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Speaker Video Guide

Welcome to the Video Strategy Guide for Speakers Bureau Canada. As you know, video content has become a pivotal asset in the professional speaking industry, influencing booking decisions and setting fee benchmarks. This guide aims to equip you with the actionable insights and proven techniques to create compelling, result-driven videos.

What is the goal or purpose of a highlight reel for a professional speaker?

A strong video complements your bio, topics, and differentiating factor, reinforcing your positioning across multiple themes. It acts as a full-scale portfolio that showcases subject matter expertise, motivational ability, character, and audience engagement. Decision-makers rely on this visual proof when evaluating speakers, making your video one of the most decisive tools in securing engagements.

Why are videos so important for professional speakers?

A video is the most powerful tool for a speaker’s career—it tells your full journey in a way no other medium can. Through dynamic visuals, sound, and motion, it captures your expertise, story, and audience impact while creating excitement, familiarity, and trust that drives bookings. Your video should serve as a cinematic summary of your brand, career highlights, and the value you deliver to organizations.

Can a strong highlight reel or speaker video increase a speaker’s fee?

Yes. Premium fees require premium video content. A well-produced video elevates positioning, proves credibility, and demonstrates audience impact at a level that justifies higher investment. Planners compare you to others in your fee range, and your video must compete with or exceed the quality of your peers.

Should speakers trade fee for a video?

Yes. Always trade fee for video when the backdrop, audience size, and stage setup are ideal. If discounting your fee, negotiate recording rights or permission to film. Retain ownership of the intellectual property, with the right to use 10–15 second clips indefinitely. To stay relevant, refresh your video every 1–2 years as your topics evolve with industry trends.

How much should speakers invest in their main highlight reel or speaker reel video?

If you’re serious about building a speaking career, your highlight reel is your single most important investment. Many top speakers will say that if they had $1,000 to spend on their business, $900 would go into their video. Professional edits typically cost between $1,500–$2,500, with high-end productions reaching $5,000 USD. The ROI comes from working with videographers who understand the speaking industry and personal branding—generic video production won’t deliver the same results.

When should speakers hire a camera crew to film a live event?

Not every event should be filmed, and permission to use footage after each engagement may not be fully permitted. We recommend that speaker’s film larger events above 400 people in the audience. The event set up must also include a professional high-level backdrop, proper stage set up, lighting and production to the event itself, to ensure a high-quality video can be delivered back by the hired film crew. Please ensure you research these items before hiring the team and requesting permission from the client.

Speaker Profile Video Slots & Requirements

Speaker Profile Main Promo Videos (4 Slots)

Slots 2 & 4 are interchangeable for any video item within.

  • Slot 1: Highlight Reel – Highest Level Target.
  • Slot 2: Personal Introduction, Sizzle Reel, Produced Narrative Interview, Topic Specific, Panel Discussion.
  • Slot 3: TEDx or Walrus Talk or Longer Sample of Speaking.
  • Slot 4: Personal Introduction, Sizzle Reel, Produced Narrative Interview, Topic Specific, Panel Discussion.

Media Interviews (3 Slots – No Order)

  • Media/Television Appearance Video or Podcast Interview Video.
  • Online News or Digital Media Appearance provides professional third-party clips reinforcing credibility.
  • Panel or Roundtable Feature includes excerpts showing adaptability, collaboration, and thought leadership.

Social Media Clips (5-10 Clips Annually)

  • Clips must be 15–45 seconds in length and formatted for vertical or square platforms.
  • They are optimized for Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok distribution.
  • Each clip should showcase a single insight, takeaway, or audience reaction that grabs attention quickly.
  • These clips are used by SBC for marketing speakers across campaigns, newsletters, and social platforms.
  • Speakers are required to provide a library of clips refreshed regularly to reflect current events and demand.

