3 tips for writing a winning speaking proposal
If you want to catch the eye of someone planning a conference, then know your stuff and work your connections.
1. Follow the rules.
Many associations and organizations provide concrete details on how they’d like to receive speaking proposals. It’s important to make certain you have all your ducks in a row early to ensure you meet the deadline and that your proposal isn’t rejected over a technicality. Those reading the proposals will appreciate the time you took to meet their requests.
• Are there character limits?
• Do you have to provide learning objectives? If so, how many?
• Is the submission form online or do they prefer materials sent over email?
• Must a bio be included?
• Is membership in the organization required?
• Do speaking references have to be included?
2. Start early, and do your homework.
Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your proposal; take adequate time to develop an audience-specific submission. Conference coordinators like to receive proposals that are customized to their audience versus receiving irrelevant topics that don’t match the conference theme or purpose. Tips for ensuring a high-quality proposal include:
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