How to pitch yourself for panel talks, podcasts and speaking gigs
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If you're freelance or run your own business, you’ve probably been told that “you are the brand.” But what does that actually look like, and how can you make that happen?
Speaking gigs - whether it’s a podcast guest slot, a panel talk or a keynote - are a great way to raise your profile, build trust, and get in front of new audiences. Especially if you’re speaking about something you’re genuinely passionate about, or have real experience in.
A podcast appearance, panel talk or guest workshop can help you:
Raise your profile
Build credibility
Grow your network
Attract new clients or collaborators
Share what you really care about
Buuut - you have to put in a bit of legwork in order to bag these opportunities. (Sadly they rarely just land in your inbox from the get go). You’ve got to go out and create them. And the good news is, it’s totally doable - even if you’ve never spoken publicly before.
Here’s how to start:
1. Get bold with your outreach
This is the number one tip: don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait for someone to “discover” you. Instead, think about the kind of events or platforms you’d like to speak on and pitch yourself.
Start small. Follow organisers, editors and hosts on social, engage with their content, and then drop them a message or email with a clear, confident pitch. You’ll be surprised how few people actually do this, and how open many platforms are to fresh voices.
Still stuck? Ask yourself:
What panels have I been to where I thought: I could have added something here?
What podcasts do I listen to and think: this topic needs a new angle?
What audiences could benefit from my insight or experience?
2. Know your value (and your angle)
Before you pitch, get clear on what you bring to the table. You don’t need to be the world’s leading expert, but you do need a point of view.
That could be:
A lived experience that’s underrepresented in your industry
A specific niche where you’ve built real knowledge
A different way of approaching a common problem
Honest insights about your journey (successes and mistakes)
Ask yourself:
What do I wish I’d heard someone talk about earlier in my career?
What conversations do I keep having with my clients or peers?
What’s something I can speak on with clarity and confidence?
3. Tailor your pitch
No one wants a generic “Hi, I’d love to be on your podcast” message. Do your homework. Know the tone, the audience, and the type of content they put out, and show how you can contribute to it.
Your pitch should include:
Who you are (and a line or two on what you do)
What you’d like to speak about, and why it matters now
Why you’re a good fit for their audience
Optional: a suggested talk title or format idea
Short, friendly and to the point always works best.
4. Build your visibility
Even before you land a gig, start acting like someone people want to book. Share your ideas online. Post clips from past talks, IG Lives, or interviews. Write a short LinkedIn post or thread on your specialist subject.
This builds your credibility and gives people a sense of what they can expect from you. Plus, event organisers scout social media, so make it easy for them to find you and understand what you’re about.
5. Start small and build from there
Don’t feel like your first speaking gig has to be TEDx or a headline podcast. In fact, it’s better if it’s not.
Start with:
Industry spaces or IG Lives
Podcasts with small but loyal followings
University panels
Community events or digital meet-ups
Internal talks for agencies or networks
These are all ideal places to practise your delivery, get feedback, and collect clips and testimonials that will help you land the next one.
Aaand don’t forget to always follow up
If you’ve done a talk or podcast and it went well - follow up! Thank the organiser or host, ask for a recording or quote, and keep the relationship warm. A single appearance can turn into three more if you stay connected.