How to Invite and Book a Resource Speaker in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Resource Speakers Matter

When a company invites me to speak, the first question I always ask is simple: “What do you want your people to walk away with?”

Some organizations hesitate. They say, “We just want them inspired.” Others say, “We want them to learn something useful.” And every so often, someone admits: “Honestly, Sir Jef, we’re not sure.”

I remember one school in Batangas that invited me for their recognition day. For years, they had been calling motivational speakers to fire up the students. The talks were always fun—stories of success, reminders to dream big, applause at the end. The parents loved it. But the following Monday, the students went back to the same questions: “So what now? How do we actually get there?”

That year, they tried something different. They invited me as a resource speaker on career readiness. Instead of just telling stories, I gave the students a framework for planning their next steps. We practiced writing short “future self” scripts, listed real options after graduation, and even role-played how to introduce yourself in a job interview.

The difference was immediate. After the program, one student came up and said, “Sir, ngayon ko lang naisip, kaya ko palang magsimula na. Hindi lang pala pangarap, may paraan pala.”

That’s the power of a resource speaker. It’s not about adding noise to an event. It’s about giving people a map they can actually use.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to invite and book a resource speaker in the Philippines—step by step. Whether you’re an HR manager, a school administrator, or part of a government agency, this guide will help you find the right person, set them up for success, and maximize the impact long after the talk is over.

Because here’s the truth: a good talk can inspire—but the right resource speaker can transform.

Step 1: Clarify Your Goal Before You Invite

The biggest mistake I see in event planning is this: inviting a speaker without really knowing why.

A few years ago, a manufacturing company in Laguna reached out to me. They said, “Sir Jef, we need a resource speaker on leadership.”

So I asked my usual question: “What do you want your leaders to do differently after the session?”

Silence. Then someone answered, “We just want them motivated, para gumalaw naman.”

I smiled and said, “That sounds like you’re looking for a motivational speaker, not a resource speaker.”

When we dug deeper, the real problem surfaced. It wasn’t a lack of motivation—it was a pattern of blame-shifting and finger-pointing on the factory floor. Leaders weren’t taking ownership. They wanted to be seen as busy, but they avoided accountability when things went wrong.

So instead of a generic “leadership” talk, we designed a resource session using The Ownership Path. I introduced the Owner’s Path™ framework—See it, Own it, Solve it, Ship it. We practiced language shifts, like turning “Hindi kasi sila proactive” into “Here’s what I can do to make follow-through clearer.”

That’s when the HR head realized: “We didn’t need more energy. We needed a mindset shift in responsibility.”

If you don’t know your goal, you’ll end up hiring the wrong speaker.

So before sending that invitation letter, take five minutes to answer these questions:

• What’s the one thing we want people to take away?
• Do we need them inspired, informed, or equipped?
• What change do we want to see a week after the talk?

Write your answers down in one clear sentence. For example:

• “We want our supervisors to stop blaming and start owning results.”
• “We want our students to leave with a concrete plan for their career path.”
• “We want our managers to learn practical tools for running more effective meetings.”

That single sentence will guide everything—from the speaker you choose, to the stories they tell, to the follow-up actions you can reinforce.

Because the truth is, a resource speaker doesn’t just fill time in your program. They help you move closer to a goal. But only if you’re clear about what that goal really is.

Step 2: Identify the Right Kind of Resource Speaker

Not all resource speakers are the same. Just because someone carries the title doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for your event.

I remember an HR manager from a bank in Ortigas who proudly said, “We already booked a resource speaker for innovation!” When I asked who it was, she mentioned a popular finance professor. Smart, respected, full of knowledge. But when the day came, the professor delivered a two-hour lecture filled with economic theories.

The audience? Mid-level managers who needed practical tools to redesign processes. After 30 minutes, people were sneaking glances at their phones. The content was solid—but the speaker wasn’t the right kind of resource for that goal.

So what makes the right match?

1. Match expertise to the challenge.

• If your issue is leadership accountability, look for someone who teaches responsibility, ownership, and influence. (Think: The Ownership Path™ framework.)
• If your issue is teamwork and collaboration, find someone who has worked with Filipino teams and can show practices that actually work in our culture. (Think: Team First stories about shifting from “they” to “I.”)
• If your issue is innovation and productivity, a speaker who helps people think like creators is key. (Think: Work Like an Artist principles—small experiments, draft-first mentality, creating instead of complying.)

