The Speaker experience as a whole has been impacted majorly by Covid-19 and it looks like there may be a few more shifts happening. From the spike in virtual events, to the level playing field, not all of the changes in the speaking industry have been bad. In fact, there are many speakers flourishing under new mandates and guidelines that continue to roll out as numbers begin to surge again.
I have had the opportunity to speak to speakers who are on both sides of the fence when it comes to their experience. Some have adapted well while others feel like they are on some strange merry-go-round. Either way, we cannot ignore or deny that the speaker experience has never been quite like this before.
Let’s take a look at some of the changes that have stuck.
A Change of Scenery
Since many were working remotely and using a virtual platform for speaking events, that gave some speakers the opportunity to make a move. Over 26 million people moved during the pandemic to smaller cities. (Data found in CityLab Daily: Where Americans Are Moving) Many found themselves loving the remote work lifestyle and add the luxury of living where you want…instant love connection for sure.
This looked different for each person, as many dealt with layoffs, delayed payments, etc. Even if you were someone who usually only spoke for local events, you had the open-door to network with those in other areas. People were renting out their homes and selling them throughout the whole pandemic.
https://www.mortgagecalculator.uk/
A Level Playing Field
Some of the greatest speakers worldwide made shifts during the pandemic that allowed new and upcoming speakers to be on the same stage. This is great for exposure and social proof. While opportunities like this were few and far between just a few years ago, now the industry is busting wide open with opportunities for book collaborations and speaking events with the big wigs in the industry.
It matters how you show up and where you show up. These has always been two things that every speaker has kept in the back of their mind. The pandemic has shifted the odds in your favor. Showing up now meant having a nice looking background and dressed to impress from the waste up.
Speaker Branding
With the new opportunities came new investments that needed to be made in your brand as a business. People invested in programs like Restream.io and Streamyard. Ring lights, tripod, and wall art saw some increased sales as well. Your brand could shine through more virtually than on a stage.
Things like logo placement on your screen, company name in the lower third, and even a website in your background allowed speakers to market while speaking. This is by no way a new concept but the switch to virtual events has made it more accessible.
As you head into a brand new year of uncertainties, don’t get discouraged. Find different ways to maximize your opportunities and enjoy the journey.
With over ten years of writing, Altovise uses her platforms to create opportunities for women to have their voices heard. Founder of the World Voice League, she educates and empowers through courses, a weekly accountability call, blogging, books, and the #SpeakEasy Podcast.
#OurVoiceMatters 