Quality trumps quantity (almost) every time.

It's really hard to make a demo reel with low quality footage.

When starting your speaking career, many speakers think that simply having a lot of footage equals having good footage.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

As professionals creating demo reels for speakers, we can’t use poor-quality iPhone footage—especially videos shot from the back of the room with bad audio.

If your goal is to become a $10,000 speaker, event planners aren’t looking for webinar clips or panel discussions.

They want to see you in front of a live audience, with great audio, clear video, and strong engagement with the crowd.

The good news?

This doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult to plan.

Here’s a simple three-step process to get professional footage for your demo reel:

1. Confirm with the Event Organizer

Before doing anything else, ask the event organizer if you can bring in a videographer. Most organizers will be fine with it, but it’s important to get their approval first. High-quality footage is an investment in your business, so ensure the logistics are sorted upfront.

2. Hire a Videographer

Go to platforms like Upwork and search for videographers in your area. Look for someone with a 4K camera and a lapel mic for capturing professional-grade video and audio. These tools are essential for high-quality results.

3. Negotiate a Rate

A reasonable rate for a videographer is around $100 per hour. Hire them for 1-2 hours to capture:

You preparing for the event (behind-the-scenes shots).
Your talk on stage (focus on audience interaction).
Post-talk interactions with attendees (to highlight your engagement).

Why Quality Footage Matters

Everything you produce is a signal. Low-quality content suggests to potential clients that your work is also low quality, even if it’s not.

A demo reel isn’t like social media content—it’s your chance to put your best foot forward and impress decision-makers.

Investing $200-$300 in professional footage shows that you care about your business and the value you bring.

High-quality footage communicates professionalism, credibility, and authority, setting you apart in a crowded market.

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a demo reel that opens doors to higher-paying gigs and makes a lasting impression on event planners.

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The Frequent Speaker

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Struggling to get booked? Speaking is a business! Learn the sales and marketing game! Create content, attract event planners, and secure more gigs.