So you have been asked to speak at an event but you don’t have your bio ready. Don’t worry this post will show you “how to create the most effective speakers bio.”
This new way of doing a speaker’s bio will set you apart and attract a larger audience at any speaking event.
For starters, the current style of biographies is extremely long and bland. In the process of volunteering my services at a recent symposium, I was charged with receiving all the speaker and panelist bios to compile in the program. Some of them were up to two pages long. Others were just so drab. None of them told me exactly what I would learn from hearing them speak at the conference.
Unfortunately, they were either all a timeline of education from high school to undergrad or graduate school. Most listed all their past work experience. Finally, they all mentioned either how many dogs, cats, children, and spouses they had. However, none told me why I should sit front row and attentively listen to them speak.
Likewise, I did not want to be in that group as I added my speakers bio to the program under the panelist section.
A New Way Of Doing A Professional Biography.
Depending on your speaking engagement, have several bio-formats available. If you are a keynote speaker you should have a longer more robust version of a bio. Keep in mind your bio still needs to be concise. You should also have a smaller format for speaking engagements where you are not a keynote or perhaps on a panel. Finally, have a 3-5 sentence quick bio that you will use on social media about me sections and anywhere that calls for a quick bio.
What exactly should be in a speakers bio?
First, start with your name, full name, or your “stage/pen” name. Follow your name with your credentials. State your PhDs and masters right after your name or any formal certifications. Now that the world knows your name briefly mention the last school you graduated from or the one you are currently enrolled in. For example, If you have a masters but are in a Ph.D. program state you graduated from X university with a master and currently pursuing your doctorate from Y university. There’s no need to list all the schools you’ve attended and graduated from as long as the most current is mentioned.
Equally as important is credentials, awards, or honorable mentions. These include but not limited to best selling author, Forbes 30 under 30, and other similar awards. If you rescued a cat from a tree and the city honored you with your own personal day for your bravery make sure to mention that too.
Lastly, tell the person reading your bio exactly what you do and how listening to you speak will add value to them. So many biographies continue to detail the speaker’s life when in actuality all speakers want to know is why have you been chosen to speak. In all honesty, why should they pay attention to you the minute you walk on stage as opposed to discreetly getting on their phone to surf their social media accounts.
It’s so important to tell the audience what value you will be contributing to their life today. This is the time to shine tell them your WHY!
Social Media Bios Need To Answer Three Key Questions
- Who are you?
- What do you do for a living?
- Why should I follow you?
Much like a speakers bio, a social media bio needs to get to the point. The right bio captures potential followers immediately after they land on your profile. Likewise, you need to hook your audience and capture their attention.
Especially if you want to build a personal brand, your bio should be turning your audience into your new tribe that will follow you everywhere!
Are you ready to create an audience attracting bio? Do you need to revamp your bio because it’s a 50 chapter novel? Comment below which one are you?
If you are looking for a guide to help you navigate each question, download the Bio Worksheet.
As always, mi gente, what was one key take away from this article? Let me know in the comments.
Nos Vemos Pronto, ~~ J