Landing The GIG

Landing more speaking gigs takes more than a polished website, a strong reel, and a place on a speaker bureau’s roster. Buyers need to understand why your message fits their audience and what makes your contribution different. Seth Dechtman of The Keynote Curators brings more than two decades of experience connecting speakers with organizations to his conversation with Kelly. Together, they unpack the gap between having your marketing materials ready and becoming someone buyers want to book.

Seth shares how speakers can start meaningful conversations without sounding desperate for business, communicate their value clearly, and build more collaborative relationships with agencies. He also addresses the pressure to follow trending topics, offering a thoughtful way to stay relevant while remaining grounded in your own expertise and voice. Kelly adds her perspective on the work of finding opportunities and creating an experience for an audience. For speakers who feel prepared but aren’t seeing the bookings they hoped for, this conversation offers a practical look at what may need to change beyond the stage.

The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:

• The gap between having your speaker assets ready and getting into a buyer’s proposal.
• How outreach can invite a conversation or unintentionally create distance.
• Staying relevant to current topics without losing the message that makes you distinct.
• The follow-up habits that can complicate a speaker’s relationship with an agency.
• Creating audience involvement even without an instrument, performance, or elaborate activity.

About the Guest:

Seth Dechtman is the founder and president of The Keynote Curators, helping organizations connect with keynote speakers who align with their audiences, goals, and missions. His work includes curating speakers for brands such as Apple, Amazon, and Coca-Cola. With a background in teaching, basketball coaching, and entrepreneurship, Seth brings a people-first approach to the speaking business. He has lived on four continents, traveled to more than 45 countries, and speaks Spanish and Portuguese.

https://thekeynotecurators.com

https://keynotespeakerlab.com

Resources

Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.

This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini

About Kelly:

Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.

Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/

https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/

https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2

TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Music Credit

Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.

Building a speaker website shouldn’t keep you from sharing the message people need to hear. Yet between complicated technology, expensive design quotes, and the pressure to look professional, getting your speaking business online can feel overwhelming. Rachel Miller from PageWheel joins Kelly to demonstrate a simpler way to create speaker pages, promote a book, and turn your expertise into resources your audience can use. Along the way, they address another barrier to landing speaking gigs: the fear of putting yourself out there before everything feels ready.

Through a live walkthrough, Rachel shows how PageWheel generates a starting point for website copy, downloadable products, delivery emails, and social content ideas, with room to review and personalize the results. Kelly connects those possibilities to the practical needs of speakers, including professional marketing materials and ways to stay connected with an audience after a talk. Their conversation offers encouragement for speakers and authors who have valuable knowledge to share but keep getting stuck on the tools, costs, or confidence needed to move forward.

The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:

• The visibility challenge Rachel believes keeps speakers from landing more gigs.
• A live look at turning a topic into a speaker page without a lengthy website build.
• How books, audience handouts, and downloadable gifts can work together.
• The distinction between collecting email addresses and nurturing those relationships.
• Kelly’s revealing feedback from event managers and speaker bureaus about marketing materials.

About the Guest:

Rachel Miller is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of PageWheel. She helps small businesses grow their audiences and sales organically, without paid advertising. A mom of six and regular keynote speaker, Rachel has taught more than 27,000 students through her marketing courses. Through PageWheel, she helps entrepreneurs simplify the technology behind creating digital products and marketing their expertise.

https://pagewheel.digistore24.com/

Resources

Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.

This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini

About Kelly:

Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.

Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/

https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/

https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2

TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Music Credit

Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.

Why do some speakers struggle to pursue speaking gigs even when they know they have something valuable to share? Grammy-nominated opera singer and voice coach Monique McDonald believes the missing piece may be learning how to feel comfortable being seen and heard. Monique joins Kelly to explore the fears, limiting beliefs and self-doubt that can hold speakers back from applying for opportunities, stepping onto bigger stages and fully expressing themselves.

Drawing on her journey from international opera stages to coaching speakers and leaders, Monique shares how to develop a more magnetic voice, strengthen stage presence and prepare mentally and emotionally before speaking. Kelly opens up about her own resistance to applying for gigs, while Monique introduces her ABCs of Magnetism and explains why memorizing a speech isn't the same as practicing it. This conversation invites speakers to move beyond simply getting on stage and discover what it takes to show up with confidence, authenticity and a voice that truly connects.

