Welcome to "Pitch Perfect," a podcast hosted by Jaimie Abbott, an expert in the art of public speaking, public relations, and a seasoned business strategist. Every week, Jaimie explores the different facets of these fields, aiming to empower entrepreneurs, marketing professionals, and anyone interested in honing their communication skills."Pitch Perfect" dives deep into public speaking, offering techniques to refine your delivery and overcome stage fright. The show illuminates the intricate worl
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January 19, 20267 min
Episode 139 - How to price yourself as a speaker when you are starting out
Are you a speaker who feels guilty about charging for your expertise? In this episode, Jamie Abbott breaks down the "business literacy" of public speaking. She explores why pricing feels uncomfortable, not because of the math, but because your voice and story are at the intersection of expertise and ego. Learn how to stop negotiating against yourself and start building a sustainable, paid speaking career.
December 6, 202516 min
Episode 138 - The biggest lessons I learned in 2025
In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie takes you behind the scenes of her biggest year in business yet. From delivering more than 60 speaking gigs, launching a mastermind, rebuilding systems, travelling, growing her confidence and navigating the highs and lows of rapid growth, this is an honest reflection on what truly moved the needle in 2025. Whether you are building a speaking career, scaling a business or stepping into a bigger version of yourself, these lessons offer clarity, encouragement and a well timed push to keep going.
October 19, 20259 min
Episode 137 - How to get in front of decision makers who pay speakers
In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie focuses on one of the biggest challenges for aspiring and established speakers alike — getting in front of the people who actually have the power (and budget) to pay.
She explores how to identify and connect with the right contacts across corporate, conference, and association settings, and reveals the biggest mistakes speakers make when reaching out.
Drawing on her own experience booking five-figure gigs, Jaimie shares proven strategies for building visibility, creating genuine connections, and pitching with confidence. Listeners will learn how to approach event organisers, stand out from a crowded inbox, and position themselves as a trusted professional speakers want to rebook.
The episode wraps up with a practical weekly roadmap for finding, following up with, and nurturing relationships with decision makers turning cold outreach into consistent bookings.
Those ready to take the next step can join Jaimie’s Paid to Speak course designed to help speakers create a signature talk that sells, pitch themselves effectively, and start landing highly paid gigs.
👉 Join now at www.jaimieabbott.com.au/paidtospeak
October 13, 20259 min
Episode 136 - Where to actually find paid speaking opportunities
In this episode of Paid to Speak, Jaimie Abbott shares exactly where to find speaking opportunities that actually pay. She outlines the key places to find gigs that pay, from corporate events and conferences to associations and professional networks. The episode breaks down where decision-makers spend their time online, how to approach them strategically, and what it takes to stand out in a competitive speaking market.
Drawing on her own experience growing from free talks to consistent, high-paying speaking and MC engagements, Jaimie shares a clear system for pitching, following up, and leveraging each event into multiple bookings. She also explains how to use LinkedIn, event directories, and professional networks to build a steady pipeline of paid speaking work.
Those ready to take action can join the free Sprint to Stage Challenge to learn how to create a signature talk that sells, pitch with confidence, and secure highly paid gigs faster.
👉 Join now at www.jaimieabbott.com.au/sprinttostage
October 6, 202511 min
Episode 135 - How to beat imposter syndrome as a speaker
In this episode, Jaimie Abbott explores a challenge every speaker faces at some point in their career: imposter syndrome. That nagging inner voice that whispers “Who am I to be here?” or “What if they realise I’m not good enough?” doesn’t just affect beginners. It shows up for bestselling authors, CEOs, and global leaders, often right before they step onto the stage.
Jaimie shares candid stories from her own speaking journey, including the doubts that crept in even after landing five-figure gigs, and explains why imposter syndrome is not a sign of weakness but a signal that growth is happening. She dives into the psychology behind why so many high achievers feel like frauds, reveals the common ways it shows up for speakers, and offers practical strategies to move through it with confidence.
This episode is an encouraging reminder that imposter syndrome isn’t something to be ashamed of. It is part of stepping into bigger opportunities and, when reframed, can become a speaker’s greatest ally.
For more on building a successful speaking business and resources to help you land paid gigs, visit jaimieabbott.com.au/paidtospeak.
September 29, 20257 min
Episode 134 - How to pitch yourself without sounding desperate
In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie Abbott tackles one of the biggest challenges for aspiring speakers: how to pitch yourself without coming across as desperate. She breaks down why desperation sneaks into pitches, the mindset shift needed to flip begging into serving, and the exact steps to create a confident, compelling pitch that gets booked.
Listeners will discover:
Why desperation repels and confidence attracts.
The five key elements of a winning pitch—from leading with relevance to closing with a clear call to action.
The common mistakes to avoid, such as overselling, undervaluing, and pestering decision makers.
