If you’re hoping to start getting speaking gigs or expand your role as a speaker, you need a speaker one sheet. I’ll explain why this little asset is so handy and how having one can increase your speaking opportunities.
What is a Speaker One Sheet
Simply speaking, a one sheet is a downloadable pdf that acts as a resume and promotional material in one package. These contain useful information for anyone looking for speakers for all types of events. And though the name implies otherwise, they can be more than one sheet! It’s actually common that they’re at least double sided.
Why You Need a Speaker One Sheet
You need a speaker one sheet so that all of the relevant information on you as a speaker is in one place. Having them available as a downloadable asset means all the important information such as your speaking topics, your experience, and more are accessible, savable, and shareable.
A speaker one sheet also makes it easier to promote yourself. You can send them out with your queries to the event planners and coordinators of the events where you want to speak
You Need A Speaker One Sheet if Your Serious About Getting Opportunities
The people that plan events are pretty busy. If you want to stand out and grab their attention, it helps to have the information they’re looking for handy. You need a speaker one sheet for that. They don’t want to go hunting for information to see if you’ll fit the bill. It’s also nice for them to have a printable asset they can refer to. Maybe yours will be in the pile of potential speakers they’re vetting.
This means, even if you have a web page dedicated to your speaking skills and experience, a downloadable one sheet should still be included there.
As a side note, if you want to start getting speaking opportunities, you’ll need to know what topics you want to speak on, who your audience is, and what you bring to the table. Creating a speaker one sheet forces you to do that. So even if you don’t create one right away, making a template and being prepared is a good idea.
Where and How to Use a Speaker One Sheet
As I previously mentioned, your speaker one sheet needs to be available to download on your website. You can keep a copy in your files so it’s always easy to send them out with your queries as well.
A speaker one sheet shows you’re professional, polished and together. It is a marketing and promotional tool that you can send to bureaus and organizations to add to their roster.
Do I Still Need a Speaker One Sheet if I Already Have an Author One Sheet?
Even if you have an author one sheet, you still need a speaker one sheet. Why? Because they have a different focus and serve a different purpose than an author one sheet.
Your speaker one sheet contains specific information about your speaker topics and experience. Yes, someone may glean that you are an expert on a topic from your author one sheet, but you’ll still need to send them a copy of your speaker one sheet, if they do decide to invite you to speak based purely on other information.
What to Include in Your Speaker One Sheet
Okay, so now that I’ve explained why you need a speaker one sheet if you really want to get speaking gigs, below I’ll cover what you need to include in a speaker one sheet. Keep in mind, you can get creative and show your personality. Including your brand elements is a given, and knowing your target audience before you begin is helpful too.
Not all of this information needs to be arranged like a resume either, despite the fact that it is, essentially, a resume. Don’t be afraid to show rather than tell. You’re trying to sell yourself after all, not just convey information. And don’t be afraid to sell yourself! This is kinda the whole point of the one sheet.
The Most Important Elements of Your One Sheet
A big reason you need a speaker one sheet is to have a simple way to share the information people are looking for, right? So at a minimum, all of the below elements need to be included. All of this should look aesthetically pleasing, be concise and polished. You’ll want to implement bullet points and other types of formatting that make the text easy to read and to the point.
Bio
As with most of your promotional assets, a bio should be included. If you already have a professional bio(or several, as I recommend) you can use that as your base. But try to tailor this one to reflect the things that establish your expertise and speaking ability.
Headshot
Another essential asset that needs to be in your arsenal is your professional headshot. If you already have one that works( I also recommend having several of these), use that. If not, it may be time to get a new set of headshots for this and future use.
Topics + Descriptions
Remember, the purpose of this, and the reason you need a speaker one sheet as opposed to other types of one sheets, is to provide the information organizers and planners are looking for.
Include the topics you speak on along with their descriptions. It doesn’t hurt to include what the audience will get out of it.
Contact information
You don’t want to entice the reader into booking you for a speaking event and leave out this very important element. Your contact information should stand out and be obvious.
Endorsements
The endorsements and testimonials of those who’ve experienced you—whether it’s audience members or event organizers—speak volumes! We all know how much influence a good review can have when it comes to making decisions. So if you have them, use them. If you don’t have any yet, collect them and use them in the future.
These are just the essential elements you need to include in your speaker one sheet. You can add more if there is space and it makes sense. You can also include graphics and photos. Just make sure your message is clear and none of these things obscure or overtake these main elements. It should all be easy to read, to the point, and concise.
Examples of Speaker One Sheets
It’s easy to understand why you might need a speaker one sheet. What can be more difficult is knowing how to present the information and what it should look like when all is said and done. So below you’ll find examples to give you a clear idea. I’ve included mine as an example and you can find more examples of different types of one sheets here.
As you can see, your speaker one sheet style is up to you. As long as it includes the necessary information, anyway.
You can start creating yours now even! Start a draft containing the important information, consider the overall feeling you want to evoke and think of how you’d like it to look. Remember to include your brand elements. You can use an available template or reach out for help if you need it. You won’t regret putting in the effort!