Profile Videos Technical Standards

  • Format and Resolution must be 1080p minimum with 4K preferred for all video content.
  • Highlight reels should be 3–6 minutes, TEDx or Walrus Talks 8–12 minutes, topic clips 1–3 minutes, and social clips 15–45 seconds.
  • Audio must be clear, professionally mixed, and captured with lavalier or shotgun microphones.
  • Lighting must be professional three-point or stage lighting, avoiding shadows and uneven tones.
  • Videos must not include references, links, or calls to action directing viewers to personal websites or marketing materials.
  • Highlight reels must remain free of company branding, including SBC or any other agency, and must not contain personal branding or overt commercialization of products.
  • Subtle SBC-aligned branding such as Canadian flags, red highlights, or accents may be used to support brand consistency.
  • This visual approach can be expressed through a red garment, background element, or graphic overlay.
  • All final videos must be hosted on a private YouTube link for easy sharing and also provided via cloud storage with downloadable raw video files.

Profile Videos Creative Standards

  • Copyright and Ownership Standards must be followed and abided by to ensure compliance for our website, social media, distribution and repurposing.
  • Content Focus should emphasize career highlights, professional credibility, expertise, and topic areas.
  • Speakers are encouraged to incorporate storytelling with two or three well-structured segments that create an emotional draw and demonstrate measurable audience impact.
  • Style and Aesthetic should employ a cinematic storytelling style supported by a black-and-white palette with bold red accents.
  • Performance and Delivery must showcase speaker presence, delivery style, and audience engagement.
  • Footage should be carefully edited to highlight key themes, audience reactions, and persuasive messaging that reinforce the speaker’s authority and impact.

Content Management & Ongoing Use

  • Maintain a secure, cloud-based archive organized by event, year, and topic.
  • Label each file with event name, date, format, and permission details for efficient tracking and retrieval.
  • Ensure all speaker agreements specify ownership of the video and audio masters, as well as permission to repurpose content for marketing and promotional use.
  • Request or retain copies of the full recording, raw footage, and isolated audio to enable future edits without re-filming.
  • Integrate new clips annually into your highlight reel, prioritizing larger stages, higher production quality, and diverse audience settings.
  • Repurpose 10–60-second segments for social media, proposals, and digital campaigns to extend the content’s lifespan.
  • Share selected clips through private or unlisted links for bureaus, event planners, and media outlets.
  • Store all assets and related documentation in one centralized system to maintain version control and long-term accessibility.

Types of Videos

A) Main Highlight Reel (Speaker Reel)

https://speakerscanada.com/highlight-reel-videos/

A Highlight Reel (Speaker Reel) is a narrative-driven video that combines stage footage, interviews, music, audience reactions, and supporting visuals to showcase a speaker’s story, expertise, and impact. It is the most important investment for a professional speaker and serves as the primary visual asset for marketing and positioning. Designed to demonstrate credibility, authority, and audience connection, the highlight reel helps planners assess delivery, presence, and influence. It functions as a long-term marketing tool and remains the key factor in how organizers evaluate and select speakers.

Purpose & Use

  • Serves as the main cinematic showcase of your expertise, delivery, and audience connection.
  • Establishes authority, credibility, and market positioning for professional speaking engagements.
  • Creates an emotional connection that helps planners visualize audience transformation.
  • Functions as your core promotional asset and first impression for decision-makers.
  • Provides foundational content for shorter edits used in proposals, social media, and campaigns.
  • Acts as a long-term brand investment, updated annually with improved clips and production quality.

Production Elements

  • Keep the final edit between 4–6 minutes, blending narrative storytelling with stage footage.
  • Use the produced interview as the main narrative audio, supported by complementary visuals and stage clips.
  • Combine live stage video (with and without audio), audience reactions, and supporting visuals such as interviews, podcasts, and media appearances.
  • Invest in high-level production with broadcast-quality lighting, sound, and multi-camera coverage capturing close-ups for emotion and wide shots for scale.
  • Apply consistent colour grading, seamless transitions, and cinematic pacing for clarity and flow.
  • Deliver both a branded version for personal use and a bureau-friendly version without logos or self-promotion.
  • Provide raw footage and isolated audio to allow for annual updates without reshooting.
  • Host privately or unlisted for bureau access and store securely in a cloud archive.
  • Refresh annually to maintain relevance, quality, and alignment with current topics and branding.
  • Produce modular 10–60 second edits for multi-platform use across proposals and social channels.

