![\"Microphone](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.attorneyatwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Public-speaking-for-lawyers.jpg?resize=770%2C495&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
Table of contents<\/h2>\n\n- 5 Ways to Raise Your Speaking Profile<\/a><\/li>\n
- 1. Be Known for Something Interesting<\/a><\/li>\n
- 2. Get Better at Speaking (On Purpose)<\/a><\/li>\n
- 3. Carry Yourself Like the Public Speaker You Want to Be<\/a><\/li>\n
- 4. Don\u2019t Nominate Yourself<\/a><\/li>\n
- 5. Be a Friend to Each Organization That Asks You to Speak<\/a><\/li>\n
- Extra: Preparing Your Speaker One-Sheet<\/a><\/li>\n
- More Pointers on Speaking Skills from Attorney at Work Contributors<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
5 Ways to Raise Your Speaking Profile <\/h2>\n
Let\u2019s start with the obvious: If you\u2019re a lawyer, you already speak for a living. You explain complicated things to skeptical audiences who interrupt you, argue with you, and occasionally glare at you from the bench. Public speaking is not the hard part.<\/p>\n
The hard part is knowing where to begin. Trust me, I\u2019ve been there. Here are a few ideas to get you started on boosting your speaking skills \u2014 and profile.\u00a0<\/p>\n
1. Be Known for Something Interesting<\/h2>\n
Great speakers aren\u2019t booked because they\u2019re \u201cexperienced.\u201d They\u2019re booked because they\u2019re clearly known for doing something specific or for having depth of knowledge in an area. When someone talks about bitcoin litigation, for example, they think of only a few names. And believe it or not, even if you don\u2019t think your area is all that interesting, others might. Younger lawyers and business pr<\/a>ofessionals are yearning to learn basic concepts that can improve their future.\u00a0<\/p>\nYour topic also doesn\u2019t have to be about a specific area of law. It could be on how the profession is evolving, why lawyers remain loyal to certain firms and not others, or even the challenges of dealing with demanding clients. You need to feel confident you can speak with conviction on your topic, whatever it may be. <\/p>\n
Finish this sentence: \u201cI know I could speak about ______________, in a way that would add value.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n2. Get Better at Speaking (On Purpose)<\/h2>\n
Yes, organizers book speakers for ideas \u2014 but delivery still matters. Don\u2019t assume your courtroom voice automatically translates to a stage or CLE room.<\/p>\n
Watch great speakers. Watching full-time speakers, those who make their living speaking, is not only entertaining but highly educational. Watch specifically for their: <\/p>\n
\n- Timing<\/li>\n
- Eye contact<\/li>\n
- Body language<\/li>\n
- Pace of the talk<\/li>\n
- Voice inflection <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Write notes as they speak. What resonates with you, and what could you utilize to improve your own speaking style?<\/p>\n
Consider taking a speaking class, such as Toastmasters<\/a>. Then practice speaking \u2014 a lot. Record yourself, don\u2019t be too critical, grade yourself and improve, and then repeat this several times. Finally, give your talk to your closest friends and ask for honest feedback. Ask for feedback from people who will tell you the truth, not just \u201cyou were great!\u201d Again, record yourself (yes, it\u2019s painful; yes, it works).<\/p>\nRepetition without reflection is just habit. <\/p>\n
3. Carry Yourself Like the Public Speaker You Want to Be<\/h2>\n
Your online presence is more than just necessary; it plays a crucial role in your professional identity. If you\u2019re going to speak at professional legal or business conferences, your public persona needs to reflect professionalism and expertise.<\/p>\n
Take the time to develop your online profile, whether it\u2019s on LinkedIn or your professional bio on your firm\u2019s website<\/a>, to effectively showcase your speaking topics. When you can, include a captivating video clip that shows your speaking skills, so your audience can feel your energy and insights.<\/p>\nBe intentional about listing your previous speaking engagements, published works, and professional affiliations that relate to your topics. Choose content that builds your credibility and shows your commitment to your field. This approach not only boosts your reputation but also opens doors to new speaking opportunities where your expertise can shine.<\/p>\n
4. Don\u2019t Nominate Yourself<\/h2>\n
Most speaking opportunities arise from referrals, not self-promotion. Share your topics and preferred venues with a few trusted colleagues and ask them to recommend you. This approach has a greater impact.<\/p>\n
5. Be a Friend to Each Organization That Asks You to Speak<\/h2>\n
Be available when the group needs you, especially at the start. Don\u2019t expect to be paid every time for speaking. As a practicing lawyer, if your goal is to gain credibility and spread knowledge, you might ask only for your travel expenses.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, if your goal is to make a living speaking, it is essential to have an honest conversation about the organization\u2019s budget and your fee upfront.\u00a0If you aim to build a speaking career, it is vital to get the list of attendees after the event so you can stay in touch with them, and they may hire you in the future.<\/p>\n
After the event, share your content with each organizer so they can use it in their publications. Always send a kind note of thanks and stay up to date with their organization on social media.<\/p>\n
