Most speaker media kits are either a single headshot with no context or a 12-page document nobody will read. The sweet spot is in between.
What event planners actually look at
Event planners consistently report the same behavior: they scan, they do not read. You have about 90 seconds before they move to the next speaker on their list.
They look at the headshot first. Not to judge your looks but to see if the photo quality matches the event quality they are planning. A blurry iPhone photo signals amateur. A professional headshot signals you take this seriously.
Second, they read the short bio. Not the long one. The short bio should be 50 to 75 words that explain who you are, what you speak about, and one credential that proves you are qualified. That is it.
The six things your kit needs
One, a professional headshot. Get one taken by a photographer. Budget $300 to $500. You will use it for years.
Two, a short bio (50-75 words) and a long bio (200-300 words). The short one goes in the kit. The long one is there when they need it for promotional materials.
Three, three to five topic descriptions. Each one should be a title, a two-sentence description, and three takeaways for the audience. Event planners need to match your topics to their audience.
Four, a sizzle reel or video clips. Two to three minutes max. Show yourself on stage with a live audience. Show audience reactions. Show range. If you do not have video yet, record yourself giving a talk to any group willing to let you set up a camera.
Five, testimonials. Three to five quotes from event organizers or audience members. Include their name, title, and organization. Generic quotes are worthless. Specific quotes that mention what you delivered are gold.
Six, past event logos if you have them. A grid of recognizable organizations tells a planner you have been trusted before. If you are early in your speaking career, lead with testimonials instead. One strong specific quote outperforms a row of generic logos.
Format and delivery
PDF, two pages, clean layout. Make it downloadable from your website without requiring an email address. Event planners are looking at dozens of speakers. Any friction and they move on.
Keep a web version on your site that mirrors the PDF. Some planners prefer to share a link with their committee rather than a file. Give them both options.
The mistake most speakers make
They talk about themselves instead of talking about what they deliver to the audience. Every line in your kit should answer the question: what will my audience get from this person? If a sentence does not answer that question, cut it.
About Khary Penebaker
Khary Penebaker is Division President at MetalMaster-RoofMaster, the Upper Midwest division of Wolkow Braker Roofing Corp. He previously built Roofed Right America from startup to $35M+ in revenue with 180 employees (2014-2025) and founded Penebaker Enterprises, growing it from $1.5M to $15M. A gun violence prevention advocate and former Everytown for Gun Safety Fellow, Khary brings two decades of leadership in commercial roofing, architectural sheet metal, and civic engagement.
Common questions
What should a speaker media kit include?
A professional headshot, a short and long bio, three to five topic descriptions, a sizzle reel or video clips, testimonials, and past event logos. Keep it clean and make the download easy.
How long should a speaker sizzle reel be?
Two to three minutes maximum. Show three different audience reactions, two strong content clips, and one testimonial. Event planners will not watch longer than that before deciding.
Should you include your speaking fee in your media kit?
Opinions vary. I do not include it because the fee depends on the event format, travel, and customization. But I do make it easy for planners to contact me and get pricing quickly.
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Last updated: June 28, 2026