2. Look for cultural resonance.
Filipino audiences connect through kwento. A good resource speaker won’t just throw frameworks at you; they’ll weave them into stories of local workplaces—BPOs, schools, LGUs, NGOs—so the lessons feel familiar and usable.

3. Know what they are not.
A resource speaker is not just someone who can talk long. They are not a substitute for a motivational speaker. If your speaker’s slides are filled with theories but no tools, you’re getting a lecturer—not a resource.

• A motivational speaker is like coffee: it wakes you up.
• A resource speaker is like vitamins: it builds you up.
• And just like vitamins, you need the right kind. Taking Vitamin C when you actually need Iron won’t solve your problem.

So, before booking anyone, ask: “What kind of expertise and stories will serve our audience best?”

Because in the end, the right resource speaker isn’t just the one with a title. It’s the one who fits your problem like a key fits a lock.

Step 3: Where to Find Good Resource Speakers in the Philippines

The best resource speakers don’t always show up on the first page of Google. In the Philippines, we often find the right person the Filipino way—through referrals, word-of-mouth, and kakilala ng kakilala.

I once worked with a government agency in Pampanga that needed a resource speaker on customer service. At first, they searched online and ended up with a long list of names—some popular, some promising. But the director was hesitant. “We don’t really know them,” she said.

So she asked around. A colleague from another agency mentioned a speaker they had invited before. “Magaling siya. Hindi lang puro kwento, may tools talaga. Our people used his framework the next day.” That one trusted recommendation carried more weight than ten websites. They booked him immediately. And they were happy with the results.

That’s how it often works here.

Where do you start looking?

1. Professional Networks
   • Check associations like the Toastmasters clubs, or even HR and industry groups. These are communities where credible speakers sharpen their craft.
2. Referrals from Schools, NGOs, or LGUs
   • Many speakers start by serving in educational or community programs. Don’t underestimate these invitations—sometimes the most grounded speakers come from these circles.
3. Online Search and Social Media
   • LinkedIn is an underrated goldmine. Search for “resource speaker Philippines” or filter by topic (leadership, innovation, teamwork). Look at their posts, videos, and engagement.
   • Facebook groups (for HR managers or teachers) often share speaker recommendations.
4. Speaker Websites
   • Serious professionals usually maintain a website with details about their expertise, client list, and testimonials. Example: my resource speaker page. If a speaker doesn’t show any track record online, be cautious.

What should you look for?

• Trust signals: Testimonials from past clients, logos of companies they’ve worked with, or published books.
• Practical evidence: Do they share tools, not just quotes? Can you find videos or recordings of their sessions?
• Cultural fit: Do their examples connect to Filipino audiences, or are they simply importing Western slides?

Here’s the truth:

• When we buy fish in the palengke, we often go to our suki. Not because they’re the cheapest, but because we trust their quality.
• Finding a resource speaker works the same way. Referrals and proven results matter more than flashy ads.

So don’t just search. Ask. Listen. Observe. The best speaker for your event might be one trusted referral away.

Step 4: How to Reach Out and Invite a Resource Speaker

Inviting a resource speaker is more than just saying, “Sir, baka puwede po kayong mag-talk?”
I’ve lost count of how many vague invitations land in my inbox. Some are just one-liners:

• “Hi Sir Jef, available ka ba sa March 15?”
• “Pwede ka ba maging speaker sa seminar namin?”

Good intentions, yes. But without details, the speaker can’t even decide if they’re the right fit—or if they’re free.

Let me share two contrasting stories.

Story 1: The Vague Invite
A university once reached out to me with just a text message: “Good pm sir, baka po pwede kayong maging speaker sa recognition program namin.” No date, no time, no topic, no audience profile. I didn’t know if they wanted me to motivate, teach, or simply entertain. In the end, I had to politely decline—because if they weren’t clear about their expectations, how could I prepare to deliver value?

Story 2: The Professional Invite
Contrast that with a private company in Makati that emailed me a proper letter. It included:

• The event purpose: to equip supervisors with practical tools for accountability.
• The audience profile: 60 supervisors from operations, mostly aged 25–35.
• The date, time, and venue.
• The requested topic: practical leadership habits from The Ownership Path.
• The honorarium they could offer.

The difference? I didn’t have to guess. I knew what they wanted, I knew who I’d be serving, and I could start thinking about stories and exercises that would work for them.

So what should you include in your invitation?

1. Event Details: Date, time, location, and duration of the session.
2. Purpose: Why you’re inviting a resource speaker. What’s the desired outcome?
3. Audience Profile: Who will be listening (age, role, size of group).
4. Topic or Focus: Be specific. Instead of “leadership,” say “practical ways to build accountability in teams.”
5. Honorarium or Budget: Be transparent. Respect goes both ways.

Sample Email (Formal, for corporates):

Subject: Invitation to Speak at [Company Name] Leadership Workshop

Dear [Speaker’s Name],

We would like to invite you as a resource speaker for our upcoming workshop on [topic]. The session will be held on [date, time] at [venue], with [audience size and profile].

Our goal is to [insert clear outcome, e.g., “equip our supervisors with tools to strengthen accountability and collaboration”].

We would be glad to discuss your professional fee/honorarium and any requirements you may have.

Thank you, and we look forward to the possibility of learning from you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name, Position]

Sample Email (Taglish, for schools/NGOs):

Subject: Invitation as Resource Speaker – [School/NGO Name]

Good day, Sir/Ma’am!

We are inviting you as our resource speaker for [event name] on [date, time] at [venue]. The audience will be [students/teachers/participants].

Our goal is to help them [example: “prepare for their next career step by giving practical advice on job interviews and career planning”].

We can provide an honorarium and would be glad to know your requirements.

Maraming salamat po!
[Your Name, Position]

A vague invite makes it hard for the speaker to say yes. A clear, respectful invite makes it easy for the speaker to prepare, customize, and deliver value.

Step 5: Talking About Fees and Honorarium

Now let’s talk about the part most organizers feel awkward about—fees.

I get it. In the Philippines, we don’t always feel comfortable discussing money upfront. But when it comes to inviting a resource speaker, clarity about honorarium is a sign of respect.

Story 1: The Awkward Call
A school once called me and said, “Sir, we’d love for you to be our resource speaker… pero wala po kaming budget. Baka puwede na lang po ‘yung certificate of appreciation.”

I appreciated their honesty, but here’s the reality: resource speakers spend hours preparing, traveling, and tailoring content. For many, this is their livelihood. A certificate is nice—but it doesn’t cover gas, meals, or the years of expertise behind the talk.

Story 2: The Respectful HR Manager
On the other hand, an HR manager from a BPO in Cebu reached out with this line: “Sir Jef, we really want you as a resource speaker for our supervisors. Our budget is limited, but we’d like to honor your time. Can we discuss what’s possible?”

Notice the difference? She didn’t undervalue the work. She acknowledged the limits and opened the door for negotiation. Because of her honesty and respect, I accepted the engagement and even added bonus materials for their team.

What should you know about fees in the Philippines?

• Entry-level speakers may charge ₱10,000–₱20,000 for short sessions.
• Experienced professionals (with books, corporate track records) often range ₱30,000–₱60,000 for half-day or full-day engagements.
• Seasoned authorities or highly in-demand speakers may charge ₱100,000+.

Schools and NGOs usually offer an honorarium—sometimes smaller, but when done respectfully (covering travel, food, and a token), speakers often agree.

The principle is simple:
👉 Don’t hide the budget. Don’t assume exposure is enough.
👉 At the same time, don’t be afraid to say, “Here’s what we can afford, but we truly value your work.”

Most Filipino speakers are flexible when they sense respect and sincerity.

Quick Tips for Discussing Fees

1. Mention the honorarium upfront if possible.
2. If unsure, ask: “May I know your professional fee for this type of session?”
3. If the budget is small, highlight the value of the audience (visibility, referrals, future partnerships).
4. Always provide meals, transportation, and a certificate of appreciation—these are part of Filipino hospitality.

