What to Ask for When You Can’t Get a Speaking Fee

 
Fri 16 July 2021

What to Ask for When You Can’t Get a Speaking Fee

Professionals deserve to be paid for speaking engagements. But what should you do if your request for a fee is denied? Don’t be discouraged. If you think the opportunity is worth it, you can still negotiate for alternative compensation. Here are a few things you can ask for:

    (1) Travel and food expenses.

 At the very least, the organization should cover any expenses related to your participation.
    (2) Discounted memberships and dues. Many speaking engagements are hosted by regional or national organizations. If this is the case, you might request a waived or discounted membership fee.
    (3) Referrals. This might be for future events at affiliated organizations, or even a letter of participation on the organization’s letterhead, signed by the most senior leader of the group, that you can share with your boss.
   (4)  Promotional material. Ask for audience testimonials and endorsements that you can put on your website. Or inquire whether the sponsoring organization can record your talk and provide shareable highlights that you can put on social media or send out to your network.

This tip is adapted from “If a Speaking Gig Can’t Pay, Ask for Another Form of Compensation,” by Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss