Part 2: Lessons Behind this $10,000 Photo
- Kevin Snyder
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Read Part 1 first ... this is Part 2 for a reason friends! Click here.
In my first post, I shared how this single photo originated when I was hired to keynote. The referral started with a referral—someone saw me speak at an association event (sound familiar, Module 3 inside my book PAID to $PEAK).
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 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 from Part 1.
Circle 4: Why I Use My Own Laptop (And Put It On the Stage Floor)
Look closely at Circle 4 in the photo—you’ll spot my laptop in Presenter View, sitting on the stage floor. That’s intentional.
I always use my own laptop when presenting. Here’s why:
Control. If anything goes wrong, I don’t want to walk off stage to troubleshoot someone else’s tech. Having my laptop near me means I stay in command.
File size. My presentation slide decks are often over 1GB with embedded videos and high-res visuals. Risking compatibility issues by transferring to the event’s master laptop? Nope.
Using my laptop allows me to move my laptop where I want it. It’s too easy for someone introducing me to bump it or place their notes on it if it's on the lectern. (See Part I for my “avoid the lectern like COVID” rule.)
My laptop serves as a bonus monitor! The downstage monitors (like Circle 7) show what the audience sees. But my laptop gives me Presenter View—a huge advantage in knowing what slide is next. (notice the difference between circle #7 and circle #4?)
Speaker Tip: Require use of your own laptop in your speaker contract. Confirm it early with your meeting planner and the AV team so there are no surprises.
Circle 5: Why My Books Are On Stage (And Not Just For Show)
You’ll see books in Circle 5. Those aren’t props—they’re strategic.
Books sell speeches and speeches sell books. If you have a book but it's not selling, then I encourage you to study Module 4 inside my book PAID to $PEAK. Your books should be selling if you are leveraging them in your speaking proposals!
Also, proving books increase audience engagement. I walk onstage to “Don’t Stop Believin’,” books in hand, giving them away to anyone singing or waving. People realize participation equals reward.
Books also increase visibility during an event. I always ask for a Meet and Greet table near the stage. That becomes my hub for signing books, having conversations, and maximizing post-speech impact. During my speech I let my audience know where I will be afterward.
A phrase that works really well for me: "For those of you active volunteers who received a free book during this presentation, see me at my book signing table afterward and I'll autograph it and double the value ;)" ... < insert audience laughter >
Books create audience lines. And lines of people waiting to speak with a speaker signal impact. Meeting planners love seeing attendees wait to connect with the speaker. It leaves a powerful impression—especially when the executive team sees it happen.
At this event, after the keynote, a line formed for folks waiting to get their book signed, say hello, give me feedback, give me a hug, etc. .... you get the point. The CEO himself even had to wait in line and said, “I’ve never seen this happen here. They loved you.”
The entire conference planning team approached me too—and asked about booking me again on the spot.
Speaker Tip: Give out 15 to 20 copies of your book during every keynote. Whether or not book sales are part of the event, use books as engagement tools. They start conversations and close future gigs.
If you don’t have a book yet, check out the Bonus Module in PAID to $PEAK. I literally wrote a section in my book on how to write one! ;) I also recommend WriteWayPublishing.com, the amazing publishing team behind all my books.
Well, I intended to get to Circle 8 today, but even just diving into Circles 4 and 5 was a masterclass. Every element in this photo was placed with intention—from maximizing control to boosting audience connection to planting seeds for referrals.
In future posts, I’ll keep unpacking the rest of this image.
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.
Until next time—keep speaking with purpose, and remember: Strategic speakers get remembered. Smart speakers get rehired.
To your speaking success,
Kevin Snyder
Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)
Earn greatness today! Onward and upward!
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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.
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