Because at the end of the day, inviting a resource speaker is not just about booking a slot. It’s about building a relationship of trust and respect.

Step 6: Collaborate on Content and Format

A common mistake organizers make is this: they think the speaker just “shows up and talks.”

But the best sessions happen when the organizer and the resource speaker collaborate on the content and format.

Story 1: The Generic Talk
A company once invited me for a leadership seminar. They gave me only the theme: “Leading with Excellence.” No context, no challenges, no audience profile. I arrived, delivered stories, and gave them practical leadership tools. The session went well—but I left with the nagging sense that it could have been so much better if I had known what issues they were really facing.

Story 2: The Tailored Workshop
Contrast that with an LGU in Quezon Province. Before the session, the HR head sent me a short document:

• Top 3 challenges their leaders were facing (late reports, weak follow-through, finger-pointing).
• Audience profile (mostly department heads, ages 30–45).
• Their desired outcome (“We want them to leave with tools to own their results and model accountability”).

With that information, I customized the session. Instead of general leadership stories, I walked them through The Ownership Path™: See it, Own it, Solve it, Ship it. We role-played conversations that shifted blame to responsibility. Leaders practiced admitting small mistakes in front of peers.

Afterward, the HR head told me, “This is the first time our people admitted fault in a public setting. That alone is a breakthrough.”

The Difference?
The first event was good. The second was transformational.

Practical Tips for Collaboration

• Share specific challenges. Don’t just say “We want leadership.” Say “We want our supervisors to learn how to run effective huddles.”
• Give audience context. Tell the speaker who they’ll be talking to, their roles, and even their usual attitudes in sessions.
• Be open about format. Ask: “Would a workshop be better than a keynote?” Sometimes, a 2-hour interactive session beats a 1-hour lecture.
• Co-create outcomes. Ask the speaker: “What can participants do differently a week after the talk?”

Inviting a speaker without collaborating is like calling a chef and saying, “Just cook whatever.” You’ll get food, yes—but if you tell them your guests are vegetarian and allergic to nuts, the chef can create something far more meaningful.

When you collaborate with your resource speaker, you don’t just get a talk. You get a tailored experience that speaks directly to your people’s needs.

Step 7: Prepare Your Audience

Here’s something many organizers overlook: a resource speaker is only half of the equation. The other half is the audience—and whether they’re ready to listen, learn, and apply.

Story 1: The Cold Start
A manufacturing company in Cavite once invited me for a resource session on teamwork. The topic was timely, but no one had told the employees what to expect. When I walked into the room, some participants were fiddling with their phones, others were whispering to seatmates. It took 20 minutes just to get their attention warmed up. The session eventually worked, but we lost precious momentum at the start.

Story 2: The Warm-Up
Now contrast that with a BPO in Quezon City. A week before my session, their HR team emailed participants three short reflection questions:

1. What’s one teamwork challenge you face every day?
2. What’s one thing you wish your teammates did better?
3. If you could fix one habit in your team, what would it be?

They also asked participants to write their answers on index cards and bring them to the session.

When I entered the room, I didn’t have to break the ice. People were already curious, already thinking. We began by collecting their cards, clustering answers on the board, and connecting them to the teamwork framework in Team First. That session had some of the liveliest participation I’ve seen—because the audience wasn’t coming in cold. They were primed.

Why This Matters
A resource speaker thrives when the audience is engaged. Preparing them doesn’t take much, but it makes a massive difference.

Practical Ways to Prepare Your Audience

• Send reflection questions before the event. Keep them short and relevant.
• Share a short primer. A one-page intro to the speaker or the topic helps build anticipation.
• Set the tone. Have the leader or host remind people why the session matters: “This is not just another seminar—it’s about solving the teamwork issues you told us about.”
• Encourage openness. Remind participants that the session works only if they bring real stories and real challenges.

Think of it this way: inviting a resource speaker without preparing your audience is like planting seeds in hard soil. Some may grow, but most will bounce off. Prepare the soil—soften it, water it—and the seeds are far more likely to take root.

Step 8: During the Event – Setting Up for Success

You’ve found the right speaker. You’ve prepared your people. Now comes the moment that determines whether the session will fly—or flop: the event itself.

