Your Speaker Reel

I just wrapped a conversation with Matt Bauer from SpeakerVideo.com, and if you're redoing your speaker reel this year, this is everything you need to know.

Here's the truth: Most speakers waste money on reels that look expensive but don't book gigs. A $10,000 reel with no story is worthless. A $500 reel that shows who you are and what problem you solve? That's what fills your calendar.

After 10 years of creating speaker reels and working with hundreds of speakers, Matt broke down exactly what works. Let's get into it.

1. Start With Story, Not Gear

Before you worry about cameras or editing software, answer these questions:

• Who's your audience?
• What problem do you solve for them?
• What makes YOU different from every other speaker in your category?

Matt's framework: "If I took a transcript of what you say on stage and delivered it myself, would it have the same impact? No. That difference is what we're highlighting in your reel."

The differentiator matters more than production value. Always.

You could have unlimited budget, the best cameras, massive stages... but if your reel doesn't show what makes you uniquely you, it won't book you.

2. The Interview Is Your Secret Weapon

Here's what Matt does when he films professionally: He interviews the speaker on camera.

Not scripted. Not rehearsed. Just candid answers to smart questions.

Why this works: People do business with people they know, like, and trust. That interview shows you're the same person on and off stage. It builds credibility and likability before they even see you present.

How to DIY it:

• Have someone interview you
• Ask about your craft, your approach, your why
• Use AI to generate unique questions that draw out genuine responses
• Don't memorize answers—just talk like you're with a friend

Matt's rule: "I don't want to hear anything you say on stage verbatim. We need different content for the interview vs. the stage clips."

3. The Checkboxes That Matter

No matter your budget, these must be present:

Sound quality - If people can't hear you, it's just B-roll
You're distinguishable in the frame - At least half the frame, ideally torso up
Multiple venues/stages - Shows you're a working speaker, not a one-timer
Your unique differentiator - What makes you YOU
Clear problem + solution - What transformation do you deliver?

Everything else? Negotiable.

4. DIY Equipment That Actually Works

You need two things:

Good audio (non-negotiable):

• Hollyland wireless mics - $40 for two, plug right into your phone
• DJI wireless mics - Slightly more expensive, professional quality

One or two cameras:

Option 1: Your phone

• Shoot 4K at 24-30 fps
• Set on a tripod in the audience
• If it's high resolution, you can reframe later

Option 2: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 ($400)

• Follows you automatically with gimbal
• Fantastic quality for the price
• Or get the Feiyu Pocket (looks identical, $100 cheaper)

Matt's minimal setup:

1. Osmo Pocket 3 following you (tight shot, torso up)
2. Phone on tripod in back row (wide shot showing audience size)

That's it. That gets you usable footage.

5. The Sneaky Third Camera Trick

If someone's speaking before you at the same venue, film their audience reactions.

Is it legal? Yes. No expectation of privacy at a public/conference event.

Is it ethical? Matt's take: "If someone objects, delete it immediately. Otherwise, those reaction shots are gold."

Same stage, same lighting, same setup—but you're capturing applause, laughter, engagement. Splice those in later.

6. Length: The Sweet Spot

3 to 3.5 minutes is ideal.

Long enough to tell a story and check all the boxes. Short enough to hold attention.

But also consider having a 7-10 minute version—less polished, more experiential. Some event planners want to see you work uninterrupted, no editing tricks.

7. The Most Important Thing

Just make something.

You can't get to version 2.0 without creating version 1.0.

Your first reel doesn't have to be perfect. It has to exist. It has to show you speak, solve problems, and deliver value.

Then you iterate. Every speaker with a killer reel has been through 5+ versions.

Matt's advice: "I've seen DIY reels get people by until they could afford something more. There's no shame in starting where you are. Just start."

If you're ready to write, land and deliver your TEDx talk or keynote speech, schedule a call with Cesar here!