The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:

• The unexpected turning point that led an internationally performing opera singer to help other people find their voice.
• The hidden resistance that can appear just as a promising speaking opportunity comes within reach.
• A revealing look at how past criticism and imposter syndrome can influence a speaker's willingness to be visible.
• Three elements of Monique's pre-stage preparation that can change how a speaker approaches an audience.
• The connection between vocal expression, personal experiences and authentic stage presence.
• A distinction between memorizing a presentation and practicing to become a stronger speaker.

Get Monique’s Magnetic Voice Mentor Kit at https://magnetic-voice-mentor.kit.com/

About the Guest:

Monique McDonald is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning opera singer, vocal specialist, and charisma coach known as “The Magnetic Voice.” Having performed on prestigious stages around the world, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, Monique now helps speakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders unlock the power of their authentic voice. Through vocal coaching, stage presence training, and her signature programs, she empowers clients to overcome limiting beliefs, communicate with confidence, and turn their voice into a powerful tool for connection, influence, and impact.

https://www.themagneticvoice.com/

Resources

Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.

This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini

About Kelly:

Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.

Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/

https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/

https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2

TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Music Credit

Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.

What do event planners really look for when hiring speakers? According to event organizer Emily Atlantis Wolf, being a great speaker is only part of the equation. Emily joins Kelly to share what makes speakers stand out, from supporting an event's success and communicating with organizers to building the confidence and stage presence needed to engage an audience. She also reveals some of the common mistakes that can cost speakers future bookings and referrals.

Kelly and Emily explore what it means to be a collaborative speaker, why podcast experience doesn't necessarily translate to the live stage, and how to make life easier for event planners. They also share practical ways to engage audiences, adapt when presentations don't go as planned, and bring more personality to the stage. For speakers looking to land more speaking gigs, this conversation offers an inside look at what makes an event planner want to hire you again.

The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:

• The expectation some speakers bring to an event that can immediately put them at odds with the organizer.
• A behind-the-scenes look at why an event planner might decide not to work with a speaker again.
• The experience gap between appearing on podcasts and confidently commanding a live stage.
• A simple way Kelly makes herself more valuable to event planners before an event even begins.
• The small communication habits that can make a speaker easier to work with and more likely to be recommended.
• What happens when a speaker has to abandon the script, adjust their timing, or engage an audience in an unexpected way.

About the Guest:

Emily Atlantis Wolf is an intuition teacher, global retreat leader, keynote speaker, and master shamanic breathwork facilitator who helps people create lives rooted in freedom rather than fear. A former project manager at Charles Schwab, Emily now leads the six-month Intuition Academy, international retreats, and the Connected Queens Conference, an annual networking event for women entrepreneurs. Blending practical intuitive techniques, personal growth, and humor, she has helped more than 3,500 people embrace new possibilities and create meaningful change in their lives.

https://www.atlantiswolf.com/

Resources

Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.

This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini

About Kelly:

Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.

Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/

https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/

https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2

TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Music Credit

Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.

What makes a speaker memorable long after they leave the stage? For Brigitte Lessard, founder of Women Talk, it starts with something every speaker already has: a story.

Brigitte joins Kelly for a lively conversation about how storytelling can help speakers connect with an audience, stand apart from other speakers, and bring more personality to the stage. After hearing thousands of stories through Women Talk, Brigitte has learned that people often overlook their best material simply because their own experiences feel ordinary to them.

Kelly and Brigitte explore how speakers can weave personal stories into educational content, find humor in difficult experiences, and use emotion to take an audience through both serious and lighter moments. They also talk about why trying to sound like every other successful speaker can work against you when you're trying to land speaking gigs.

For speakers who think they need a bigger story, a more polished persona, or another five-step framework to make an impact, Brigitte offers a different place to begin: look more closely at the experiences you've already lived and discover the stories only you can tell.

The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:

• Why the stories that feel ordinary to you may be anything but ordinary to your audience
• The connection between standing out as a speaker and discovering what is uniquely yours
• A different way to look at the difficult, embarrassing, or painful moments in your life
• How emotional range can change the experience you're creating from the stage
• The story-discovery exercise that helped Kelly uncover material she had forgotten about

About the Guest:

Brigitte Lessard is the founder and host of Women Talk, owner of SportsBras.ca, a comedian, actor, and lifelong believer in the power of women supporting women. For more than 25 years, she has helped women feel comfortable and confident through SportsBras.ca, and she created Women Talk to support women in a different way by giving them a welcoming place to share their stories, speak their truths, and know they are not alone. Through the Women Talk video podcast, live events, and special experiences, Brigitte brings women together to connect, laugh, learn, and inspire one another.

https://www.womentalk.ca/

Resources

Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.

This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini

About Kelly:

Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.

Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/

https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/

https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2

TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Music Credit

Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.

How is AI changing the way event planners find and book speakers? What once felt like a threat to the speaking industry may now be changing how speakers get discovered in the first place.

Kelly welcomes Lisa Condon for a timely conversation about AI, speaker visibility, and what it takes to stay bookable as the industry evolves. Lisa shares how event planners are increasingly using AI as part of their speaker research and why consistent expertise across your website, videos, podcast appearances, articles, transcripts, and bio may matter more than ever. They also explore the shift from flashy sizzle reels toward longer demo videos that show whether a speaker can truly engage an audience.

But getting found is only part of the equation. Lisa and Kelly dig into the importance of networking even when your calendar is full, becoming known for a clear topic, building practical frameworks around your story, and expanding a keynote with workshops or other experiences. Through it all, Lisa makes the case that speakers shouldn't try to sound more like AI. As technology changes how people find you, authenticity, expertise, consistency, and human connection remain at the heart of landing the gig.

The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:

• The role AI may already be playing when event planners search for speakers
• Why the assets you've created could be more valuable than you realize
• The speaker video shift Lisa says she's hearing about from event planners
• A consistency issue that changed the way Lisa presents herself online
• The long-term cost of letting networking disappear when your calendar gets busy
• How a keynote can become more valuable when you think beyond the keynote itself

About the Guest:

Lisa Condon is a motivational speaker, executive coach, strategist, consultant, and international bestselling author with more than 25 years of speaking experience. She is the founder of Lisa Condon Enterprises, where she helps individuals and organizations align their values with strategy, leadership, and growth. Lisa is also the author of Stepping Into Gratitude and creator of G.R.A.T.I.T.U.D.E., her proprietary program designed to inspire personal and professional change.

https://lisacondon.com/

Resources

Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.

This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini

About Kelly:

Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.

Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/

https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/

https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2

TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Music Credit

Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.

What actually makes a speaker bookable? According to speakers bureau founder Nicole Anderson, having a powerful message is only part of the equation. Event organizers need to quickly understand who you are, the problem you solve, and why your content is right for their audience.

Nicole joins Kelly to share the booking process from the perspective of someone who works directly with speakers and organizations. She explains why relationships remain such an important part of landing speaking gigs, how your website, speaker one-sheet, bio, headshots, video, and LinkedIn presence can influence a decision before anyone ever speaks with you, and why even a great topic needs to evolve with what audiences and clients need now.

They also explore what newer speakers can do to build experience, how to think about speaker fees as your career develops, the role a book can play in credibility and negotiation, and what can happen after you step off the stage. For speakers trying to understand why some opportunities turn into bookings while others don't, Nicole offers a look at what the people hiring speakers are actually paying attention to.

The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:

• The pieces of your speaker business making an impression long before you enter the room
• A closer look at what turns a meaningful message into content someone can actually book
• The positioning question that becomes increasingly important in a crowded speaking market
• Where newer speakers can begin building the experience and proof they don't have yet
• A speaker bureau perspective on fees and the factors that can influence what you're able to charge
• The opportunity speakers may be overlooking once the applause ends

About the Guest:

Nicole Anderson is a dynamic President & CEO with over 25 years of experience in building meaningful connections and matching speakers with opportunities that amplify their impact. Known for her ability to foster relationships and create platforms for thought leaders, Nicole is a strategic visionary committed to empowering others and driving success. As the Founder and President of

NAL Speakers Bureau, she has built a platform that empowers thought leaders, particularly women and people of color, to make a lasting impact in their respective fields.

Hailing from Philadelphia, Nicole holds a BA in International Business and Finance from Temple University’s Fox School of Business and an MBA from LaSalle University. Beyond her professional work, she is a passionate advocate for women and children, serving in leadership roles on various non-profit boards in the Philadelphia area, including the Domestic Violence Center for Chester County. Nicole is a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing her insights on advocacy, entrepreneurship, the speaking industry, and women in leadership.

Known for her ability to amplify voices of change, Nicole ensures that every event is not only easier for clients but also more impactful, thanks to her deep understanding of event dynamics and participant engagement.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleanderson1/

https://www.instagram.com/nalspeakers

https://www.facebook.com/NALspeakers

Resources

Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.

This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini

About Kelly:

Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.

Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/

https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/

https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2

TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Music Credit

Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.

Are you spending too much time chasing speaking gigs instead of building the relationships that could lead you to them?

Lady Jen Du Plessis has built her speaking career differently. Rather than relying on endless speaking applications, she creates opportunities through relationships, her own events, strategic partnerships, podcasts, and reciprocal stages. She and Kelly explore what speakers can do to become easier to remember, refer, and book, including choosing a clear speaking lane, applying only when you're genuinely a fit, and using a book to strengthen your authority and credibility.

Drawing from 40 years in the mortgage industry, 14 years of podcasting, and her experience as a speaker, event host, and business coach, Lady Jen also shares what she looks for when bringing speakers onto her own stages. The conversation expands into podcast guesting, creating opportunities instead of simply waiting for exposure, and building relationships that can continue opening doors. For speakers wondering where their next gig will come from, Lady Jen offers a different way to think about the search: stop leaning back and start creating reasons for the right people to know who you are.

The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:

• The difference Lady Jen sees between looking for speaking gigs and creating your own opportunities
• A simple addition that could help your speaking application stand apart
• How relationships can turn one stage into invitations to others
• The importance of becoming known for something instead of trying to speak about everything
• A different way to approach podcast guesting so it supports more than visibility

About the Guest:

Lady Jen Du Plessis is The Team & Scaling Architect, a multiple #1 Amazon bestselling author, podcaster, TV host, speaker, and business mentor. She helps established business owners build strong teams, scale their companies, and create greater freedom beyond the day-to-day demands of their businesses. Lady Jen is also a member of the Royal House of Cappadocia and the Royal Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen.

Website: https://www.ladyjenduplessis.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDuPlessis22

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenduplessis/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenduplessis

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyJenDuPlessis

Resources

Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.

This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini

About Kelly:

Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.

Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/

https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/

https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2

TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Music Credit

Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.

How do you turn your story and expertise into speaking opportunities people actually want to book? Becoming a professional speaker takes more than writing a speech about a topic you love. You also have to understand what your audience wants to hear.

Kelly learned that lesson early in her speaking career when a topic she thought would resonate received almost no interest. That experience taught her to research speaking topics, listen to potential audiences, and test ideas before building an entire speech around them. She also discovered how becoming an author could support her speaking career, create additional income opportunities, strengthen her credibility, and give audiences another way to engage with her message. Kelly shares stories from her own career and her work coaching speakers, including how vulnerability can create stronger audience connection and why your personal story may be more valuable than you realize. From a social media video that unexpectedly generated a speaking gig to an unpaid Rotary Club appearance that led to paid keynote opportunities, Kelly shows why speakers should stay open to where the next opportunity might come from.

The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:

• The early speaking mistake that changed how Kelly chooses her topics
• A simple way to find out whether an audience actually wants the speech you're creating
• How a book can become much more than something you sell from the stage
• The difference Kelly sees between proving your accomplishments and letting an audience experience your story
• Unexpected opportunities that challenged Kelly's assumptions about where paid speaking gigs begin

Resources

Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.

This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini

About Kelly:

Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.

Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/

https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/

https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2

TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Music Credit

Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.

How do you actually find speaking gigs once you’ve decided you’re ready to become a professional speaker? A great website, speaker one-sheet, and clearly defined topics may help you look ready, but the opportunities don’t simply start showing up.

Kelly knows that feeling because she was there herself. When she decided to pursue a speaking career at 44, she was navigating major changes in her personal life while trying to figure out how to turn a powerful message into real speaking opportunities. Her first experience on stage showed her that she could connect with an audience, but it also introduced the question every speaker eventually has to answer: where do you find the gigs? Kelly shares some of the early ways she searched for speaking opportunities, what she learned about continually putting yourself out there, and why even established professional speakers never really stop looking for their next stage. That struggle ultimately inspired Landing the Gig and Kelly’s decision to go directly to event planners, speaker bureaus, and other industry professionals to learn what helps speakers get booked.

The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:

• The moment being “ready to speak” turns into the challenge of actually finding the stage
• A behind-the-scenes look at how Kelly began searching for speaking opportunities
• The shift from waiting for gigs to actively building a pipeline of possibilities
• Lessons Kelly picked up by listening to the people who choose and book speakers
• A reminder that finding the next opportunity stays part of the work, even as your speaking career grows

Resources

Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.

This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini

About Kelly:

Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.

Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/

https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/

https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2

TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you are enjoying the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Music Credit

Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.