THE GOOD
& BAD OF
SPEAKING
OV ER SE AS
Speaking internationally can be fun and exotic, but there are also some drawbacks. The main challenge is that you probably
won’t be compensated what you’re used to getting in
the U.S. For example, in many Asian countries you
might only get paid one-third of your normal speaking fee. According to one speakers bureau owner in
South Africa, $2,500 is a high fee in that country.
Contact your speaker friends in the country where
you want to present and find out how much speakers
are normally paid there.
If you’re hired by an American company, they
may pay your normal fee to speak for them overseas. Always get paid in U.S. dollars to avoid any
wild currency fluctuations. If you can, insist on full
payment and airfare before you leave. Many clients
will balk at this and want to pay you on-site (often
in cash!). Get them to pay at least airfare and half
your fee in advance.
Be aware that some speakers traveling internationally were not paid in full or it took them a long
time to collect. Demanding what you’re owed when
the client is in India or Thailand can be problematic.
Before you commit, it’s crucial to talk to your speaker
friends about the reputation and reliability of any
bureau or organizer.
REBECCA MORGAN, CMC, CSP,
is an international speaker, trainer, and
consultant who creates innovative solutions
for workplace effectiveness challenges.
BY REBECCA MORGAN, CMC, CSP
When speaking internationally, always
try to get the client to pay at least
airfare and half your fee in advance.
