Want to be a speaker who gets invited back—and bragged about? These habits will make you unforgettable (for all the right reasons).
Speakers are everywhere. But the ones who leave a mark? The ones that event organizers remember, rave about, and rebook? They do more than just deliver a good talk.
They’re true partners—easy to work with, eager to contribute, and committed to the overall success of the event, not just their moment on stage.
In this post, you’ll find 10 proven habits that turn good speakers into organizer heroes. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve spoken on dozens of stages, these tips will elevate your impact—and your chances of being invited back.
1. Respond Quickly and Professionally
Don’t make organizers chase you for answers. Be the easiest part of their day. When they send a request, respond quickly—and with clarity. A fast, professional reply shows that you’re reliable, respectful of their time, and fully engaged in the process. You don’t need to live in your inbox, but you do want to signal that you’re a speaker they can count on.
2. Hit Every Deadline—Early if You Can
Send your bio, headshot, AV needs, and presentation slides on time. Late submissions add unnecessary stress to an already overloaded team. And if you know you’ll need to make revisions, let them know in advance. That simple courtesy can make you a standout. A speaker who delivers early? That’s someone they’ll want to work with again.
3. Promote the Event Like It’s Yours
You don’t need to become a marketing machine—but if you want to build trust with organizers, treat their event like it matters. Share on your social channels. Tag the event. Mention it in your newsletter or podcast. Promotion isn’t optional; it’s a signal that you’re invested in the event’s success—not just your own.
4. Tailor Your Talk to the Audience
Recycled keynotes are easy to spot—and easy to forget. Great speakers do the work. Jon Acuff tells a story of bumping into company leaders at an airport before delivering a keynote. He asked thoughtful questions, rewrote parts of his talk that night, and blew the audience away. That’s what it means to care. Know who you’re speaking to, what they need, and how you can serve them best.
5. Be More Than a Speaker—Be a Participant
Don’t disappear into the green room. Great speakers sit in sessions, take notes, ask questions, and engage with the community. Austin Armstrong is a great example—he makes it a point to sit on the front row at every event he attends, both to learn and to support his fellow speakers. You’re not just a speaker—you’re part of the experience.
6. Prepare Technically (and Triple Check Everything)
Tech trouble is a speaker’s worst nightmare—and an organizer’s too. Don’t be the person who forgets an adapter or emails your slides an hour before. Ask about the AV setup. Show up to the tech check. Know your gear. You’re not just setting yourself up for success—you’re protecting the schedule for every speaker after you.
7. Honor the Time Limit Like a Pro
Running long might feel like you’re “giving more value,” but in reality, it throws off the schedule and puts pressure on the organizers. Rehearse. Time yourself. Know your closing. And if the clock runs fast? Stick the landing anyway. The best speakers finish strong and on time.
8. Stay Flexible and Gracious
Tech will fail. Timelines will shift. Someone might forget your name in the intro. Don’t let it shake you. The speakers that organizers really remember are the ones who adapt, keep the energy up, and handle chaos with calm. Be the kind of person they want in the trenches.
9. Engage with Attendees Off-Stage
Some of the most meaningful moments happen after the mic is off. Mark Schaefer is famous for hanging out in the hallways of Social Media Marketing World, generously talking with anyone who stops him. Brian Solis once stayed post-session for over an hour, answering questions in a crowd of 50+. Want to be remembered? Don’t vanish after your session.
10. Express Gratitude—Publicly and Privately
A handwritten note, a social media shout-out, a warm email to the team—these things matter. Most speakers skip this step, which is why doing it makes you stand out. When you express appreciation for the opportunity to speak, you’re not just being kind. You’re building a relationship.
Final Word
Event organizers remember speakers who show up with excellence, empathy, and a spirit of partnership. If you want to get rebooked, referred, and respected—don’t just aim to be good. Aim to be unforgettable.
Want to Become a Speaker Event Planners Rave About?
I coach speakers on both message and delivery—helping you connect with your audience and with the organizers who bring you in. If you want support crafting or elevating your next talk:
📩 Email me at phil (at) philmershon.com to learn how we can work together.
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