Ladies, it's time to address a topic that often feels out of reach for many women in ministry: getting paid for speaking engagements. While it's common to start by speaking at events for free, especially as you're just beginning, there comes a time when it's perfectly appropriate—and necessary—to charge for your time and expertise. After all, you are offering valuable insights, sharing transformative stories, and providing encouragement that can change lives. So why not be compensated for that? If you're clear on what you bring to the table, who you're speaking to, and the problems you help solve, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't step into the realm of paid speaking.

But how do you get there? How do you transition from free gigs to securing paid speaking engagements? Let’s walk through five essential steps to help you confidently step onto those stages and get paid for sharing your God-given message.

1. Start by Understanding Your Value

Before you can expect others to pay you for speaking, you must first recognize your own worth. It’s not uncommon to struggle with this, especially in ministry, where so much of what we do is rooted in service. However, understanding the unique value you bring is crucial. Consider what sets you apart—your personal testimony, your expertise in a particular area, or the unique way you connect with your audience. Ask yourself: What problems do you solve? Who specifically benefits from hearing your message?

Clarity on these questions not only boosts your confidence but also helps you define your niche. Whether you’re speaking to corporate audiences, leading church workshops, or addressing conferences, knowing your value will help you articulate why you’re worth investing in. Remember, people pay for value, and if you are offering real, tangible impact, it’s okay to expect compensation. It’s not about being boastful; it’s about recognizing that you are worth it. God has placed a unique calling on your life, and that calling has value. 

As it says in Proverbs 18:16, "A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great." Your gift of speaking can open doors and take you to places you never imagined, but you must be willing to honor the worth of that gift.

2. Get Clear on Your Message and Audience

The next step is to hone in on your message and who it’s for. The most successful speakers are crystal clear about the problems they solve and the specific audience they serve. Are you a source of inspiration for women’s groups? Do you offer strategies for overcoming adversity? Are you a voice of encouragement for churches striving to become more trauma-informed? 

Your message needs to be tailored to the audience you want to reach. If your target is corporate settings, for instance, your approach will differ significantly from speaking in a church or at a women's ministry conference. Spend time refining your key messages and think about who would most benefit from hearing them. The more specific you can be, the more attractive you’ll become to event planners looking for speakers who resonate with their audience.

It’s also essential to have a clear understanding of the language and expectations of your chosen niche. Corporate events may require a more polished, professional delivery, while church events might welcome a more personal, conversational approach. Knowing your audience allows you to adapt your style without compromising your core message.

3. Start Small, but Don’t Stay There

Many of us begin by speaking at smaller, unpaid events. This is a great way to get your feet wet, gain confidence, and start building a portfolio of speaking engagements. Don’t despise these humble beginnings—every opportunity to speak is an opportunity to grow and refine your skills. Use these initial engagements to gather testimonials, record video footage, and collect feedback that can serve as social proof of your ability to engage and inspire an audience.

However, it’s important not to stay in the “free zone” indefinitely. As you gain experience and polish your presentation skills, it’s time to transition into paid opportunities. This might feel daunting at first, but remember: once you have proven your ability to deliver value, it’s entirely appropriate to begin charging a fee. Set your rates confidently, and don’t shy away from negotiating compensation that reflects the value you bring to the table. 

Remember, every professional started somewhere. World-renowned Christian speakers such as Priscilla Shirer, Bernice King, or Joyce Meyer didn’t start with paid gigs, and neither will you. But they know their worth—and so should you. After you've gained experience, don’t hesitate to step up and ask for compensation. You’re worth it!

4. Network with Intention and Build Relationships

One of the most effective ways to secure paid speaking engagements is through intentional networking and relationship-building. This isn’t just about collecting business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn—it’s about building genuine relationships with people who can open doors to speaking opportunities. Attend events, join groups relevant to your speaking topics, and connect with other speakers, event organizers, and industry professionals. 

Be proactive in reaching out to churches, ministries, or organizations where you would like to speak. Introduce yourself, share your story, and let them know the type of value you offer. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—sometimes you have to create them. A great strategy is to offer a free speaking engagement initially as a “test run,” but with the understanding that future engagements will be paid.

Leverage social media to showcase your speaking engagements, share snippets of your talks, and highlight the impact of your message. When people see the value you bring, they’ll be more inclined to bring you on board for paid events.

5. Prepare Your Speaker Kit and Website

Your speaker kit is your professional portfolio—it’s the first impression many potential clients will have of you. A well-prepared speaker kit should include a professional headshot, a bio that highlights your speaking experience and areas of expertise, a list of past speaking engagements, and testimonials from past events. Include topics you are comfortable speaking about and the audiences you serve. This not only helps event planners understand what you offer but also showcases your professionalism and readiness to take on paid speaking roles.

Your website should serve as a hub for all your speaking-related content. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, visually appealing, and filled with clear calls to action for booking you as a speaker. Include video clips of your past talks, links to articles or blogs you've written, and make it easy for visitors to contact you. A polished, professional online presence can set you apart and help you stand out in a crowded market.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Worth

Stepping into paid speaking engagements requires a mindset shift. You have a message that matters, and it’s time to start treating it as such. Don't let fear or doubt hold you back from charging what you're worth. The world needs your voice, and as you grow more confident and skilled in delivering your message, remember that it's okay to be compensated for your work. Know your value, get clear on your message, and go after those paid opportunities with boldness. 

To help you get started on this journey, be sure to check out our free on-demand webinar on speaking. This resource is packed with insights and practical tips on how to leverage your testimony to secure speaking engagements. Click Here to watch the webinar and take the first step towards getting paid to speak on stages.

Your voice has power—don’t underestimate it, and certainly don’t undervalue it. Now is the time to stand up, speak out, and get paid for sharing the message God has given you!