Keynote Speaker, Event Hosting - Dallas, TX

I want to be a speaker!

Hello everyone, welcome to my blog! Join me on my speaking journey. Years ago, I always wanted to be a speaker, but I did not know how to begin. So, I googled speakers. You know what was funny, when I googled “speakers”, audio speakers popped up. I imagined my head on a speaker. It was hard to get that image out of my head. Of course, I had to be a little more detailed, so I googled motivational speakers. Speaking information popped up, but I was not sure what type of speaker I wanted to be. Only because I already conducted instructional disaster workshops for different agencies throughout Dallas. At the time, I wanted to be an instructor, but I only found volunteer positions. As much as I enjoy volunteering, it did not pay the bills. Over the years I worked non-speaking job. But I always had a passion to speak. Sometimes, I would speak for friends, family and small events. I loved it. But I want to get paid the big bucks! At the time, I thought I had to be famous or have a Doctorate. Well, I was wrong!
I discovered …….
There can be many reasons why someone might want to become a speaker. Some common reasons include wanting to share knowledge or experiences, inspire others, or promote a cause or idea. What is your reason for wanting to become a speaker? less

My list of 10 speaking niches!

I realized I do not have to be famous or have a doctorate to be a speaker.
For the sake of others not reading my very long list of speaking niches or genres, I will keep my list to 10. If you all want the full list, please email me.

Emcee and keynote speaking caught my interest.

But there are so many speaking niches and genres to focus on.

An emcee, or master of ceremonies, is a person who hosts an event and serves as the official spokesperson.

5 different types of emcees:

Wedding Emcee manages the flow of a wedding reception, introduces the wedding party, and makes announcements.
Music Festival Emcee introduces the bands and keeps the crowd engaged.

Comedy Show Emcee warms up the audience and introduces the comedians.

Sports Event Emcee announces the players, provides commentary, and engages the crowd.
Corporate Event Emcee hosts corporate events like conferences, product launches, and award ceremonies.

Keynote speaking is the act of giving a speech or presentation that sets the tone or theme for an event or conference. The keynote speaker is typically an expert in their field and their speech is designed to inspire, educate or entertain the audience.

5 different types of keynote speakers:

Motivational keynote involves a speaker who aims to inspire and motivate the audience to take action towards achieving their goals.
Inspirational keynote involves a speaker who shares their personal story or experiences to uplift and inspire the audience.

Industry-specific keynote involves a speaker who is an expert in a particular industry and presents on topics related to that industry.

Entertainment keynote involves a speaker who uses humor, storytelling, and other forms of entertainment to engage and entertain the audience while also delivering a message.

Educational keynote typically involves a speaker who presents on a specific topic, providing valuable information and knowledge to the audience.

Which Niche?

After thorough research, I have decided to pursue a career as an emcee, speaker, and storyteller.

While many speakers recommend sticking to one niche, I have found that this approach has limited my earning potential in the speaking industry.

I believe that my experience in multiple areas of speaking will allow me to be a more well-rounded and versatile speaker. I am confident that I can provide value to a wide range of clients and audiences. Furthermore, I am excited to pursue this new career path, and I am confident that I will be successful.

When trying to determine one's niche, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option.

No matter what you decide, it is significant to do your research and network with other professionals in your field. This will help you learn more about the different opportunities available and make informed decisions about your career.

As an emcee, you are responsible for keeping the event flowing smoothly, introducing speakers, and engaging with the audience. An emcee can be an entertainer, moderator, host, etc.
Here are some tips for being a successful emcee:

Understand the audience and be engaging: Before the event, take some time to research and meet the audience. Make eye contact and use gestures and facial expressions to keep them interested. This will help to create a more personal connection with the audience and make them feel like they are part of the event. This will help you tailor your performance to their expectations and keep them engaged.

Be confident: Speak clearly and project your voice so that everyone can hear you. This will help to keep the audience engaged and interested in what you are saying.

Be professional: Dress appropriately and act in a way that is appropriate for the event. This will help to create a positive image for the event and make the audience feel comfortable.

Use humor wisely: A well-timed joke or a witty remark can lighten the mood and make the event more enjoyable. However, be cautious not to offend anyone or use inappropriate humor.

Interact with the speakers: As an emcee, you are the liaison between the event organizers and the speakers. Take some time to introduce yourself to the speakers and make them feel comfortable. This will help to create a positive atmosphere for the event. Know the event agenda inside and out and be familiar with the speakers and their topics. This will help you to keep the event on track and make sure that all the speakers are introduced and given their proper time to speak.

