G. Levine breaks down how webinars can deliver recurring revenue and lasting client relationships—even after the pandemic. The difference between virtual presentations and webinars, and why framing matters How Alaina pivoted to create a recurring revenue stream with webinars Strategies for packaging, pricing, and fee integrity in virtual offerings Developing a "curriculum" of topics versus booki...
May 27, 2025•23 min
Unlock next-level social media strategies for speakers with insights from top experts and booking agents. Discover the practical steps that make your social presence work for your speaking business. How to choose the right social platform and boost consistency without spreading yourself too thin Why social proof and testimonials matter more than self-promotion Content strategies: balancing value, authenticity, and connection with your audience The importance of tailoring posts to decision-makers...
May 20, 2025•30 min
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney (Shark) chats with Hall of Fame speaker Laurie Guest, CSP, CPAE about elevating your speaking business through exceptional customer service and keynote mastery. Get ready for actionable tips and insider stories that will help you stand out with clients and audiences alike. Here's what you'll learn: How Laurie Guest applies customer service excellence lessons from her corporate background to her speaking business Why speed and responsiveness w...
May 13, 2025•17 min
Discover what it takes to market yourself as a successful international speaker in the final part of the Speakernomics global speaking series. Join Kenneth Kinney and a panel of expert speakers as they reveal real-world strategies for adapting your message across borders and cultures. How top speakers tailor their marketing (or not) for different countries and cultures The importance of showcasing international experience through your website, language, and social proof Why cultural nuances, com...
May 06, 2025•28 min
Whether you are an emerging or experienced speaker, let Simon’s journey inspire you to align your inner spark with external success and to leverage your expertise for meaningful, memorable impact. In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney (Shark) sits down with renowned CSP and CPAE Hall of Fame keynote speaker Simon T. Bailey to explore what it truly means to amplify your brilliance as a professional speaker. Simon, widely recognized as the world’s leading expert on brilliance, shar...
Apr 29, 2025•17 min
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney ("Shark") brings together an international panel of expert speakers—including Sylvie di Giusto, Elias Kanaris, Lovelda Vincenzi, David Lim, Joni Petty, Reiner Pettic, Antoni Lacinai, and Jesus Tobias—to explore what it really takes to succeed as a professional speaker on the global stage. This third part of a four-part international series dives deep into how to effectively target specific countries and adapt to diverse cultural audiences. In...
Apr 22, 2025•32 min
In this engaging episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney (Shark) welcomes accomplished author and speaker Amanda Gore to delve into the art of creating joyful experiences in the speaking industry. In this session, Amanda will: Demonstrate how to cultivate a joyful experience with your audience, emphasizing that fun and spontaneity are crucial tools for engaging and transforming your audience. Discuss balancing edutainment by integrating profound content with humor and interaction, ensuring...
Apr 15, 2025•28 min
This episode equips speakers with strategies to effectively position themselves across different global markets, ensuring their messages are impactful and well-received. In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney (Shark) connects with an array of guest speakers to explore thriving in the international speaking arena. With global perspectives from speakers hailing from the U.S., New Zealand, the UK, Singapore, South Africa, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, and Australia, this episode dives dee...
Apr 08, 2025•27 min
In this episode of Speakernomics, the official podcast of the National Speakers Association, host Kenneth Kinney, also known as Shark, sits down with Ty Bennett, a CSP, author, entrepreneur, and leadership speaker redefining high performance. Ty Bennett shares his expertise on integrating research into keynote speeches and building audiences effectively. In this session, Ty will: Evaluate the importance of integrating research into keynote speeches to add credibility and engage both buyers and a...
Apr 01, 2025•22 min
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney, affectionately known as "Shark," embarks on a journey with a panel of international speaking experts including Ruby Newell Legner, CSP, Cavett Award; Sylvie di Giusto, CSP; Elias Kanaris; Stan Phelps; and more. Together, they explore the dynamics of becoming a successful international speaker and the nuances that distinguish it from occasional international engagements. In this session, the esteemed speakers will: Explain how to adapt speech...
Mar 25, 2025•26 min
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney brings together insights from 16 diverse voices within the speaking industry to explore the essential marketing materials needed for speakers to elevate their business. In this session, you will: Analyze the various perspectives on the most critical marketing tool, including the significance of a compelling demo reel and a comprehensive website. Explore the role of relationships and reputation in driving successful speaking engagement...
Mar 18, 2025•37 min
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney, along with a lineup of thriving professional speakers, dives into strategies for filling gaps in a speaker's calendar and maintaining a thriving speaking business. In this session, speakers will: Demonstrate how leveraging existing relationships with past clients and connections can lead to more speaking engagements and referrals. Encourage speakers to implement consistency and engage in daily proactive outreach to build momentum and...
Mar 12, 2025•11 min
Tune in to discover Larry's secrets to transforming dread into confidence by shifting sales mindsets and building lasting connections. In this energizing episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney engages in a lively conversation with Larry Long Jr., President of NSA Carolinas and a dynamic sales influencer. Larry shares his unique perspective on the art of selling yourself as a professional speaker and the significant influence of establishing genuine relationships through content cr...
