Why not book a woman expert next time?
On the weekend I attended the National Speakers convention in Melbourne. As a fringe benefit it was held at my favourite hotel - The Sofitel - and a big plug to the Sofitel for helping me with all my business requirements throughout my stay 
One of the revelations I made over the weekend is that the representation of the National Speakers Association membership follows a similar pattern to corporates. While women comprise more than 55% of the membership, fewer than 30% of its top speakers carry the highest designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). One of the obstacles for women progressing from a professional member to a CSP is that income from professional speaking must reach a certain qualifying level.
But like many of us in corporate roles, the opportunity to reach this level of income is restricted by bookings which flow more freely to the louder, higher profile, and well known male speakers on the circuit. So a woman can be the best orator, but if she’s not making the income limit she won’t reach the top of the speaking field. And if you’re not in the top of your field, you’re unlikely to get as many bookings, so you’re income will remain constricted. It’s another self perpetuating cycle.
So what can you do? Well…. you could start by booking women experts for your next conference or seminar. All the speakers bureaus have women on their books and if you ask for women, they will put them forward. Because women don’t blow their own trumpet as much as men, you might not know about all the women expert speakers out there. But there are plenty, and from what I’ve observed they are great!
Booking women experts for your conference will help us to position women as the thinkers in our communities and will provide role models for your female staff, and the chance for your male staff to learn more about the communication styles of women. It’s a win-win.
This is just another way that each of us can make a difference to our collective success.
April 3rd, 2008 at 16:37:20
My Goodness Jen!
Thanks for the wake-up call! As a professional speaker and a proud Sphinxx member I hereby take up the challenge and will make my voice heard … albeit in my own way.
A trumpet may not be my instrument of choice, perhaps something more akin to my style like a flute … also useful for celebrating with champagne!
Keep up the great work!