If you're a public speaker looking to grow your business and land more speaking engagements, it's time to tap into one of the most powerful (and often underused) tools in your marketing strategy: media mentions. Also known as press mentions, these are moments when your name, work, or expertise gets featured in the media—whether that's in an article, podcast, video, news story, or blog. Media mentions are gold for public speakers because they instantly build trust and credibility with potential event organizers, clients, and audiences.
A media mention is any instance where you or your work is referenced by a third-party media outlet. These can include:
A quote or expert tip in a Forbes or Entrepreneur article
Being a guest on a podcast like The Speaker Lab, Growth Think Tank, or Smart Passive Income
A featured story in a local newspaper or community magazine
A mention in a roundup post such as “Top 10 Public Speakers in Personal Development”
Your written article published in an industry blog or magazine
Appearing on a panel that is covered by a media outlet or posted to YouTube
Even smaller, niche features can go a long way. A single mention in a respected outlet acts as third-party validation—it tells others that you’re someone worth listening to. In the speaking business, that kind of authority can lead directly to new speaking gigs, higher fees, and greater visibility.
Once you've been mentioned in the media, don’t just keep it to yourself—make it part of your brand story! Here's how to turn those mentions into new opportunities:
Use this space to display recognizable media logos, short summaries of your features, and links to the original content. This builds instant credibility with visitors—especially event organizers and booking agents.
Your speaker one-sheet and media kit are vital tools for landing gigs. Add a “Media Mentions” section or weave your most impressive features into your bio. A line like “Featured in Fast Company and Inc. for thought leadership in team performance” adds immediate weight to your credentials.
When pitching yourself for speaking engagements, casually reference past press. For example: “After being interviewed on the ‘Conscious Leadership Podcast,’ I’ve received multiple invitations to speak at HR and DEI conferences.”
Turn your media mention into a post, story, or even a behind-the-scenes video. Tag the outlet and use it as an opportunity to thank them and connect with your audience.
If a media outlet said something flattering—use it! Drop the quote into your homepage, email signature, or marketing deck with the source for added authority.
Keep track of every media mention with a spreadsheet or media tracker so you can easily reference or update your materials.
Create a short highlight reel of video or audio appearances to show how you present on stage, on screen, and in interviews.
Add media badges to your email signature to passively showcase your authority in every message you send.
Reshare older media mentions periodically, especially if they’re still relevant. Evergreen content keeps working for you!
In the speaking world, being seen as an expert can matter just as much as being one—and media mentions help bridge that gap. They elevate your profile, build trust with decision-makers, and increase your chances of being booked (and paid) to speak. Whether you’re just getting started or already have a few features under your belt, start using your media mentions strategically to grow your speaking business and stand out in a competitive field. The spotlight is waiting—you just need to shine in it.
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