How to Answer “What’s Your Speaking Fee?” and Get Paid What You’re Worth

The episode explains how speakers can confidently answer “What’s your speaking fee?” and avoid blurting out an unaligned number by using three approaches: replacement cost, honorarium/starter fee, and the “budge or barter” method to avoid. 

For replacement cost, speakers (especially coaches/consultants) can base fees on their hourly rate plus preparation, pre-event calls, and post-event follow-up, emphasizing they’re paid for delivering a problem-solving program, not just a 60-minute talk. 

For honorariums, speakers can ask early if there’s a budget, then negotiate other compensation like travel, books, video footage, attendee lists, sponsorship/table space, promotion, or discounted tickets, and invoice the full fee with discounts. 

The script shares typical fee ranges (emerging $0–$3,000; experienced/industry $3,000–$7,000; professional/celebrity $7,000–$100,000), suggests stating ranges, discusses whether to list fees on a website, and underscores saying no when it isn’t worth it.

00:00 The Speaking Fee Question

00:56 Avoiding the Bread Game

01:48 Replacement Cost Method

03:52 Prep Time and Add Ons

07:00 Lead with Value

07:37 Honorarium and Low Budget Gigs

09:09 Negotiating Non Cash Perks

11:06 Sponsorship and Tabling Example

14:02 Budge or Barter Pitfalls

15:25 Typical Fee Ranges

17:34 Using Ranges and Calculators

19:21 Posting Fees and Wrap Up

20:34 Final Thanks and Call to Action

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