SpeakersU Podcast with James Taylor

In this highly practical episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni share the essential tools they use every day to run successful, scalable speaking businesses. From payments and scheduling to CRM systems, international banking, SEO, video production, writing, and travel management, this episode delivers a full behind-the-scenes tour of a modern professional speaker's tech stack.

Maria reveals how she automates coaching bookings end-to-end using Stripe, Calendly, Zapier, Xero, and Zoom, plus the browser tools she relies on for productivity, documentation, and client management. James shares the marketing, SEO, video, writing, and travel tools that power his global keynote career including Kajabi, SEMrush, Ecamm Live, Scrivener, eSpeakers, and TripIt Pro.

If you want to save time, increase your efficiency, improve your marketing, streamline your finances, and stay sane on the road, this episode is a must-listen.

• Automate your bookings and payments to remove admin friction using Stripe, Calendly, Zapier, Xero, and Zoom.

• Choose your ecosystem wisely with an all-in-one platform like Google Workspace or a diversified stack for redundancy.

• Kajabi is a powerhouse for speakers running courses, memberships, websites, and email marketing in one place.

• Scribe creates instant SOPs by recording your screen and auto-generating training documentation.

• Wise saves thousands in international banking fees for globally travelling speakers.

• eSpeakers simplifies lead tracking, contracts, and inquiry management for professional speakers.

• TextExpander massively boosts productivity with smart text shortcuts across all devices.

• Scrivener is ideal for long-form writing including books and keynote research.

• Pipedrive offers a clean, mobile-friendly CRM with real-time proposal tracking.

• TripIt Pro is a game-changer for global travel management with live itinerary updates and travel analytics.

• SEMrush reveals keyword gaps and competitive SEO strategy for authority positioning.

• Ecamm Live enables professional virtual keynotes and multi-camera live broadcasting.

• "Stripe, Calendly, Zapier, Xero, and Zoom all talking to each other changed my life." – Maria Franzoni

• "Why are we paying five different companies when one system can do most of it?" – James Taylor

• "Scribe builds your SOPs while you work. It's magic." – Maria Franzoni

• "Wise saved me an absolute fortune in international bank charges." – Maria Franzoni

• "If you want to rank number one in your topic, you have to invest in SEO tools." – James Taylor

• "TextExpander gives you your time back in the smallest, smartest way." – Maria Franzoni

• "TripIt Pro is my mission control for global travel." – James Taylor

• 00:00 – Welcome and why tools equal ROI

• 01:27 – Maria's automated booking stack: Stripe, Calendly, Zapier, Xero, Zoom

• 03:05 – Dropbox vs Google Workspace debate

• 06:25 – Fathom AI meeting notes and cloud backups

• 08:44 – Kajabi for courses, memberships, websites, and email

• 11:35 – Scribe for instant SOP creation

• 13:12 – Tea etiquette and British cultural detour

• 14:23 – eSpeakers for speaker CRM, contracts, and inquiries

• 16:08 – Wise for international payments and currency accounts

• 18:41 – Ecamm Live for virtual keynotes and livestreaming

• 20:27 – GoFullPage for capturing entire web pages

• 21:31 – SEMrush for competitive SEO tracking

• 23:57 – TextExpander for instant productivity gains

• 26:31 – Scrivener for book writing and keynote creation

• 28:40 – Pipedrive CRM with email, LinkedIn, and pipeline tracking

• 31:18 – TripIt Pro for global travel stats and itineraries

• 34:00 – Wrap-up and future episode on physical gear

👉 Explore more episodes: https://speakersu.com👉 Suggest a topic or ask a question: [email protected]

In this forward-looking episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni unpack the key trends shaping the global speaking industry as we head into 2026 and beyond.

Maria shares insights from her presentation at the Speaker Summit & Awards on the Future of the Speaking Industry, while James brings field reports from 25 countries — including Saudi Arabia, Dubai, the Philippines, and New Zealand — revealing what's really happening in global event markets.

Together they discuss where speaking opportunities are growing, which regions are slowing down, the rise of hybrid events, the impact of AI and generative search, and why bookers are demanding greater ROI and customisation from every speaker they hire.

