Public Speaking

From Side Gig Speaker to Paid Keynotes: How I Made the Leap—and How You Can Too

This blog shares lessons from moving from club-level speaker to paid professional, offering mindset shifts, practical steps, and inspiration for anyone ready to back themselves and go pro.

I recently had the incredible privilege of speaking at the Auckland Toastmasters Club mid year event, and it was an honour to be surrounded by a room filled with talented communicators and passionate speakers. I shared my journey from competitive speaking and structured speeches to becoming a paid professional keynote speaker—and what it really takes to make that leap, and felt compelled to share it here with anyone considering taking the next step in their speaking or leadership journey. FYI: the difference isn’t just in technique. It’s in mindset. It’s in presence. And more than anything, it’s in your willingness to back yourself. So this article is for anyone who’s felt the calling to do more with their voice. If you’ve been speaking at club level, dabbling in competitions, or exploring storytelling as a craft—and you’re wondering what it takes to go pro—kia ora. My Story: From Elocution to Empowerment My speaking journey started way before I ever knew what a keynote was. From the age of 8, I was trained in speech and drama. I had elocution lessons, studied vocal placement and modulation, and learned about pitch, pace, pause, emphasis, and inflection. I became deeply fascinated with nonverbal communication—how a raised eyebrow or a lifted chin could shift the energy of a room. By the age of 10, I was competing in regional speech competitions, acting showcases, and vocal contests. Feedback was immediate. Results were clear. And I was hooked. This led me to competing at a National level as well. I wasn’t just learning how to speak – I was learning how to perform – and how to always show up. Fast forward to university. I was 20 years old, wrapping up my degree in Theatre and Film, and one night I found myself watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show for the very first time. At the end of the movie, there’s a song with a line that hit me right in the chest: “Don’t dream it… be it.” And something just clicked. I stood up, looked in the mirror, and declared: “From this moment on, I am a professional, paid actor and speaker.” The next day, I landed my first paid gig. No coincidence. Just a moment of clarity… followed by action. The Key Realisation: You’ve Got to Back Yourself That single decision—to identify as a professional—changed everything. It wasn’t about ego. It wasn’t about waiting until I was “ready.” It was about claiming my space. And if you’re serious about becoming a paid speaker, that’s where it starts. Going pro means saying: “I trust my voice. I trust my story. I’m ready to be seen.” That’s the moment the world starts to respond differently to you. Here Are the 5 Lessons I Shared: These five shifts are what helped me move from amateur to professional speaker. If you’re ready to make that leap, let this be your roadmap. 1. Presence Over Perfection At club level, you’re trained in the foundations—speech structure, vocal variety, filler words, time management. These are essential. But when you step into the professional arena, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence. Professional speakers need to connect with an audience in real-time. That means being attuned to the room, emotionally agile, and deeply embodied in your message. This is where wairua (spirit) matters. Can the audience feel you? Is your energy aligned? Are you delivering at them… or with them? Presence is about co-creating an experience. And it’s the difference between a speech that’s “well delivered” and one that moves people. 2. What Do You Want to Be Known For? At club level, you’re encouraged to experiment: different speech types, topics, tones. That exploration is valuable. But when you go pro? It’s time to niche down. Because generalists don’t get booked. Specialists do. Ask yourself: What’s the problem I solve? What’s the message I could speak about for years and still love? What lights me up, even when I’m exhausted? That’s your zone of genius. That’s your brand. Remember: repetition builds reputation, so choose what you want to be known for—and say it again and again and again. 3. Find Your Unique Style Not all speakers are made for big stages. Some are brilliant in boardrooms. Others shine in retreats, team trainings, podcasts, or panels. You don’t need to fit into someone else’s mold. You need to find the format that amplifies your natural energy. Are you a storyteller? A strategist? A soulful guide? A fiery motivator Lean into your essence. Own your space. And trust that your style—when it’s authentic—is your superpower. FYI: If you want to find out more about your unique energetic speaking style, you can TAKE MY QUIZ HERE. 4. Build a Personal Brand This is the big one. When you go pro, you are no longer just a speaker. You are the product. People need to find you. They need to see your face. They need to know your values, your vibe, your voice. So stop hiding behind a company or a logo. Start showing up. Create a digital footprint that tells your story when you’re not in the room. This is where video content is gold. Speak online the way you’d speak on stage. Let people feel your energy. When someone Googles you, they should immediately know who you are and why they need you. 5. WIIFM and WIIFMA Let’s talk about two acronyms that will take your speaking business to the next level: WIIFM = What’s in it for me? This is what event organisers and booking agents are asking. How do you make their life easier? How do you align with their goals? How do you make them look good? WIIFMA = What’s in it for my audience? This is what your audience is silently asking. How will this help me? Inspire me? Change me? Your job as a professional speaker is to answer both. Don’t just pitch a speech. Pitch a result. Share stories that align with the clients kaupapa (topic). Create moments that move hearts and deliver value. That’s how you book a gig AND get invited back. That’s how you build demand. Bonus Tip: Work With a Coach Every great speaker you admire has had help. I’ve had many coaches over the years, and every single one helped me unlock something new. They held space for me. Challenged me. Polished my delivery. Helped me see what I couldn’t. If you’re serious about going pro, invest in someone who’s walked the path. It’s the fast track to success—and the difference between dabbling and dominating. I personally now have the honour and privilege of coaching many other speakers, helping them find their voice, sharpen their story, and step into their spotlight. It’s fun, empowering, eye-opening, and deeply transformational for my clients. So why do I do that when I’m also busy BEING a speaker as well? Because your voice matters. Your story matters. And I firmly believe that when we all share our stories, we create ripple effects we may never fully see……but they are felt….and they make a difference. Final Thoughts If you’re reading this and wondering if this is your sign—it is. You don’t have to wait to be chosen. You don’t need permission. You are already enough. Trust your gut. Follow the breadcrumbs. And if the world needs to hear your story—start telling it like a pro. Ko Monique Bradley tōku ingoa. He kai kōrero ahau. I’m Monique Bradley. I’m a storyteller. And so are you. So make your message meaningful. And let’s change the world—one presentation at a time. Keen to find out more about how to take your next steps as a speaker? Let’s chat! Send me an email: [email&#160;protected] and let’s explore what’s possible! <div