The best speaking invitations often sound like: \u201cWe\u2019ve noticed you for a while \u2026.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nRelated: \u201c5 Things to Ask Before You Say Yes to a Speaking Gig.\u201d<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nThese are just a few tips that will help you on your speaking journey. You don\u2019t need permission to begin. You need clarity, consistency, practice and persistence. <\/p>\n
The speaking opportunities come after that.<\/p>\n
\nExtra: Preparing Your Speaker One-Sheet<\/h2>\n
In 2026, event organizers are inundated with pitches. To make the cut, you need a professional speaker\u2019s one-sheet. Think of this as your speaking resume \u2014 a single-page PDF (and a dedicated page on your firm\u2019s website) that proves you are a safe bet for the podium.<\/p>\n
Your one-sheet should include these items:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Benefit-Driven Bio<\/strong>. Don\u2019t just list your bona fides. Frame your expertise around the problems you solve for an audience. (For example, \u201cHelping GCs navigate the shifting landscape of AI compliance.\u201d)<\/li>\n
- Video Snippets<\/strong>. Organizers rarely book a speaker they haven\u2019t heard. Include a 60-second highlight reel link showing you in action \u2014 even if it\u2019s just a well-lit clip from a recent webinar or a mini-keynote recorded in your office.<\/li>\n
- Signature Presentation Titles<\/strong>. List three or four \u201cplug-and-play\u201d topics. Make the titles punchy and outcome-oriented so the organizer can immediately see where you fit in their program.<\/li>\n
- Social Proof<\/strong>. Include two to three short testimonials from past event chairs or attendees. If you\u2019re just starting out, a quote from a colleague praising your presentation style works too.<\/li>\n
- A High-Resolution Headshot<\/strong>. Provide a professional photo with a transparent background. Making the event planner\u2019s job easier by giving them ready-to-use marketing assets makes you a go-to favorite.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nMore Pointers on Speaking Skills from Attorney at Work Contributors<\/h2>\n
Confidence Is Personal: Being a Better Public Speaker<\/a><\/p>\nIntroduce Yourself to Your Audience, Please!<\/a><\/p>\n7 Public Speaking Tips for Videoconferencing<\/a><\/p>\nHow to Be a Better CLE Panelist<\/a><\/p>\nEmpower Your Next Presentation With These 10 Tips<\/a><\/p>\nNeed to Speak About Complicated Stuff? Talk About People<\/a><\/p>\nWatch the Seams: Speaking Lessons from Tennis Stars<\/a><\/p>\nStop Rough-Drafting and Learn to Speak with Precision<\/a><\/p>\nThe Articulated Pause: You Don\u2019t Have to Make Noise While You Think<\/a><\/p>\nThe Trap of Vertical Speaking Notes<\/a><\/p>\n5 Ways to Make Speaking Engagements Pay Off<\/a><\/p>\n
\nImage \u00a9 iStockPhoto.com. <\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.attorneyatwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AttorneyatWork-Logo-%C2%AE-2021-1.jpg?resize=372%2C106&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nSign up for Attorney at Work\u2019s daily practice tips newsletter here<\/a> and subscribe to our podcast<\/a>, Attorney at Work Today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As a lawyer, you\u2019re a competent public speaker and know more time at the podium is good for business. The hard part is getting started. Here are five tips from law strategy coach Tea Hoffman to help sharpen your speaking skills and score more speaking invitations. The post Public Speaking for Lawyers: 5 Tips for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-144168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-legal_matters"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144168","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=144168"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144168\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=144168"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=144168"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=144168"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
5 Ways to Raise Your Speaking Profile <\/h2>\n
Let\u2019s start with the obvious: If you\u2019re a lawyer, you already speak for a living. You explain complicated things to skeptical audiences who interrupt you, argue with you, and occasionally glare at you from the bench. Public speaking is not the hard part.<\/p>\n
The hard part is knowing where to begin. Trust me, I\u2019ve been there. Here are a few ideas to get you started on boosting your speaking skills \u2014 and profile.\u00a0<\/p>\n
1. Be Known for Something Interesting<\/h2>\n
Great speakers aren\u2019t booked because they\u2019re \u201cexperienced.\u201d They\u2019re booked because they\u2019re clearly known for doing something specific or for having depth of knowledge in an area. When someone talks about bitcoin litigation, for example, they think of only a few names. And believe it or not, even if you don\u2019t think your area is all that interesting, others might. Younger lawyers and business pr<\/a>ofessionals are yearning to learn basic concepts that can improve their future.\u00a0<\/p>\n Your topic also doesn\u2019t have to be about a specific area of law. It could be on how the profession is evolving, why lawyers remain loyal to certain firms and not others, or even the challenges of dealing with demanding clients. You need to feel confident you can speak with conviction on your topic, whatever it may be. <\/p>\n Finish this sentence: \u201cI know I could speak about ______________, in a way that would add value.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, organizers book speakers for ideas \u2014 but delivery still matters. Don\u2019t assume your courtroom voice automatically translates to a stage or CLE room.<\/p>\n Watch great speakers. Watching full-time speakers, those who make their living speaking, is not only entertaining but highly educational. Watch specifically for their: <\/p>\n Write notes as they speak. What resonates with you, and what could you utilize to improve your own speaking style?<\/p>\n Consider taking a speaking class, such as Toastmasters<\/a>. Then practice speaking \u2014 a lot. Record yourself, don\u2019t be too critical, grade yourself and improve, and then repeat this several times. Finally, give your talk to your closest friends and ask for honest feedback. Ask for feedback from people who will tell you the truth, not just \u201cyou were great!\u201d Again, record yourself (yes, it\u2019s painful; yes, it works).<\/p>\n Repetition without reflection is just habit. <\/p>\n Your online presence is more than just necessary; it plays a crucial role in your professional identity. If you\u2019re going to speak at professional legal or business conferences, your public persona needs to reflect professionalism and expertise.<\/p>\n Take the time to develop your online profile, whether it\u2019s on LinkedIn or your professional bio on your firm\u2019s website<\/a>, to effectively showcase your speaking topics. When you can, include a captivating video clip that shows your speaking skills, so your audience can feel your energy and insights.<\/p>\n Be intentional about listing your previous speaking engagements, published works, and professional affiliations that relate to your topics. Choose content that builds your credibility and shows your commitment to your field. This approach not only boosts your reputation but also opens doors to new speaking opportunities where your expertise can shine.<\/p>\n Most speaking opportunities arise from referrals, not self-promotion. Share your topics and preferred venues with a few trusted colleagues and ask them to recommend you. This approach has a greater impact.<\/p>\n Be available when the group needs you, especially at the start. Don\u2019t expect to be paid every time for speaking. As a practicing lawyer, if your goal is to gain credibility and spread knowledge, you might ask only for your travel expenses.<\/p>\n On the other hand, if your goal is to make a living speaking, it is essential to have an honest conversation about the organization\u2019s budget and your fee upfront.\u00a0If you aim to build a speaking career, it is vital to get the list of attendees after the event so you can stay in touch with them, and they may hire you in the future.<\/p>\n After the event, share your content with each organizer so they can use it in their publications. Always send a kind note of thanks and stay up to date with their organization on social media.<\/p>\n The best speaking invitations often sound like: \u201cWe\u2019ve noticed you for a while \u2026.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Related: \u201c5 Things to Ask Before You Say Yes to a Speaking Gig.\u201d<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n These are just a few tips that will help you on your speaking journey. You don\u2019t need permission to begin. You need clarity, consistency, practice and persistence. <\/p>\n The speaking opportunities come after that.<\/p>\n In 2026, event organizers are inundated with pitches. To make the cut, you need a professional speaker\u2019s one-sheet. Think of this as your speaking resume \u2014 a single-page PDF (and a dedicated page on your firm\u2019s website) that proves you are a safe bet for the podium.<\/p>\n Your one-sheet should include these items:<\/strong><\/p>\n Confidence Is Personal: Being a Better Public Speaker<\/a><\/p>\n Introduce Yourself to Your Audience, Please!<\/a><\/p>\n 7 Public Speaking Tips for Videoconferencing<\/a><\/p>\n How to Be a Better CLE Panelist<\/a><\/p>\n Empower Your Next Presentation With These 10 Tips<\/a><\/p>\n Need to Speak About Complicated Stuff? Talk About People<\/a><\/p>\n Watch the Seams: Speaking Lessons from Tennis Stars<\/a><\/p>\n Stop Rough-Drafting and Learn to Speak with Precision<\/a><\/p>\n The Articulated Pause: You Don\u2019t Have to Make Noise While You Think<\/a><\/p>\n The Trap of Vertical Speaking Notes<\/a><\/p>\n 5 Ways to Make Speaking Engagements Pay Off<\/a><\/p>\n Image \u00a9 iStockPhoto.com. <\/p>\n Sign up for Attorney at Work\u2019s daily practice tips newsletter here<\/a> and subscribe to our podcast<\/a>, Attorney at Work Today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As a lawyer, you\u2019re a competent public speaker and know more time at the podium is good for business. The hard part is getting started. Here are five tips from law strategy coach Tea Hoffman to help sharpen your speaking skills and score more speaking invitations. The post Public Speaking for Lawyers: 5 Tips for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-144168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-legal_matters"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144168","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=144168"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144168\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=144168"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=144168"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=144168"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}2. Get Better at Speaking (On Purpose)<\/h2>\n
\n
3. Carry Yourself Like the Public Speaker You Want to Be<\/h2>\n
4. Don\u2019t Nominate Yourself<\/h2>\n
5. Be a Friend to Each Organization That Asks You to Speak<\/h2>\n
\nExtra: Preparing Your Speaker One-Sheet<\/h2>\n
\n
\nMore Pointers on Speaking Skills from Attorney at Work Contributors<\/h2>\n
\n<\/a><\/figure>\n