“Aspiring speakers come into the industry ON FIRE . . .”
They’re passionate, creative, and focused on changing the world! But, just like with any business, becoming a professional speaker is HARD WORK. Establishing credibility, building your online presence, and getting hired to speak don’t just happen overnight — and very rarely do they happen without some kind of outside support.
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“If you’re an aspiring or emerging professional speaker,
I created this resource website for YOU!”
Hello! I’m Cynthia Lay and this website is the result of many years’ work, lots of planning, and a true desire to help you establish a successful speaking career.
For almost a decade, I was privileged to work with some of the best public speaking coaches in the industry — Patricia Fripp, Darren LaCroix, Ed Tate, Craig Valentine, Mark Brown, Lance Miller, Jim Key, Jock Elliott, and others who are active in the National Speakers Association and / or Toastmasters International.
We had an online public speaking coaching program called World Champions’ EDGE. I was the “Chief Butterfly Herder” for hundreds of wonderful Champions’ EDGE Members from all around the world. I managed all of the live & online events, technology, and behind-the-scenes activities of the organization.
As I worked with our EDGE Members over the years, I came to realize that even though somebody might be an amazing speaker, they don’t always know how to market their speaking services. As a result, I was seeing so many people deciding to quit the business because they weren’t getting hired. These are folks with important messages to share with the world — and, they were giving up on their dreams!
I just couldn’t let that happen.
With my experience and background in marketing & public relations, I knew I could help! Ever since, I’ve been providing speakers with advice & assistance with self-promotion via web, print, and other media. And, the rest is history…
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‘No, I’m not “officially” a professional speaker… and that’s okay!’
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Yep, I admit it. I’m a web designer more than a professional speaker. However, I’ve been an ‘un-professional’ speaker for as long as I can remember. I’ve trained volunteers at the United Way, GSUSA, Toastmasters, NSA, and at WordPress WordCamps. Every job I’ve ever had has, at some level, included the training of others or speaking on behalf of the organization. Pretty much everybody I spend time with is, in some way, a speaker. (Heck, I’m even married to a retired speaker!)
In addition to being a member of the National Speakers Association, I am honored to be the 2022 – 23 President of our local NSA – New Mexico Chapter.
My life has been so blessed by knowing and working with people in the speaking industry! It’s been through those relationships that I’ve discovered my true passion — helping emerging speakers transition between speaking for a hobby and getting paid to speak.
So, here I am… here for you and willing to support you however I can.
Looking forward to being of service,
P.S. “So, what’s the deal with the butterflies?”
Butterflies are a beautiful example of the journey taken by emerging speakers
as they transition from a hobby speaker to a professional. Think about it…
And, besides… I like ’em. They’re purdy. 