Whether you're an emerging or established speaker, this episode will help you stay ahead of market shifts, adapt your marketing, and future-proof your speaking business.

• ROI is everything – Bookers expect measurable value and tangible takeaways from every speaker.

• Stack your value – Offer panels, Q&As, and workshops to increase ROI and referrals.

• Hybrid events aren't going away – Learn to master both live and virtual audiences.

• Recording is now standard – Expect to be filmed; be clear on how your footage is used.

• Customisation is essential – Tailoring your keynote builds trust and repeat bookings.

• AI tools are reshaping marketing – From James's Taylor-Made AI tool to generative SEO (GEO/AEO), speakers must adapt fast.

• Bookers are getting younger – They're digital natives searching on social media and ChatGPT.

• Video expectations are changing – Bookers want full-length clips, not just highlight reels.

• Industry recovery is uneven – It's a K-shaped comeback: top speakers thrive, many others struggle.

• Global trends – Middle East (Riyadh-focused), Southeast Asia, and Turkey are hot; Europe and the US are mixed; India is poised to boom.

• "It's not enough to show up and speak — you have to show clear ROI for the booker and the audience." – Maria Franzoni

• "Stack your value. Go beyond the keynote — moderate, run a panel, do a workshop." – James Taylor

• "If you're saying no to being recorded, you might not get chosen." – Maria Franzoni

• "We're moving from SEO to GEO — from search engine optimisation to generative engine optimisation." – James Taylor

• "You don't need to be on every social platform, but you do need to be where your next generation of bookers are." – Maria Franzoni

• "Be passionate about your topic. Audiences forgive nerves but never indifference." – James Taylor

• 00:00 – Welcome, party season, and comedy talk

• 02:52 – Introducing today's theme: Speaking Industry Trends

• 03:20 – What bookers want in 2026: ROI and added value

• 06:01 – How James stacks value with workshops and panels

• 07:59 – Hybrid events: why they're here to stay

• 10:09 – The rise of recording and licensing considerations

• 12:26 – Customisation and tailoring expectations

• 14:53 – Using AI for keynote research and relevance

• 16:41 – James's new "Taylor-Made AI" keynote customisation tool

• 17:59 – From SEO to GEO: adapting to generative search

• 18:59 – Younger bookers and digital-native expectations

• 21:04 – How bureaus help new planners avoid mistakes

• 23:12 – The K-shaped recovery in the speaking market

• 25:41 – Why innovation speakers are struggling and AI speakers are thriving

• 26:52 – Showreels and video trends: longer, more authentic footage

• 28:06 – Why TED-style talks are losing impact

• 29:58 – Digital twins and AI-driven content for speakers

• 32:38 – Global hotspots: Middle East focus shifting to Riyadh

• 36:10 – Asia and India's fast-growing opportunities

• 39:20 – Europe's uneven landscape and UK fee pressures

• 42:14 – The US outlook, shifting city destinations, and Latin America's rise

• 44:28 – Wrap-up and call for listener suggestions

Resources & Links

• 💡 Explore more episodes at SpeakersU.com

• 📧 Share your questions or topic ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni reveal exactly what makes an outstanding speaker showreel — and what mistakes stop speakers from getting booked.

Maria, drawing on her years running one of Europe's leading speaker bureaus, explains why a showreel is your movie trailer — and how to hook bookers in the first 30 seconds. She shares her recipe for a perfect reel, complete with examples of her three favourite videos from top professional speakers. James adds insider tips from producing his own showreels, including scripting, storyboarding, and using AI for engagement testing.

Together, they cover how to create a showreel when you have little or no footage, how often to update your video, what length performs best, and how to balance style, substance, and storytelling.

If you're a professional speaker or aspiring keynoter who wants to stand out in a crowded market, this episode will show you how to create a showreel that truly sells.

• Think "movie trailer," not "documentary" – Hook the viewer emotionally and visually in the first 30 seconds.

• Speak fast, show yourself early – Bookers want to see and hear you immediately, not a montage of others talking about you.

• Sell the outcomes – Lead with the value and results your keynote delivers.

• No talking-head testimonials – Keep the focus on you, your ideas, and the audience reaction.

• Show what you want to sell – If you want big stages, include big-stage shots; if workshops, show intimacy and interaction.

