Professional Speaker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of public speaking, the demand for professional speakers has never been greater.

As communication plays an integral role in the evolution of society, the need for skilled orators who can inspire, inform, and influence an audience has grown significantly.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a professional speaker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of professional speaking,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable professional speaker job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Professional Speaker Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Speakers deliver speeches to a variety of audiences for different occasions.

They must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the topic they are speaking about.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Prepare and develop speeches based on the topic, audience, and event requirements
• Research the topic extensively to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is provided
• Practice and refine speeches to ensure optimal delivery
• Engage the audience through interactive dialogue and by answering questions
• Use aids such as slides, charts, and props to enhance the presentation
• Adapt to audience reactions and modify speech content and delivery as necessary
• Work with event organizers to understand logistics and timing of the speech
• Travel to various locations to give speeches
• Ensure that the message is clear, impactful, and tailored to the audience’s needs
• Network with audience members before and after the speech to build relationships

 

Professional Speaker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a charismatic and engaging Professional Speaker to share knowledge and insights with our audience.

The Professional Speaker’s responsibilities include creating and delivering engaging presentations, interacting with audiences, and developing speech content.

Our ideal candidate is an expert communicator with excellent public speaking skills and a knack for making complex topics easily understandable.

The role of the Professional Speaker is to inspire, motivate, and educate our audiences with compelling and thoughtful speeches.

 

Responsibilities

• Developing engaging and informative speeches.
• Delivering professional presentations to diverse audiences.
• Interacting with audience members during and after presentations.
• Researching and staying up-to-date with trends in your field.
• Handling logistics such as travel arrangements and presentation materials.
• Adapting your speech to the needs and interests of each audience.
• Providing consultation and advice in your area of expertise.
• Working with event organizers to ensure a smooth presentation.
• Ensuring the message aligns with the goals of the event and the audience.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Professional Speaker or similar role.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to engage and connect with a wide range of audiences.
• Knowledge of presentation and public speaking techniques.
• Ability to research and create engaging, informative speeches.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, or related field is preferred.

 

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule
• Travel opportunities
• Professional development and training
• Networking opportunities
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Speaker
• Work Environment: This role involves a considerable amount of travel. Most work is performed at conference venues, corporate events, or other public settings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Public Relations or Event Manager.
• Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and speaking engagement fees.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time, based on contract and speaking engagement schedules.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and a sample of your speaking (video or audio) to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Speaker Do?

A Professional Speaker, often known as a public speaker or motivational speaker, is hired to speak on a specific topic or share their experiences and expertise at a variety of events, such as business conferences, educational seminars, or social gatherings.

They are responsible for delivering speeches, presentations, or talks to engage, motivate, educate, or inspire the audience.

Their job involves creating and rehearsing compelling speeches tailored to the needs and interests of their audience.

Professional Speakers often work closely with event organizers to understand the theme and objectives of the event.

They may also conduct research or interviews to gather relevant information for their speeches.

They are skilled in public speaking and possess excellent presentation skills.

They also need to be able to handle questions from the audience and facilitate discussions.

In addition to giving speeches, many Professional Speakers also write books or articles, run training workshops, or provide consulting services in their area of expertise.

Some also appear on radio and television shows as guest speakers.

As self-employed individuals, Professional Speakers often have to manage their own business operations such as marketing, networking, and client relations.

They may travel extensively to attend various events across different locations.

 

Professional Speaker Qualifications and Skills

A professional speaker should have a unique set of qualifications and skills that allow them to connect with a variety of audiences and deliver compelling speeches, such as:

• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills to effectively deliver information to a range of audiences and maintain their interest throughout the presentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for writing speeches, interacting with attendees, answering questions, and conducting post-speech discussions.
• Ability to use multimedia technology to enhance the impact of their speeches and present visual and audio aids that can further engage the audience.
• Interpersonal skills to understand the needs of different audience groups and tailor their speeches accordingly to maximize impact and comprehension.
• Ability to conduct in-depth research and incorporate relevant data and facts into speeches, providing a well-rounded perspective on the topic at hand.
• Flexibility and adaptability to modify speeches on the spot according to audience reactions and feedback.
• Confidence and charisma to motivate and inspire audiences, leaving a lasting impression and effectively conveying the intended message.
• Knowledge of the subject matter and the ability to think critically to address complex issues and questions from the audience.
• Time management skills to ensure speeches adhere to allocated timeframes and schedules.