Story 1: The Wasted Half
I once spoke for an LGU in Bulacan. My slot was 9:00 AM, but the program started late. The emcee spent 25 minutes reading every name on the guest list, followed by three sets of opening remarks. By the time I got the microphone, it was 10:10. My 60-minute session was cut down to 30. I did my best, but participants felt shortchanged. The organizers apologized after: “Sayang, Sir. We really wanted our people to experience your full workshop.”

Story 2: The Smooth Setup
Then there was a private company in Makati. They gave me the first slot of the morning. The host kept the introduction short but meaningful, highlighting my role as a resource speaker who would help the team build new leadership habits. The tech team had already tested the projector and sound system. Breaks were scheduled on time. And here’s the best part: the CEO sat in front, notebook open, modeling attentiveness. The energy in the room was electric—not because of me alone, but because the organizers set the stage for success.

What made the difference?
It wasn’t magic. It was preparation and respect for time.

Practical Ways to Set Up for Success

1. Assign a good host. A confident emcee sets the tone. Keep introductions warm but short.
2. Respect time. Start on time. End on time. Don’t let endless preliminaries eat up the speaker’s slot.
3. Check the setup. Test microphones, projectors, and internet before the session starts. Don’t make the speaker troubleshoot.
4. Seat leadership up front. When bosses model engagement, the audience follows.
5. Minimize distractions. Avoid constant announcements or interruptions. If people need to step out, agree on breaks ahead of time.

A resource speaker is like a surgeon. They can do their best work when the operating room is clean, quiet, and ready. But if the lights flicker, the tools are missing, and people keep barging in, even the best surgeon will struggle.

Set the stage well, and you won’t just get a good talk—you’ll get an experience your people remember.

Step 9: After the Talk – Maximize the Impact

Too many organizations treat a resource session like fireworks—bright and exciting for a moment, but gone once the applause fades. The real value comes after the talk, when people start using what they’ve learned.

Story 1: The “Thank You, Bye-Bye” Session
I once spoke for a school where the organizers were very kind and appreciative. At the end, the principal said, “Thank you, Sir Jef, that was wonderful.” Then everyone went home. No debrief, no next step. The talk became just another event checked off the calendar. Weeks later, when I asked a teacher what stuck, she said, “Ang galing, pero parang wala naman kaming na-apply.”

Story 2: The BPO That Followed Through
Contrast that with a BPO in Ortigas. After my resource session on accountability, the HR team gathered supervisors for a 30-minute debrief. They asked three simple questions:

1. What’s one tool you’re taking from today?
2. How will you use it this week?
3. How will we know it worked?

They also asked me for a one-page summary of The Owner’s Path™ framework, which they printed and pinned on the supervisors’ boards. A week later, supervisors were already practicing the language shifts. A month later, HR reported: “We’re hearing fewer excuses and seeing more small wins.”

The talk wasn’t just an event—it became a shift.

Practical Ways to Maximize Impact

• Debrief immediately. Set aside 15–30 minutes after the session for reflection.
• Assign actions. Ask each participant to commit to one small change.
• Provide reminders. Share the speaker’s slides, frameworks, or a summary sheet.
• Reinforce in meetings. Encourage leaders to bring up tools from the session during huddles.
• Ask for feedback. Collect quick reactions so you know what worked and what needs improvement.

A resource speaker plants seeds. But it’s the organization’s follow-through that waters them. Without care, the seeds die. With attention, they grow into lasting change.

Step 10: Build Long-Term Partnerships

Some organizations think of a resource speaker as a one-time guest—someone you call, clap for, and forget after the event. But the ones that get the biggest results know how to build partnerships that last.

Story 1: The One-Off Invite
An HR officer in Laguna once told me, “Sir, thank you for the talk! We’ll invite you again kapag may budget ulit.” Months passed, then a year. By the time they reached out again, the momentum was gone. The tools I shared had been forgotten, and we had to start from scratch.

Story 2: The School That Grew With a Speaker
Meanwhile, a private school in Batangas tried something different. They invited me first for a values session with Grade 10 students. A few months later, they asked me back for a teachers’ workshop on mentoring. By the next school year, I was working with their administrators on leadership.