• No footage? Fake it smartly – Film a staged talk, record to camera, or hire a local venue and bring friends as your audience.

• Keep it short – Two to five minutes is ideal; if it's longer, it must be exceptional.

• Refresh every three years – Styles, tech, and your personal brand evolve quickly.

• Differentiate through tone – Match your video style to your target market — C-suite vs. consumer audiences.

• Always test and iterate – Storyboards, feedback loops, and even AI tools help refine your reel before launch.

• "A showreel is your movie trailer — make me excited to see the full movie." – Maria Franzoni

• "Focus on the outcomes first — what the client gets, not what you say." – Maria Franzoni

• "Your showreel sells the sizzle, not the steak." – James Taylor

• "You don't need a huge audience — you need great energy and clear messaging." – Maria Franzoni

• "Style your reel for the buyer: TikTok for agencies, Economist-style for the C-suite." – James Taylor

• 00:00 – 03:30 Catch-up and last-minute client bookings

• 03:36 Today's topic — Speaker Showreels

• 04:10 Maria's philosophy: why a reel is like a movie trailer

• 05:25 Do you need audience shots? When and why they matter

• 06:56 What to do if you don't yet have speaking footage

• 08:08 Creative solutions for new speakers — DIY and staged filming

• 10:38 Examples of speakers who built strong first reels

• 11:14 Showreel vs full speech vs "How I Work" video

• 13:01 Using bureau studios and "how I work" clips

• 13:40 Maria's top 3 showreels (Andrew Davis, James Kerr, Kay Korsh)

• 15:01 – 17:11 Breakdown of each and what makes them effective

• 18:09 – 18:35 DIY filming, 4K phones & editing on a budget

• 20:23 How long should your showreel be?

• 22:26 Why decision-makers rely on reels — and how fast they judge

• 23:12 How often to update and refresh your footage

• 24:43 The power of location-specific photos and clips

• 25:43 – 27:25 Invitation to submit your showreel for feedback

• 27:25 – 28:12 Maria's downloadable Showreel Checklist and wrap-up

Resources & Links

• 🎬 Maria Franzoni's Showreel Checklist: mariafranzoni.me/resources

• 📧 Submit your showreel for feedback: [email protected]

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni pull back the curtain on the world of top speaker bureaus — how they work, what they look for in speakers, and how to build mutually beneficial relationships that generate bookings.

Maria draws on decades of experience running one of Europe's most respected bureaus to explain how agents think, what differentiates a bookable speaker, and the dos and don'ts that every professional should know. James adds his perspective as a speaker represented by leading bureaus around the world, revealing how he collaborates with agents, builds trust, and stays top-of-mind.

Whether you're just starting out or already on the international circuit, this episode will help you understand the economics, etiquette, and psychology of working successfully with speaker bureaus.

• Bureaus are partners, not promoters – Their job is to serve their clients, not to manage your calendar.

• Be easy to sell – Have clear positioning, strong video, up-to-date assets, and a defined fee range.

• Stay top of mind – Regular updates, newsletters, and personal touches help agents remember you.

• Trust takes time – A bureau relationship is earned through reliability and professionalism.

• Never bypass a bureau client – Always respect existing relationships and contracts.

• Understand their economics – Bureaus work on commission; help them justify recommending you.

• Differentiate your topic – Relevance, clarity, and credibility make you stand out in their database.

• Be bureau-ready – Fast response times, accurate details, and flexibility build confidence.

• Support their success – Make them look good in front of their clients, and they'll champion you again.

• "A bureau's client is the end client — not you. Understand that, and you'll have better relationships." – Maria Franzoni

• "Don't expect bureaus to build your business; help them sell you by giving them reasons to." – James Taylor

• "The easiest speakers to book are the ones who make agents look brilliant." – Maria Franzoni

• "Relevance and reliability will get you booked again and again." – James Taylor

• "Treat bureaus as partners — not miracles." – Maria Franzoni

• 00:00 – Welcome and catching up on travel and client projects

• 01:52 – What exactly is a speaker bureau?

