Final Part 3: Lessons Behind this $10,000 Photo (Setting Yourself Up for Speaking Success!)
- Kevin Snyder
- Jun 11
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 12
Read Parts 1 & 2 first ... this is Part 3 for a reason friends! Click here.
In my first post (Part 1), I shared how this single photo originated when I was hired to keynote. The inbound inquiry started with a referral from someone who saw me speak at an association event.
This is social proof for my Association Model which is my speaking business model. I outline my business model in Module 3 of my book PAID to $PEAK).
In part 1, we focused on how to capture video of yourself speaking (without requesting permission!), prepping for spotlight AND how to present like a pro by avoiding the lectern!
In part 2, we focused on how to use your own laptop as a downstage monitor, how to leverage your book for both sales and creating a waiting line after your speech, and how to ensure your speech ends on time regardless of when you're introduced!
In part 3 (below), we're focusing on how to ensure you have a downstage monitor to see your slides, proper attire etiquette, how to make your meeting planner look like a star ... and much more!
************** Why I write these posts for you *****************
One reason I’m so passionate about writing these PAID to $PEAK messages is because I hear from speakers who apply what I share—and get real PAID results.
Whether you're an aspiring speaker, emerging talent, or already speaking full-time, my goal is to help you avoid the costly mistakes I’ve made and instead follow the strategies that work. I've been speaking professionally since 2002 and have delivered over 1,500 presentations in all 50 states and several countries. I've learned a lot ... and continue to do so!
That’s exactly why I wrote my book and created my Online Course, PAID to $PEAK: How to Become a Professional Speaker.
This post is Part 3 of the blog series based on the photo below. Each "circle" in the image points to something strategic that contributes to audience connection, a smooth presentation, and post-event referrals.
The photo itself exists because of a single clause in my contract around photo and video permissions—an often-overlooked speaker move that continues to generate enormous value for me.
Again, if you haven’t read Part I or Part 2 yet, catch up first. Understanding why I have circled these items in the photo will not make much sense if you do not have the context that builds into Part 3.
CIRCLE #6: Bring Your Own Clock
Professional speakers end on time—and ideally, one minute early.
That’s why I bring my own clock, not a timer. A timer won’t help if you’re introduced late or early. My keynotes almost never start exactly on time, and that’s okay. I adjust as needed because I always know what time to finish.
I also tell the event organizer: “I speak when introduced, and I end on time.” Planners always appreciate that—it shows professionalism and makes their job easier.
I place the clock where I can see it clearly, but the audience can’t. Since I move around and don’t use the lectern, it has to be visible from anywhere on stage or when I'm standing in the audience.
** At a recent event, a keynote speaker spoke over time—and the organizer walked on stage and stopped their speech mid-sentence. Awkward doesn’t begin to describe it. I'm glad it wasn’t me.
Speaker Tip: Bring a battery-operated clock, pack extra batteries, and end one minute early.
CIRCLE #7: Downstage Monitor (a.k.a. Confidence Monitor)
These monitors let you see your slide deck without turning your back to the audience. They’re placed at floor level near the front of the stage—directly in your line of sight.
AV teams often call it a "confidence monitor." I call it a "downstage monitor"—because it’s not about confidence. I just want to ensure the audience is seeing what I think they’re seeing without turning my back to them.
You'll likely need to request this. It’s not standard unless you ask, and yes, it may be an extra cost—but it benefits everyone on stage, including anyone else who is presenting on stage. In fact, many execs and meeting planners appreciate my request when I explain why it’s helpful.
I rarely look directly at a monitor. Instead, I use my peripheral vision to track which slide is live. If you need to rely on the monitor to deliver your talk, you don’t need the monitor—you need more practice. Harsh but true.
If no monitor is available, you can use your own laptop. See Circle #4 from Part 2 for how to turn your laptop into a monitor with a simple HDMI extension.
Speaker Tip: Include a request for a downstage monitor in both your AV checklist and your speaker agreement—well in advance.
CIRCLE #8: Shoes Matter More Than You Think
I travel with two pairs of shoes: formal black dress shoes and casual Converse. Why? To connect with my audience. As speakers, we should dress one level above our audience—not three or four.
Appearance impacts relatability!
If I’m in dress pants and a blazer, the Converse shoes balance the look. I also bring jeans, a tie and pocket square that matches the client’s branding. That gives me flexibility to adapt my look based on the room’s energy and dress code.
At one retreat event, the other keynote speaker wore a full suit, tie, and designer everything—while attendees wore polos and jeans. The speaker looked out of place and came across as trying too hard.
Relatability starts with how you show up.
If you're a woman, changing attire last minute might be more of a challenge, perhaps. However, consider how you can prepare to dress UP or DOWN on the spot and in the moment.
Speaker Tip: Dress one level up from your audience. Pack options and adjust as needed.
Always identify where your client contacts are sitting—especially the people who booked you. They’ll appreciate you referencing them by name or acknowledging them during your talk.
For example:
“As your CEO, Rich Smith, brilliantly said earlier today…”
“Let’s give a round of applause to the planning team who made this event happen…”
In the photo, the CEO was standing in the back of the room during my entire keynote. He opened the event with remarks that aligned perfectly with my content—without either of us planning it. I referenced him throughout my talk, and afterward, he came up to me and said:
"Kevin, we should go on tour. You not only nailed the message, but your tie-ins to my remarks were spot-on. I appreciate the shoutouts too."
Speaker Tip: Know where your client contacts are in the room. Reference them genuinely and professionally.
CIRCLE #10: Expect Empty Front Row Seats
Just like at church, the front row often stays empty. Don’t let it throw you off. Most of the audience won’t even notice, and it doesn’t mean they’re disengaged.
You can try to fill those seats by:
Asking the emcee to invite people forward
Leaving books or swag on those chairs
Offering a quick incentive at the beginning of your talk
But if they remain empty, stay focused. It’s not about where they sit—it’s about how you connect.
Speaker Tip: Don’t let empty seats rattle you. Expect them, plan for them, and move on.
Final Thoughts
I hope this photo has been worth more than a thousand words—ideally, it’s worth a $10,000 speech (and then some).
Reverse-engineering this one image has allowed me to share a behind-the-scenes playbook that I hope helps you set yourself up for success.
None of what I shared was accidental. Every element—from wardrobe to tech setup to audience engagement—was intentional and strategic. That’s how you build a sustainable speaking business that grows through referrals and repeat clients.
Want more insights on how to thrive in your speaking business with continual PAID speaking engagements? Dive deeper with these resources:
Check out my book PAID to $PEAK - it offers you my roadmap into professional speaking.
Read more 'Speaker Tips' posts at www.PAIDtoSPEAK.biz.
Explore The Vault—it’s included in all my coaching programs or available a la carte. Don't waste time building templates from scratch that could cost you business. I'm here to help and share everything I use in my own speaking business.
Want to talk one-on-one about your speaking goals and see which of my programs fits best? Let’s chat.
To your speaking success,
Kevin Snyder
Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)
Earn greatness today! Onward and upward!
Want to speak professionally, part-time or full-time?
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I've been honored to present for over 1,000,000 people through 1,150+ audiences in all 50 states and several countries. Whether I'm on a stage or in a training room with professionals or students, I absolutely LOVE motivating and inspiring people for higher performance. And in addition to my own speaking business, I have a passion for helping and coaching speakers learn how to catapult their speaking whether part-time or full-time. My book, PAID to SPEAK, outlines a proven model for speakers and is now an online course as well! Click here for online course info!
If you are serious about becoming a professional speaker, explore my coaching and mentorship options. I don't want you to flounder like I did and be frustrated.