The result? Students, teachers, and leaders were all speaking the same language of ownership and teamwork. What started as “just another seminar” became a three-year partnership that shaped the school’s culture.

Why Long-Term Partnerships Work

• Consistency. Repetition deepens the shift. People don’t just hear the message once—they live it across multiple contexts.
• Alignment. When different groups (students, managers, leaders) hear connected lessons, the organization develops a shared vocabulary.
• Trust. Speakers get to know your culture better over time, allowing them to tailor sessions more effectively.

Practical Tips for Building Partnerships

1. Think beyond one event. Ask, “How can this talk be the first step of a longer journey?”
2. Plan a learning arc. For example:
   • Year 1: Supervisors learn accountability tools.
   • Year 2: Managers build advanced leadership practices.
   • Year 3: Executives reinforce the culture with strategy sessions.
3. Stay in touch. Even a simple email update (“Here’s how we applied your tools”) strengthens the relationship.
4. Invest wisely. It may feel cheaper to keep switching speakers, but long-term partnerships often deliver better ROI.

In the barangay, we know the value of having a family doctor. Sure, you can always go to a new clinic, but when you build a relationship with someone who knows your history, the care is deeper. A resource speaker can play the same role in your organization’s growth.

Don’t just book a slot. Build a partnership. That’s how resource speakers move from one-day events to long-term culture shapers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How early should we invite a resource speaker in the Philippines?
Ideally, at least 4–6 weeks before the event. This gives time to coordinate schedules, tailor the content, and prepare your audience. Popular speakers may need 2–3 months of lead time.

Q: What if we have a small budget?
Be honest and respectful. Many speakers adjust when they see sincerity—especially for schools, NGOs, and LGUs. Provide meals, transport, and a proper honorarium. Avoid saying “exposure na lang.”

Q: Can one person be both a motivational and resource speaker?
Yes. Some speakers (myself included) can inspire and equip in the same session. But clarity is key. If you need a motivational spark plus practical tools, tell your speaker so they can design accordingly.

Q: Do we need a formal contract?
Yes, always confirm in writing. Even a simple agreement with date, time, topic, fee, and expectations prevents misunderstandings and builds professionalism.

Q: What topics do Filipino resource speakers usually cover?
Popular areas include leadership, teamwork, productivity, innovation, customer service, career readiness, and Filipino values like bayanihan and malasakit. Choose based on your organization’s real challenges.

Q: How long should a resource session be?
Most run 45–90 minutes for keynotes, or half-day/full-day for workshops. If you want interaction, exercises, and application, give at least 2 hours.

Q: How can we maximize the impact of a resource talk?
Debrief right after the session, give participants a small action to try, and reinforce the tools in meetings. Remember: the talk is the spark, but the organization must keep the fire alive.

Q: What’s the difference between hiring a local speaker vs. an international speaker?
International speakers may bring global frameworks, but Filipino resource speakers connect deeply with local context—stories, humor, and values that resonate with Pinoy audiences.

Closing Story: From Just a Talk to a Turning Point

An HR manager in Pampanga once shared her frustration with me. For years, she had been inviting speakers for every training day—different names each time, always hoping for a breakthrough. Most of the sessions were good. People laughed, clapped, even felt inspired. But when Monday came, it was back to business as usual.

One day, she tried a different approach. Instead of looking for “just another talk,” she clarified her goal: “I want my supervisors to stop pointing fingers and start owning results.” With that clarity, she invited me as a resource speaker.

We didn’t just talk about leadership. We practiced it. Supervisors learned to admit small mistakes in front of peers, to replace excuses with commitments, to reinforce accountability in their huddles.

Weeks later, she called me and said, “Sir Jef, this is the first time I’ve seen real changes after a seminar. They’re still using your tools.”

That’s the difference when you invite the right resource speaker. It’s no longer just an event. It becomes a turning point.

Equip Your People

If you’re planning your next event—whether for a school, company, or government office—don’t settle for another “thank you, bye-bye” session. Choose a speaker who will equip your people with tools they can use the next day.

👉 Learn more about how I serve as a Resource Speaker in the Philippines—and let’s design a session that fits your goals, your people, and your culture.

Because a good talk inspires, but the right resource speaker transforms.