Public Speaking Contract Template

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  • Public Speaking

    CONTRACT

    Jim Clark Co

  • Public Speaking Contract 

    Jim Clark Co.


    AGreement

    This Public Speaking Engagement Contract ("Agreement") is made and entered into on [Date], by and between:

    Participants
    Terms

    1. Scope of Work: The Speaker agrees to perform the following services as part of this Agreement:


    • Type of Engagement: The speaking engagement will be [in-person/online].
    • Length of Speech: The Speaker will deliver a speech that is approximately [length of time, e.g., 60 minutes] long.
    • Topic: The desired topic of the speech is [topic description].
    • Deliverables: The Speaker agrees to provide the following deliverables: [List any materials, e.g., handouts, digital resources, etc.].
    • Additional Activities: The Speaker will also participate in the following activities before or after the speaking event: [Specify activities, e.g., meet and greet, Q&A session, book signing].
    • Technical Requirements (for virtual engagements): The Speaker will require the following technical setup for a virtual event: [Specify requirements, e.g., stable internet connection, webinar platform access, microphone, camera].
    • Other Details: [Include any other specific requirements or expectations].


    2. Start and End Times and Dates:


    • Event Date: The speaking engagement will take place on [Event Date].
    • Event Time: The Speaker will begin speaking at [Start Time] and conclude at [End Time].
    • Timeline/Schedule:
    • Sound/Technology Check: [Specify time for sound check/tech check].
    • Speaking Engagement: [Specify time of speech].
    • Additional Activities: [Specify times for any additional activities].


    3. Total Price and Fees:


    • Speaking Fee: The total speaking fee is [Total Fee Amount].
    • Deposit: A deposit of [Deposit Amount] is required upon signing this Agreement. The deposit is [refundable/non-refundable].
    • Additional Expenses: The Client agrees to cover the following expenses:
    • Travel Expenses: [Specify travel expenses, e.g., airfare, transportation].
    • Accommodation: The Client will provide [Specify accommodation details, e.g., hotel arrangements].
    • Meals: [Specify meal expenses].
    • Other Expenses: [Specify any additional expenses].


    Total Amount Due: [Total amount including speaking fee and expenses].


    4. Payment Terms:


    • Payment Schedule: Payments will be made as follows:
    • Deposit: The deposit is due upon signing this Agreement.
    • Final Payment: The remaining balance of [Remaining Balance] is due by [Specify due date, e.g., within 7 days after the event].
    • Payment Methods: Acceptable payment methods include [Specify methods, e.g., check, bank transfer, credit card].
    • Late Payment Policy: Late payments will incur a fee of [Specify amount or percentage] per [Specify time period, e.g., day, week].


    5. Materials and Resources:


    • Pre-Event Materials: The Client agrees to provide the following materials and information to the Speaker by [Specify deadline, e.g., 14 days before the event]: [List materials, e.g., event agenda, participant demographics, specific topics to be addressed].
    • Event Materials: The Speaker will require the following materials and equipment during the event: [List items, e.g., microphone, projector, table]. The Client is responsible for providing these materials unless otherwise agreed.
    • Post-Event Materials: If applicable, the Speaker agrees to provide the following materials after the event: [Specify, e.g., digital copies of presentation slides, follow-up resources].
    • Cost Responsibility: The [Client/Speaker] will be responsible for the costs of these materials.


    6. Confidentiality: The Speaker may have access to confidential information belonging to the Client. The Speaker agrees to keep all such information strictly confidential and to use it only for the purposes of performing the services outlined in this Agreement. The Speaker agrees not to disclose any confidential information to any third party without the express written consent of the Client, except as required by law.


    7. Intellectual Property:


    • Ownership: The Speaker retains full ownership of all intellectual property rights to the content created under this Agreement, including any speech, presentation materials, and other deliverables.
    • Recording and Distribution: The Client [does/does not] have the right to record, distribute, or broadcast the speech or any part of the event in video, audio, or written format. If permitted, the Client must provide a copy of the recording to the Speaker upon request.
    • Non-Exclusivity: The Speaker is free to use some or all of the content of the speech in other spoken or written works for other clients, provided that such use does not violate any confidentiality agreements.


    8. Amendments: This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both parties. Any changes to this Agreement must be discussed and agreed upon before they take effect.


    9. Termination:


    • By Either Party: Either party may terminate this Agreement with [Specify notice period, e.g., 30 days] written notice.
    • For Cause: Either party may terminate this Agreement immediately if the other party breaches any material provision and fails to cure such breach within [Specify period, e.g., 10 days] after receiving written notice of the breach.
    • Effect of Termination: Upon termination, the Speaker will be entitled to payment for all services rendered up to the date of termination. If the Agreement is terminated by the Client without cause, the deposit will be forfeited.