*In addition to these tips, be adaptable. Even with a well-planned agenda, events can sometimes take unexpected turns. Be prepared to adjust the schedule on the fly and keep the event on track.

As a speaker, you will be delivering a speech or presentation on a specific topic that normally takes place at conferences, corporate meetings etc. Also, speakers can conduct workshops on their topic.
Here are some tips for being a successful speaker:

Choosing a topic that you are passionate about and that you know well, this will help you to deliver a more engaging and informative speech because you will be more likely to be knowledgeable about the topic and have a strong opinion on it. This will make your speech more interesting and persuasive to your audience.

Do your research: Gather information from a variety of sources to support your points. This will help you to build a strong and credible argument.

Structure your speech: Have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This will help your audience to follow your argument and remember your key points.

Use visuals: Charts, graphs, and images can help to illustrate your points and make your speech more engaging.

Practice, practice, practice: Deliver your speech multiple times to friends, family, or colleagues to get feedback and improve your delivery. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when you deliver your speech to a live audience.


*In addition to these tips, it is also important to be professional and respectful of your audience. Dress appropriately and arrive on time for your speech. Be prepared to answer questions from your audience after your speech. And most importantly, enjoy yourself! Delivering a speech that can be a rewarding experience.

Becoming a successful storyteller is an art form that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression. To achieve storytelling excellence, whether through writing, filmmaking, or oral traditions, embrace these three essential tips:

Here are some tips for being a storyteller:

Cultivate Empathy: Great storytellers create relatable characters and situations by understanding and empathizing with their characters. This empathy allows them to craft stories that resonate with audiences, creating a personal connection and making the story unforgettable.

Master Story Structure: Compelling stories follow a clear narrative structure with a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning introduces characters and sets the premise, the middle develops conflicts, and the end resolves the story. This structure provides a backbone for the narrative, guiding the audience through the journey and ensuring they remain engaged and satisfied.

Show, Don’t Tell: Effective storytelling goes beyond merely stating facts or describing scenarios. It involves using vivid details, actions, and dialogue to create a more immersive experience for the audience. By showing rather than telling, the audience is able to visualize the story and draw their own conclusions, resulting in a more impactful and engaging narrative.

By cultivating empathy, mastering story structure, and showing rather than telling, storytellers can elevate their skills, captivate audiences, and leave a lasting impression. Storytelling isn't just about narrating events; it's about connecting with audiences, sharing experiences, and evoking emotions.

Black neon we are open instagram post (1) with hyphen

My name is....... Toñe™!

Yes, you guessed it, Nelda Toñe™ is not my real name…. Many reasons why I use Nelda Toñe™. I got the name by using a name generator software. You can google and several will appear. I typed my first name and many names appeared in from my name. Nelda came up… I thought to myself, it is an uncommon and unique name. Toñe™ was something I used because I am in the industry of sound and communication.

That is how I got my name, Nelda Toñe™. Furthermore, I was able to get Nelda Toñe™ for my Instagram, Facebook LinkedIn, email and all of my social media platforms.
I later got my Doing Business As (DBA) and Employer Identification Number (EIN). These are important items needed to open a bank account for a business. FYI, some banks will not allow you to open a business account under your birth name. I experienced it before.

Several people made jokes about the name Nelda Toñe™. I know I have some serious branding to do with Nelda Toñe™. At first, when Nelda Toñe™ was googled, none of my photos appeared. Now, when Nelda Toñe™ is googled, my photo pops up. That was my goal, to make it easy to find me. I do not want to advertise myself with numbers and letters behind my name, a common name or a difficult name to spell. It will be hard for people to locate. Ex. abc456#@gmail.com or abc456#123.com; I would not be able to remember that, and I am not expecting anyone else to remember that either. So far, Nelda Toñe™ has worked for me.

Thank you for reading! If you have comments, questions and or advice, please email!
neldatone@gmail.com.

Green money pattern phone wallpaper pic nelda money

How I got paid as an emcee!

Getting paid to speak with a steady income can be difficult but it is doable. I started speaking free for years. As I stated previously, I eventually worked, but it was seasonal and part-time for local companies as an emcee. While emceeing at different venues and events. I discovered the types of events I prefer and enjoyed hosting, as you can see on my website under the “event host” tab.

