Launch a Successful Speaking Career with Jane Atkinson.

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.

Known as the Speaker Launcher, Jane Atkinson is the author of The Wealthy Speaker 3.0, founder of The Wealthy Speaker School, and host of The Wealthy Speaker Podcast. With 30 years of experience — first as a speakers bureau agent managing celebrities and bestselling authors, then as a coach — she helps speakers at every level build profitable, fulfilling careers. Here's my conversation with Jane Atkinson.

The Wealthy Speaker Lifestyle

Peter: In your years of working with speakers, have you found a commonality in what they're trying to accomplish?

Jane: Everybody has a different business model, but the common denominator is what we call the wealthy speaker lifestyle — the freedom to dictate your time, to cherry-pick engagements that are perfect for you. Some clients build very healthy six-figure businesses; others reach multiple seven figures. But some people aren't all about the numbers — they want to impact the world and create a lifestyle that's perfect for them and their families. And when we change a family's life, that's when it gets really exciting.

Follow One Recipe, Not a Patchwork Strategy

Jane: A lot of speakers stitch together a strategy — a podcast tip here, a YouTube idea there, a webinar somewhere else. That's like wanting to bake chocolate chip cookies but using a different recipe for every step. We give speakers one recipe called Ready, Aim, Fire that gets people across the finish line. And critically, that recipe requires the right mindset. You can take all the actions you want, but if you hold a belief that's counterproductive to earning well, results will be hard to come by no matter how much you do.

Mindset: Flipping the Switch

Jane: At the start of COVID, I went into fear. I told my husband we'd need to sell our house. Then on day four, I remembered: I don't make decisions based on fear. I was going through mindset coaching and was challenged to set an impossible goal — $50,000 in two months. I changed my thought from "my industry has been wiped out" to "people need me now more than ever." When I truly embraced that, everything changed. Not only did I hit the goal, I made it a month early. That's the kind of mindset shift we help speakers make.

You're Worth What You Know

Jane: If you think "no one will pay me that much," that belief walks into every conversation with a prospective client — they can feel it, even if you never say it. Clarity equals confidence. When you know the value you bring and who your ideal audience is, confidence follows naturally. And remember: they're not paying for 60 minutes on a stage. They're paying for 20 or 30 years of experience, expertise, and insight. You don't pay a doctor for the hour you're in the office — you pay for the knowledge that keeps you healthy.

Consistent Action: Planting Seeds

Jane: When speakers hit a wall, there are two things at play: mindset and activity. You need 100% belief in yourself and your offering, and you need consistent action. It's a numbers game, and it's a matter of time before you hit the harvest. Pick your marketing superpower — whether it's email, calls, or networking events — set a number, and do it consistently. And don't underestimate a great presentation itself. If you want to speak, get out and speak. There's no better marketing than delivering a talk that resonates.

Pick a Lane

Jane: The single most important piece of advice I give aspiring speakers: pick a lane. Trying to be all things to all people is exhausting and confusing. The more narrowly you define your expertise — not your audience, your topic — the more easily people can say, "That's our person." The speakers I interview on my podcast almost universally say the same thing: "I wish I'd picked a lane sooner." Just because you can speak on something doesn't mean you should.

Peter: Jane, where can listeners learn more about you?

Jane: Come to speakerlauncher.com. You'll find the free Wealthy Speaker Podcast, a blog packed with tips, our school, books, and more. Everything you need to start or grow your speaking career is there.

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.