Attention all authors! Red Thread Publishing has launched our Weekly Author Challenge, designed to support your journey to author success! Read more

How does it work? Each week, we'll post a new challenge along with a detailed blog to guide you through it. From crafting compelling book blurbs to building your author platform, these challenges will cover all the essential elements of becoming a successful authorpreneur. 

Create a Speaker's Press Kit Part 3 - Create a Speaker’s Reel

Compile clips of your past speaking engagements to create a video highlighting your speaking style and topics.

Welcome back to our ongoing series on creating the ultimate Speaker's Press Kit! If you've been following along, you're already ahead of the game with Parts 1 and 2 under your belt. You've designed a professional one-sheet that highlights your speaking topics, testimonials, and contact information, and you've explored joining a speakers bureau to gain access to more speaking opportunities and promotional support. Now, it's time to bring all that hard work to life with Part 3: Creating Your Speaker's Reel.

Why a Speaker's Reel?

Think of your speaker's reel as a movie trailer—but for you! It's a dynamic, visual way to showcase your speaking style, highlight your key topics, and leave a lasting impression on potential clients and event organizers. 

For authors and authorpreneurs, a speaker's reel is an invaluable tool. It not only demonstrates your ability to engage and captivate an audience but also establishes your credibility and expertise in your subject matter. Whether you're promoting your latest book, offering insights on your writing process, or sharing your entrepreneurial journey, a well-crafted reel can open doors to speaking engagements, workshops, and conferences.

Getting Started

First things first: gather your materials. You’ll need clips from your past speaking engagements. If you don't have any, don't worry! You can record new footage where you deliver key points from your topics. Remember, the goal is to highlight your expertise and engaging speaking style.

Tips for Creating a Standout Reel

1. Keep It Short and Sweet: Aim for 2-3 minutes. This is just enough time to capture attention without dragging on.
2. Showcase Variety: Include clips that show you speaking in different settings—whether it’s on a big stage, in a workshop, or during a webinar. This demonstrates your versatility.
3. Highlight Key Messages: Choose segments that best illustrate your main topics and the impact of your message. Be selective; quality over quantity.
4. Professional Quality: If possible, use high-quality video and audio. Clear sound and visuals make a huge difference in how you’re perceived.
5. Add Testimonials: Briefly integrate snippets of testimonials from satisfied clients or audience members to bolster your credibility.
6. Personal Touch: Include a brief introduction or conclusion where you speak directly to the camera. Let your personality shine through!

Editing Your Reel

If video editing isn't your forte, consider enlisting help. There are plenty of freelance video editors who can help you create a polished, professional reel. Or, use user-friendly tools like iMovie, Adobe Spark, or Canva to piece together your clips with ease.

 Once your reel is ready, embed it on your website, share it on social media, and include it in your digital press kit. Make it easy for potential clients to find and view it.

Reflect on Your Progress

Remember how far you've come since Part 1? From crafting a compelling one-sheet to exploring opportunities with a speakers bureau, and now creating a visual representation of your speaking prowess—you’re building a comprehensive and professional press kit step-by-step.

So, lights, camera, action—let’s get rolling on your speaker’s reel! Share your progress with us using the hashtag #RTAuthorChallenge and inspire others on their journey.

Share your creations and tag us @RedThreadBooks on social media. Remember to stay tuned for next week's challenge: Author Challenge #12 - Offer a Sneak Peek: Share a preview or excerpt from your upcoming book or project.

Happy writing!

Tag us @redthreadbooks #RTAuthorChall so we can share & celebrate your work. You do not have to do this alone. 

Did you miss the earlier challenges? Check last week's:

Author Challenge #10: Create an Infographic - Visually represent information from your book.