• 03:28 – How bureaus differ from speaker agents or managers

• 05:16 – What bureaus really look for when recommending a speaker

• 07:32 – The economics of bureau commissions and client service

• 09:18 – How to make yourself "easy to sell"

• 11:40 – The power of positioning and clarity in your topic

• 13:05 – Dos and don'ts when approaching a new bureau

• 15:33 – Why trust is the currency of the bureau–speaker relationship

• 17:26 – Handling multiple bureaus without conflict

• 19:47 – Updating bureaus and keeping them engaged

• 22:09 – Common mistakes speakers make when working with bureaus

• 24:34 – Case studies: speakers who get rebooked again and again

• 26:42 – How to support your bureau before, during, and after events

• 29:15 – Tech & tools of the week for bureau collaboration

• 31:20 – Final thoughts and listener questions

👉 Have a question or suggestion for James and Maria? Email [email protected]

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni tackle one of the biggest questions every professional speaker faces: how much should I charge?

Drawing on decades of experience as a bureau owner, Maria explains how to set your keynote fee, when to raise it, and why you should never discount. James shares insights from his own speaking business — including how he tests price levels, manages international vs. virtual fees, and negotiates without losing value. Together they explore the psychology, strategy, and market realities of pricing yourself in the global speaking industry.

Whether you're just starting out or ready to move into a higher fee bracket, this episode is packed with real-world advice on finding your sweet spot, building fee integrity, and communicating your value with confidence.

• Value, not time – Your fee reflects outcomes and expertise, not minutes on stage.

• Know your market – Corporate, education, and government sectors have very different budgets.

• Location matters – Fees vary across regions; the U.S. and Middle East typically pay more than the U.K.

• Profile sets price – Seniority, credibility, and positioning determine perceived value.

• Don't publish your fees – Keep flexibility to tailor pricing per client and market.

• Raise fees when there's no pushback – If you're closing 75% of inquiries, your fee is too low.

• Virtual vs. in-person – Treat virtual strategically; it can be equal or higher depending on effort and impact.

• Never discount — negotiate – Exchange value (video footage, PR, introductions) instead of lowering price.

• Fee integrity matters – Keep consistency across bureaus and direct clients to avoid confusion.

• Strategic pricing evolves – Adjust fees as your demand, reputation, and market position grow.

• "Your fee isn't for 45 minutes on stage — it's for everything that got you there." – Maria Franzoni

• "If 75% of people are saying yes, your fee's too low." – James Taylor

• "Never discount. Negotiate." – Maria Franzoni

• "Make your website look like a $10,000 speaker even if you charge $5,000." – Maria Franzoni

• "Relevance, reliability, and results — that's what earns higher fees." – James Taylor

• 00:00 – Welcome and catching up (dogs, weather, and winter settings)

• 02:41 – Why fee setting is like finding your temperature sweet spot

• 03:30 – What determines your starting keynote fee

• 05:08 – Industry and market differences in speaker pricing

• 06:59 – Global markets: U.S., U.K., Europe, Middle East, and Australia

• 07:49 – Profile, credibility, and client type as key price drivers

• 08:45 – Which industries pay best (and which don't)

• 10:10 – Using event clues (like hotel choice) to gauge budget

• 11:25 – Should you publish your fees online?

• 13:12 – Pricing psychology: how travel, time, and opportunity cost affect value

• 14:05 – Website positioning and showreel strategy

• 16:07 – When and how to raise your fees confidently

• 17:23 – The "75% rule" and psychological pricing mindset

• 18:31 – Fee communication and working with bureaus

• 20:23 – Virtual vs. in-person fees: strategy, value, and structure

• 23:45 – Hybrid models: longer, interactive virtual formats

• 25:49 – International pricing strategies and personal preferences

• 27:24 – The post-pandemic fee landscape

• 28:22 – Net vs. gross fees and bureau commissions

• 31:01 – Why the "D-word" (discount) is banned forever

• 31:45 – How to negotiate extra value instead of discounting

• 33:24 – Creative negotiations: travel perks, intros, and even gambling chips

• 33:57 – Final tips: researching competitors and bureau listings

• 34:35 – James' Blue Ocean strategy for finding pricing gaps

• 35:48 – Wrap-up and next episode preview

Have a question or topic suggestion for James and Maria? Email [email protected]

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni dive into one of the biggest decisions every professional speaker faces — whether or not to write a book. With reading habits changing and attention spans shrinking, is publishing still worth it?

