A connection recently asked: “What’s the best way to post your speaking engagements on LinkedIn, if you’ve only spoken once or rarely?”
My answer depends on how you were promoted as a speaker. If you spoke on behalf of your company, the best way is likely to include it as part of your employment description or, if there is an event website that lists you as a speaker for the event, use Projects to list it with a link to the appropriate event page.
The reason for choosing this option is the credibility (Back It Up) that comes from having your name prominently associated with the event. It serves as a credibility enhancement. Either way, you effectively served as a spokesperson for your company, which shows their faith in you as someone who can help “tow the line” of the company message in public.
If your speaking engagement was not promoted as part of your employment, you can list it as a separate job if you’d like to attract more opportunities; otherwise, I would list it under honors and awards.
For Honors and Awards, you have two options. You can include it in the Additional Information section, which is entirely text based, or you can Add Section: Honors & Awards (you’ll find the link in Edit mode just under your Header). This will again allow you to include the organization you spoke for and a URL. If the organization relates to your industry or is otherwise well aligned with your profession, I would use this section as it enhances the credibility of the experience by virtue of you yourself providing a more prominent recognition of the value of the activity related to your professional work.
If you have a special situation ad would like to discuss the best way for you as an individual to highlight your special professional experiences, please contact me directly and I’ll spend a few minutes discussing a strategy to highlight your experiences in an appropriate way for your situation. I’d love to help you figure this out in a way that enhances your career!
Lori Ruff, The LinkedIn Diva, is a speaker, trainer, author and radio host in the LinkedIn and social media world. One of LinkedIn's Top Three Most Connected Women, she has influenced tens of thousands of people during her 15+ year speaking and training career. She is one of Forbes Top 50 Social Media Power Influencers of 2012. Wouldn't you like to meet The Diva too?
