A paid speaker invoice is a document used to bill academic institutions, companies, and other clients for speaking in front of small or large audiences, often called “speaking fees.” Paid speakers often delude to motivational speakers, although the types of presentations paid speakers can offer include keynote presentations, special occasion speeches, and persuasive speeches, to name a few. When sending an invoice, paid speakers should have two goals in mind; the first is to get paid, and the second is to make it easy for bookkeepers and accountants to verify the credibility of the charges listed and file away the invoice for future tax filing efforts. Sending a digital invoice accomplishes both these tasks.

Table of Contents

• Types of Public Speaking
• How to Become a Paid Motivational Speaker
• Paid Speaker Salary

Types of Public Speaking

Paid public speakers should have an understanding of the essential speaking types that they may be requested to perform. This doesn’t reference the topics of speeches, such as motivational or PowerPoint, rather, the core speaking methods and goals that may be required of them. The most common types consist of the following:

• Persuasive Speaking – This type of speaking is based upon convincing an audience of a certain viewpoint or goal. Speakers focus on using an abundance of both emotion and logic to try and relate to the audience. Often, the body language, attitude, and the audience’s willingness to hear new arguments all impact the success of a persuasive speech.
  • When it’s used: A sales pitch, political speech, or motivational speech.
• Demonstrative Speaking – Speakers conducting a demonstrative speech attempt to inform an audience on how to perform a certain task or action; to do this, speakers often act-out the idea being conferred.
  • When it’s used: A how-to class (cooking, tieing a knot, etc.), or for teaching an audience how a process or product works.
• Ceremonial Speaking – Conveys strong, personal emotion; often occurs during a special occasion. It can be used to display feelings of appreciation, sadness, or triumph.
  • When it’s used: Weddings, farewell speeches, toasts, and eulogies.
• Informative Speaking – Unlike a demonstrative speech, an informative speech is not about teaching an audience how to complete a certain task, rather, it is purely about the information being conveyed.
  • When it’s used: College lectures, news broadcasts, conferences, etc.

How to Become a Paid Motivational Speaker

To become a paid speaker, hopefuls must start small and understand great things take time to build. In the beginning, offer to speak for free at events – this does two (2) things: it gets people talking about what the speaker has to say, and second, it gives the speaker a means of improving the way they deliver their speech. Motivational speakers should also focus their craft on what they are truly passionate about. Motivational speakers can specialize in real estate, relationships, careers, and a host of other subjects. Upon building up a portfolio of speeches, gaining endorsements, and perfecting the craft of speaking in front of audiences, speakers should begin charging for each speech conducted.

Paid Speaker Salary

The average salary and hourly rate for public speakers are mainly dependent on how popular the speaker is, the size of the venue they are speaking to, and the topic in which they are talking about. Because of this, average statistics on salary and rates should only be used as a rough estimate. Having said, the average salary and hourly rate for public speakers is the following:

• Salary: $87,370 (source: Salary.com)
• Hourly rate: $35/hr (source: Salary.com)