Your Headshot is Speaking Before You Do - Make Sure It's Saying the Right Thing
Picture this: you’re preparing to step onto a stage – maybe you’re joining a panel of experts, presenting a keynote, or running a workshop. You’ve rehearsed your slides, nailed your talking points, and finally figured out what to wear. But long before you take that first confident step into the spotlight, the audience has already met you.
How? Through your headshot.
Event organisers use your photo for the program, the website, social posts, and marketing emails. Attendees scrolling through LinkedIn will spot it before they ever see you in person. Sometimes it’s even projected onto a big screen seconds before you speak. That little square of pixels sets the tone for the impression you’re about to make.
First Impressions Happen Fast – and Mostly Online
We all know first impressions are powerful, but here’s the kicker: they’re often made before you’ve said a single word. In his book Blink, Malcolm Gladwell explores how people form opinions in as little as seven seconds. Your potential clients, collaborators, or audience members are no different. When they see your image on an event lineup, their brain is already making calls about credibility, approachability, and relevance.
An outdated, overly casual, or badly lit photo can quietly work against you. Maybe it’s from a role you left years ago. Maybe it’s a crop of a family photo (yes, the one where you cut your partner’s shoulder out). Maybe it’s just… tired. None of these options support the expertise you’re about to deliver on stage.
On the other hand, a strong, up-to-date headshot works like a silent introduction that says:
“I’m current and credible in my field.”
“I look like someone you can trust and connect with.”
“I’m prepared and professional – what i’m saying is worth your time.”
Why Speakers Need a Fresh Headshot
Think about the events you’ve attended. Have you ever looked at a speaker’s headshot in the program and then done a subtle double take when they walked on stage? That small disconnect can chip away at trust and distract the audience from your message. A photo that truly looks like you today – your current style, hair, glasses, and energy – instantly bridges that gap.
A great headshot also gives organisers more reason to feature you. Sharp, professional images help them promote the event with confidence. Social posts featuring polished speaker images often get better engagement, which can mean more eyes on you and your expertise.
And let’s be honest: you’ll feel better walking into that room knowing your first impression is already handled. Instead of worrying about whether your photo looks like “old you,” you can focus on connecting with the crowd and delivering value.
True story, recently I was photographing an event and the headshots of the panel members popped up on screen. One of the speakers did a double take because their EA had sent a headshot of them that was 10 years old!
They all made a bit of a joke out of it and she mentioned on stage that maybe it was time for a refresh.
What a Great Speaking Headshot Looks Like
A speaking gig headshot isn’t just a random portrait – it’s a visual handshake. Here’s what to aim for:
Authenticity: You still need to look like you, not a super-glam, barely recognisable version.
Professional polish: Clean lighting, flattering angles, and a background that doesn’t distract.
Personality: Warmth, approachability, or authority – whatever matches your brand.
Versatility: A shot that works for print programs, LinkedIn, slides, and Instagram without cropping awkwardly.
Often, a mix of close-up and slightly wider portraits gives you options for different formats. Neutral or softly textured backgrounds work beautifully for event listings and are easy for organisers to use in promotional materials.
When to Refresh Your Headshot
If you’re stepping onto a stage soon, ask yourself:
Does my current headshot look like me right now?
Is it more than three years old?
Have I changed roles, industries, or personal style?
Am I secretly using a cropped wedding guest photo?
If you said “yes” to any of those, it’s time.
Even if you’re not speaking immediately, updating every few years keeps your professional image aligned with your growth. Careers evolve, personal branding shifts, and trends in photography change too (goodbye, heavy vignettes and muddy coloured filters)
Confidence Starts Before the Stage
Presenting – whether to 20 people in a workshop or a thousand at a conference – is vulnerable enough without worrying that your photo feels outdated. An intentional, professional headshot is a small investment with a big return: it builds trust, helps people connect with you instantly, and lets you walk on stage knowing your first impression is already working hard on your behalf.
So, if you’ve got a speaking gig coming up, consider this your friendly nudge. Update that headshot. Give organisers a photo you’re proud to splash across their socials. And give yourself the gift of confidence before you even step into the spotlight.
Still rocking the “2014 you” in your speaker bio? Let’s fix that.
Book a headshot session, feel confident and let your photo do the warm-up act before you hit the stage.