A real-life example of how a short, three-line email led to a $7,500 speaking gig.
Jaimie reminds speakers that pitching isn’t about asking for favours, it’s about offering value and positioning yourself as the solution event organisers are looking for. With her practical tips, you’ll walk away ready to pitch with confidence, clarity, and authority.
Join her upcoming Sprint to Stage Challenge kicking off October 14, where she’ll dive deeper into how to pitch, land paid speaking gigs, and connect with decision makers.
September 21, 20259 min
Episode 133 - Do you need a speaker reel to get booked?
In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie Abbott unpacks one of the most common questions aspiring speakers ask: is a speaker reel essential to landing paid gigs? Jaimie shares her own journey of securing her first paid speaking engagements without any polished video footage, proving that clarity, confidence, and a strong pitch matter far more than flashy edits in the early stages.
Listeners will learn when a reel is unnecessary and when it becomes a powerful tool for closing high-value opportunities. Jaimie outlines the phases of a speaking career, explains what makes a reel effective, and highlights how even simple recordings can be the foundation for future success.
This episode is both a myth-buster and a roadmap for speakers who feel stuck waiting for the “perfect” reel. Jaimie emphasises that progress, not perfection, is what gets speakers booked and that a reel only becomes critical once bigger stages and higher fees are on the table.
If you're ready to launch your paid speaking career join Sprint to Stage Challenge, starting October 14, a three-day live coaching, templates, and recordings to help speakers pitch with confidence. Go to https://www.jaimieabbott.com.au/sprinttostage
September 9, 20257 min
Episode 132 - How to prepare for a speaking or MC event
In this episode, Jaimie Abbott reveals why your job as a keynote speaker or MC doesn’t start when you step on stage: it begins the moment you’re booked. From client trust to event success, preparation and communication are the hidden superpowers that separate a good speaker from a truly unforgettable one. Jaimie walks through her go-to checklist, covering everything from confirming run sheets and VIP names to dress codes, AV requirements, and why you should always keep a printed copy of the schedule handy.
But preparation alone isn’t enough, client communication is where the real magic happens. Jaimie shares three simple but powerful touchpoints that build confidence and strengthen relationships: a professional pre-event confirmation email, a quick day-of text to reassure the organiser, and a thoughtful post-event thank-you note. Along with common pitfalls to avoid, she offers practical strategies that transform you from “the person with a mic” into a trusted partner in event success.
Whether you’re new to MCing or a seasoned speaker, this episode gives you actionable steps to stand out, earn repeat bookings, and become the backbone of every event you’re part of.
August 29, 20259 min
Episode 131 - Why your speaking topic isn’t selling and how to fix it
If you’ve been pitching yourself as a speaker but not getting booked, the problem may not be you, it could be your topic. In this episode, Jaimie Abbott unpacks the three biggest mistakes speakers make when crafting their keynotes: being too broad, not solving a problem, or sounding just like everyone else. Event organisers don’t book “nice-to-have” topics - they book speakers who can solve urgent problems for their audience.
Jaimie shares practical strategies to turn your topic from forgettable to irresistible, including reframing vague ideas into outcomes-driven titles, testing your pitch before sending it out, and packaging everything into a punchy speaker’s menu. You’ll also hear real client transformations that went from generic talks to booked-out gigs worth $10K+.
Remember, your job isn’t just to inspire, it’s to deliver transformation. Nail your topic, and the bookings (and paychecks) will follow.
Doors for Paid to Speak open again in October! Join the waitlist now and get early access plus a bonus 1:1 session with Jaimie: www.jaimieabbott.com.au/paidtospeak
Plus, don’t miss Paid to Speak LIVE, Jaimie’s full-day in-person event in Newcastle on October 17. Grab your ticket: www.jaimieabbott.com.au/paidtospeaklive
August 20, 202510 min
Episode 130 - How much to charge as a speaker
Landing a speaking gig is thrilling until the organiser asks the big question: “What’s your fee?” If you’ve ever panicked, lowballed yourself, or second-guessed your worth, you’re not alone. In this episode of Pitch Perfect, Jaimie Abbott shares her journey from charging $30 for her very first gig to confidently quoting $10,000 keynotes. Along the way, she breaks down why pricing feels so hard, how undercharging can actually devalue your expertise, and why the right clients will always pay for the right speaker.
You’ll learn the five key factors that influence your speaking fee: experience, audience size, industry, time commitment, and extras plus insider tips on how to package your offers, position your value, and say your fee without cringing. Jaimie also shares practical ranges for beginner through established speakers, helping you benchmark your own pricing and avoid the “peanuts for peanuts” trap.
If you’re ready to stop pulling numbers out of thin air and start charging with confidence, this episode is your guide. And don’t forget to grab Jaimie’s free Paid Speaker Checklist at jaimieabbott.com.au/speakerguide to help you nail your next quote.
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