    10. Dispute Resolution and Remedies:


    • Negotiation: The parties will first attempt to resolve any disputes arising from this Agreement through informal negotiation.
    • Mediation: If negotiation fails, the parties agree to attempt mediation with a neutral third party.
    • Arbitration: If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of [Specify arbitration association].
    • Governing Law: This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the state of [Specify State/Country].


    11. Signatures: By signing below, the parties agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Public Speaking Engagement Contract.


    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

    Signatures
    • Click to sign
      John Doe
    • Click to sign
      Jim Clark

Ready to rock the stage? Unleash your voice, share your knowledge, and blow your audience away! Public speaking isn't just about giving a good talk; it's about building a brand and making a lasting impression. 

Want to avoid any on-stage surprises? A solid contract is your secret weapon. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this guide will show you the ropes. It covers:

  • What a public speaking contract is
  • The key terms to include
  • Why requesting a deposit is a game-changer
  • How a contract management tool can streamline your process and save you time.

Don't let public speaking contract chaos hold you back! Keep reading to learn how to crush it.

What is a Public Speaking Contract?

Think of a public speaking contract as a backstage pass to a successful gig. This legal agreement between the speaker and the event organizer lays out everything from what will be discussed to how much they'll get paid. It's like a script for a smooth and stress-free performance.

Having a contract in place ensures the event goes off without a hitch! So, don't wing it! Get your contract sorted, and focus on what you do best—crushing it on stage!

What Important Items Should Be Addressed in the Contract?

A solid contract is your best friend when it comes to public speaking engagements. It's like a cheat sheet that keeps the speaker and the event organizer on the same page. Here's a rundown of the important things to cover in the contract. 

Scope of Work

Let's get clear on what is expected from the speaker. How long should the talk be? Is it a solo act, or will they be part of a panel? Will the speaker be answering questions, signing books, or hanging out with guests?

Example: 

The Speaker will deliver a 45-minute keynote speech on leadership, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. The Speaker will also participate in a panel discussion on day two of the event.

Payment Terms

Let's talk money. This section should cover how much it will cost to bring the speaker in. Are there any extra fees for travel or lodging? When and how will payment take place? Will it be paid by cash, check, or credit card? Is there a deposit upfront to secure the speaker, and is the final payment due after the event?

Example: 

The Event Organizer agrees to pay the Speaker a total fee of $5,000 for the speaking engagement. A non-refundable deposit of 50% is due upon signing this contract, with the remaining balance due within 7 days of the event.

Additional Services and Charges

Want more than just a speech? If the speaker is to run workshops, do some team-building, or create custom content, include it under this clause. Don't forget to add the extra charges for these services.

Example: 

The Speaker will also conduct a 2-hour leadership workshop on the day following the keynote. An additional fee of $1,000 will apply for this service.

Event Logistics

Let's talk logistics. Will the event organizer take care of getting the speaker to and from the event? Will the speaker's accommodation be provided? Will all the tech stuff be ready, like microphones and projectors? Who's paying for all of this?

Example: 

The Event Organizer will provide round-trip airfare for the Speaker, accommodations at a 4-star hotel, and local transportation. The Organizer will also ensure that all necessary audiovisual equipment is available at the venue.

Cancellation and Rescheduling

What if something goes wrong? Include what happens if the event gets canceled or rescheduled. Are there any penalties, refunds, or rescheduling fees involved?

Example: 

In the event of cancellation by the Event Organizer, the deposit is non-refundable. If the event is rescheduled, the Speaker will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the new date, subject to availability. An additional rescheduling fee may apply.

Intellectual Property Rights

Who owns the content? If the speaker creates any materials, like presentations or handouts, who gets to keep them? Can they use them again later, or are they just for the event?

Example: 

The Speaker retains all intellectual property rights to the presentation and any related materials. The Event Organizer may not reproduce, distribute, or use these materials without the Speaker’s prior written consent.

Should I Ask for a Deposit? 

Absolutely! A deposit is like a down payment that helps secure the gig and protects you if someone backs out at the last minute. A good rule of thumb is to ask for 25% to 50% of the total fee upfront. With Butterscotch, you can easily add an invoice for the deposit to your contract, so you can collect payment online.

Why Should I Use This Contract?

Ditch the drama and get your public speaking engagements sorted with a solid contract! Butterscotch has got you covered with:

  • Customizable Templates: Edit to fit your unique needs.
  • Personal Branding: Add your style and flair.
  • E-Signatures: Send and sign online for a quick and easy process.
  • Contract Management: Keep all your contracts and contacts in one tidy spot.

With Butterscotch, you can easily customize a contract template and send it online for signatures. It's like having a personal assistant for your contracts. This way, you can focus on giving an amazing speech without worrying about the paperwork.

Butterscotch Contracts

  • Sign online
  • Collect payments
  • Custom designs
  • Audit trail
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