The Modern Public Speaker Survival Kit (2025 Edition)
Public speaking today is about more than commanding a stage. It’s about creating a business, building a brand, and crafting a presence that extends well beyond the spotlight. Whether you're just exploring opportunities or are a seasoned professional, every public speaker needs the right tools to thrive.
At The Kirkpatrick Agency, we work closely with speakers to build lasting careers. Here's our updated, essential survival kit for the modern public speaker.
1. A Strong Social Media Presence
If you're a public speaker in 2025, you must be active on social media. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube aren't just social—they're vital business tools. Think of them as your virtual stage, digital portfolio, and ongoing engagement tool.
Tips to optimize your presence:
Post consistent content: speaker clips, audience reactions, event travel.
Use Reels, Shorts, and Stories to increase visibility.
Engage meaningfully with comments and DMs.
Be authentic—88% of Millennials, who often plan events, prefer real content over polished perfection.
2. Mountains of Video Content
No public speaker can succeed without compelling video. Your website and social channels should feature video content that makes decision-makers say, "We need them."
Video essentials include:
A dynamic sizzle reel (60–90 seconds)
Full-length keynote clips
Behind-the-scenes moments from events and travel
Client testimonials and media interviews
Platforms like Canva and Capcut make editing easy. Want professional help? Partner with an agency that understands speaker marketing.
Post videos on YouTube, your website, and across social media platforms. This boosts SEO and gives event planners a clear view of your presence and polish.
3. An Airline Rewards Program (and Travel Tools)
Public speakers travel—a lot. Join airline and hotel rewards programs to make the most of your miles. Perks like upgrades, lounge access, and free flights add up quickly.
Top programs:
Delta SkyMiles
United MileagePlus
American AAdvantage
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Pair these with apps like TripIt to organize your travel and stay on top of your busy calendar.
4. A Trusted Inner Circle (Your Speaker Advisory Board)
Behind every great public speaker is a team—or at least a few trusted voices. You don’t need an entourage, but you do need feedback and perspective.
Who to include:
A speaking coach or mentor
A marketing-savvy peer
A friend or family member who knows your goals and holds you accountable
We offer 1:1 strategy sessions to help you refine your content, boost your brand, and align your goals with the speaking market.
5. A Strategic Speaker Website
Your website is your booking engine. It needs to convert visitors into inquiries, show off your personality, and highlight your expertise.
Must-haves:
Speaker reel embedded above the fold
Clear topics with audience takeaways
A one-sheet download
Contact form or booking calendar
Logos and testimonials for social proof
Want a review? We offer site audits to help public speakers maximize their online impact.
6. Ongoing Coaching & Content Refreshes
The best public speakers know how to adapt. What worked last year might not hit the mark this year. Stay sharp by investing in regular coaching and content updates.
The Kirkpatrick Agency provides coaching that includes:
Talk topic review and refinement
Delivery feedback and rehearsal tips
Market insights to guide topic relevance
7. A Booking Partner Who Advocates for You
A full calendar isn’t just about hustle—it’s about visibility and connections. Having a booking partner means you can focus on performance while someone else is focused on outreach.
We help public speakers:
Match with the right events
Handle contracts and logistics
Create sustainable, scalable speaking careers
Ready to be represented? Email us or connect here.
Final Thoughts
Being a public speaker today means being part educator, part performer, and part entrepreneur. With the right strategy and support, you can thrive in this exciting industry.
Follow us on LinkedIn or explore our services page to see how we help public speakers build lasting impact.