Speaker Profile Categories

The following information will help you understand each category, the standards, and the limitations for updates. If you are updating your profile, it is essential that we know whether your update is an edit, a replacement, or an addition to what is currently on your profile.

Profile Information Submissions

https://speakerscanada.com/speaker-profile-updates/

• Please follow the profile updates guide and tool recommendations accessed through above link.
• Please review each category below to identify the information required.
• If you have not already, we can provide Word documents or forms for each category.
• We ask that all updates be submitted and confirmed in one email thread with a cloud link to access the information.
• If submitting by Word document, please also ensure it is shared in one continuous email thread.
• To avoid missed updates, please do not send multiple emails or change the subject line.
• All speaker updates must be sent to profileupdates@speakerscanada.com

Descriptive Title

Descriptive Title: A descriptive title concisely highlights your career highlight / what you are known for + focus topics, + expert / specialist.
It positions you for a quick glance for what organizers will read with then look at your profile or we pitch you.
Please provide us with two options.

• 90 character counts including spaces and breaks.
• Keep it short, clear, and descriptive.
• Include both your role/identity (expert, coach, leader, specialist) and your topic themes.
• Use Word Capitalization case and separate key themes with &, commas or “|” as dividers.
• Avoid jargon or niche phrasing.
• Ensure it is easily understood by event planners and audiences.
• Should end with expert or specialist.

Descriptive Title Examples: 

• Leadership and Change Expert | Transformation, Agility & Transitions Specialist
• Employee Management Expert | Employee Engagement, Talent Management & Workforce Specialist
• CEO & Business Leader | Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Business Strategy Expert
• Entrepreneur & Business Owner | Business Leadership, Growth & Market Gains Expert
• Executive Coach & Consultant | Work-Life Balance & Peak Performance | Health and Wellness Expert
• Olympic Gold Medalist | Health & Peak Performance | Resilience & Overcoming Adversity | Leadership Expert
• Olympian & NHL Hockey Player | Leadership | Mindset Performance, Mental Health & Wellness Expert
• Former Educator & Best-Selling Author | Psychology & Mental Health | Leadership & Resilience Expert
• Indigenous Advocate | Communities & Youth | Truth & Reconciliation | First Nation Expert
• Hall of Fame Speaker & CSP | Humour in the Workplace | Workplace Culture, Leadership & Innovation Expert

Biographies

Requirements: 3 different versions, third person, word counts in attached document, use your name in the opening sentence for each.

Highlight Bio

• Intro bio for website or social media post.
• Include full name in first sentence.
• 1 paragraph, 4–5 sentences.
• 100–110 words, 500-650 characters.

Short Bio

• Event program bio for bookings, optional pitch to clients.
• Highlight Bio is paragraph 1.
• 2-3 paragraphs, 8–12 sentences per paragraph.
• 200–400 words, 1,200–2,400 characters.

Website Bio

• Longer version for website.
• Include full name in first sentence, 9-12 times total.
• 12–16 paragraphs, 2 sentences per paragraph.
• 400–750 words, 2,400–4,200 characters.

Topic Descriptions

Requirements & Recommendation: Minimum 2. Maximum 10. 4-6 for optional positioning.

Structure

• Create a clear, engaging title and subtitle that signal both expertise and relevance.
• Write in third person, use your name when you are “solving the problem” or your name at least once.
• Write 1–3 paragraphs with 3–4 full sentences per paragraph.

Framing & Hook

• Open with a strong hook that frames the challenge, why it matters to audiences, and what they will take away.
• Keep sentences outcome-driven and engaging, leaving interest for conversation with event planners rather than listing deliverables.

Style

• Avoid learning outcomes, outlines, or bullet points to maintain flow and narrative style.
• Do not specify presentation format.
• Use “In this session” or “In this presentation” instead of “In this keynote” or “In this workshop”.
• Use gender-neutral and inclusive language across all topics and descriptions.

Content Strategy

• Update topics annually in December to align with current trends and keywords drawn from client discovery calls.
• Maintain a balance of 2–6 general themes and 1–2 audience-specific or industry-tailored topics.
• Ensure all topics connect expertise to audience needs by emphasizing relevance, application, and impact.
• Design each topic as a standalone pitch that can be read without additional context and still drive interest from decision makers.

Review and select categories for how you will appear in Topics & Types search

https://speakerscanada.com/select-topic-and-types/

Testimonials/Endorsements

Requirement: 4-6 total testimonials (If category full, which item are we removing).
Must have permission to post publicly from the organization.

• No apostrophes, include body text, organizer name, organization name, and order of preference.
• Recommend targeting different organization types and industries, keep short for quick reading.
• Target recognizable organizations or events.
• Try to mix corporate, association and Governments.
• 1 Paragraph 2-6 sentences per testimonial.

