Sample personal biography for speakers
For many, an author bio is their first introduction to their peers — sort of like a digital, written handshake. In the world of academic conferences, conference programmes and websites see How to Plan Your Scientific Conference will include a biography of every speaker. Start by taking notes of your strengths and accomplishments. Look at your CV and pull out the very basics like where you went to school and your primary area of interest, then add in the impressive details like fellowships, published pieces, or exciting collaborations.
Here are the detailed steps to take to write a bio that will inspire your peers to attend your presentation or connect with you in a breakout session. Each conference will have its own guidelines, and some will even ask for two versions — a longer one for the event website and a shorter one for the printed program. Not only is this the most common format for a speaker biography, but it gives you the opportunity to add many details of your success and experiences without coming across as pompous or arrogant.
Writing in the third person gives some authors more confidence to speak about themselves and their accomplishments. Start out with your full name, then decide whether to refer to yourself throughout using your first name or last name. For less formal events, using your first name creates an air of familiarity, while referring to yourself by your last name is more professional and formal.
Get to know your audience before you start writing. I mean get an understanding of the demographics and areas of interest of the potential conference attendees that will be reading your bio. In this example, when discussing your PhD thesis, you would focus on the part of your research that led you to travel to Antarctica to study the Wandering Albatross migration.
When it comes to selecting a speaker for an event, conference, or meeting, the bio of the speaker is often the first thing that attendees and organizers consider. A well-written bio can make a significant difference in how the speaker is perceived and remembered. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a bio for a speaker that will help you showcase their expertise, achievements, and personality.
No fluff, no BS — just actionable content.
Sample personal biography for speakers: Learn how to write a
In managing a speaking business, there are dozens of moving pieces that operate simultaneously. There are the more exciting pieces of the puzzle, like the signature on a new contract, as well as the more tedious components, like cleaning out your customer relationship management system CRM. However, of these components, there are a handful that are recycled for each speaking gig, and over time, it becomes easier and easier to not only identify them but also refine them.
A few months ago, we published a guide to six quick and easy steps for writing a stellar speaker bio. From things you should include to mistakes you should avoid, these six steps were focused on providing speakers with actionable and straightforward advice, making the process of writing your bio a little easier. First on our list is the one and only Meridith Elliott Powell.
However, in the context of her speaker bio, there are a few things that make it especially noteworthy. First, it highlights her accomplishments in her field and as a speaker right from the beginning. This shows her confidence as well as her experience, making her a valuable hire for any event organizer reading her bio. She also saves herself from having to meet with event organizers that turn out to be a bad fit for her message.
Direct, detailed, and succinct, it not only communicates everything you would need to know, as an event organizer. More importantly, it does so in a read-time of less than a minute. With a background in corporate sales and leadership, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare, and finance. Meridith worked her way up from an entry-level position to earn her seat at the C-Suite table.
Meridith is a Certified Speaking Professional CSPa designation held by less than twelve percent of professional speakers. She is passionate about helping her clients learn the sales and leadership strategies they need to succeed no matter what this marketplace does. Second is Australian leadership and productivity speaker Neen James.
Sample personal biography for speakers: We've created this guide
To begin with, it mentions her certifications, both within the speaking industry and outside of it. Additionally, it goes on to give details from her past clients, regarding her value as a speaker, specifically. Why does that matter? She also considers herself an unofficial champagne taste tester … and a really slow runner. This makes her memorable both as a potential event hire and as a potential connection.
I know I do. Audiences love her practical strategies they can apply personally and professionally. Meeting planners love working with Neen, often describing her as the energizer bunny for their events. She has received numerous awards as a professional speaker. Her strong background in learning, development and managing large corporate teams makes her the perfect fit.
Oh, did we mention that Neen is Australian? From his credentials to his experience, it shares the details about Jason that not only have made him a good person but also a good leader. Because these details are also what makes him a good consultant, speaker, and coach, in sharing them, he subtly shows his value without having to state it outright.
The first paragraph alone mentions the services he provides, the experiences that make them credible, and the reasons that hiring him is a good move. As a decorated combat veteran, Jason brings unique perspectives gained from his battlefield experience to your organization, empowering you to unleash the untapped potential of your employees.
Sample personal biography for speakers: The Biography: “.
Using real-world examples, Jason sheds light on how the invaluable talent each person brings to your organization can positively impact your mission. Jason learned the value of dedication at an early age growing up in East Oakland, CA, as the second of six children in a single-parent home. Earning several military awards for his superior military career has proved this attitude and consistent mission of excellence.
If so, get a fill-in-the-blanks bio template written specifically for professional speaking engagements. Note: choose the bio template that relates to your main profession. Skip to content A speaker bio is a brief summary of your education, work history and experience that is relevant to your speaking topic the focus is on brief and relevant.
Speaker bio examples [A] Joan G. Variations in speaker bio style Sometimes, a different style is needed when the age group is known.