Warm vs. Cold: Choosing the Right Speaking Strategy

Why most speakers stay stuck, and how to shift it.

Let’s clear something up…

Most speakers aren’t struggling because they’re doing it wrong.

They’re struggling because they’re using one strategy…
and expecting the results of the other.

And once you see this, it’s hard to unsee.

There Are Two (Typical) Ways Speaking Gigs Happen

Cold Leads (You initiate the opportunity)

This is when you are making the first move.

You’re reaching out, pitching yourself, introducing your topic.

• You go first 
• You prove your value 
• Trust builds over time 
• It requires consistency, volume, and follow-up 

There’s nothing wrong with this approach.
But it does require patience and resilience.

Warm Leads (Connection initiates the opportunity)

This is when the opportunity starts before the pitch.

You’re referred. Introduced. Already known.

• Trust exists before the ask 
• You’re seen as a fit faster 
• Conversations move more quickly 
• It’s built through relationships and visibility 

This is often what people want…
but aren’t always building toward.

 

Here’s Where Most Speakers Get Stuck

They mix the two strategies without realizing it.

They:

• Use cold outreach… but expect instant trust 
• Wait for warm leads… but don’t increase visibility 
• Follow someone else’s strategy… that doesn’t fit how they operate 

And then they wonder why it feels hard.

 

The Shift That Changes Everything

This isn’t about choosing the “better” strategy.

It’s about choosing the right strategy for you.

Because:

Neither strategy works without alignment.

The best approach depends on:

• Your personality 
• Your business model 
• Your current season of life 
• How you naturally build relationships 

There isn’t one right way.

But there is a right way for you.

What This Means for You

If things have felt slow, frustrating, or inconsistent…
it may not be your message.

It may be your strategy.

And more specifically—
whether your strategy actually matches how you work best.