Want to land your dream speaking gig? It starts with your pitch.

As someone who coaches and curates speakers, I’ve seen what works—and what totally misses the mark. In this snack-sized solo episode, I’m breaking down what makes a speaker pitch stand out in a sea of applications. This topic is especially top-of-mind because applications are now open for the Creative Educator Conference—my own annual event—and I’m getting an inside look at what people are doing right… and wrong.

I also share a little behind-the-scenes update on my upcoming course for speakers, The Sought-After Speaker System. Whether you’re pitching for my event or anywhere else, these tips will set you up for success.

This might sound obvious, but you’d be shocked how many people don’t do this. A pitch should feel like it was written for me, not just sent to me. If you’re applying to an event, mention the name of the conference, reference their mission, and align your values with their audience.

Example: “The Creative Educator Conference’s emphasis on community and authentic teaching is exactly why I want to be part of it.”

That single sentence shows me you’ve done your homework and that you care about my audience, not just the opportunity.

Your talk might be amazing, but if you can’t clearly show why it matters to this specific audience, you’ll be overlooked. Hosts are scanning for fit—make their job easier.

Instead of: “I want to speak about scaling a creative business.”

Try: “I want to share three actionable strategies for scaling a creative business without sacrificing creative integrity—something I know your audience of educators and artists values deeply.”

That’s a fit. That’s a match.

You don’t need a TEDx talk under your belt to be taken seriously. Hosts just want reassurance that you’re confident and capable on stage. If you’ve done workshops, podcast interviews, webinars, or even saved Instagram Lives—share those. Include a link to your speaker page or attach a short clip if the application allows it.

Proof builds trust. Even if it’s informal, it’s better than nothing.

Too many pitches end with a mic drop—or worse, a stiff “thank you for your consideration.” Don’t close the door. Invite the host to explore with you. If there’s an optional field on an application, use it to show personality, flexibility, or enthusiasm.

Something like: “I’d love to chat more about how this topic could be shaped to serve your audience best. I’m open to collaborating on format or content to make it a perfect fit.”

Warm, human, and memorable.

Let’s rapid-fire through a few common mistakes that will instantly tank your pitch:

Here’s the truth: pitching is a numbers game. For the Creative Educator Conference alone, I get between 80–110 applications each year—and I only select 6–8 speakers. That’s not to scare you. It’s to emphasize how important it is to treat pitching as a consistent, intentional part of your business.

Don’t pitch once and give up. Pitch often. Pitch thoughtfully. Reuse and revise your core message for each new audience.

Every speaker you admire once got ignored or passed over or told “not this year.”

The ones you see on stages… they kept going.

I know pitching can feel vulnerable. It can sting to hear “no,” especially when you poured your heart into a topic, but your voice is needed. There are audiences who will be changed by your perspective, your story, your style of teaching. Don’t let rejection stop you from showing up.

Mentioned in this Episode

Creative Educator Conference

Sought-After Speaker System Course Waitlist

Episode 208: The Speaker Page Checklist Every Creative Needs to Get on More Stages

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The post 211: Want to Speak on Stage? Here’s How to Pitch Yourself—and Get a Yes! appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.