What do you think?
Rate this book
The Successful Speaker: Five Steps for Booking Gigs, Getting Paid, and Building Your Platform
Do you have a message you want to get out into the world? Have you ever dreamed of speaking for a living? Is there something you have to say but just aren't sure what to do next? The Successful Speaker is a proven, easy-to-follow guide to helping you do just that.
Whether you want to speak at your next board meeting or community gathering, start making some extra money on the side, or become a full-time professional speaker, Grant Baldwin knows how to get you from here to there. Why? Because he's done it himself and has coached over 2,000 speakers.
In The Successful Speaker , you will learn the five-step road map to start and scale a speaking business from the ground up, including
- how to hone your message and know exactly who it's for
- the preparation process to help your next speech move an audience to action
- what it takes to establish yourself as an in-demand expert
- practical steps to finding and booking paid speaking gigs
- how to know when it's time to grow your impact and income
In each chapter, you will get specific action steps and case studies from professional speakers (including some of the most successful communicators in the world) to put you on the fast track to booking gigs, getting paid, and building your speaking platform.
Whether you want to speak at your next board meeting or community gathering, start making some extra money on the side, or become a full-time professional speaker, Grant Baldwin knows how to get you from here to there. Why? Because he's done it himself and has coached over 2,000 speakers.
In The Successful Speaker , you will learn the five-step road map to start and scale a speaking business from the ground up, including
- how to hone your message and know exactly who it's for
- the preparation process to help your next speech move an audience to action
- what it takes to establish yourself as an in-demand expert
- practical steps to finding and booking paid speaking gigs
- how to know when it's time to grow your impact and income
In each chapter, you will get specific action steps and case studies from professional speakers (including some of the most successful communicators in the world) to put you on the fast track to booking gigs, getting paid, and building your speaking platform.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published February 18, 2020
133 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 22, 2022
Okay, I only picked up this book because I thought it might be handy for when I /have/ to speak as a writer (which is my ultimate dream.)
However, after reading The Successful Speaker, I am now thinking of how I can entertwine those two paths even more seamlessly than I thought. I don't want to say it will be easy (I don't care what Mr. Grant Baldwin says, it is microphones I am scared of, not public speaking,) but it would be easier that I thought.
This book lays it out how to make a living by being a speaker. Everything you'd need to think through is there. You'll have to put in the work, but this book is an excellent guide!
However, after reading The Successful Speaker, I am now thinking of how I can entertwine those two paths even more seamlessly than I thought. I don't want to say it will be easy (I don't care what Mr. Grant Baldwin says, it is microphones I am scared of, not public speaking,) but it would be easier that I thought.
This book lays it out how to make a living by being a speaker. Everything you'd need to think through is there. You'll have to put in the work, but this book is an excellent guide!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2020
I've enjoyed Grant's podcast over the years as well as Jeff's books. It was nice to see them come together to do this book on speaking and the business of speaking.
Whether you're looking to support your current business with speaking or have speaking be your business, there is enough here to go on. The book is well-organized with "action steps" at the end of each chapter. If you do the work and exercises suggested, you will have what you need to make money speaking by the time you reach the end.
Whether you're looking to support your current business with speaking or have speaking be your business, there is enough here to go on. The book is well-organized with "action steps" at the end of each chapter. If you do the work and exercises suggested, you will have what you need to make money speaking by the time you reach the end.
March 30, 2020
If it were possible, I would rate this book a 6 out of 5. As a 'wannabe' speaker, it's got it all, everything I could imagine (and many things I would never have thought of) a speaker would need to know. It's told directly and clearly . . . and it links to further support material on the web. Thank you, Mr. Baldwin!
June 29, 2020
Good book if you were born yesterday (in which case you probably shouldn’t be speaking)
April 10, 2020
Baldwin delivers some great information for those looking to make speaking a career or just some helpful tips on those looking to speak.
It’s not hard to get a taste of the speaking bug and want more. Once that happens and you realize that this is what you want to do, you need to figure out how to make a career out of it. Unfortunately, many people fail before they ever get their careers off the ground. Grant Baldwin, creator of The Speaker Lab podcast, outlines the steps and guidelines necessary to make the transition from wanting to speak to full fledged career speaker.