Images Standards

Must be a non-copyright image: https://speakerscanada.com/copyright-images-videos/
We prefer to have 3-4 image options for site and to include in your promotional materials.

• Invest in a professional photographer every 2–3 years to update headshots.
• Professional headshots are required and most commonly used.
• Submit multiple photo options within standards.
• Request photographer to provide portrait images different file size versions.
• File size under 500KB, maximum 1MB if smaller size not available

Image Requirements

• Image: Portrait images only are accepted
• Headshot: Must be a clear, High-Definition, looking at camera.
• Pose: Standing, facing forward. Side poses are not allowed.
• Face: Appears in upper half of frame and shoulders fully visible.
• Equal Spacing: Equal space from left and right sides of arms.
• Torso: Photo must start no lower than torso.
• Hands: Hands should not be visible in the image.
• Attire: Attire should be professional with no branding.
• Accessories: None other than clear eyeglasses.

Image View Specifications

• File Size: under 500kb (500KB – 1MB if not available)
• Image Ratio: 2:3.
• Image Scale Minimum Width: 600px.
• Image Scale Minimum Height: 900px.
• Image Format: PNG or JPG.
• Top Space: Should be at least 80px of space above the head.
• Color Only: No black and white or filters.

Videos Quality & Standards

Must meet website standards: https://speakerscanada.com/video-guide/.
Must be non-copyright videos: https://speakerscanada.com/copyright-images-videos/
Video Quantity: 4 total = 1 Main Video + 3 Additional Videos (If category full, which item are we removing).

• Slot 1: Main video highlight or speaker reel (3–6 minutes).
• Slot 2: Sample speaking video such as TEDx or Walrus Talks or Edited narrative video (5-15 minutes).
• Slot 3: Edited narrative interview video, or secondary highlight reel, sample speaking video, or vlog, most recent outside the highlight reel (2-5 minutes).
• Slot 4: Topic specific video, secondary highlight reel, or vlog, most relevant or most viewed (2-5 minutes).

Video Standards

• HD quality required.
• No speaker company branding.
• Catchy opening hook.
• Raw copy preferred.
• Links accepted from YouTube or Vimeo.
• Video content must reflect topics, expertise, audience engagement, storytelling, and character.

Video Requirements

• Video is primary investment.
• Use professional videographer where possible.
• Record all engagements.
• Request video from organizers.
• Trade video for fee if required to obtain footage.
• Pursue TEDx or equivalent talks as campaign video.
• Duration 1–3 minutes, or 3–15 minutes for TEDx or equivalent.

In the Media: Interviews, Podcast Videos & Blogs

Podcasts: 1-4 (2 slots each) Podcast Video or Audio
News Interviews: 1-4 (2 slots each) Interview Video or Audio
Must be non-copyright with source listed: https://speakerscanada.com/copyright-images-videos/

Video and Audio Media Standards

• Provide link, title, description, source, organization or podcast name, year, and order of preference.
• HD quality required.
• No speaker company branding.
• Catchy opening and title required.
• Links accepted for YouTube and Vimeo.
• Links accepted for Spotify, Apple Music, and select other platforms.
• Select videos or audio that are most viewed or most applicable.
• Content must reflect topics and expertise.

Written Articles, Magazine Features & White Papers

Requirement: 1-3 (1 each) if available.
Must be non-copyright videos with proper references. Please review: https://speakerscanada.com./copyright-images-videos/

Top 3 Written Articles

• Provide published articles in magazines, digital print, or news sources.
• Include title, source, and link.

Top 3 White Papers

• Provide full document or link.
• Include clear title and short description.

Books, Online-Training & Merch

Requirement: Top and most relevant per category.
If category full, which item are we removing.

Top 2 Books

• Provide most recent, bestseller, or most relevant titles.
• Provide straight-on cover image with additional sizes and formats.
• Include title, short description, publisher, cost, and purchase link.

Top 1 Online Training

• Provide straight-on course image with additional sizes and formats.
• Include title, short description, cost, and purchase link.

Top 3 Merchandise

• Provide bestsellers, new items, or most relevant items.
• Provide straight-on image of each item with additional sizes and formats.
• Include item title, short description, cost, store name, and purchase link.

Speaker Fees, Pricing, Travel & Value Adds

• Submission to SBC by email or Word document.
• Include non profit, local, far travel speaker fees and travel standards or limitations.
• Provide value adds included when booked for each event or opportunities to add value to clients.

On Site Requirements

Speaker Media Kit: Provided to organizers when booked for an event.

On-Site Requirements Documents

The information provided is combined with your profile assets to create the complete speaker media kit.

• Speaker introduction.
• A/V requirements.
• Diet and contact information.

Updates and Changes

• If biographies or headshots change, the document will be updated on our side.
• For any other changes, contact your SBC representative to receive the current document and provide updated information.