Mar 04, 2025•19 min
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney (Shark) engages in a captivating discussion with author, leadership coach, and award-winning international speaker John F. Edwards, CSP. Together, they delve into the art of delivering powerful and impactful presentations through the lens of neuroscience. In this session, John will: Explain the significance of understanding different types of presentations and their cognitive requirements, encouraging speakers to analyze and categorize their ...
Feb 25, 2025•17 min
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney (Shark) engages with Chad Littlefield, a speaker, bestselling author, and global expert on asking questions that build trust and connection in teams. Chad shares his unique insights on how to create conversations that not only matter but also create tangible change in the future. In this session, Chad will: Demonstrate how to design questions that foster meaningful interactions and deepen connections, particularly emphasizing the importance o...
Feb 18, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 208
this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney welcomes Dr. Lisa Jenkins Brown, a renowned speaker and cultural strategist, to discuss the art of connecting with diverse audiences in the speaking business. In this session, Dr. Lisa Jenkins Brown will: Identify the role of professional speakers as researchers by nature and describe how to integrate cultural understanding into your preparatory research to enhance audience connection globally. Propose the implementation of pre-presentat...
Feb 11, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 208
This episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney engages with Brian Walters, CSP, CPAE, a seasoned speaker, emcee, and infotainment expert. Brian, a past president of the National Speakers Association, shares his expert advice on creating memorable and "sticky" content in the ever-evolving speaking industry. In this session, Brian will: Explain the "sticky framework" as a crucial method for speakers to design presentations that resonate. Attendees will learn to identify and apply the f...
Feb 04, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 207
In this session, Traci will: Differentiate the importance of focusing on the problem you solve rather than the solutions you offer, emphasizing this shift as a key to marketing success. Illustrate through personal experience how identifying and niching into a specific, expensive problem, such as fraud prevention, can turn you from a "nice-to-have" to a "must-have" speaker. Provide insight into the mental shift needed to narrow down your lead magnet and achieve laser-focused branding, which leads...
Jan 28, 2025•16 min•Season 4Ep. 206
Prepare to be frippnotized and take your speaking career to the next level with Patricia Fripp's time-tested advice and actionable insights. In this session, Patricia will: Guide speakers to focus on their audience and ensure their stories are relevant and engaging for the listeners, making them feel connected and invested. Demonstrate the significance of having a core message and adaptable content that can be customized for different industries and varied speech lengths. Advocate for the hiring...
Jan 21, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 205
Join Shark and his lineup of seasoned professionals to enhance your understanding of fee management and explore balanced, ethical approaches to maintaining speaker value in a fluctuating market. In this session, you will: Evaluate the concept of fee congruency and how it allows speakers to adapt their fees based on added values or specific circumstances. Create a strategy for maintaining fee integrity while being open to non-monetary value exchanges when clients face budget constraints. Analyze ...
Jan 14, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 204
Join us for a deep dive into professional speaking tips that will elevate your approach to inclusivity, audience engagement, and message delivery. In this session, Lenora will: Demonstrate how to create a compelling opening that captures the audience's attention within the first 60 seconds. Illustrate the importance of cultural research and adaptation to resonate with diverse audiences across industries and cultures. Model effective strategies for handling Q&A sessions, ensuring they enhance...
Jan 07, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 203
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney welcomes Christine Cashen, a CSP Hall of Famer, award-winning author, and cancer survivor, as she shares her valuable insights on crafting engaging speaker introductions and memorable titles. In this session, Christine will: Demonstrate how to spark curiosity in an audience with a captivating and personalized introduction to form strong connections. Guide speakers to create unique, standout titles and taglines that differentiate them ...
Dec 31, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 202
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney speaks with consultant and renowned author Lois Creamer, who specializes in helping speakers, consultants, and experts book more business and fully monetize their intellectual property. In this session, Lois will: Highlight the dramatic shift towards virtual presentations and underscore the necessity for speakers to adapt and utilize platforms like Zoom. Explain the critical need to manage and protect intellectual property through str...
Dec 24, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 201
In this milestone 200th episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney and special guest Dr. Nido Qubein explore the principles of legacy, impact, and the essential elements of connecting authentically with an audience. Offering valuable insights for professional speakers seeking to elevate their craft. In this session, Dr. Qubein will: Explain how adversity can be transformed into abundance by building strength and distinction, drawing from his inspiring background as an immigrant and hi...
Dec 17, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 200
Kenneth "Shark" Kinney speaks with Phil Van Hooser, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Recipient, and Alyson Van Hooser, exploring the art of building a trusted brand and a family legacy in the speaking industry. With Phil's seasoned expertise and Alyson's leadership acumen, they offer invaluable insights. In this episode, Phil and Alyson will: Discuss the importance of mentorship and character, urging speakers to seek out mentors who are genuine on and off stage. Share effective strategies for generating busine...
Dec 10, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 197