Content Elements

  • Structure narrative around a clear arc that introduces identity, demonstrates differentiation, and ends with mission and impact.
  • Focus entirely on you as a person, speaker, and expert, avoiding promotional or sales-driven material.
  • Curate top stage moments that show delivery, presence, and audience engagement.
  • Integrate emotional beats such as humour, passion, aha moments, and connection to build relatability.
  • Incorporate credibility markers including awards, achievements, partnerships, and recognized collaborations.
  • Use storytelling frameworks such as the Hero’s Journey, Transformation and Growth, or Overcoming Adversity to create depth and memorability.
  • Include large-stage clips to establish scale and capability.
  • Maintain a balance between narration, live delivery, and visual storytelling to ensure flow and cohesion.

Highlight Reel Examples

B) Sizzle Reel

A Sizzle Reel is a short, high-energy video designed to generate interest and excitement around a speaker’s work, message, and brand.  Edited alongside the highlight reel, it combines fast-paced stage clips, dynamic visuals, and curated sound design to deliver a concise preview of style, presence, and audience impact. Unlike the longer highlight reel, the sizzle reel functions as a promotional asset optimized for social media, event marketing, and advertising. It serves as a teaser that reinforces brand identity and drives engagement across digital platforms.

Purpose & Use

  • Acts as a short-form promotional edit used to attract attention and generate interest.
  • Provides a quick preview of delivery style, audience energy, and message impact.
  • Complements the highlight reel as a shareable social and marketing asset.
  • Helps event planners, bureaus, and audiences identify tone, presence, and energy quickly.
  • Drives digital visibility and engagement through concise, high-impact storytelling through speaking clips.
  • Repurposed across social media, advertising campaigns, proposals, and website features.

Production Elements

  • Keep total run time between 45 seconds and 2 minutes.
  • Use fast-paced editing with clear rhythm and transitions that match tone and music.
  • Combine key stage clips, audience reactions, and branded visuals to highlight energy and connection.
  • Include short soundbites (5–10 seconds each) that emphasize voice, humour, or clarity of message.
  • Mix live audio with cinematic music or narration to maintain pacing and momentum.
  • Maintain consistent colour grading, seamless editing, and professional sound design.
  • Ensure all visuals are high resolution and adaptable for both horizontal and vertical formats.
  • Deliver final files in multiple aspect ratios (16:9, 1:1, 9:16) for cross-platform distribution.
  • Provide both branded and bureau-friendly versions for versatile use.
  • Host privately or unlisted for sharing across bureaus, planners, and partners.

Content Elements

  • Focus on one to three key themes or messages aligned with speaking topics.
  • Highlight audience engagement moments such as laughter, applause, and reaction shots.
  • Incorporate quick transitions between clips to maintain energy and attention.
  • Use captions or motion graphics to emphasize key quotes or ideas.
  • Showcase visual variety with stage angles, interview excerpts, and dynamic b-roll.
  • Reinforce credibility through quick flashes of recognizable clients, events, or partnerships.
  • End with a strong closing shot and tagline that reinforces identity and leaves a clear impression.
  • Keep tone consistent with overall brand image while ensuring accessibility and clarity for all viewers.

C) Produced Narrative Interview Video

Used as the main narrative source for your highlight reel. A produced interview video captures story, expertise, and authority while providing professional audio and visuals for ongoing use across highlight reels, social media, and promotional assets. It functions as a core brand asset and a source of reliable, high-quality material for evolving speaker marketing.

Purpose & Use

  • Serves as the main narrative for highlight reels and brand videos.
  • Builds familiarity and trust by presenting personal story and professional credibility.
  • Provides a consistent library of clean, high-quality audio and video for future edits.
  • Supplies professional voiceover material for highlight reels and other video projects.
  • Can be published online in full and repurposed in segments for social, promotional, and digital campaigns.

