So You Want To Be a Speaker: How To Get Started

Growing a speaking ministry is often a natural next step for writers. Once you begin writing publicly, you’ll likely be asked to share encouragement through speaking. And if you publish a book, speaking lets you share that book’s message to new audiences.

I’ve found becoming a speaker calls for three steps: Start where you are, use what you have, and trust God to do what only He can. Let’s look at each step to get started as a speaker.

1. Start where you are.

God has intentionally planted you in your church and community. It’s easy to long to speak out there rather than serving right here. But the most organic way to become a speaker starts with where God already has you. Does your church host Bible studies you can help facilitate? Can you teach a Sunday school class or become involved in women’s ministry?

My speaking came from the limits of my circumstances as I raised and homeschooled my seven children. I began to lead a local homeschool group and was then asked to speak at retreats and conferences. Later, as a women’s Bible teacher, I got invitations to speak at women’s conferences and events. As I served where God placed me, I got referrals to travel and speak.

2. Use what you have.

Using what you have involves both your speaking topics and style. I learned the hard way not to let event planners set every speaking topic. It’s an incredible amount of work to study, write and hone a new speaking topic. Instead, find several core messages that emerge from your experiences and what God’s taught you. Many messages can be shaped around an event theme or verse, but starting with several core messages will help you find what resonates, and polish that.

Using what you have also applies to your delivery. Are you witty? Include some humor! Are you an empath? Use stories and illustrations that tap into emotions. Developing a speaking style is like finding your writing voice. Yours will be distinct, allowing you to connect with your audiences uniquely.

3. Trust God to do what only He can.

We’re responsible for stewarding the spiritual gifts God’s given us. God is responsible for the fruit of our offering. As you begin to speak, be willing to speak for a gift card and to speak anywhere, anytime and anyplace. You’ll get used to working with event hosts, different venues and various audiences. You’ll develop your speaking rhythm and style.

Trusting God with our speaking ministry also means trusting where He sends us. That doesn’t necessarily lead to bigger stages and larger fees. Last summer, I spoke out of state multiple times to groups of 300 and 500. They paid all my expenses, met my honorarium, and bought a copy of my book for each attendee. But I also spoke at a small local church where women put ones, fives and twenty-dollar bills into a jar for a love offering and served for free with a beloved ministry.

If God’s called you to speak, start where He has you. Begin with local ministries, mom groups and your church. Use what you have as you develop your messages and style. And then trust God who called you to send you. When we’re faithful with the little things, God entrusts us with more (Luke 16:10).

Cheering you on,

Lisa Appelo

What message has God given you to share? Which one of these steps feels hardest to you right now? Share in the comments!