The best way to find speaking gigs quickly and get paid is to look on employment and social media sites. Depending on your geographic location you most likely will find someone needing an emcee, DJ, auctioneer, game host, trivia host, wedding emcee, trade show speaker, etc.

These speaking gigs may not be the type of work you are wanting, but it is a start. Understand that one event may open doors for other speaking gigs in the future. These jobs will get you in front of people speaking on the microphone.

Please research companies that state you can make thousands as a speaker if you sign up with them.

Next, I recommend you take your time; develop and brand yourself, build a website, set up social media accounts. I am still working on my social media accounts. I started with zero friends. I am slowly building my social media following. This is where I recommend you research all internet platforms for information that best suits you for your speaking career.

The speaking career is a marathon, and nothing will happen instantly. Therefore, I am always marketing, booking, developing, branding and learning in the speaking industry. If you would like to know how I searched for emcee paid speaking jobs, please email neldatone@gmail.com.

Why I Hired a Company to Build My Website?

Building a website can be a time consuming and a frustrating task. I tried using several free website builders like WIX, but it took up too much of my time, and I wanted to focus on my work. Besides, who has time for all the social media hoopla, right? I turned to Thumbtack for help, but I was overwhelmed with phone calls and emails from the website developers, so I decided to give up on the idea of finding help. After a few weeks, I tried again, this time by checking on Craigslist. To my surprise, I found a company based in California named Certiplex Corporation.

The gentleman I spoke to was personable and didn't pressure me into making a quick decision. I felt comfortable working with them, so I purchased my domain name, and they built my website. They provided ideas about setting up my social media accounts. I cannot stress enough how having someone else build my website was the best decision I could have made.
I am not getting any endorsements or money from this company. If you would like additional information, click on the link. https://www.certiplex.com.

Getting back on social media after being away for over 5 years while focusing on my business!

You know what’s funny and or unique it is however you perceive it. I have not had Facebook in 6 years, have not been active on LinkedIn in 5 years. I tried Instagram and Twitter 2 years ago, but I gave up; and Tic Tok is over my head! I knew I had to learn and get on at least one platform for my speaking business. So, I researched and discovered……….. I need a degree in social media (Ha, Ha) ….. Really… Everything has changed. I am angry with myself for not keeping up with the social media trends.

The reason I was not on social media for years is that I wanted to keep my private life off the social media sites. It was important for me to have boundaries and protect my privacy, especially in today's world.. many people feel the same way.
However, having a presence on at least one platform is essential for my speaking business. From my research I discovered:

To choose a platform that aligns with my business goals and target audience. If I am targeting a younger demographic, I should use TikTok or Instagram, it might be more appropriate than Facebook or LinkedIn.

Develop content and topics that apply to my audience while showcasing my expertise. Consistency is golden, but it's better to post quality content less frequently than to post mediocre content every day.

Engage with my audience by responding to their comments and messages. This will help me build a relationship with my followers and establish credibility as a speaker.

Experiment with different content, such as videos or infographics. Since I realized social media is constantly changing, it is important to stay up to date with new trends and features.

Social media is a powerful tool for building my brand and connecting with potential clients. With dedication and creativity, I can develop a strong online presence while still maintaining my privacy and boundaries.

The importance of joining an association!

I joined Innovation Women in 2022, and recently started using their materials in 2023. I wished I used their resources when I first joined. Please join an organization that best suits your goals in your business and or speaking career.

Joining an association is an excellent way to advance your career and gain valuable insights into industry trends.

In addition to the benefits mentioned, here are some other advantages of joining an association:

Attend conferences and events: Many associations organize conferences and events that can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends, learn from experts, and meet new people. These events can also provide opportunities to showcase your work and build your reputation in the industry.

Access to industry research: Many associations conduct research on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. By joining an association, you can gain access to this research, which can help you make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

Professional development opportunities: Associations often offer training programs, webinars, and workshops to help members develop their skills and knowledge. These programs can also provide opportunities to earn certifications or credentials that can enhance your credibility in the industry.

Advocacy and lobbying: Some associations advocate for their members on policy issues that affect the industry. By joining an association, you can help shape the direction of the industry and ensure that your voice is heard on important issues.



In summary, joining an association can be a valuable investment in your career. Be sure to explore all the resources available to you, attend events and conferences, and take advantage of professional development opportunities to stay ahead of the curve in your industry.

The Value of Improv in Public Speaking and Everyday Life!

