You Could Be Ready, or You Could Be Within Our Ranks Ready

You landed your first speaking gig, NOW WHAT?

 So, you landed your first speaking gig. That email came in. You saw your name next to the word “presenter,” and your heart jumped. This is the moment you have been waiting for. But after the excitement settles, reality hits. Now what?

Let me tell you something important. You could be ready, or you could be “Within Our Ranks” ready. There is a difference. That difference shows up in how you prepare, how you deliver, and how you represent yourself as a professional educational speaker.

Through my Within Our Ranks program, I help educators confidently step into this space and thrive. We don't just dream about the stage; we prepare for it. Let me walk you through the key steps you need to follow once you land your first speaking engagement. This is what “Within Our Ranks” ready looks like, a place where you belong and are supported.

Refine Your Speech

You may already have your topic and a general idea of what you want to say. Now take time to fine-tune that message. Make sure it resonates with your target audience. Know what problem you solve. Stay focused on that purpose. Educators do not want fluff; they want practical value. Structure your presentation with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Record Yourself

Get in front of your phone, hit record, and deliver your presentation. Watch it. Listen to it. Learn from it. Notice your tone, your pacing, and your body language. Are you clear? Are you passionate? Do you connect? Use this as a tool to grow and improve.

Practice with Purpose

Do not just read slides to yourself. Get in front of a mirror, a friend, or a trusted colleague. Run through your full presentation multiple times. Practice answering questions. Time yourself. The more you rehearse, the more confident you become. And if you forget something during the real deal, your preparation carries you through.

Polish Your Slide Deck

Design matters. You do not need flashy graphics, but you do need clarity and consistency. Use large fonts, concise language, and impactful visuals. Each slide should support your message, not compete with it. Remember, the audience came to see and hear you, not read slides.

Create a One-Pager

You need a professional one-page document that introduces you as a speaker. Include your name, photo, presentation title, session description, audience takeaway, and contact information. This helps event organizers share your information and promote your session. It also shows that you take your work seriously.

Get Business Cards

Yes, business cards still matter. They make you memorable. After your presentation, someone may walk up and say, “That was amazing. Do you have a card?” You need to hand them something that feels intentional. Include your name, email, website or social handle, and title. Keep it clean and professional.

Gang, these steps form the foundation for anyone entering the education speaking world. But here is the truth: most people do not know where to begin or how to grow. That is why Within Our Ranks exists. We guide educators to become respected speakers, trainers, and consultants. We take your expertise, your voice, and your story, and we give you the tools to share them with impact.

The next three-day retreat will be hosted in San Antonio, Texas, at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk on November 14-16, 2025.  These retreats give you immersive support, hands-on practice, and access to a powerful community of educator-speakers who support one another.

If you are curious about becoming a speaker, let’s talk. Visit WithinOurRanks.com, where you can learn more about the program and register for one of our community events (next meeting July 31). Schedule a discovery call with Meg to discuss your goals and how the program can help you achieve them. 

You do not need to figure this out alone. You need structure, support, and the confidence to step onto any stage knowing you belong there. And we are here to provide that support, every step of the way.

You could be ready. Or you could be Within Our Ranks ready. And that difference will take you farther than you ever imagined, opening up a world of possibilities and growth.

Let us help you get there.