How to Price Speaking Engagements as a Therapist or Professional

I do public speaking engagements all of the time. In fact, I recently got asked to speak at next year's American Counseling Association Conference on March 27–29, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Public speaking can be an exciting way to share your expertise, but it also requires a thoughtful approach to pricing and leveraging your time effectively. As a therapist or professional, ensuring you’re compensated fairly while maximizing the opportunity to grow your network is key.

Here are some strategies for determining your fees, balancing pro bono opportunities, and involving others to elevate your speaking engagements.

Factors to Consider When Determining Your Speaking Fee

One of the most common questions I get is: How much should I charge for speaking engagements? Whether you're addressing mental health professionals, corporate teams, or community groups, your fee should reflect your time, expertise, and the value you bring to the audience.

Step 1: Start with Your Hourly Rate.

Your hourly rate is a foundational benchmark for pricing your speaking engagements. Here's how to apply it:

• Charge Your Hourly Rate for the Event: If you’re presenting for one hour, your fee should be at least your standard hourly rate as a therapist or professional.

• Factor in Preparation Time: For every hour spent preparing for a talk, charge your hourly rate. For example, if your rate is $150/hour and the talk requires three hours of prep plus the actual event, your fee should start at $600.

This ensures you’re fairly compensated for the time and effort it takes to deliver value.

2. Build Your Email List

Speaking engagements aren’t just about the paycheck—they’re also an incredible opportunity to grow your audience. Always ensure you:

• Collect Contact Information: Provide a sign-up sheet or a digital link where attendees can join your email list.

• Offer a Free Resource: Share a valuable takeaway (e.g., a worksheet or guide) in exchange for email addresses.

Your email list is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term relationships with potential clients or collaborators.

3. Choose Pro Bono Wisely

Doing occasional pro bono work can open doors to meaningful opportunities—but it should be on your terms. Here’s how to approach it:

• Limit Pro Bono to One Per Organization: If an organization asks you to speak for free, only agree if it’s a group you truly want to work with or one that aligns with your goals.

• Set Boundaries: Be clear that pro bono engagements are limited. This ensures you’re not overextending yourself and preserves the value of your work.

4. Delegate Speaking Engagements

You don’t have to take on every speaking opportunity yourself. Delegate or partner with others when appropriate:

• Get Someone Else to Speak: If a request doesn’t align with your goals or schedule, consider referring a trusted colleague to handle the event.

• Promote Others on Your Platform: Collaborate with professionals you admire, sharing speaking engagements or inviting them to join you on stage.

This not only lightens your workload but also builds goodwill within your professional network.

5. Collaborate for Greater Impact

Speaking engagements can also be a collaborative effort. For instance:

• Bring Others with You: Consider inviting a colleague or mentee to co-present. This not only enhances the value of the presentation but also helps build their reputation.

• Leverage Team Dynamics: Similar to how Whitney collaborates with others like Hunter, bringing a team can expand your reach and create a richer experience for the audience.

Grow your practice today!

Navigating tough conversations with your team can be overwhelming, especially if you are unsure of what is the best route to take. This is why I offer a range of personalized business coaching services to help you make a plan, execute it and track the results. I offer 3-month and 6-month business consulting packages, Enneagram Training, and a Wise Practice Community Membership. Implement tracking methods for your practice today and reach out to Wise Practice Consulting if you need help getting started! Get in touch today to learn more.

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