As a speaker, I've gained valuable experience from taking improv classes. Improv isn't just about comedy – it can also help develop skills that are applicable to everyday life.

Improv's “Yes and…” model, a communication technique that encourages people to build on each other's ideas, is particularly helpful. This model is based on the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and that the best ideas come from collaboration.

When using the “Yes, and…” model, people should avoid saying “no” or disagreeing with each other. Instead, they should focus on building on each other's ideas. This can be achieved by adding new information, offering suggestions, or simply agreeing with what the other person has said.

Here are some other ways improv can be beneficial:

Improv helps develop active listening skills, which are essential in any communication setting.

It also helps in developing empathy and understanding other people's perspectives. This is especially useful in situations where you need to negotiate with others or handle conflicts.

Improv can boost your confidence in public speaking, giving you the ability to express yourself clearly and persuasively in front of an audience.

It also helps in developing quick thinking skills, which can be useful in situations that require you to make quick decisions.

Improv can also reduce stress and anxiety by providing a fun and supportive environment where you can relax and be yourself.



While improv classes are typically associated with comedy schools, they can also be found in theater programs. Overall, improv has been a very positive experience for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their communication and speaking skills.

A Comprehensive Approach to Goal Setting

As a keynote speaker, I am honored to share my knowledge, experiences, and insights with large audiences. I aim to inspire and motivate people to take positive action. As an expert in my field, I strive to deliver informative and engaging speeches that connect with my audience on a personal level, leaving them feeling inspired and empowered.

While the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goal-setting framework is widely used and easy to follow, it has certain limitations. These include setting unrealistic goals, inadequate planning, and setting too many goals, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed.

In my keynote presentations, I go beyond SMART Goals. I share my personal life experiences, challenges, and stories, as well as those of others, to emphasize the importance of setting goals. I provide additional resources to help individuals achieve their objectives, especially when they reach the limits of their SMART goals.

It is essential to recognize that achieving goals alone may not always be possible. Seeking support from resources such as books, workshops, or mentors can be beneficial. It is also important to acknowledge when external assistance is necessary and to ask for help without letting pride get in the way. If goals are not achievable or are no longer relevant, it's okay to stop or change them. We can learn from our mistakes and set better goals in the future.

In conclusion, I emphasize the significance of SMART Goals, discuss their limitations, and provide proactive steps to support individuals in achieving their objectives. Through this comprehensive approach to goal-setting, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively set and accomplish their goals.

Five reasons storytelling is important in speaking!

Storytelling is a valuable skill to have. It is a unique art form to master. We can use it in teaching, entertainment, speaking and etc.

Here are 5 reasons storytelling is important in speaking:

1. It can help you relate with your audience on a higher level.
When you tell a story, you are inviting your audience into your world and sharing your experiences with them. This can create a strong connection between you and your listeners.
For example, if you are giving a speech about the importance of education, you could tell a story about a time when you were struggling in school but eventually overcame your challenges. This would help your audience to relate to your experience and see the importance of education from your perspective.

2. It can help you make your points more memorable.
Stories are a powerful way to communicate information. When you tell a story, your audience is more likely to remember the points you are trying to make.
For example, if you are giving a speech about the dangers of smoking, you could tell a story about a friend or family member who has suffered from the effects of smoking. This would help your audience to remember the dangers of smoking and the importance of quitting.

3. It can help you build credence with your audience.
When you share your personal experiences, you are showing your audience that you are a real person with genuine feelings. This can help them trust you and what you have to say.
For example, if you are giving a speech about the importance of mental health, you could tell a story about a time when you struggled with your own mental health. This would help your audience to see that you are not just talking about something you have read about, but something that you have experienced firsthand.

4. It can help you make your presentations more engaging.
Presentations can be boring, but stories can make them more engaging. When you tell a story, your audience is more likely to pay attention and stay engaged.
For example, if you are giving a presentation about a new product, you could tell a story about how the product came to be or how it has helped someone. This would help your audience to stay interested in your presentation and remember the information you are sharing.

5. It can help you be a more persuasive speaker.
When you tell a story, you are using emotion to connect with your audience. This can make your arguments more persuasive.
For example, if you are giving a speech about voting, you could tell a story about a time when someone's vote made a difference. This would help your audience to see the importance of voting and why they should vote in the next election.

If you want to be a better speaker, learn how to tell stories. Stories are a powerful tool that can help you connect with your audience, make your points more memorable, build trust, and be more persuasive.