Episode Details

Wanting the stage and being ready to serve an audience from it are two very different things. Speaking can be a visibility strategy, a business development tool, or a business in its own right, but each lane requires a different strategy. When you treat every speaking opportunity the same, you miss the chance to make intentional decisions about your time, your preparation, your pricing, and your follow-up. And all of it starts with clarity: knowing what you have to say, who needs to hear it, and the value you want people to walk away with.

In this episode of Branding Room Only, Paula T. Edgar kicks off the So You Want to Be a Speaker series with an honest conversation about what speaking actually requires before the bookings, polished website, or speaker reel. Drawing from her experience speaking to lawyers, executives, affinity groups, leadership teams, and professional audiences, she breaks down the three strategic lanes of speaking, the foundational elements every aspiring speaker needs, and a simple exercise to help listeners clarify their message, audience, and purpose.

2:28 – The distinct differences between speaking on stage for industry visibility, business development, and as a fully paid operation

3:43 – Why wanting the stage is not the same as being ready to serve an audience from it

6:17 – Why narrowing your focus is actually what makes you findable, bookable, and memorable

7:12 – How your brand needs to communicate your expertise before you even walk in the room

8:00 – What gathering proof in the beginning stages of public speaking will require of you 

9:46 – Paula’s fill-in-the-blank framework that clarifies your message, audience, and purpose in a way that other people can use to refer you

Mentioned In So You Want to Be a Speaker? Getting Clear Before You Get Booked

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Sponsor for this episode

This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.

PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.

Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.

To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.