From Invisible to In-Demand: How Authenticity, Visibility & Media Readiness Drive Public Speaking Success

EBO
Jun 18
3 min read

The Power of Visibility: From Stage to Paycheck

When building a personal brand or becoming a paid speaker, one thing is clear: visibility is value. In a landmark webinar hosted by Crystal Berger, Founder of Vettify.ai and EBO, a powerhouse panel of speakers, including Dr. Will Morland, Quinn Conyers, Rodney C. Burris, and Brian J. Olds unpacked how visibility, media readiness, and authenticity translate into real business growth. Media readiness is critical for speakers looking to land media features and increase visibility.

Vettify webinar panel discussing media readiness for public speakers

Visibility Is the New Currency

The session opened with one core question: What one word describes what visibility has done for your business?

Crystal Berger: Impact
Rodney C. Burris: Verified
Brian J. Olds: Gut-check
Quinn Conyers: Acceleration
Dr. Will Morland: Paycheck

Visibility isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being remembered, respected, and revenue-generating.

How to Get Visible and Paid as a Speaker

Verbalize Your Value

Quinn Conyers shared a powerful truth: “You can’t soar if you can’t explain your excellence.” Using “luxury language,” Quinn advises speakers to pitch with power, not apology. Instead of saying “I need help,” say “Here’s how I empower audiences.”

Become a Vetted Voice

Visibility leads to trust, and trust leads to bookings. Dr. Will emphasised that getting media-vetted helps mitigate risk for decision-makers. When they see you've been featured in trusted outlets, the "yes" comes easier.

Start Local, Then Scale

Dr. Will introduced the strategy of “dominating your backyard.” Drop a Google Map pin where you live, draw a 20-mile radius, and focus your outreach. Whether you’re a speaker, coach, or consultant, there’s often six figures of opportunity within driving distance.

The Role of Authenticity in the AI Era

AI Can’t Imitate You

Brian J. Olds reminded us: “We’re entering an age where most online content will be AI-generated. The one thing AI can’t replicate? Your story told from your soul.” In a world of deepfakes and generative content, authenticity will be your brand’s fingerprint.

Speak in Sneakers; Literally

Dr. Will and Quinn both show up in Jordans on major stages, from the White House to Microsoft. “Your people will find you,” said Dr. Will. “If they don’t like who you are, they’re not your audience.”

Vetify.ai: Tech-Backed Visibility at Scale

Crystal Berger introduced Vetify.ai as an AI-powered platform that automates visibility readiness. It scans your online presence and gives you a free media readiness score. Based on that score, you learn how prepared you are to pitch yourself to the press, brands, or event planners.

Get Your Free Media Readiness Report at Vetify.ai

Pro Tips to Get Peaceful and Paid

Each speaker dropped a gold nugget for aspiring media experts and public speakers:

Quinn Conyers

“Verbalize your value with luxury language.”

Rodney C. Burris

“Register on sam.gov and pursue federal speaking contracts—they pay well and consistently.”

Dr. Will Morland

“Pick one recipe. Follow it all the way. Don’t keep switching lanes.”

Brian J. Olds

“Slow down to speed up. Unfollow the noise. Clarity is currency.”

Success Story: From MC to Foot Locker Partner

As a grand finale, Quinn announced a major milestone: she signed a content creation deal with Foot Locker. Why? Because she dominated one lane, MCing, and created content so authentic, it couldn’t be ignored.