There are a lot of attorneys online. Some run ads. Some post content. A few even have decent websites. But very few take the extra step of putting themselves out there with public speaking.
Public speaking doesn’t mean a TED Talk. It could be running your own lunch and learn series. A podcast guest spot. A webinar with a referral partner. It just means showing up in a way that allows people to hear your voice and understand your point of view. That kind of visibility builds trust fast. And trust is what leads to clients.
If you want more credibility in your practice area—and you want clients and referral partners to remember you—public speaking is one of the most effective tools you can use.
Speak Where Your Ideal Clients (or Referrers) Already Are
Don’t waste time trying to speak to the largest audiences. Focus on the right ones. That could be local business owners, parent groups, professionals in adjacent industries, or community organizations. The goal is to be seen as a helpful, clear, and approachable resource.
Joint webinars with financial advisors, realtors, or therapists are a great way to tap into each other’s audiences. Podcast interviews are another easy win—you don’t have to prepare slides or plan a full talk. You just need to show up with something useful to say.
And if you want full control, run your own series. Monthly lunch and learns or workshops in your office can build momentum with both prospects and professional contacts. Keep each session short, focused, and practical.
Repurpose and Reuse What You Share
One of the best parts of public speaking is how much content it gives you. Record your webinars and slice them into short clips for social media. Turn your talk into a blog post. Pull a few quotes and use them in your newsletter.
This gives your message more mileage. It also reinforces your position as someone who knows what they’re talking about. The more often people hear you speak, the more credible you become.
Public Speaking Isn’t Just for Conferences
You don’t have to be polished. You just have to be helpful. Speaking lets you connect in a way that emails and ads can’t match. And when it becomes a habit, it builds a reputation that sticks.