How Writers Can Get Speaking Engagements

by Yvonne Ortega @YvonneOrtega1

Texts, phone calls, and emails fill my “in box” with the same concern: “I’m an author. How can I get speaking engagements?” I will start with one step that many believers include as their last, rather than their initial one. 

First, pray for speaking engagements.

As you pray, ask God for favor. Tell God what topics you’re passionate about and eager to share. God knows what they are. And yet, your loving heavenly Father longs to hear from you. 

I’ve spoken dozens of times in English and Spanish on the Christian woman in a domestic violence relationship or divorced because of abuse.

Early in the pandemic, planners canceled events and book signings. However, state and federal government officials have eased restrictions. 

I ask God for favor where He wants me to speak. 

You can ask God where He wants you to speak. The Bible says, “But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me” (Micah 7:7 NASB1995).

Recently, I thought God would grant me favor in two places overseas. I waited in prayer. Those events were not God’s will for me at least not at the present. I submitted to God and said, “I will watch expectantly for the Lord . . . My God will hear me.” 

Second, prepare for those speaking engagements.

In faith I prepare for those speaking engagements. Years ago, I prepared a breakout session on writing to heal versus writing about trauma. I updated and expanded the session every time I spoke on that topic at a retreat, a seminar or a conference throughout the United States. I also tweaked it for the specific audience and updated the handouts. 

Once again, I revised the handouts to go with my new theme and will update the slide deck. 

I practice at home. My writers group and my AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) mastermind members serve as my “trial audience.” I thank God for them and welcome their feedback. 

By the way, I’ll practice for an early-bird clinic or two early-bird clinics back-to-back at a conference. Why not? “My God will hear me.”

Third, praise God for all He has done for you.

Years ago, a wonderful Bible teacher in my neighborhood said, “Yvonne, memorize Psalm 34. Afterward, praise God for all His wonderful deeds in your life.” 

As I did that, my faith grew stronger. So did my desire to worship God because of His faithfulness to me.

In my desire for God’s perfect speaking engagements, I praised God with a grateful heart for all the ones He gave me in the past. I also looked at pictures of those opportunities to share what God did for me and every woman present. 

Pray, prepare, and praise God for your past speaking events and those He will provide. Let me know when He answers you. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Yvonne Ortega walks with a small footprint but leaves a giant imprint in people’s lives. This power-packed package is a professional speaker and the author of the Moving from Broken to Beautiful® Series through cancer, divorce, forgiveness, and loss. Learn more at WWW.YVONNEORTEGA.COM

Yvonne speaks with honesty and humor as she shares her life and struggles through presentations that empower women to find peace, power, and purpose through God’s Word. 

Yvonne’s background as a licensed professional counselor brings a unique perspective into the heart of women. She’s a speaking and writing coach and the owner of Moving from Broken to Beautiful®, LLC. She belongs to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, the Christian Authors Network, the National Speakers Association, and Toastmasters International.

She celebrates life at the beach, where she walks, builds sand castles, blows bubbles, and dances.