Maria shares what she learned from writing The Bookability Formula, including how a book clarifies your thinking, protects your IP, and raises your authority. James discusses his upcoming SuperCreativity book, why he waited five years before writing it, and how books can elevate your speaking brand. Together they explore the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, how to use your book as a marketing tool, and creative ways to launch and promote it.

Whether you're a new or established speaker, you'll discover why books still matter — and how to make yours work for your business, your brand, and your audience.

• Books clarify thinking – Writing forces structure and helps you refine your core message.

• Authority comes from authorship – The word "authority" literally begins with "author."

• Timing matters – Don't write too early; live your content first.

• Books as business cards – A book opens doors and elevates positioning, even if it doesn't make big money.

• Hybrid publishing is a smart middle path – Keeps quality control without losing autonomy.

• Tie your launch to an event – Use an existing audience for maximum visibility.

• Give books freely – Strategic giveaways amplify goodwill and social proof.

• You must market it – Promotion, interviews, and podcasts are on you, not your publisher.

• AI audiobooks are here – Tools like Eleven Labs can narrate your book in multiple languages.

• "Writing a book unravels your thinking — it turns spaghetti into structure." – Maria Franzoni

• "A book is the summation of years of ideas, handed to you for £20. That's incredible value." – James Taylor

• "Authority comes from author. A book changes how clients perceive you." – Maria Franzoni

• "You don't need a book to be a successful speaker — but it can unlock a higher level of opportunity." – James Taylor

• "Attach your book launch to an event that already has your perfect audience." – Chris Gardner (via Maria Franzoni)

• 00:00 – Welcome & why reading is declining

• 01:16 – Why Maria wrote The Bookability Formula

• 02:15 – Books as clarity tools and IP protection

• 04:01 – James on the value of books for idea transfer and legacy

• 05:47 – Speaking first, writing later – when to start your book

• 07:09 – Avoid writing too early; live your material first

• 08:23 – How writing affects your speaking income short-term

• 09:38 – Books as brochures and positioning tools

• 10:59 – How bureaus view speakers with books

• 13:44 – Branding your book and keynote under one concept

• 15:01 – Why bureaus love books but don't profit from them

• 16:54 – Micro-books and multi-series publishing

• 17:46 – Traditional vs hybrid vs self-publishing

• 18:12 – Finding a publisher who respects your voice

• 19:36 – Owning foreign rights and global expansion

• 21:27 – The marketing reality: sales depend on you

• 22:08 – David Allen's 25-year book promotion discipline

• 23:08 – Maria's tip: attach your book launch to an event

• 25:02 – Free books as social-media gold

• 25:50 – James' tool: Eleven Labs for AI audiobooks and voiceovers

• 26:58 – Closing thoughts and listener questions

👉 Have a question or topic suggestion for James and Maria? Email [email protected]

In this candid episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni tackle one of the most dangerous traps for professional speakers — ego. While confidence is essential to step on stage, unchecked ego can sabotage client relationships, damage reputations, and even end careers.

Maria shares shocking true stories of "speakers behaving badly," from diva demands and drunken disasters to midnight tantrums over hotel rooms. James reveals how cultural differences, gender perceptions, and even microphone preferences can blur the line between professionalism and arrogance. Together they explore how to stay grounded, easy to work with, and respected — even when success and attention start to inflate your self-image.

If you've ever wondered where confidence ends and ego begins, this episode offers hard-won lessons, cautionary tales, and practical ways to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

• Confidence ≠ arrogance – A healthy ego gets you on stage; an inflated one gets you blacklisted.

• Be easy to work with – Kindness to AV teams, organisers, and staff is remembered (and shared).

• Do your own briefing calls – Never outsource relationships that build trust with clients.

• Ego destroys reputations fast – Word travels quickly among bureaus and event planners.

• Cultural context matters – What reads as confidence in the US may look like arrogance in the UK.

• Boundaries vs. bad behaviour – Riders and technical requests are professionalism, not ego.

• Stay grounded – Family check-ins, gratitude, and humility keep you level when success rises.

