Why Every Professional Speaker Needs a Speaker’s Agreement

If you've been hired to deliver a presentation or a training program, don't assume that once a client sends over a contract, the paperwork is complete.

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Not necessarily.

One of the most important lessons experienced speakers learn is this:

The client’s contract is designed to protect the client and outline the client’s needs.
A speaker’s agreement is designed to protect the speaker and clarify the speaker’s needs.

Both matter.

A professional speaker should always be prepared to provide their own agreement — even if the organization hiring them already has one.

This isn’t about being difficult.
It’s about creating clarity, professionalism, and mutual understanding before the event ever begins.

Why a Speaker’s Agreement Matters

Speaking engagements involve much more than simply showing up with a microphone.

There are often questions surrounding:

• presentation length
• arrival times
• technology requirements
• travel arrangements
• promotion and marketing
• payment schedules
• recording permissions
• cancellations or rescheduling
• audience expectations
• rehearsal time
• and event logistics

When expectations are unclear, stress and misunderstandings often follow.

A speaker’s agreement helps eliminate confusion before it becomes a problem.

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Professional Speakers Think Professionally

Many speakers hesitate to provide their own agreement because they fear appearing demanding or difficult.

In reality, most experienced event organizers appreciate clarity and professionalism.

A well-written speaker agreement communicates that:

• you are prepared
• you respect your time
• you understand professional speaking
• and you want the event to succeed for everyone involved

It also demonstrates that speaking is not simply a hobby for you — it is a professional service.

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What Should Be Included?

Every speaker’s agreement will look a little different, but common elements often include:

• event date and time
• presentation topic and length
• speaking fee and payment schedule
• travel or lodging arrangements
• audio/visual requirements
• recording permissions
• cancellation policies
• promotional expectations
• arrival/setup details
• and any special accommodations or requests

The goal is not to create unnecessary complexity.

The goal is to create mutual understanding.

Clarity Creates Confidence

One of the hidden benefits of having a speaker’s agreement is confidence.

When expectations are clearly outlined:

• the speaker feels more prepared
• the client feels more informed
• and the event itself tends to run more smoothly

Professional speaking is not just about delivering a great message. It’s also about creating a professional experience. And sometimes, professionalism begins long before the speaker ever steps onto the stage.

6 Things that are Never Bad Ideas When it Comes to Speaking Events

A Cell  Phone Number
You can never tell what could go wrong at the last minute. In your speaker's agreement, its never a bad idea to ask for a cell phone number on the day of the event in case you're running late or you become lost. Providing your cell phone number for them will also allow the client to contact you if anything changes late in the game.

Parking / Building Entry Directions
I once got hired to speak at an employee meeting that was held inside of a convention center on a Sunday. The convention center was as big as a city and every door was locked and all parking lots were empty. I finally found the group in an out building that wasn't easy to find. It's never a bad idea to ask for any special instructions to eliminate just such a situation.

A Back Up LCD Projector
If your talk relies on your power point presentation and you own an LCD projector, it's never a bad idea to bring yours along if you are driving to the event. A hotel can usually produce a replacement but a smaller private client may not. At the very least, always be prepared to conduct your presentation without the power point. Print off copies of your slides to have as a backup plan.

Show Up Early to Scope it Out
Good speakers get to the location of the event in advance and stand at the front of the room before hand, to get a feel for the room. I once showed up early to an event and discovered the room wasn't going to work well for me. With my client's permission, I rearranged the room to enhance the audience's experience for the better. Doing that is never a bad idea.

Letter of Recommendation
One of the best ways of securing more speaking gigs is to have written recommendations from past clients, to share with prospective clients. Include a request for this letter in your speaker's agreement and then follow up with an email, after you've completed your presentation. If your client is an active Linkedin user, it's never a bad idea to send them a recommendation request.

Learn from Others' Experiences
It is never a bad idea to hear about the experiences other speakers have had. You'll learn what or what not to do to minimize their nightmares from becoming yours. I recently compiled 40 of the most harrowing stories from professional speakers on what can go wrong. Download the eBook by CLICKING HERE. It's just 99 cents.

Bill Corbett is a professional speaker who has been influencing audiences for over 20 years. He is the author of several books, including HOW TO BECOME A CONFERENCE SPEAKER. Bill has been selected to deliver the keynote at a large conference in the Netherlands in September of 2015. You can learn more about him at http://www.BillCorbett.com.