Finally, a book that really provides some insight into successful speaking. Not so much on the technique, but on how to be successful getting gigs and booked. There is plenty of material on the method of speaking, so I was glad to find a book that actually helps speakers determine where they want to go. My husband speaks frequently at conferences across the nation as a subject matter expert and I asked him to read the book to get his opinion on it. He agreed with almost all of the concepts this book lays out. He fully agreed that if you want to be asked to speak, you can’t just speak about whatever you want. First you have to find a problem to solve that people are going to want to hear your thought. Then rather than trying to speak about a bunch of different topics, you need to focus on your message and get good at delivery. Then build your brand so that your expertise is recognized.
If you are looking to make a career out of speaking, then this is a great resource for you. It is easy to follow and provides several personal examples from both the author and other speakers.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
It’s not hard to get a taste of the speaking bug and want more. Once that happens and you realize that this is what you want to do, you need to figure out how to make a career out of it. Unfortunately, many people fail before they ever get their careers off the ground. Grant Baldwin, creator of The Speaker Lab podcast, outlines the steps and guidelines necessary to make the transition from wanting to speak to full fledged career speaker.
Finally, a book that really provides some insight into successful speaking. Not so much on the technique, but on how to be successful getting gigs and booked. There is plenty of material on the method of speaking, so I was glad to find a book that actually helps speakers determine where they want to go. My husband speaks frequently at conferences across the nation as a subject matter expert and I asked him to read the book to get his opinion on it. He agreed with almost all of the concepts this book lays out. He fully agreed that if you want to be asked to speak, you can’t just speak about whatever you want. First you have to find a problem to solve that people are going to want to hear your thought. Then rather than trying to speak about a bunch of different topics, you need to focus on your message and get good at delivery. Then build your brand so that your expertise is recognized.
If you are looking to make a career out of speaking, then this is a great resource for you. It is easy to follow and provides several personal examples from both the author and other speakers.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
March 3, 2020
As I read The Successful Speaker, I could not determine if I was back in a high school or freshman speech class or whether I was in over my head. At one level, much of the material found in this book echos the content of my high school or college freshman class. However, the introduction makes it clear the book is written for the individual seeking to become a professional speaker written by one who claims to have made $1 to $2 million per year making the rounds of conventions, workshops, etc. In which case, I would certainly be over my head.
Until I read this book, I considered myself a professional speaker having spent 25+ years in the college classroom and about 20 years in the church pulpit. But using the definitions and examples given by this author - I do not qualify. Much of the information in the book is practical and useful, it just is not aimed at the average public speaker.
The reader is encouraged to read with care, picking and choosing the useful from the hyperbole. Most of us who pick up this book are not planning to make huge amounts of money using the tools given here. We will be trying to hone the skills that are needed as part of our daily jobs - whether it be as a teacher, team leader, or conference presenter. If you are a typical speaker who speaks as a part of their job, as I am, read with care - not to get rich.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Until I read this book, I considered myself a professional speaker having spent 25+ years in the college classroom and about 20 years in the church pulpit. But using the definitions and examples given by this author - I do not qualify. Much of the information in the book is practical and useful, it just is not aimed at the average public speaker.
The reader is encouraged to read with care, picking and choosing the useful from the hyperbole. Most of us who pick up this book are not planning to make huge amounts of money using the tools given here. We will be trying to hone the skills that are needed as part of our daily jobs - whether it be as a teacher, team leader, or conference presenter. If you are a typical speaker who speaks as a part of their job, as I am, read with care - not to get rich.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 16, 2020
When I say what I do it's not that this is by any means a spoiler alert: I don't know who Grant Baldwin is. Aside from that, have I enjoyed this wonderful book? Indeed. He has wonderful ideas about what makes for a successful speaker and how to make it happen. Let's dive in a bit more, shall we?
From the get go Grant starts off showing us through some wonderful and incredible stories of people who have made speaking their primary money-maker. Yes, they all started in one industry (whether it's journalism, business, ministry, whatever) and shifted it where they were doing more and sharing the things they all have learned to make better speakers. So, what is the overall aim of the book? I would have to say to explore, in-depth, as to if speaking is a valid way to make even more money. It's not for everyone. Those who are introverts can break into speaking publicly, but if you absolutely are horrified by the thought of it, this book isn't for you.
