Why should you be hired? As a professional speaker, that is the number one question you should ask yourself and the primary question that a meeting professional seeks to answer. Their job…hire speakers for their conference. But why you?  If you don’t know the answer to that question and, more importantly, your speaker demo video doesn’t answer that question quickly… you’ll be overlooked. Not selected. And ask yourself why you aren’t getting the business you desire.

So…why you? What problem do you solve?

It’s true…as a keynote speaker, success is mainly dependent on your ability to captivate your audience and make a lasting impression. But if the meeting professional is confused about your focus, topic, or relevance… you’ll have difficulty moving the decision-maker to a YES. Let’s dissect your demo video and improve the possibility – dare say probability – that you’ll get more paid speaking engagements.

FIRST: Your objective is to create a demo video that makes you stand out. But if you don’t know your competition, it will be hard to evaluate the standard set for your consideration.

As a business ethics keynote speaker, I would do a Google search for whoever shows up organically using those search terms. Yes, I’m unique, but I’m also in competition with my other esteemed collogues. So, it stands to reason that I need to know the quality of their content so that mine can be at least as engaging, if not more. Get my drift?

SECOND: Creating an impactful speaker demo reel requires careful planning and attention to detail. If you think of the video as a TV or Movie production, it would have several essential parts. A great script – yes, script what you will say since you have little time to make an impression.

NOTE: Professional speakers have time on stage to expand on an idea. In a video, you have precious little time to connect…so making your comments tight and effective is critical. In addition to the script, it stands to reason that some thought will be put into what visuals will be included and what style might be used to capture the meeting professionals (the person making the decision if you make the cut for consideration) attention and interest.

NOTE: The average program (watch your favorite TV show) has any one scene on the screen for typically less than 4 seconds. We live in a world that craves visual stimulation. They’ll turn you off if you linger too long on the screen. That’s why effective use of B-Roll is essential. It helps you tell your story without having you on the screen for too long. One of the most critical elements of a successful demo reel is a strong opening that grabs the viewer’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the video. Whether it’s an exciting story or a powerful statement, your opening should be engaging, memorable, and not all about you.  The question the meeting professional is looking for relates to their audience – what’s in it for them?

THIRD: Another crucial element of a successful speaker demo reel is including high-quality footage showcasing your expertise and personality. This can consist of footage from previous speaking engagements, interviews with thought leaders in your field, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process. When selecting footage to include in your demo reel, it’s vital to choose clips that demonstrate your command of the subject matter and your ability to engage with your audience.

In addition to highlighting your expertise, showcasing your unique personality and style is vital. Consider including clips that show you interacting with the audience or footage that demonstrates your ability to connect with people on an emotional level. This can help the viewer understand who you are as a person and make them more engaged and invested in your message. Whether it’s the use of testimonials or interview segments, or company logos of your clients, providing social proof of the answer to – WHY YOU – is essential and helps to differentiate you from your competition.

FINALLY: A successful speaker demo reel should include a clear call to action that encourages the viewer to take action, whether booking you for their next event or visiting your website or social media profiles. A compelling call to action can increase the likelihood that viewers will become clients and fans and can help you achieve your goals as a keynote speaker.

Overall, creating an impactful and engaging speaker demo reel requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a willingness to showcase your unique perspective and personality. By including a solid opening, high-quality footage showcasing your expertise and nature, positive testimonials, and a clear call to action, you can create a demo reel to help you stand out from the crowd and achieve your goals as a professional speaker.

Look, video sells. If you want to be found and you want to be selected, then you need a great video. And if you’re still unsure what to do…give me a call at 888.843.1550; the first consultation is FREE.