From rising stars to premium thought leaders, here’s how to get the most from your investment.
Booking a speaker can feel like a mix of art and science. Even if you’ve done it dozens of times, every event comes with its own variables—budget fluctuations, audience dynamics, leadership expectations, and last-minute surprises. And that's not even mentioning concerns over theme and topic alignment to meet the current political, social, and/or work climate(s).
Here’s the truth on what you should be taking into consideration:
It's time to look beyond the name: A big name isn’t always the best fit. And a celebrity is no longer the reason your tickets are selling. You want someone who not only has credibility but also knows how to connect with your specific audience.
A bright shiny object can still have imperfections: With so many new speakers entering the marketplace these days, it's important to understand that these polished speaker reels do not equate to experience. Who knows who has put in the reps in front of a real audience? A speaking agent.
Be sure to consider the “after effect”: A great keynote doesn’t just inspire in the moment—it shapes conversations, influences culture, and sparks action long after the event. If a speaker can't identify tangible takeaways to share with your audience, they're mostly fluff.
So where does a speaking agency like Outspoken Agency fit in? Think of us as your backstage partner. We know the questions you might not think to ask, we handle the curveballs you don’t have time for, and we’ll be honest if the speaker you’re eyeing isn’t the best match.
We’re not here to push certain speakers on you—we’re here to listen, strategize, and provide a curated list of options to help you craft the kind of program that makes your audience say, “That was exactly what we needed.”
Speakers That Deliver Big Value at Every Budget
Premium Investment:
Ruha Benjamin
A world-renowned scholar on race, technology, and justice and MacArthur Genius Scholar, Ruha doesn’t just deliver a keynote—she sparks movements via imagination. Her talks ignite lasting conversations that ripple through organizations, making her an investment in both inspiration and long-term impact.
Mid-Range Value:
Minda Harts
Bestselling author and authority on building trust in the workplace, Minda blends practical strategies with powerful storytelling. She’s approachable, action-oriented, and leaves audiences with takeaways they can apply immediately—proof that mid-range speakers can deliver maximum ROI.
Budget-Friendly Brilliance:
Kyle MacDonald
Known for his “one red paperclip” experiment and ability to turn unconventional thinking into unforgettable lessons, Kyle inspires audiences to reimagine possibility. His keynotes are accessible in fee but priceless in creativity and audience engagement. And his experiment is still being used in school curricula after almost 20 years.
Rising Star:
Molly Kawahata
The subject of Patagonia’s film The Scale of Hope, Molly is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after voices on the science of hope to transform anything. In a time of rising mental health concerns, Molly's messaging couldn't be more essential. Booking her now means being ahead of the curve as her profile continues to rise.
Whether you’re planning your first event or your 21st, you don’t have to do it alone. Stop spending hours and hours of your work day doing the research that we've already done!
Partnering with Outspoken Agency means you gain a thought partner who can take the guesswork out of booking and give you the confidence that your speaker will deliver on every level.