For me, I have enjoyed reading the book. While I am not a professional speaker by any means I do not get the same kind of sick butterfly feeling as I did as a singer/songwriter/guitarist. Do I still write songs? Occasionally. I prefer to focus on writing, be it a book review or about how to take active steps in being an authentic Christ-follower. With that said, I received a complimentary copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
From the get go Grant starts off showing us through some wonderful and incredible stories of people who have made speaking their primary money-maker. Yes, they all started in one industry (whether it's journalism, business, ministry, whatever) and shifted it where they were doing more and sharing the things they all have learned to make better speakers. So, what is the overall aim of the book? I would have to say to explore, in-depth, as to if speaking is a valid way to make even more money. It's not for everyone. Those who are introverts can break into speaking publicly, but if you absolutely are horrified by the thought of it, this book isn't for you.
For me, I have enjoyed reading the book. While I am not a professional speaker by any means I do not get the same kind of sick butterfly feeling as I did as a singer/songwriter/guitarist. Do I still write songs? Occasionally. I prefer to focus on writing, be it a book review or about how to take active steps in being an authentic Christ-follower. With that said, I received a complimentary copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
August 14, 2023
A Good Starter Book
A foundational primer to the speaking industry. The book delivers on its promise, which is good for those considering breaking into this industry. However, for those with almost any level of paid speaking experience, the book is merely a reminder of some of the basics we may have forgotten.
This is a good starter book to get you thinking about a professional speaking career or getting paid token sums for speaking as a hobby. The techniques will work best if you aim to speak at high schools, colleges, community groups, and nonprofits. But if your goal is to enter the corporate or association speaking markets, you will need much more than this book to become successful.
Throughout the book, the author constantly promotes his paid training programs and his free resources page. Unfortunately, the resources provided on his page are rudimentary examples or links to his podcast show.
I highly recommend buying this book from Amazon, not the author’s website. If you do the latter (and pay the $7 “shipping” fee, slightly less than the paperback price on Amazon), you will get bombarded with almost daily emails from him and his team trying to sell you their training programs and other services.
A foundational primer to the speaking industry. The book delivers on its promise, which is good for those considering breaking into this industry. However, for those with almost any level of paid speaking experience, the book is merely a reminder of some of the basics we may have forgotten.
This is a good starter book to get you thinking about a professional speaking career or getting paid token sums for speaking as a hobby. The techniques will work best if you aim to speak at high schools, colleges, community groups, and nonprofits. But if your goal is to enter the corporate or association speaking markets, you will need much more than this book to become successful.
Throughout the book, the author constantly promotes his paid training programs and his free resources page. Unfortunately, the resources provided on his page are rudimentary examples or links to his podcast show.
I highly recommend buying this book from Amazon, not the author’s website. If you do the latter (and pay the $7 “shipping” fee, slightly less than the paperback price on Amazon), you will get bombarded with almost daily emails from him and his team trying to sell you their training programs and other services.
May 1, 2020
The Successful Speaker takes you from stage one when you are just trying to decide if you want to the last stage when you're established in your career and are thinking of diversifying.
Now I understand that this is by no means a comprehensive training but I think the book highlights the main things to be done as part of the process so you can begin the process of becoming a speaker.
The Successful Speaker was easy to read and presented the steps in a clear, matter-of-fact way. The author used his experience and that of other speakers to validate his points. Each chapter has a series of activities and steps to be completed for each stage in the journey to becoming a successful speaker.
I liked that at the end of every chapter there were action items based on the chapter that, if followed, will have a person ready to present his first speech by the end of the book...once someone hires him of course.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from Baker Books as part of their blogger reads program; a positive review was not required.
Now I understand that this is by no means a comprehensive training but I think the book highlights the main things to be done as part of the process so you can begin the process of becoming a speaker.
The Successful Speaker was easy to read and presented the steps in a clear, matter-of-fact way. The author used his experience and that of other speakers to validate his points. Each chapter has a series of activities and steps to be completed for each stage in the journey to becoming a successful speaker.
I liked that at the end of every chapter there were action items based on the chapter that, if followed, will have a person ready to present his first speech by the end of the book...once someone hires him of course.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from Baker Books as part of their blogger reads program; a positive review was not required.
March 14, 2020
As I read The Successful Speaker, I immediately began to feel the confidence that I could be a successful speaker and that I will develop my own style. This book is written for the person who wants to be a paid, professional speaker. This book has a variety of information that is practical, useful and simple. This books is geared for those who want to make a size-able income.
