Are unpaid speaking gigs worth it or a complete waste of your time? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a question that every industry educator and speaker eventually asks: “Should I take the stage if I’m not getting paid?”

You’ll hear from powerhouse speakers and event hosts like Jordan Gill, Elizabeth Henson, Amber Housely, Kristina Bartold, Jamie Fischer, Heather Leicy, Amanda Smith, and Tomasha Suber, who share the real stories and strategies behind their decisions to say yes (or no) to unpaid gigs.

These clips are part of a larger speaker interview series inside of Sought-After Speaker System, my course for speakers. Check out the full uncut interviews inside the course.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Are Unpaid Speaking Gigs Worth It? Here’s How to Know When to Say Yes

This is a question every industry educator wrestles with at some point. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your speaking career, unpaid opportunities can feel like a gamble. But after interviewing some of the smartest speakers and event hosts in the business, one thing became crystal clear: unpaid doesn’t have to mean unprofitable.

The truth is, unpaid speaking gigs can absolutely work in your favor—if you know what to look for, how to prepare, and how to measure their value strategically.

Let’s break it down.

Why Speakers Say Yes to Unpaid Gigs (Strategically)

Think of it as a Marketing Expense

Jordan Gill, who completed 11 speaking engagements in a single year, only accepted one completely unpaid opportunity and she’d do it again. Why? Because the audience was perfectly aligned and the event delivered real value beyond compensation.

Instead of viewing unpaid gigs as losses, she budgets for them like she would Facebook ads or other marketing efforts. Her advice: “If I’d pay for ads to reach this audience, I’ll consider paying to be in the room with them instead.”

That’s a powerful mindset shift. It reframes speaking as an investment, not a favor.

You Need a Funnel That Converts

Unpaid gigs are only worthwhile if they convert. Elizabeth Henson evaluates each event through the lens of whether her funnel is likely to perform.

She’s not pitching from stage—she’s offering a quiz that seamlessly fits into her keynote. From there, she drives attendees into her ecosystem and into her higher-ticket offers.

“If I get one sale from a talk, that usually covers the cost of travel,” she explained. “And that’s all I need.”

The key takeaway here: Exposure without a sales system is just vanity. Don’t say yes to a stage if you don’t have a clear plan to turn attention into action.

Other Forms of Value Beyond a Paycheck

The Real ROI Is in Relationships

Amber Housely emphasizes what many overlook: the relationships behind the scenes. From networking with other speakers to connecting with attendees and hosts, unpaid gigs often create the kind of opportunities that snowball into future collaborations, invites, and referrals.

If the event puts you in a room with aligned people, decision-makers, or potential collaborators: that’s value.

The Power of Staying Present

Kristina Bartold brought up something that might surprise newer speakers: attending the full event matters. She’s seen a significant drop in breakout room attendance when speakers only show up for their time slot and leave.

By sticking around, you deepen connections and maximize visibility. You don’t just show up—you become part of the experience.

How to Decide: A Framework for Evaluating Unpaid Gigs

If you’re considering an unpaid speaking gig, here are five questions to ask yourself before you say yes:

1. Is the audience made up of my ideal clients or buyers? You don’t need thousands in the room—just the right people.

2. Do I have a clear funnel or follow-up system in place? If you’re not pitching, how are you inviting them into your world?

3. Will I receive any valuable assets from the event? This includes high-quality video, photography, testimonials, or repurposable content.

4. Can I build meaningful relationships with speakers or hosts? Think long-term. One connection can lead to countless future opportunities.

5. Does this opportunity align with my current business goals or season? Sometimes you’re in a growth phase. Sometimes you need revenue now. Your decision should reflect that.

Why Boundaries Matter (And Why You Should Share Them)

Tomasha’s perspective is a masterclass in professional clarity. She no longer entertains unpaid gigs that don’t clearly communicate expectations from the start. She encourages other speakers to hold their standards just as firmly.

Her take? If a gig isn’t aligned with your values, goals, or boundaries, say no with confidence. And remember: saying no can still be a way of serving—it creates space for another speaker who might benefit more from the opportunity.

You Can Always Say No. But You Can Also Say Yes (Intentionally)

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to unpaid speaking. What matters is that your decision is intentional.

Amanda Smith shared how she and another speaker creatively structured a speaking partnership with no paycheck but tons of value: travel as a personal retreat, stage access, aligned audience, and media opportunities. The key? Clear communication and mutual benefit.

Bottom line: There are dozens of ways to create value and dozens of ways to waste your time. Knowing the difference is what sets you apart.

Should You Take That Unpaid Speaking Opportunity?

Unpaid speaking gigs aren’t automatically good or bad. But when you understand your goals, have systems in place, and communicate clearly, they can open doors you didn’t even know were there.

So the next time an unpaid opportunity lands in your inbox, don’t dismiss it right away. Use this framework to decide if it’s actually strategic.

And if you’re ready to take your speaking career to the next level with a clear path to pitching, speaking, and selling, I’ve got something just for you.

Want to become the kind of speaker event hosts are excited to put on stage? My Sought-After Speaker System shows you how to craft irresistible pitches, build relationships with organizers, and create signature talks that make you the obvious choice.

Mentioned in this Episode

The Sought-After Speaker System

Connect with the Guests

• Elizabeth Henson: elizabethhenson.co
• Jordan Gill: systemssavedme.com
• Amber Housley: amberhousley.com
• Kristina Bartold: highvibewomen.ca
• Joanna Waterfall: instagram.com/joannawaterfall
• Jamie & Heather: instagram.com/theconquercommunity
• Amanda Smith: dallasgirlgang.com
• Tomasha Suber: tomashasuber.com

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The post 224: Are Unpaid Speaking Gigs Worth It? appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.