How to Add a Few Simple Ideas That Build a Solid Speaking Career with Curt Tueffert.

Welcome to Public Speaking with Peter George. Do you want to be calm, confident, and credible every time you speak in public? Then stay tuned as we discuss public speaking tips, techniques, and tactics that help you increase your impact, influence, and income.

Whether you’re an aspiring speaker looking for more gigs or an established pro exploring the benefits of collaboration and follow-up, today’s guest has a wealth of practical wisdom to share. Curt Tueffert is considered America’s master sales motivator, known for his high energy, enthusiastic audience presence, and deep knowledge of sales motivation. With more than 30 years in sales—including serving as VP of Sales at Houston’s top computer integrator and industrial distributor—Curt is also the author of Five Stones for Slaying Giants. Here’s my conversation with Curt Tueffert.

Finding Your Hook

Peter: How did you get into speaking at the professional level?

Curt: It started at a fundraiser where I heard Olympic swimmer John Naber speak. I rushed the stage and told him I wanted to be just like him. He smiled and said, “Curt, I have a hook—seven Olympic gold medals. What do you have?” I said I had nothing. He told me to change my major to speech communication and figure out my hook. I did exactly that. It was a long road—speaking for free at schools and chambers—before I eventually began speaking for fee. Today my hook is three decades of professional experience, a published book, and international speaking credits.

Niche Down to Stand Out

Curt: A lot of speakers miss the importance of aligning what they offer with a niche audience. My mentor Jim Jacobus told me: if you’re passionate about what you’re speaking about and you absolutely believe it, people will pay money for that. Start broad—leadership, customer service—and then narrow it. I became half a mile wide and three miles deep in specific industries like automotive dealerships and credit unions. When you niche that way, you get known as the go-to person, and associations within that niche all network with each other. One good reputation in one niche travels fast.

The Power of Professional Associations

Curt: Joining the National Speakers Association was transformative. Tom Antion gave me an hour and a half of private time and shared his secrets—that kind of iron-sharpening-iron connection reduced my mistakes and accelerated my career. The advice he gave me 22 years ago was simple: be the easiest speaker to work with. Make it so easy for bureaus and clients to hire you that you build that reputation. I give them an all-inclusive fee, I stay beyond my scheduled time, and I always look for the long-term relationship.

Do Your Research Before You Take the Stage

Curt: I want people to come up to me after my talk and ask what branch I work out of—I want them to think I’m an employee of the organization. That means doing interviews, surveys, and client research beforehand. I ask if I can speak to their top salesperson. I pour value before I ever arrive so that when I show up for the pre-meeting, they’re amazed. When they book me back, I don’t have to sell myself twice.

How Aspiring Speakers Can Get Their First Breaks

Curt: Find local associations and call the person responsible for hiring speakers. Offer to speak for free. Yes, some people think free means low quality—that’s where salesmanship comes in. Speak at local chambers, school districts, college associations. Trade your talk for a good recommendation. Once you have a few of those logos, you can build from there. Local chambers of commerce were always my go-to—they love bringing in speakers who add value for their members.

The Fortune Is in the Follow-Up

Curt: I use a service called Mailbox Power to send personalized cards, gifts, and custom brownies after every engagement. I get a selfie with decision makers. Their face goes on the card, the coffee mug, the water bottle. When they receive it, I follow up: “Just wanted to make sure you got my brownies—I’d love to be considered for your next event.” It’s never about you. It’s always about them. And they remember that.

Peter: Curt, where can listeners connect with you?

Curt: The easiest place is LinkedIn—there’s only one Curt Tueffert on the entire planet. I post articles, I love email, and I’m a big proponent of paying it forward. I’d love to help anyone looking to get into this business.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Public Speaking with Peter George. Are you ready to be calm, confident, and credible every time you speak in public? Then visit petergeorgepublicspeaking.com and let’s make it happen. I’ll see you next time.