Production Elements

  • Allocate a half-day shoot: 60–90 minutes of interviews and the remainder for action shots.
  • Work with the same production company that will edit your final videos.
  • Film in multiple locations (studio and public settings) with two to three wardrobe changes that align with brand and professional tone.
  • Select backgrounds and action shots that reflect professional setting and personal journey.
  • Record in controlled environments using consistent lighting, acoustics, and professional-grade equipment.
  • Use tripod and multi-camera setups for stability and visual variety.
  • Capture close-ups for clarity, side angles for context, and supplementary B-roll such as stage entrances, working moments, natural movement, and relevant environments.

Content Elements

  • Use a prepared interviewer to guide authentic, clear responses.
  • Structure content around a clear arc: introduction and story, differentiation with evidence, and closing mission and impact.
  • Integrate career milestones, achievements, and client outcomes to establish authority.
  • Follow narrative arcs such as transformation, growth, or overcoming challenges while maintaining clarity and purpose.

Produced Interview Video Examples

C) On Stage Videos: Event Recordings & Ted Talks Style

On-stage recordings are one of the most valuable long-term assets in a speaker’s portfolio. They capture real-time delivery, audience engagement, and event scale—offering the strongest evidence of credibility and impact. While most footage is captured by event organizers or venue AV teams, speakers should actively secure access, maintain rights, and manage these assets strategically for ongoing use across highlight reels, marketing campaigns, and social media.

Purpose & Use

  • Capture your delivery, authority, and ability to engage audiences in live settings.
  • Provide planners and bureaus with visible proof of professionalism and stage command.
  • Supply high-value footage for highlight reels, proposals, social posts, and campaigns.
  • Build an organized archive that demonstrates growth and demand across events.
  • Maintain both a short (≈5-minute) and medium (10–15-minute) presentation sample for decision-makers.

Access & Permissions

  • Confirm in writing before booking whether the event will be recorded and clarify access terms.
  • Request permission to use 10–15-second promotional clips for marketing and highlight reels.
  • When organizers retain ownership, negotiate a license for promotional use rather than full ownership.
  • If no recording is provided, offer to bring your own videographer or request permission for a third-party film crew.
  • In fee negotiations, consider trading partial fees for recording rights if the event provides high-quality production value.
  • Obtain recordings in 1080p or 4K format with direct soundboard audio for professional quality.
  • Store all contracts, release forms, and video permissions alongside the recorded assets in your cloud system.

Recording Standards & Best Practices

  • Request multi-camera setups when possible to capture close-ups (emotion), wide shots (scale), and side angles (context).
  • Confirm that the speaker’s microphone feed is captured directly from the soundboard or lapel mic for clean audio.
  • Ensure lighting isolates the speaker and avoids shadows or background distractions.
  • Ask for raw, unedited footage in addition to the event’s edited version for flexibility in future editing.
  • Capture or request audience reaction shots such as applause, laughter, or standing ovations to provide social proof.
  • Gather B-roll footage if permitted—such as walking on stage, backstage preparation, Q&A, or meet-and-greet moments—to show authenticity.
  • When filming TEDx or similar talk formats, ensure stage design, wardrobe, and delivery align with the event’s professional standards.

TEDx, TED & Walrus-Style Talks

  • Apply directly to TEDx, Walrus Talks, or similar platforms in your region via signing up to their official websites.
  • These talks are unpaid but high value for visibility, credibility, and production quality.
  • Develop a message that fits the event’s theme while reinforcing your expertise and personal story.
  • Use the professional production footage for highlight reels, full-length samples, and social content.
  • Keep copies of both the official event video and raw camera feed if available for future editing flexibility.

D) Topic-Focused Videos

Topic-focused videos are short, direct-to-camera recordings designed to demonstrate expertise, thought leadership, and approachability. Each video centers on a single idea, insight, or theme, allowing audiences and event planners to experience your delivery style in an authentic, conversational format. These assets build familiarity, reinforce positioning, and serve as versatile content for proposals, bureau profiles, and ongoing social engagement.

