In the competitive world of public speaking, testimonials are one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. They provide credibility, build trust, and showcase your impact to potential event organizers and audiences. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting out, collecting and leveraging testimonials effectively can help you stand out and land more speaking engagements. Here’s why testimonials matter, how to ask for them, and how to use them to boost your speaking career.

Why Testimonials Matter for Speakers

1. They Build Trust and Credibility Event organizers want proof that you can deliver value to their audience. Testimonials from previous engagements act as social proof, reassuring potential clients that you’re a reliable, engaging, and impactful speaker.

2. They Showcase Your Unique Strengths Testimonials highlight your specific qualities, whether it’s your storytelling ability, audience engagement, or expertise. They provide insight into what makes you stand out and why you’re the right fit for an event.

3. They Help You Stand Out In a crowded marketplace, testimonials differentiate you from other speakers. A strong collection of feedback can tip the scales in your favor when event organizers are deciding whom to book.

4. They Enhance Your Marketing Materials Testimonials add weight to your website, SpeakerHUB profile, and promotional materials, giving them a polished and professional feel. They show, rather than tell, why you’re worth hiring.

How to Ask for Testimonials

1. Be Timely The best time to ask for a testimonial is immediately after your speaking engagement, while the experience is still fresh in the organizer’s and audience’s minds. Send a follow-up email within a few days of the event to request feedback.

2. Be Specific Instead of asking for a generic testimonial, guide the person by specifying what you’d like them to highlight. For example:

   • “Could you share how my talk impacted your audience?”
   • “Would you mind describing how my presentation aligned with your event goals?” This makes it easier for them to provide meaningful feedback.

3. Provide a Template Busy event organizers may appreciate a simple structure to follow. You can suggest something like:

   • What made you choose me as a speaker?
   • What specific outcomes or benefits did the audience gain from my presentation?
   • Would you recommend me to other organizations?

4. Make It Convenient Offer multiple ways for them to provide the testimonial, such as an email, a quick phone call, or even a LinkedIn recommendation. The easier it is for them, the more likely they are to follow through.

5. Be Gracious Always thank the person for their time and effort. A personalized thank-you email or note can go a long way in maintaining a positive relationship.

How to Use Testimonials Effectively

1. Showcase Them on Your Website Dedicate a section of your website to testimonials. Include standout quotes alongside the name, title, and organization of the person who provided them. If possible, add photos or logos for extra credibility.

2. Incorporate Them Into Your Speaker Profile Platforms like SpeakerHUB allow you to include testimonials on your profile. Highlighting feedback here makes it easy for event organizers to see your value when browsing for potential speakers.

3. Use Them in Promotional Materials Add testimonials to your one-sheet, email pitches, and speaker proposals. A well-placed quote can strengthen your message and reassure event planners that you’re the right choice.

4. Share Them on Social Media Testimonials are great content for LinkedIn, Instagram, and other platforms. Pair them with visuals, like photos of you speaking, to create engaging posts that build your brand.

5. Highlight Them in Presentations If relevant, include testimonials as part of your presentation slides to reinforce your credibility with the audience.

6. Update Them Regularly Keep your testimonials fresh by collecting new ones from recent engagements. This shows that you’re active and in-demand, which is appealing to event organizers.

What to Do If You’re Just Starting Out

If you’re new to public speaking and don’t yet have testimonials from formal events, don’t worry. Here’s how you can build a foundation:

• Ask Colleagues or Peers: If you’ve presented at a team meeting or workshop, ask attendees for feedback.
• Leverage Volunteer Engagements: Offer free talks to local organizations, schools, or networking groups in exchange for testimonials.
• Use Personal Recommendations: If you’ve been a panelist, mentor, or coach, ask those you’ve worked with to share their thoughts on your skills and impact.

Conclusions

Testimonials are an invaluable asset for any speaker, offering credibility, trust, and proof of your expertise. By proactively collecting and showcasing feedback, you can elevate your personal brand, attract more speaking opportunities, and stand out in a competitive market.

Ready to put your testimonials to work? Create or update your SpeakerHUB profile to include your best feedback and connect with event organizers looking for speakers like you. A well-curated profile with strong testimonials could be the key to landing your next big gig.