---
title: "Starting a speaking career"
description: "Steps to build speaking momentum."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/known/starting-a-speaking-career/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Starting a speaking career

> Steps to build speaking momentum.

Mark Schaefer's framework, from KNOWN, pp. 125 to 142.

Framework 15 of 19 from [KNOWN](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/known/index.md) by Mark Schaefer. Category: Life and thinking.

## The steps

1. **Prepare a home base.** Build a professional website with About, Speaking and Contact pages.
2. **Think like an entertainer.** Rehearse and add anecdotes, props and surprises.
3. **Start local.** Speak to civic groups and classes, for free, and never say no.
4. **Establish social proof.** Collect testimonials, a speaker reel and a list of past talks.
5. **Build momentum.** Say yes, ask for testimonials and keep in touch with contacts.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: CHAPTER 8 Taking Your Brand to the Next Level, pp. 125–142

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/known/starting-a-speaking-career.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/known/starting-a-speaking-career-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/known/starting-a-speaking-career.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/known/starting-a-speaking-career-dark.png