By: Adam Tork
Living in an era where storytelling and public speaking have become essential skills, many aspiring speakers and authors face common pitfalls that hold them back. Whether it’s struggling to craft a compelling message, pitching ineffectively, or undervaluing their worth, these mistakes often leave talented individuals overlooked and underpaid.
Dr. Danisha Keating, a renowned speaker, self-published author, and coach, has made it her mission to address these challenges. She empowers clients to break through these barriers by offering actionable strategies, tailored coaching, and positioning themselves as sought-after thought leaders.
Mistake #1: Failing to Craft a Clear and Authentic Message
One of the most common errors speakers and authors make is failing to create a message that resonates with their audience. Many rely on generic advice or try to mimic others, leaving their presentations and books feeling disconnected or unoriginal. “Your story is your most powerful asset,” Dr. Keating explains. “But it has to be shared in a way that’s authentic and relevant to the people you’re trying to reach.”
Dr. Keating’s approach focuses on helping clients identify their unique strengths and experiences to craft an outstanding message. She guides them through exercises to refine their narrative and aims for every presentation or book to feel personal, impactful, and tailored to its audience.
One of her clients, a first-time author, faced challenges presenting their story. After working with Dr. Keating, they published a book that helped them gain opportunities for speaking engagements. “When your message is clear, opportunities follow,” she adds.
Mistake #2: Undervaluing Your Worth
Another significant pitfall is undervaluing the work you bring to the table. Many speakers and authors accept low-paying gigs or settle for less-than-ideal publishing deals because they feel inexperienced or lack negotiation skills. This mindset often leads to burnout and frustration, preventing them from reaching their full potential.
Dr. Keating teaches her clients to recognize their value and confidently negotiate fair terms. “It’s not just about making more money,” she explains. “It’s about setting a standard for how you want to be treated and positioning yourself as a professional.”
One of her clients started by accepting speaking engagements for modest fees. With Dr. Keating’s guidance, they improved their negotiation skills and secured events valued at several thousand dollars. “It’s not magic—it’s about understanding your worth and communicating it effectively,” she says.
Through tailored coaching sessions, she provides negotiation scripts and strategies that empower her clients to turn lowball offers into lucrative opportunities. These practical tools increase their income and boost their confidence, helping them approach future opportunities with clarity and assurance.
Mistake #3: Overlooking the Power of Proactive Pitching
Many aspiring speakers and authors make the mistake of relying on passive strategies to gain visibility. They wait for opportunities to come to them or depend solely on social media algorithms, which often results in limited reach and inconsistent results.
Dr. Keating emphasizes the importance of proactive pitching, teaching her clients to take control of their outreach efforts. “Organizations book their events months, sometimes years, in advance,” she explains. “If you’re not actively putting yourself out there, you’re missing out on opportunities before they even arise.”
Her clients learn to research potential engagements, craft compelling pitches, and follow up effectively. By adopting a proactive mindset, they secure more opportunities and build long-term relationships with event organizers and publishers.
Initially unsure about pitching themselves, one client began applying Dr. Keating’s strategies. Over several months, they secured speaking opportunities at notable conferences, enhancing their presence in their field.
Mistake #4: Entering The Conversation With Fear
Many authors and speakers approach conversations with fear of not being selected for an event or having their book overlooked. This fear can take control, leading them to undervalue their offerings, pitching high-value services for unsustainably low prices.
Dr. Keating helps her clients break free from this mindset by teaching them to stay in control of their offers and recognize the value of what they provide. She emphasizes that negotiating from a place of fear often results in giving away too much and leaving the table with little to show. She usually reminds her clients: “It’s better to be poor than poor and busy. Being poor and busy means filling your calendar with commitments that drain you both financially and emotionally.”
For example, one client shared that fear of rejection led her to significantly undervalue her services, offering a high-value package for a fraction of its worth, barely covering her expenses. After adopting Dr. Keating’s strategies, she confidently approached negotiations and received offers aligned with her worth. This shift allowed her to stay busy with the right clients and thrive professionally and personally.
Unlocking Your Potential with the Right Guidance
Success in the speaking and publishing industries doesn’t happen by chance. It requires a combination of clarity, confidence, and consistent effort—qualities that Dr. Danisha Keating helps her clients cultivate.
She has transformed the careers of countless speakers and authors by addressing common mistakes and equipping individuals with the tools to succeed. Whether crafting a compelling message, negotiating better deals, or mastering the art of pitching, her guidance helps clients be prepared to stand out and thrive.
For anyone struggling to find their footing in these competitive industries, Dr. Keating’s approach offers solutions and the confidence to embrace their journey. With her support, aspiring thought leaders are turning their potential into impactful results, one story at a time.
Published by Drake M.
