You’ve probably Googled yourself before. (I have a very funny story about what happens when people Google my name. 😳)
But have you ever asked ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity about you?
Do you know if you show up if someone is looking for a speaker like you?
Just last month, a client got a $30,000 speaking engagement because Claude recommended her (!).
Because here’s what’s changing fast:
Event organizers aren’t just searching Google anymore.
They’re asking AI tools like ChatGPT for recommendations.
- “Who are great speakers on leadership for women in tech?”
- “Who should I book for a conference on project management?”
- “Who are thought leaders on generational change in the workplace?”
And the AI doesn’t scroll your Instagram or admire your Canva graphics.
It looks for signals of Reach: where and how your ideas show up across the internet in a way that it can recognize, connect, and recommend.
That’s exactly what I teach this in my online workshop: Become Bookable: The 3 R’s of Getting More Speaking Opportunities.
How AI Tools Decide Who to Recommend
AI tools don’t simply scan for keywords.
They evaluate patterns and entity relationships.
For example, if your name consistently appears alongside topics like:
- leadership communication
- storytelling
- keynote speaking
- women’s leadership
- AI strategy
AI systems begin associating your brand with those topics.
This is why consistent publishing matters.
Your website, podcast appearances, guest articles, interviews, LinkedIn content, and speaking page all help build those associations.
Think of it as creating a digital reputation trail.
The clearer the trail, the easier it is for AI systems to surface you.
Step 1: Clarify Your Speaking Positioning
Many speakers describe themselves in broad terms like:
“I speak about leadership.”
That’s too vague.
AI tools need specificity.
Instead, try:
“I help senior leaders communicate during times of uncertainty.”
“I help women executives increase visibility and influence.”
“I help organizations use AI without losing human connection.”
See the difference?
Clear positioning helps both humans and AI systems understand where you fit.
At Speaking Your Brand®, we help clients create what we call a Bookable Positioning Statement inside our workshops.
This clarity becomes the foundation for everything else.
Step 2: Build a Speaker Page That AI Can Understand
Your speaker page shouldn’t just look polished—it should be highly readable by AI systems.
Include:
- Your speaking topics
- Specific audience types
- Past speaking engagements
- media appearances
- testimonials
- your unique methodology/frameworks
- clear descriptions of outcomes audiences receive
For example:
Instead of:
“Carol speaks on communication.”
Try:
“Carol Cox helps leaders harness the power of storytelling, thought leadership, and AI to communicate with clarity and increase their visibility.”
This creates stronger associations.
Step 3: Create Searchable Content Around Your Speaking Topics
This is where many speakers miss opportunities.
If you want to speak about:
- leadership
- AI
- storytelling
- healthcare advocacy
- executive communication
You need content proving your expertise.
That includes:
- blog posts
- podcast episodes
- LinkedIn articles
- YouTube videos
- interviews
- FAQs
For example, if someone asks ChatGPT:
“Who speaks about AI and human communication?”
And you’ve published dozens of articles on that exact topic?
You’re far more likely to appear.
This is why we’ve been so focused on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) strategies.
Step 4: Build Credibility and Trust Signals
AI tools often prioritize recognized sources.
That includes:
- media mentions
- podcasts
- books
- conferences
- TEDx talks
- academic institutions
- major company clients
Examples:
TEDx
Forbes
These signals help validate your expertise.
But don’t panic if you don’t have major media placements.
Your own podcast, newsletter, guest appearances, and client testimonials all contribute.
Step 5: Create Consistency Across Platforms
One of the biggest mistakes I see:
A website says one thing.
LinkedIn says another.
Instagram says something completely different.
Your podcast bio uses totally different language.
AI systems get confused.
Humans do too.
Choose consistent language around:
- your expertise
- audience
- outcomes
- signature frameworks
- speaking topics
Consistency builds trust.
What Event Organizers Actually Want
This is important:
Event organizers are not just looking for polished speakers.
They want people with:
- original ideas
- clear messaging
- engaging stories
- relevant expertise
- audience trust
That’s why we teach Relevance, Reach, and Relationships in our Become Bookable framework.
AI helps with Reach.
But it doesn’t replace the human side of speaking opportunities.
Relationships still matter.
So does delivering a great talk once you get booked.
Your Next Step: Ask ChatGPT About Yourself
Try this prompt:
“Who are recommended speakers on [your topic]?”
Then ask:
“Who helps organizations with [your expertise]?”
“Who are top keynote speakers for [your audience]?”
See what comes up.
If you’re missing from those conversations, don’t take it personally.
Treat it as useful market research.
Your visibility gap can be fixed.
The Future of Speaker Marketing Is Changing
We’re entering a world where event organizers may never land on page three of Google search results.
They may never visit speaker directories.
They may simply ask AI:
“Who should we hire?”
Make sure your name has a chance to appear in that answer.
Because the speakers who understand this shift early?
They’ll have a major advantage.
And that advantage won’t come from gaming algorithms.
It will come from building a strong reputation, clear message, and meaningful body of work that both humans and AI systems can recognize.
That’s how long-term speaking visibility is built.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ChatGPT or Claude really recommend speakers?
Yes. Users increasingly ask AI tools for recommendations, and platforms often provide names based on available online information.
Do I need a speaker reel?
Not necessarily. Many event organizers care more about your message and credibility than a polished reel—especially early on.
Does traditional SEO still matter?
Yes—but it’s evolving into GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), where content clarity and entity associations matter more.
How can I become more bookable as a speaker?
Focus on:
- Relevance
- Reach
- Relationships
That’s the framework we teach at Speaking Your Brand®.
Ready to Become More Bookable?
Because being a great speaker is only part of the equation.
People—and now AI—need to be able to find you.
P.S. I recently created and filmed an entire course on AI SEO for the university where I teach business and marketing classes.
This is not about theory; it’s about real-world results. Over 25% of SYB leads now come from AI and they convert quickly. Why? Because people trust the recommendations that AI gives them.
You can do this too! I’ll show you how in the Become Bookable online workshop.
Get Our Free Thought Leadership Workbook
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