What to Charge for your Speaking Fee | Episode 16

How to Answer “What’s Your Speaking Fee?” and Get Paid What You’re WorthThe episode explains how speakers can confidently answer “What’s your speaking fee?” and avoid blurting out an unaligned number by using three approaches: replacement cost, honorarium/starter fee, and the “budge or barter” method to avoid. For replacement cost, speakers (especially coaches/consultants) can base fees on their hourly rate plus preparation, pre-event calls, and post-event follow-up, emphasizing they’re paid for delivering a problem-solving program, not just a 60-minute talk. For honorariums, speakers can ask early if there’s a budget, then negotiate other compensation like travel, books, video footage, attendee lists, sponsorship/table space, promotion, or discounted tickets, and invoice the full fee with discounts. The script shares typical fee ranges (emerging $0–$3,000; experienced/industry $3,000–$7,000; professional/celebrity $7,000–$100,000), suggests stating ranges, discusses whether to list fees on a website, and underscores saying no when it isn’t worth it.00:00 The Speaking Fee Question00:56 Avoiding the Bread Game01:48 Replacement Cost Method03:52 Prep Time and Add Ons07:00 Lead with Value07:37 Honorarium and Low Budget Gigs09:09 Negotiating Non Cash Perks11:06 Sponsorship and Tabling Example14:02 Budge or Barter Pitfalls15:25 Typical Fee Ranges17:34 Using Ranges and Calculators19:21 Posting Fees and Wrap Up20:34 Final Thanks and Call to ActionHave a question or suggestion for a future episode topic? Email me [email protected] to deliver mic drop moments in your next presentation? Schedule a call to learn more about coaching www.calendly.com/jennchatLooking to book a speaker for your corporate or association event on topics including leadership and communication? View my programs at www.jennspingo.com