• "Speakers need ego to get on stage — but when it tips into arrogance, it can destroy your career." – Maria Franzoni

• "Our job is to be champions for our craft, not divas of the greenroom." – James Taylor

• "Do your own briefing calls — if Neil Armstrong could, so can you." – Maria Franzoni

• "Confidence is caring about the craft; ego is caring only about yourself." – James Taylor

• "You can't control how others treat you, but you can control how you treat everyone around you." – Maria Franzoni

• 00:00 – Welcome and playful banter about podcast "coolness"

• 01:20 – Why ego deserves its own chapter in The Bookability Formula

• 03:07 – When ego makes speakers inflexible on stage timings

• 04:18 – The ripple effect of bad behaviour on AV and event teams

• 06:29 – How negative energy travels fast between events and bureaus

• 07:15 – "Speakers behaving badly" – examples from Maria's agency days

• 09:07 – Do your own briefing calls (and why Neil Armstrong did his)

• 10:45 – Cultural and gender differences in how ego is perceived

• 12:13 – When high standards aren't arrogance but professionalism

• 13:20 – Midnight hotel tantrums and balcony meltdowns

• 14:08 – Respect the client's exhaustion – empathy over entitlement

• 16:42 – Drunken speeches and recycled stories: reputations ruined

• 18:04 – Tracking your material to avoid repetition and mistakes

• 19:44 – Cultural nuances: big intros that work in the US flop in Europe

• 20:24 – Crossing ethical lines: relationships and reputation at events

• 21:56 – Zig Ziglar's "five calls a day" rule to stay grounded

• 23:20 – Tips & tools of the week: elected-office speaking practice and portable AI recorders

• 27:25 – Future of AI speaker assistants — "Digital Maria Franzoni?"

• 27:52 – Wrap-up, humour, and listener invitation

Have a question or story for James and Maria? Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni dig into one of the least glamorous but most important parts of every speaking business — speaker contracts. Whether you're new to professional speaking or a seasoned pro, understanding how to protect your intellectual property, ensure timely payment, and manage client expectations can make or break your business.

Maria explains why every speaker should have their own agreement rather than signing the client's, outlines the three most essential contract clauses, and shares tips learned from decades of managing high-profile speakers. James discusses real-world examples, from green riders and recording rights to payment terms and handling last-minute "scope creep."

Packed with practical templates, cautionary tales, and negotiation tactics, this episode will help you get paid on time, protect your content, and build lasting professional relationships with clients and bureaus.

• Have your own contract – Don't rely on the client's; be in control of your terms.

• Three must-have clauses – Payment terms, cancellation terms, and recording/IP rights.

• Scope creep is real – If the client adds panels, dinners, or extra work, renegotiate.

• Never travel without payment – Aim for full balance 30 days before the event.

• Use "firm offer" forms – Simplify admin and confirm all details before committing.

• Protect your recordings – Approve edits, restrict public use, and get a copy of all footage.

• Green riders matter – Add sustainability or ethical clauses that reflect your values.

• Be clear on travel and security – Define who pays, how you travel, and what safety steps apply.

• Weird rider stories – From "no journalists allowed" to 10 a.m. wine, the industry has seen it all.

• "Speakers should have their own contract — not the client's." – Maria Franzoni

• "The date is the contract. If it changes, renegotiate." – Maria Franzoni

• "Don't step on stage until 100 percent of your fee has been paid." – James Taylor

• "You can't control when a client pays, but you can control when you travel." – Maria Franzoni

• "Add the day of the week next to the date — it saves endless confusion." – Maria Franzoni

• "Keep your contracts simple enough to understand, but strong enough to protect you." – James Taylor

• 00:00 – Welcome & catching up on dogs, lunches, and life balance

• 01:47 – Why contracts matter (and the legal disclaimer)