For me, I was looking to hone and develop my skills, not get rick quick, but learn as I go and this book provided that. If you are looking for simple ideas on how to be a better speaker, this book is perfect for you. It's an easy read and will give you tips on how to be a better speaker.
For me, I was looking to hone and develop my skills, not get rick quick, but learn as I go and this book provided that. If you are looking for simple ideas on how to be a better speaker, this book is perfect for you. It's an easy read and will give you tips on how to be a better speaker.
May 5, 2020
This is solid, basic, sound advice for beginning a speaking career. I think it would be best suited for someone in the earliest stages of figuring out whether speaking was for them or not. Step 1 is "select(ing) a problem to solve," in order to have something to speak about. Step 2 is "prepare and deliver your talk." Step 3 is to "establish your expertise," 4 is to "acquire paid speaking gigs," and the final step is to "know when to scale." If you've been speaking for a while all of these steps will have occurred to you, but the novice will find this straightforward exposition helpful.
May 22, 2021
Read your book and I am off - a really truly SPEAKER
Grant Baldwin is so interesting and makes you believe from the very beginning - YOU can do it, not everyone else, but you!I am really anxious to get started and have my speech all planned out. Wish I had the $6,000 to be sought-in part, but will learn everything and start saving part of my fees everytime, so I canbuy into
the team and become a real professiinal!
Grant Baldwin is so interesting and makes you believe from the very beginning - YOU can do it, not everyone else, but you!I am really anxious to get started and have my speech all planned out. Wish I had the $6,000 to be sought-in part, but will learn everything and start saving part of my fees everytime, so I canbuy into
the team and become a real professiinal!
March 30, 2022
Practical and Helpful
This book was great. It was super practical and gave me a lot to think about as part of my role now is generating income through speaking. While most of this is to a different audience than what he is talking about, the book still provided a lot of useful tips and ideas.
This book was great. It was super practical and gave me a lot to think about as part of my role now is generating income through speaking. While most of this is to a different audience than what he is talking about, the book still provided a lot of useful tips and ideas.
August 23, 2022
If you are not familiar with personal branding - telling compelling stories and building digital products / connections this is a really great book with a lot of in depth information.
If you are familiar with these topics and want to add some nuggets of wisdom out of the speakers business you will find some :)
If you are familiar with these topics and want to add some nuggets of wisdom out of the speakers business you will find some :)
September 18, 2024
An effective, efficient read for those aspiring to be or are already in the midst of becoming a speaker. The deeper details aren’t there, but that’s not the point of this book. He offers additional resources on his website. The value of this book far outweighs the small amount of time it will take you to read it once.
March 11, 2020
This was a very helpful book. I am looking to pursue a career in Public Speaking and this book totally help ease my mind as to what I am needing to do to make it happen. Very clear, easy read with lots of good examples and references. I would refer this to anyone looking into public speaking.
May 9, 2020
This book has some helpful hints, but some of it is more on the common sense side. To Baldwin’s credit though, he gives a step-by-step outline of how to develop a public speaking message and business.
May 24, 2021
Great book if you're attempting to become speaker that speaks who are paid for speaking. Speaking as gigs, how to promote yourself and sell something via talking experience. How to start as speaker, create content for your website
January 24, 2022
Pretty good step by step guide for those who want to become professional speakers. The beginning is a bit slow, as he has to establish the foundation. The ending is the good stuff, but it wouldn’t be successful unless you do the first part right.
April 17, 2020
A great A to Z book for people thinking about seriously pursuing public speaking.
Read
December 29, 2020A quick read with good ideas and methods to boost a speaker's motivation to get to the level desired.
January 11, 2022
Motivating and informative
January 11, 2022
A quiet enjoyable reading about how to influence others while speaking out our ideas, mostly refers in sales setting.
May 28, 2022
Great book about speaking!
However, it do be content I already knew
However, it do be content I already knew
November 8, 2022
Idk pretty cut and dry seemed a bit obvious
February 5, 2023
I liked the book as a good collection of How-To and directions for speakers. I found some of those I already knew and executed. But overall good guidelines.
August 4, 2023
Fantastic book. As someone growing in his speaking journey, I got a ton of value from it. Thankful that Grant and Jeff put this content into a book.
December 27, 2023
This book really encouraged me. A great help
June 18, 2024
Headway
March 29, 2025
Decent simple guides for those who want to become speakers and get paid for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews