Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid.

You’ve prepared a talk and told people you’re available. Why is the diary still quiet?

In this solo episode of Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid., John Ball walks through the questions that help you identify where your speaking business needs attention before investing in another fix.

Follow an organiser trying to work out whether your talk fits their event. Then examine the enquiry that goes quiet and the session that earns applause without leading to more work. Along the way, John looks at buyer demand, bureau expectations and what makes a recommendation feel safe...

Do speakers need a book to get booked? No. Can a relevant book be a powerful authority asset, often called your best business card and a useful tool when negotiating speaking engagements? Hell yes.

In this bonus episode from the archives, John Ball speaks with ghostwriter and book coach Ginny Carter, author of Your Business, Your Book. Recorded in early 2022, the conversation is still useful for speakers and other experts considering a business book.

They discuss how to decide what your book is for, when you’re ready to write it, how to keep it en...

Lorne Kelton asked AI to find research supporting an argument. It returned what seemed like a cited study. When he checked it, the study and researcher didn’t exist.

That experience opens a conversation about the responsibility speakers carry when they use evidence on stage. Lorne and John discuss why confidence can be mistaken for competence, how “fake it till you make it” advice can lead speakers astray, and what critical thinking looks like when a client wants to put it into practice.

They also disagree, or at least place different bets, on what AI means...

A man paid $6,000 to a speaker agency that promised him multiple $10,000 bookings. Six months later, he had nothing but excuses. John, your host, has been in the coaching industry for years and has either seen or personally walked into most of what he covers in this solo episode: six distinct ways new professional speakers get sold something that looks like opportunity and isn't.

Some of these are straightforwardly dishonest: fake agencies charging registration fees, pay-to-speak stages dressed up as exposure. Others are murkier: podcast invites that turn into PR funnels, speaking coaches with no paid industry experience...

This isn't a normal episode. It's an announcement about where The Professional Speaking Show goes from here.

John explains the decision behind moving the podcast from weekly to fortnightly, why the numbers that once looked promising dropped off a cliff earlier this year, and why he's stopped trying to force a recovery that isn't coming.

He talks honestly about what it means to admit a show isn't finding its audience, why the podcast is becoming more of a personal passion project than a professional growth channel, and where his time and energy are moving instead...

Most speakers are told to be visible: post more, show up more, build a personal brand. Susanna Reay thinks that's backwards. In this episode, framework thinking expert and author Susanna Reay makes the case for framework first, visibility second: the idea that without a clear, ownable structure behind your ideas, all that visibility just evaporates the moment you leave the room.

Susanna walks through the difference between a personal brand (built on personality) and an authority brand (built on intellectual property), why the best frameworks borrow "safe but new" shapes the brain already trusts, and the five...

Part two of the AI and keynotes series. Last episode covered the tells that give away a keynote written too much with AI. This one goes underneath that, to the parts of a keynote that were never AI's to write in the first place, even for speakers who've already cleaned up the obvious tells.

John draws the line between a personal story and a personalised one: a personal story is something that happened to you; a personalised story is something that happened to you, chosen and shaped to do a specific job for a specific audience. He...

Mike Verret last joined the show in 2021, back when it was still finding its way under a different name. He's back with a sharper, more focused message: the reason most pitches, whether for a speaking gig, a podcast guest slot, or a networking room, fall flat isn't the words. It's that the person pitching is thinking like a business when the person listening is thinking like a human.

Mike spent fourteen years in advertising and agency work before six years on-site at Hasbro Toys, where his job flipped from "think like the audience" to "think like the...

Most speakers think the problem with their keynote is the content. It's rarely the content. In this episode John breaks down why writing your keynote with AI is a bad idea, even as the tools keep improving, starting with a story about a speaker he coached at TSL whose entirely AI-written talk was, in John's words, drivel.

John walks through the planning-stage traps that happen before a word gets written: AI's sycophancy (it will tell you your topic is great and bookable when it has no actual market data to base that on), and its habit of...

Most speakers assume their audience is persuadable by good evidence. Psychologist Owen Fitzpatrick, who trained under NLP co-creator Richard Bandler and has travelled to over a hundred countries, including North Korea, Afghanistan and Iran, studying how belief actually forms, argues that's backwards. People believe what feels right, fits their identity, and keeps them inside their tribe. Evidence comes after, as justification.

Owen built his reputation on charisma work (his book The Charismatic Edge argued charisma is an impression you create, not something you're born with) before moving into belief and propaganda with his new book Inner Propaganda...

You spent decades becoming the best in your field. You assumed that would be enough to get you booked as a speaker. It isn't, and in this episode John explains why: the gap between being qualified and being booked comes down to one distinction almost nobody gets right the first time, whether your talk is informational or transformational.

John breaks down the three things speakers try when they're stuck (networking, free stages, reworking the talk) and why none of them fix the real problem, then walks through five specific traps that quietly turn expert content into a...

Uncover the true role of speaker bureaus with Dominic Eldred-Earl from the London Speaker Bureau. Many speakers mistakenly see joining a bureau as the ultimate goal, but Dominic reveals why this is just the beginning.

Learn the crucial differences between speaker agents and bureaus, and understand the strategies needed to effectively leverage a bureau to boost your speaking engagements.

Dominic shares insider tips on how to stand out in a competitive market, debunking myths and offering clear steps to maximise your success within a bureau.

Episode Timestamps:

00:03 - Introduction to Dominic...

Most speakers assume the flood of AI-generated content is bad news for them. In this solo episode, John Ball argues the opposite: as content gets cheaper and more abundant, a real human voice saying something only they could say becomes harder to ignore, not easier to overlook.

John traces why speaking has held power for centuries, from Cicero to Churchill to Martin Luther King, and pulls in a callback to an early conversation with Stoic philosophy expert Donald Robertson on Marcus Aurelius, who treated rhetoric as a discipline rather than decoration. From there, John properly defines what...

Discover how Ryan Botner transformed his life and business after a near-fatal overdose to create a $360,000 speaking empire. In an industry filled with eloquent speakers, Ryan stands out with his ability to sell and market himself effectively. Drawing from twenty years of sales experience, he reveals how power hours, unyielding outreach, and personal visits fill a speaking calendar.

In this episode, learn why the mantra 'money follows movement' is crucial and why most speakers face conversion rather than lead problems. Ryan shares insights into entering the US speaking market via high-leverage associations and shifts the paradigm from...

Unlock the secrets to building a successful speaking business that doesn't just rely on luck. In this insightful solo episode, John Ball uncovers the real reason why hard-working speakers aren't seeing the inquiries they expect.

Discover the strategies to focus your efforts in the right direction, leverage your unique strengths, and transform your speaking engagements into consistent business growth. Learn how to attract more opportunities and build a sustainable career in public speaking.

Keywords: public speaking, business growth, speaker strategy, opportunity building, John Ball

In this episode:

• Why the discovery trap lo...

Magician-turned-keynote-speaker Brian Miller built a speaking career on the back of a TEDx talk that went viral in 2015, then watched that career dry up within eighteen months because charisma and entertainment weren't enough to make anyone act on what he'd said. In this episode, Brian and John dig into the real argument underneath most speaker training: is a keynote about how you deliver it, or what's actually in it? Brian's answer, and the thesis of his new book "The One Page Keynote," is that design beats delivery every time, and that the entertainment industry's instinct (be more charismatic, be...

Most speakers talk about authenticity. Fewer actually practise it. There is a version of you that turns up on stage and a version of you that exists everywhere else, and for many speakers, those two people are further apart than they would like to admit.

This episode is a Pride Month episode, but the argument is not seasonal. The LGBTQ+ experience of navigating identity in public life contains lessons about presence, resilience and credibility that are directly relevant to any speaker who has ever edited themselves for the room.

In this episode:

Bernadette Marciniak is a video producer who works specifically with speakers and event organisers, giving her a rare dual perspective on what actually gets speakers booked. She has captured footage at live events, produced demo reels for speakers at various stages of their careers, and uses speaking engagements herself as a visibility lever for her business.

What you'll take away from this episode:

There comes a point for almost every speaker and coach where the doubt becomes hard to ignore. You are doing the work, following good advice, showing up consistently — and nothing seems to be moving. The bookings are not coming. The calendar is open. Other people seem to be on calls constantly, and yours is, well, available.

Or maybe some things are trickling through, but not enough for it to feel real or sustainable. There is a ceiling somewhere above you that you cannot quite identify, let alone push against.

In this episode, John Ball addresses th...

Unlock the secrets to establishing a thriving speaking career with David Newman, a renowned speaker, consultant, and author known for his work in building market eminence. Join us as David reveals why over-reliance on 'How-To' content could be hindering your professional growth. Learn how to cultivate a balance of visibility, credibility, and brand preference that truly sets you apart.

Discover actionable strategies and insights from David's decades of experience helping experts, consultants, and professional speakers elevate their careers. Find out how standing out in the crowded market can be achieved without defaulting to prescriptive content.<...

If you're a good speaker who isn't getting booked at the rate or fee you think you deserve, this episode is going to be uncomfortable in the right way.

The problem, in most cases, isn't your speaking. It's your positioning. And more specifically, it's the fact that most speakers build their positioning around what they want to say rather than what the market actually needs to hear.

In this episode, John works through six positioning mistakes that keep credible, capable speakers invisible -- with real client stories and examples that make each one land where...

Beth Sherman is a multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy writer who spent 30 years writing for Letterman, Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres, and multiple major awards shows, including the Oscars. She now works as a keynote speaker and executive presentation coach, helping leaders and professional speakers build rapid rapport using the same principles comedians use to convert a room full of strangers.

In this episode, John and Beth explore what professional speakers can actually learn from standup comedy — not the jokes, but the craft underneath them. Beth shares her BETH framework and challenges the assumption that being funny has anything to do...

Elliot Kay is the founder of The Speaker Awards, a seven-time author, and one of the most connected people in the UK speaking industry. In this conversation, John and Elliot dig into what's actually changing in how professional speakers get hired, and why most speakers are still playing by rules that no longer apply.

You'll have to wait till next year for the return of the Speaker Awards.

Details here: thespeakerawards.com.

What you'll take away:

Taki Moore recently wrote that conviction is a shortcut to charisma. It's a clever line. It's also only half right, and the other half is quietly costing speakers bookings.

In this episode, John unpacks why confident, polished speakers still fail to convert rooms into clients, referrals, or rebookings. The issue isn't delivery. It's the gap between creating a feeling of value and creating actual change, and those two things are not the same.

What you'll take away:

Discover the painful but valuable lessons learned from a recent on-stage failure during a standup comedy gig. This episode dives into the critical importance of preparation and how it can make or break your performance, whether you're speaking on a comedy stage or delivering a keynote at a conference. Learn why unexpected mishaps can reveal much more about your readiness than your talent and the essential skills you need to recover when things go awry.

Explore strategies for better preparation and understand why having strong improvisation skills can save you when meticulous planning isn't enough...

Most speakers are working on the wrong problem.

They're polishing their delivery, tweaking their slides, and hunting for better techniques. Meanwhile the gap between where they are and a well-paid, regularly booked speaking career has almost nothing to do with any of that.

Clinton Young is a keynote speaker and coach who has learned -- sometimes expensively -- what actually moves the needle. In this episode he hands over the exact referral script he paid $4,000 to learn. The script he used at a free gig in England that led directly to his first £10k speaking e...

Most speakers say they want feedback. What they actually want is validation.

There's a significant difference -- and confusing the two is one of the most common reasons capable speakers plateau and stop growing. In this solo episode John Ball breaks down why most feedback fails, why the human brain is wired to turn critique into personal attack, and how to build a feedback loop that genuinely accelerates your development as a speaker.

With real-world examples drawn from stand-up comedy and professional speaking, this is a practical and honest look at one of the most...

Unlock the secrets to becoming a trusted and memorable speaker in this insightful episode featuring Sapna Pieroux, a renowned personal and business brand consultant. Discover why clarity is more powerful than volume in making your voice heard, and learn practical strategies to enhance your presence as a professional speaker. Sapna, the author of 'Let's Get Visible,' delves into the essence of brand clarity and how it can elevate your speaking engagements.

Join us as we explore vital topics such as the differences between brand and branding, the significance of authenticity, and the impact of...

The smarter you are, the easier it is to get stuck. Not because you lack ability, but because intelligence can quietly build a wall between you and the reality that would actually move you forward.

In this solo episode John Ball explores one of the most common and least talked about reasons experienced speakers plateau. It's not a skill gap. It's a distance-from-reality problem.

Drawing on 15 years of coaching speakers, John introduces the concept of psychological limiter loops -- self-reinforcing cycles that keep you feeling productive while quietly keeping you stuck. He unpacks how intelligence...

What separates a forgettable speech from one people remember years later?

Rob Noel has written speeches for some of the most high-profile political figures in the US, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former CIA Director Mike Pompeo. He understands better than almost anyone what makes a speech land -- and what makes it disappear the moment the speaker leaves the stage.

Some of his insights are genuinely counterintuitive. One of Rob's most contrarian views is that sometimes the best speeches are never written at all. Many of the world's best speakers perform better...

Jackson Ogunyemi has 25 years of speaking experience in the education sector. He has the experience, the message, and the stage presence. What he's missing is the business engine that consistently generates corporate bookings.

In this live coaching session John Ball works with Jackson to unpack some uncomfortable realities about the speaking industry -- and build a practical strategy for breaking into higher-paying corporate opportunities.

If you want to turn speaking into a real business rather than hoping to be discovered, this episode will show you exactly where to start.

What you'll learn in...

Unlock the full potential of your speaking skills by addressing the true barriers: self-awareness and mindset. In this empowering episode, executive communication coach Michael Delisser reveals why the real obstacles to effective presentation aren't the technical aspects, but the internal challenges every speaker faces. Discover actionable strategies to enhance your communication impact by looking inward first.

Learn from Michael's personal experiences and insights, such as how overcoming filler word blunders revolutionised his coaching methods. Explore why recording your speeches is a powerful self-awareness tool and how to diminish distracting habits while maintaining authenticity. Understand why perfectionism can...

Thinking of starting a podcast as a speaker or expert? Discover the true pros and cons of podcasting before you hit record.

In this episode, John Ball explores how podcasting can boost your visibility, authority, and influence. Learn about the real advantages and hidden costs, the importance of sequencing over trends, and why clarity is crucial.

Podcasting offers a powerful platform for business growth, but it demands focus and consistency. If your messaging isn't clear, starting a podcast may amplify existing issues rather than solve them.

What You'll Learn:

...

Julian Treasure has given five TED talks, with a combined audience of hundreds of millions of views. His message is simple and counterintuitive: the most important skill for speakers is not speaking. It's listening.

Audiences don't hear your message as delivered. They hear it through filters -- culture, mood, expectations, the speaker before you, the acoustics of the room, even the time of day. If you're not listening to their listening in real time, you're speaking into a void and hoping for the best.

This is one of the most thought-provoking conversations the show has...

Rhetoric is one of the oldest and most powerful communication tools in existence. It is also one of the most misunderstood. Most speakers think it's something politicians do. Simon Lancaster knows it's something every effective communicator does -- whether they realise it or not.

Simon Lancaster is a political speechwriter with over 20 years of experience writing for heads of state, CEOs, and some of the most influential communicators in the world. In this conversation he breaks down the mechanics of persuasive language -- rhetoric, metaphor, emotional framing -- and explains how professional speakers can use these tools...

Explore the fine line between inspiring audiences and manipulating them in today's speaking industry. In this solo episode, John Ball delves into the intersection of personal development and professional speaking. Discover how persuasive speaking can inadvertently turn into manipulation and the dangers of relying on pseudoscience. Learn why emotional intensity can cloud judgment and lower critical thinking. If you're committed to a speaking career that values long-term credibility and intellectual integrity, this episode is essential listening.

Key Takeaways:

- Understand the vulnerability of persuasive speaking to misuse.

- Identify the spread...

Being a good speaker and being a bookable speaker are not the same thing. Most speakers confuse the two -- and it costs them.

Maria Franzoni is a former speaker bureau owner and author of The Bookability Formula. She has spent her career on the other side of the table -- deciding which speakers get hired and which get passed over -- and her view of what actually drives bookings in the UK and European markets is blunt, practical, and essential listening for any speaker serious about building a sustainable career.

What you'll learn in...

Why do so many capable speakers never gain momentum or consistent bookings?

It's not talent. It's not confidence. It's not credibility. It's the habit of overthinking and under-acting.

In this sharp solo episode John Ball breaks down the single biggest block that stops speakers from becoming successful professionals -- and why the planning that feels productive is often procrastination in disguise. Drawing on years of coaching speakers and working inside the speaking industry, John explains why real progress only begins when action meets reality.

If you want to treat speaking like a business...

A hot market does not guarantee hot bookings.

In this live coaching session John Ball works with tech and emerging-tech speaker Cortney Harding to diagnose the real reasons her calendar isn't matching her credibility. They unpack why prestige signals and busy content don't automatically create demand, how to position around an expensive problem, and why simplifying outreach beats post-and-pray when you want reliable bookings.

You'll also hear a strong warning for speakers who chase trending topics. It looks strategic until you realise you're rebuilding your positioning every six months and still not becoming the obvious...

Virtual presentations are not going away. Job interviews, client meetings, and hybrid work all mean your first impression is increasingly happening through a webcam -- and most people are still presenting like it's 2020.

Jelmer Smits is a virtual presentation specialist who argues that most organisations are stuck in survival mode: poor setups, flat delivery, and zero audience care. The result isn't professionalism. It's the awkward middle ground where both competence and warmth collapse simultaneously.

In this practical, wide-ranging conversation Jelmer shares what it actually takes to present with credibility and energy in a virtual environment...