How to Determine Your Speaking Fees

Recently, I was talking with Gerry Wakeland, the Managing Director of CLASServices. CLASS has helped over 7,500 men and women improve their speaking and writing skills (www.classervices.com) Gerry mentioned a practical way to determine if you are an A, B, or C speaker, and the fees associated with each level.

C = Beginner: This is a speaker with little experience who mainly addresses audiences in their local area (and has not spoken outside of their state). Fees received range from $0 to $750 for a single presentation to a weekend retreat. Beginning speakers are either not published yet or self-published.

B = Intermediate: Speakers at this level usually have at least one published book and have built a regional (multi-state) following beyond their local area. Fees received range from $750 to $2,500 for a single presentation to a weekend conference.

A = Advanced: Speakers at this level usually have several published books and a solid national following. Their name alone can draw an audience, and their speaking calendar is usually booked over a year in advance. Advanced speakers also generate a lot of repeat bookings. Fees received start at $2,500 for a single presentation and can reach five-figure amounts. (If you speak in the secular or corporate world, fees in the $5,000 - 10,000 range are considered normal!)

Use the explanation above to see if you’ve appropriately set your speaking fees. And, ignore conventional wisdom that says to raise your fees only when your event calendar fills up. By then, it’s usually too late. Instead, raise your fees when you bring more benefits to the table.

Do you feel like your fees are too low? Do you struggle to add benefits or negotiate proper fees for yourself? Give me a call at 1-800-267-2045 or email: Rob@StartaWildFire.com I’d be glad to help.