For many women in the professional world, one of the most glaring examples of gender inequality comes in the form of speaking engagements. Women have long been underpaid, undervalued, and often asked to speak for little to no compensation in exchange for “visibility” or “exposure.” The world of public speaking should be a level playing field where expertise, experience, and knowledge are the currency — but unfortunately, it isn’t.
In fact, a deep, systemic issue persists where women speakers are often offered less money than their male counterparts. According to a study conducted by Heidi Zak, co-founder of ThirdLove, 60% of men negotiate their speaking fees, while only 40% of women do the same. Additionally, a 2019 study by The Female Founders Fund found that women are 33% less likely to be paid for speaking engagements than men. This pay gap in speaking gigs isn’t just a matter of a difference in rates — it’s also tied to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and public-facing positions, making them less likely to be asked to speak in the first place.
Despite the ongoing struggles, there is a silver lining. Women can make a stand against this inequity and demand the pay they deserve. By knowing how to negotiate effectively, respectfully decline non-compensated offers, and create value in their work, women can make a meaningful difference in the way the speaking industry operates.
Why Does This Pay Gap Exist?
The disparity in pay for speaking engagements is not a random occurrence. It’s a consequence of broader systemic issues. Historically, women have been expected to speak for “free” — especially in industries like non-profits, education, or social justice — where the “visibility” factor is emphasized. Women are often seen as providing a “service” for the community, while their male counterparts are viewed as experts who deserve monetary compensation for their time and knowledge.
In some cases, women are offered opportunities for exposure instead of pay, with the promise that it will lead to future paid gigs. While this may occasionally be true, too often it’s an empty promise used to justify exploitative practices that prevent women from getting paid fairly. This perpetuates a cycle where women are repeatedly asked to speak for free or for significantly less than men, furthering the disparity in their overall earning potential.
Know Your Worth: Negotiating Speaking Engagements
If you’re a woman speaker, it’s critical to understand that your time, expertise, and energy have value. When you are approached for a speaking engagement, consider the following strategies to ensure you are compensated fairly:
- Set Clear Rates in Advance One of the best ways to avoid awkward conversations about pay is to have a clear, pre-determined rate for your speaking engagements. Determine your speaking fee based on factors like your experience, industry, audience size, and level of expertise. Research industry standards to make sure you’re in line with the market rate for your type of engagement.For example, while rates for women vary greatly depending on experience and stature, according to SpeakerHub, speakers on the lower end of the spectrum can earn anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per engagement, while high-profile speakers can command $25,000 or more. Keep in mind that fees can vary based on geography, industry, and event type.
- Negotiate Like a Pro Many women fear that negotiating will come across as aggressive or unprofessional, but that simply isn’t true. Negotiation is a skill that can be honed and approached from a place of mutual respect. Be clear about your rate and the value you’re bringing to the table, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth. If they’re offering less than your rate, be prepared to counteroffer or walk away if it doesn’t meet your needs.Practice your negotiation pitch, and anticipate common pushback points like “We don’t have the budget,” or “You’ll gain valuable exposure.” In those cases, reiterate your value and explain how your speaking engagement will create a lasting impact on their audience. If they still can’t meet your rate, offer alternatives like additional promotion, extra time, or a higher-profile speaking role.
- Remember Your ROI Know that every speaking engagement is not just an opportunity to be heard; it’s an investment in your personal brand and professional future. When determining your rates and negotiating fees, take into account the long-term benefits, not just the immediate payoff. Whether you’re promoting a book, gaining followers on social media, or raising awareness for a cause, the ROI of speaking engagements can be tremendous.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away One of the most powerful tools in any negotiation is the ability to walk away. If a speaking opportunity doesn’t meet your expectations or compensation standards, don’t be afraid to say no. However, it’s important to do so with grace and professionalism.
How to Respectfully Decline Speaking Opportunities
Saying “no” can be challenging, especially if the engagement could provide visibility or networking opportunities. However, it’s essential to establish boundaries to prevent exploitation. Here’s how to respectfully decline:
- Express Gratitude Always begin by thanking the organizers for considering you. Acknowledge the value of their event and the honor of being invited to speak.
- State Your Reason Be clear but tactful about your decision. For example, “I’m unable to accept speaking engagements without compensation at this time.” You don’t have to justify yourself in detail, but be direct in explaining that you only accept paid speaking engagements.
- Offer Alternatives If you’re interested in being involved in other ways, suggest alternative ways you can contribute that would align with your professional goals, such as recommending another speaker, hosting a workshop, or offering a virtual consultation.
- Encourage Future Opportunities Politely express that while you can’t participate now, you would be open to future opportunities if the compensation or terms change. This keeps the door open for paid opportunities down the road.
Taking a Stand Against Predatory Practices
We live in a world that often preys on the ambitions and desires for visibility of speakers, particularly women. The pressure to accept unpaid or underpaid gigs in the name of exposure is real, but by collectively standing up for fair compensation, we can change the status quo. It’s time to acknowledge that our time, expertise, and knowledge are valuable, and that speaking is a professional service that deserves to be compensated.
In conclusion, whether you are a seasoned speaker or just starting, you have the power to negotiate your worth and demand fair pay for your work. If we, as women, continue to advocate for ourselves and refuse to settle for less, we can break the cycle of predatory practices in the speaking industry — and inspire the next generation of speakers to do the same.
Speak Up, Speak Out, and Get Paid What You Deserve.
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