 

Professional Speaker Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for Professional Speaker roles may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through public speaking opportunities at school, college, or local community events.

They may also gain experience through part-time roles such as MC, presenter, or a similar position where they have to interact with an audience regularly.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience likely have a history of speaking at corporate events, conferences, or seminars.

At this stage, the speaker has developed essential skills like audience engagement, public speaking, and topic expertise.

They may also have experience in creating engaging content for their speeches and conducting workshops or interactive sessions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in professional speaking often have a well-established reputation and a solid track record of successful speaking engagements.

They may have leadership experience, such as conducting training sessions, mentoring junior speakers, or managing speaking engagements.

At this level, a professional speaker may be ready to take on larger platforms, internationally recognized events, or even television appearances.

 

Professional Speaker Education and Training Requirements

Professional Speakers typically have a bachelor’s degree in communication, business, English, or a related field.

This helps to develop strong communication and public speaking skills which are vital in this profession.

While a degree may not be strictly necessary, it is often preferred by employers due to the complex interpersonal and organizational skills often taught in these programs.

In addition to a degree, practical experience is crucial.

This can be gained through activities such as participating in debate clubs, taking part in public speaking events, hosting workshops, or even through roles that require regular presentations.

Some professional speakers may also choose to earn a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) certification from organizations like the National Speakers Association.

This certification denotes a speaker’s proficiency and experience in the profession.

Continuous learning is also important in this field.

Many professional speakers take additional courses, attend workshops or seminars, or earn advanced degrees in fields such as psychology, business, or motivational speaking.

These trainings enable speakers to stay updated with current speaking trends, enhance their speaking abilities, and gain knowledge in specialized areas which can be beneficial for specific audiences.

In addition to education and training, successful professional speakers usually possess a variety of skills, including excellent communication, leadership, motivational, and storytelling skills.

They may also need to be proficient in using various presentation tools and software.

 

Professional Speaker Salary Expectations

A Professional Speaker can expect to earn an average salary of $107,173 (USD) per year.

However, this can fluctuate significantly depending on factors such as the speaker’s reputation, the frequency of speaking engagements, and the type of events they are hired for.

Additionally, location and years of experience can also impact the overall income.

 

Professional Speaker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professional Speaker need?

Professional Speakers should have excellent public speaking skills, which include a strong command of the language, clear articulation, and the ability to engage an audience.

They also need to be proficient in storytelling and possess good presentation skills.

Strong research and content creation skills are also important to develop speeches that are relevant and impactful.

 

Do Professional Speakers need a degree?

Not necessarily.

While having a degree in communication, public relations, or a related field can be beneficial, it is not a strict requirement.

Many successful Professional Speakers do not have formal education in these areas but possess exceptional public speaking skills and a passion for a particular subject or cause.

 

What should you look for in a Professional Speaker’s resume?

A Professional Speaker’s resume should showcase their experience speaking at different types of events, such as conferences, seminars, and workshops.

They might also have a portfolio or recordings of their past presentations.

Look for evidence of their ability to engage large audiences and adapt their messaging for different groups.

Any testimonials or feedback from past engagements could also provide valuable insight into their performance.

 

What qualities make a good Professional Speaker?

A good Professional Speaker is confident, engaging, and knowledgeable in their chosen subject matter.

They have the ability to connect with an audience on a personal level and inspire or motivate them.

They are also adaptable, able to tailor their presentations to suit different audiences and settings.

A good Professional Speaker is also reliable, well-prepared, and professional at all times.

 

How can a Professional Speaker keep their content fresh and relevant?

A Professional Speaker can keep their content fresh and relevant by staying updated with current events, trends, and developments in their field.

They should continually research and incorporate new information into their presentations.

Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences can also help them gain new insights and ideas to enrich their content.

Additionally, feedback from their audience can be a valuable resource for updating and improving their presentations.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a backstage pass into the world of a professional speaker.

And guess what?

It’s not just about giving speeches.

It’s about inspiring change, one word at a time.

With our ready-to-use professional speaker job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to take the stage.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every word you speak can make a significant impact.

Let’s inspire that change. Together.