Purpose & Use

  • Present one clear message or insight that reflects topic authority and personal perspective.
  • Provide event planners with concise, accessible samples of delivery, tone, and clarity.
  • Strengthen online visibility through consistent short-form content distribution.
  • Serve as digital touchpoints for bureaus, proposals, and pre-event engagement.
  • Extend reach through short-form versions for social platforms and longer edits for website or profile use.

Production Standards

  • Record professional-quality video in a controlled, distraction-free environment.
  • Use HD or 4K cameras on tripods for stability; multi-camera setups can add visual variety.
  • Ensure clear, even lighting and broadcast-quality audio captured via lavalier or boom microphone.
  • Maintain brand consistency through wardrobe, background, and framing.
  • Integrate light branding (logos, lower thirds, or captions) and unified colour grading.
  • Incorporate b-roll and supplementary b-roll slides, or text overlays when relevant to emphasize key points.
  • For longer videos, use symbolic or contextual video clips or images of well-known events, important figures and popular knowledge with or without audio to support storytelling.

Content Structure

  • Open with a strong hook—a question, fact, or statement of relevance—to capture attention immediately.
  • Focus on a single topic with a clear framework: problem → insight → solution.
  • Maintain a conversational tone while emphasizing clarity, pacing, and brevity.
  • Keep long-form videos within 2–5 minutes for context and depth.
  • Prepare short-form edits of 15, 30, 45, and 60 seconds for cross-platform use.
  • End with a concise closing statement that reinforces takeaway value or next-step action.

Topic Focused Video Examples

E) Podcast Recordings: Audio & Video Formats

Many speakers are creating podcasts to remain relevant and create new content. Appearing on well produced and well-known podcasts elevates authority. Podcast recordings demonstrate storytelling, conversational skill, and thought leadership in long-form discussion formats. They allow audiences to connect through voice, perspective, and narrative depth while showcasing clarity, confidence, and expertise. These recordings reveal versatility and relatability across topics and industries, strengthening credibility by illustrating how ideas translate beyond the stage. They also provide a library of adaptable content that can be used for highlight reels, promotional videos, and digital campaigns.

Purpose & Use

  • Present ideas and stories in an authentic, conversational format.
  • Establish an intentional message that reinforces credibility through unscripted, in-depth dialogue that highlights expertise.
  • Showcase relatability, confidence, and storytelling ability without reliance on visuals.
  • Provide long-form evidence of thought leadership for bureaus, clients, and audiences.
  • Generate audio and video clips for highlight reels, proposals, and social campaigns.
  • Build brand familiarity and reach through consistent appearances on reputable podcasts.

Production Standards

  • Record using professional-grade microphones to ensure broadcast-quality audio for repurposing.
  • When recorded on video, ensure professional backdrops, consistent lighting, and clean framing.
  • Avoid low-quality platforms (e.g., Zoom or Teams) unless professional recording equipment is used.
  • Do not appear on podcasts that do not have relevancy or strong production standards.
  • Maintain consistent wardrobe and environment aligned with brand image.
  • Capture both video and audio formats where possible to maximize usability.
  • Ensure balanced sound levels and remove background noise during post-production.

Content Structure & Repurposing

  • Structure conversations to balance personal narrative, insights, and actionable takeaways.
  • Focus on clarity, pacing, and tone to sustain engagement in long-form dialogue.
  • Extract short, modular clips (10–60 seconds) that capture key insights or quotable lines.
  • Repurpose audio as voiceovers for highlight reels, topic videos, or promotional content.
  • Use video clips for social posts, proposals, and media previews.
  • Pair audio excerpts with branded visuals, slides, or symbolic imagery for digital use.

How to Get Booked or Host Guests

  • Research active podcasts that align with your topic, audience, and expertise.
  • Reach out directly to hosts or producers with 2–3 proposed interview topics and a short media bio.
  • Provide a professional headshot, short intro, and links to your website, highlight reel, or previous media.
  • Use professional audio and video equipment to ensure broadcast quality.
  • If hosting, invite speakers or thought leaders who complement your audience focus and brand positioning.
  • Emphasize value for both sides — what you can offer their audience, or what their insight brings to yours.

