In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s not enough to just be a great CTO or senior technical leader—you also need to know how to communicate your ideas effectively. Imagine standing on a stage, sharing your knowledge with a room full of eager listeners, and knowing that you’re influencing the present and shaping the future. Sounds intimidating? Don’t worry, it’s more achievable than you think.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Aviv Ben-Yosef, a renowned Tech Executive Consultant and international speaker, on my podcast. Aviv shared some powerful insights on how tech leaders can break into public speaking, and I’m excited to bring those insights to you in this blog post.
If you’re a CTO or a senior technical leader looking to expand your influence and build a personal brand through public speaking, this post is for you. Let’s dive in.
Video interview
You can watch the video on YouTube or below:
Why Public Speaking Matters for Tech Leaders
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Why should you, as a busy tech leader, invest your time and energy into public speaking?
Aviv put it simply: “Public speaking is not just about standing on a stage; it’s about establishing yourself as a thought leader, building a personal brand, and creating opportunities that might not otherwise come your way.”
As a CTO, your role extends beyond managing teams and overseeing technology. You are a key representative of your company, both internally and externally. By becoming a public speaker, you’re not just sharing your expertise—you’re also showcasing your leadership, innovation, and vision. This can open doors to new opportunities, whether it’s speaking at more prestigious events, networking with other leaders, or even landing your next big career move.
Getting Started: The First Steps to Becoming a Speaker
So, how do you get started with public speaking, especially if you’ve never done it before?
Aviv shared a strategy that worked for him when he first began: “Start small. Look for local meetups or smaller conferences where you can present on topics you’re passionate about. These smaller venues are always looking for speakers and offer a great way to get your feet wet.”
Local meetups and smaller events are less intimidating than large conferences, making them the perfect starting point. They allow you to practice your speaking skills in a more intimate setting, where the stakes aren’t as high. Plus, these events often have regular meetups, meaning there’s a constant demand for fresh content.
One of Aviv’s key tips is to choose topics that are specific and actionable. For example, instead of a broad topic like “The Future of AI,” you could focus on something like “How We Optimized Our CI/CD Pipeline with AI Tools.” The more specific and practical your topic, the more value you provide to your audience, and the more likely you are to be invited back.
Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
If the thought of standing in front of a crowd makes your palms sweat, you’re not alone. Public speaking is a common fear, but it can be overcome with practice and preparation.
“Being on stage is something most techies don’t find natural,” Aviv admitted. “But if you start with smaller meetups, it’s a lot easier to ramp up. Over time, you’ll build the confidence to take on bigger stages.”
The key here is to start small and gradually build up your confidence. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—it’s all part of the learning process. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become.
Another tip from Aviv: “Avoid starting with online Zoom conferences. There’s such a huge difference between speaking live and just logging into another Zoom call.”
The energy of a live audience, even a small one, can make a big difference in helping you build your confidence as a speaker.
Crafting a Winning Speaker Proposal
Once you’ve gained some experience speaking at smaller events, you might want to aim higher—perhaps speaking at a national or even international conference. But how do you get your foot in the door?
Aviv shared his approach: “When I’m working with clients who are tech executives, we go through a very simple process. First, we look at the agenda from previous years’ conferences. This helps us understand what topics are popular and what might be missing. Then, we craft a speaker proposal that’s tailored to the conference’s theme.”
He also emphasized the importance of having a strong abstract. “Focus on what people are going to get out of your talk. What’s the takeaway? Why should they care? Make it easy for the selection committee to see why your talk is a perfect fit.”
Don’t stress too much about your speaker bio, especially if you’re just starting out. Many conferences are open to new speakers and even offer support for first-timers. What’s more important is that your abstract clearly outlines the value you’re going to deliver.
Building Your Personal Brand Through Public Speaking
Public speaking is more than just a way to share your ideas—it’s also a powerful tool for building your personal brand.
As Aviv pointed out, “If you’re consistent with your speaking, you’ll start to build a reputation as a thought leader in your field.”
But consistency is key.
Aviv, who has been blogging for years and has published hundreds of articles, likened it to building a flywheel: “You have to keep doing this until you get some momentum. The first time you’re asked to speak internationally, it’s amazing. But after a while, it becomes routine.”
To maintain this momentum, Aviv suggests experimenting with different formats.
“Try writing a blog post, giving a talk, or hosting a webinar. Find what works for you and stick with it.”
The important thing is to keep your content fresh and relevant. Over time, you’ll build a portfolio of work that showcases your expertise and establishes your brand.
Balancing Public Speaking with Your Other Responsibilities
You might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but where do I find the time?” It’s a valid concern—after all, your primary responsibility is leading your team and delivering on your company’s goals.
Aviv offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Commit to small, manageable blocks of time. Set aside just 30 minutes a week to work on your public speaking—whether it’s writing an abstract, preparing a talk, or posting on LinkedIn. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in those 30 minutes.”
By breaking the process down into smaller tasks, you make it more manageable and less overwhelming. Plus, it’s easier to stay consistent when you’re not trying to tackle everything at once.
Taking the Leap: Your First International Speaking Gig
Finally, let’s talk about the ultimate goal for many tech leaders: speaking at an international conference.
Aviv shared his own experience: “It’s easier than you think to go international, especially if you’re in Europe. You can submit proposals to smaller conferences, and once you have a few local talks under your belt, it’s just a matter of time before you’re invited to speak abroad.”
The key, he says, is to start small, stay consistent, and always be looking for opportunities to improve. Whether it’s refining your talk, experimenting with new topics, or simply gaining more experience, every step you take brings you closer to your goal.
Public speaking might seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and mindset, it’s a skill that can be developed like any other. Remember, every great speaker started somewhere, and there’s no reason why you can’t be next.
You can connect with Aviv for more insights on his LinkedIn or a website.
