Let’s assume by fluke you managed to craft the most life-changing content ever in your first speech.
Hey, if you managed to do that, I would take my hat off to you.
But the fact is: How are you supposed to sell yourself as a credible speaker if you have no evidence to back up your case? Are schools, universities, and businesses just supposed to take your word for it? No. They’ll just go find someone else who can back up the claims they make.
This is why in addition to securing free gigs, you need to brand yourself as the professional speaker you wish to become.