How I Became a 5-Star Speaker in Just Ten Short Years

My mom always said she was surprised I didn’t go into acting. I like to think it’s because of my empathy and ability to feel things deeply, but really, I think it was because I was hyperbolic, comedic, and dramatic in my delivery of everyday things—like recounting a traffic encounter, retelling an off-hand dialogue with someone in the coffee line, or explaining (with gusto) why I disagreed with one of her decisions.

​So, it came as a surprise (to both of us) that I wasn’t comfortable standing in front of an audience. But looking back, as someone who was teased in school, it was clear to me that being seen often meant being ridiculed. And, well, that wasn't for me. 

Staying out of the limelight wasn't going to last in my line of work. 

As my marketing career progressed, though, it became clear that speaking in front of groups, big and small, would be part of the job. As I moved up the corporate ladder, sharing wins, efforts, and plans in front of executives was critical to getting buy-in and budget. Then, as I became more involved in the content marketing community, there were more opportunities to speak. My "big break" came when I was invited to do a 90-minute talk at Seattle Startup Week in 2017.

Despite my voice shaking and my face flushing bright pink every time I stood in front of more than four people, I couldn’t say no. This was my moment.

Like many new speakers, I made the classic rookie mistake of trying to cover too much in one session. But overall, it went well. I was competent, I looked great, I had memorable handouts, and—drumroll please—I handled a heckler. That’s when it all clicked for me. From there, I spoke at local chamber events, led workshops in Seattle for people new to marketing, and eventually spoke at Content Marketing World for five years in a row.

​As people gear up for this year's Content Marketing World, I’m feeling a little FOMO since my session didn’t get picked this time. No hard feelings—last year wasn’t my best, and I’m not surprised. So, as an homage to all my friends headed to San Diego, here are a few things I’ve learned over the past decade that helped me go from stage-shy to 5-star speaker.

6 Things I Learned as a Speaker Over the Years

1. Everyone is rooting for you.
No one wants you to bomb. Your audience is sitting there assuming you’re brilliant and ready to do a great job. They’re silently cheering you on with a "you’ve got this" under their breath. They’re waiting to laugh, nod, and be showered with your brilliance. You are supported by every pair of hands in the room.

2. Answer a single question.
Don’t try to do too much. Most talks are 30-60 minutes, and if you pace yourself to make sure everyone is following, you’ll only have time to answer one big question thoroughly. This approach also helps you stay on track. When you review your slides, ask yourself, "Does this help answer the question?" If not, it’s time to cut.

3. Make it easy to share your 'aha' moments.
Design your slides knowing your audience will likely share them on social media. If you have a great one-liner that punctuates your point, put it on a slide with your name or handle. Not only does this help people remember your key points, but it also makes it easy for them to snap a picture and share it. Free marketing for you, and helpful for them!

4. Don’t be afraid to use humor.
Let’s face it, some conferences are a snooze-fest. Even if the content is solid, people appreciate humor. Don’t be afraid to use pop culture references, memes, or light jokes to break the monotony. It helps you connect, makes your points more memorable, and makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone. And yes, you can be funny and professional.

5. Share your story.
People always say, "Share your story," but I cannot emphasize enough how impactful this is. Every year since COVID, I’ve learned some really hard lessons. One year, I talked about burning out and closing my marketing agency to focus on my health and being a better mom. Not only did it connect with the audience (someone cried!), but it also highlighted the stakes of managing mental health and burnout in the workplace. Being vulnerable pays off.

6. Leave behind something memorable.
At one event, I handed out bingo cards, and if you got bingo, you had to find me for a prize. Another year, I gave out little baggies of band-aids with QR codes on how to fix your marketing "boo-boos." Another time, I offered digital downloads to help attendees do their jobs better. Every time you speak, you have a chance to leave something behind that will make people laugh, engage, and connect with you. Don’t miss that opportunity.

Looking Back...

I never imagined that ten years after stepping in front of a room full of strangers with shaky hands and a flushed face, I’d be here sharing my top tips as a 5-star speaker. But here we are! The journey wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it. Over time, I learned that with preparation, vulnerability, and a dash of humor, anyone can conquer their fear of public speaking and connect deeply with their audience.
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If you’ve got a speaking gig coming up, remember: people are rooting for you, share your story, and—most importantly—have fun. The stage is yours.

Need a speaker for your next event? 

​Whether you’re looking for a fun, engaging talk on marketing tactics or a heartfelt story about balancing career and life, I’d love to be considered. Let’s make your next event one to remember!

Get in Touch!