F) Social Media & Future Content

If you are not using social media, you will remain irrelevant. Social media and ongoing content strategies maximize the value of each filmed session by repurposing raw materials into a continuous flow of platform-specific assets. Every interview, stage clip, and event recording should serve as a content library that can be adapted for multiple uses. Event recap videos are valuable additions that support client relationships and bureau visibility. This approach extends the lifespan of each production, keeps the speaker visible year-round, and aligns personal brand growth with bureau marketing and client engagement.

Purpose & Use

  • Extend the lifespan and reach of existing video assets through consistent repurposing.
  • Maintain year-round visibility, positioning, and engagement across digital platforms.
  • Align speaker marketing with bureau initiatives and client communications.
  • Provide added value for clients and bureaus through post-event recap content.
  • Collaborate with @speakerscanada to cross posting.

Content Strategy

  • Post strategically 2–3 times per day, targeting peak engagement hours.
  • Maintain a minimum two-week content calendar in advance.
  • Edit long-form materials into highlight reels, introductions, short clips, topic features, and behind-the-scenes segments.
  • Ensure each piece aligns with expertise and reinforces consistent brand messaging.
  • Release 3–6 short clips before publishing a long-form version to increase engagement and visibility.
  • Split test for engagement and most popular posts.

Platform Standards

  • Adapt content for Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X (Twitter).
  • Create short-form clips (30–60 seconds) for reach and engagement, and long-form edits (2–5 minutes) for professional audiences.
  • Always include captions to increase accessibility and completion rates.
  • Produce in multiple resolutions suitable for both horizontal and vertical framing.
  • Deliver in aspect ratios and image sizes for each platform.

Production & Technical Guidelines

  • Use consistent graphics, motion overlays, and lower thirds for visual identity.
  • Integrate background music and ensure all licensed audio is properly cleared.
  • Store raw files, edited clips, and resized versions in a secure cloud archive.
  • Host privately or as unlisted on YouTube for bureau and client embedding.
  • Treat all social media content as an ongoing highlight reel that reinforces credibility and presence between live events.

Speakers Canada Industry Partners for Videos

Ernie’s Diner

Ernie’s Diner is a collective independent contractor specializing in the creative sector across North America. They collaborate with speakers and contributors from various locations. Ernie’s takes great ideas, contributes to your initiatives and implements with strategic execution. They specialize in exceptional content, brand strategy and website development.

  • N: David Paddock
  • E: david@ernieandme.com
  • P: 403-862-4355

Motiversity

How do you go viral? Motiversity is one of the world’s largest motivational media companies, home to leading brands including Motiversity, Motivation2Study, MotivationHub, and T&H Inspiration. With over 10 million subscribers and 25 million monthly views, the company produces original, high-quality content featuring top motivational speakers such as Marcus Elevation Taylor, Coach Pain, Pete Cohen, Billy Alsbrooks, and Walter Bond. Motiversity lives by creating powerful branded content that helps people overcome challenges, reach their goals, and unlock their potential. With a growing global community, Motiversity strives to be the world’s #1 motivational media company, dedicated to teaching lessons of resilience, passion, and purpose through their services.

  • N: Tyler Waye
  • E: twaye@informseries.com
  • P: 1-780-265-2231

Chris West Video Narrative

Chris West at Video Narrative is a leading expert in crafting enduring, impactful videos that not only showcase speakers effectively but also open doors to new business opportunities in untapped markets. We have direct contact with Chris West and can put you in touch with him if you are ready to make the investment. He also has provided us a booking discount for Canadian speakers. Video Narrative crafts impactful speaker videos and brand narratives, specializing in story-driven content that boosts speaker engagement and market presence since 2013. Their collaborative approach ensures alignment of branding and messaging, significantly enhancing speaker profiles and booking rates.

  • N: Chris West
  • E: chris@videonarrative.com
  • P: (503) 754-9231

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