• 03:22 – What hasn't changed in speaker contracts for 25 years

• 05:14 – The three essential clauses every speaker needs

• 06:52 – Payment schedules and why balance should be due 30 days before

• 08:09 – Firm offer forms vs. booking forms and confirmation letters

• 11:07 – Common negotiation points and dealing with slow-paying clients

• 12:35 – Accepting credit cards – yes, but add the surcharge

• 14:27 – Late-payment clauses and procurement headaches

• 15:58 – Scope creep: when clients add panels, dinners, or sponsor meetings

• 17:22 – Recording and IP rights: how to protect your material

• 20:21 – What to allow (and not allow) for public or internal use

• 23:19 – Editorial approval and licensing fees for wider distribution

• 25:50 – Using a bureau's contract to simplify client onboarding

• 27:03 – Travel clauses and buyout options

• 29:34 – The rise of the Green Rider and sustainable speaker travel

• 32:17 – Security clauses – from former heads of state to practical travel safety

• 36:08 – Craziest contract clauses: no journalists, no competitors, no flashes

• 39:15 – Funny (and alarming) rider requests from celebrity speakers

• 42:12 – Templates, tips, and the "add the day of the week" trick

• 43:56 – Digital signatures: Hello Sign, Echo Sign, and Google Docs e-signing

• 45:00 – Wrap-up and listener invitation for contract questions

Resources & Links

• Free Speaker Contract Template: speakersu.com/contracts (example placeholder)

• Email questions or ideas: [email protected]

• Follow James Taylor & Maria Franzoni on LinkedIn for daily speaking tips

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni explore one of the most important challenges for professional speakers: how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Maria explains why relevance to a paying market is the first element of her Bookability Formula and how speakers can identify what audiences will need today—and in five years' time. James shares how he blends perennial topics like creativity with fast-moving ones like AI, and why staying a few steps ahead of clients keeps him in demand.

From industry reports and boardroom insights to experimenting with new keynote content and testing topics with the market before creating them, this conversation is packed with strategies to help speakers stay visible, booked, and valued in an ever-evolving industry.

• Relevance drives bookings – It's the #1 factor in Maria's Bookability Formula.

• Think five years ahead – Use strategy insights to prepare for how industries and audiences will evolve.

• Blend perennial and trendy topics – Pair evergreen skills (creativity, leadership, resilience) with emerging trends (AI, tech, demographics).

• Listen more, talk less – Relevance often comes from asking the right questions in discovery calls.

• Experiment before you build – Test keynote ideas, topics, or programs in the market before investing time and money.

• Differentiate by audience – Tailor your pitch for C-suite, event professionals, and bureaus, as each values relevance differently.

• Stay close to your industry – Associations like MPI and global markets (US, Europe, Asia) often signal future trends.

• "The most important element of being bookable is relevance to a paying market." – Maria Franzoni

• "Don't wait for five-year plans—ask what the world will look like in five years and move your speaking to match." – James Taylor

• "Sell it before you create it. The market decides what's relevant, not you." – Maria Franzoni

• "Relevance isn't just your topic—it's how you present it to different stakeholders." – James Taylor

• 00:00 – Welcome and updates: group sessions and risky live AI music demos

• 04:24 – Why staying relevant matters: Maria's Bookability Formula

• 05:18 – James on blending perennial topics with fast-changing ones

• 06:45 – Strategy lessons from Eric Schmidt: think five years ahead

• 07:34 – Maria on LinkedIn Learning and WEF reports as future-skills guides

• 09:10 – How James tracks trends using board minutes, Gartner reports, Reddit

• 11:11 – Tech examples: AR glasses, live facial recognition, event tech

• 14:54 – Staying close to the meetings & events industry for insights

• 16:22 – Meeting professionals shaping the future of conferences

• 18:48 – Being too early: when audiences aren't ready for your message

• 20:01 – Test the market first: lessons from publishing and Dragon's Den

• 23:15 – Differentiating yourself in competitive pitches

• 25:00 – Evergreen vs. niche topics and industry-specific competition

• 27:20 – Relevance shifts depending on whether you're pitching C-suite, planners, or bureaus

• 28:07 – Discovery calls: listening, mirroring language, and building relevance

• 29:18 – Why listening is the most underrated skill for speakers

• 30:17 – Maria's tip: ask clients "How did you find me?" and "Why me?" before and after gigs

• 32:43 – James' tool: Opus Pro for creating viral short-form video clips

• 34:16 – Closing thoughts and listener questions

👉 Have a question for James and Maria? Email: [email protected]