Free Speaker “One-Sheet” Templates
If you’re an author who does talks, panels, podcasts, school visits, library events, or workshops, there’s one small but mighty document that can make your life much easier: a speaker one-sheet.
Event organizers are busy. Podcast hosts are busy. Teachers, librarians, Rotary coordinators, and writing festival programmers are very busy. When they’re deciding who to invite — or trying to confirm details quickly — they don’t want to hunt through your website or piece together information from five different pages.
That’s where your speaker one-sheet comes in.
Below, you’ll find free, customizable Canva templates you can use to create a professional speaker one-sheet in minutes — plus a quick explanation of what a speaker one-sheet is, why authors need one, and how it helps you say “yes” to opportunities with far less friction.
What is a speaker one-sheet?
A speaker one-sheet is a single-page PDF designed for event organizers and hosts. It gives them everything they need to understand who you are as a speaker and what you offer — at a glance.
A typical speaker one-sheet includes:
Your name and role (e.g. author, novelist, nonfiction expert)
A short bio written for event hosts, not readers
Your speaking topics or talk titles
The types of events you’re available for (panels, keynotes, workshops, school visits, podcasts, etc.)
A professional photo
Notable past appearances or credentials (if relevant)
Contact details or booking information
Think of it as a speaker-focused snapshot of you — not a résumé, not a press kit, and not a sales page.
Why you need a speaker one-sheet (especially as an author)
Many authors rely on their website or media page and assume that’s “good enough.” In practice, organizers often want something simpler, faster, and easier to forward.
A speaker one-sheet helps you:
Make it easy to say yes to you
When someone asks, “Do you have info I can share with the committee?” you can send one clean PDF instead of a long explanation or a list of links.Be taken seriously as a speaker
Even if speaking isn’t your main income stream, a one-sheet signals professionalism. It shows that you understand how events work — and that you’re prepared.Clarify what you actually talk about
Authors often undersell or overcomplicate their speaking topics. A one-sheet forces clarity: What would this audience walk away with?Save time (and mental energy)
Once it’s done, you’re no longer rewriting the same explanation, every time an opportunity pops up.
How to use these free templates:
Your speaker one-sheet needs to look professional, showcase your expertise, and get you booked!
Create your businesslike, effective one-sheet using one of these 5 free Canva templates. Just swap out the placeholder text and images, add your contact information and call to action. Then save as a PDF, ready to engage with podcast hosts, event organizers, teachers, and librarians.
Choose the template you'd like to work with
Follow the link to open your template in Canva
Click on Use template
You'll need a Canva account, if you don't already have one. Either the "free" or "pro" plan will work fine.
Change the text, images, and colors to make the template your own.
Download your finished Speaker One Sheet as a PDF file.
Use the PDF:
When you email potential speaker bookers
When you pitch to podcast hosts
As a high quality document that you send by mail
As a downloadable file, available on your speaker/author website (here’s how to add it to your Squarespace site)
Choose your template:
There are 5 free templates in this collection to choose from:
One page, great if you're a beginner speaker
Two pages, suitable if you're an experienced speaker and you also have a book
Two pages, ideal if you're an established speaker with multiple stage photos
Two pages, great for an experienced speaker with a tall or "standing" photo, and you also have a book
One page, perfect if you're a beginner speaker pitching as a podcast guest.
All of the colors, fonts, photos, and graphics can be switched out easily in Canva. So pick a template with a structure that works for you.
One page, great if you're a beginner speaker
One page
Great for beginner speakers
Template shown left, sample result shown right
Two pages, suitable if you're an experienced speaker and you also have a book
Two pages
Perfect for experienced speakers who also have a book
Template shown left, sample result shown right
Two pages, ideal if you're an established speaker with multiple photos
Two pages
Ideal for established speakers with multiple stage photos
Template shown left, sample result shown right
Two pages, great for an experienced speaker with a tall or "standing" photo, and you also have a book
Two pages
Great for experienced speakers with a standing photo, who also have a book
Template shown left, sample result shown right
One page, perfect if you're a beginner speaker, pitching as a podcast guest
One page
Great for beginner speakers applying as a podcast guest
Template shown left, sample result shown right
Template shown left, sample result shown right
Helpful resources for working with your template
To download your design, see the video called Sharing, Collaborating, and Downloading
I created these templates based on years of working with authors, speakers, and thought leaders who want to present themselves professionally to event organizers and media. I’d love to see what you create!
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Thinking about your wider author or speaker platform?
Your speaker one-sheet is a useful tool, but it works best when it’s part of a clear, well-designed website that does the heavy lifting for you. If you’re ready for a professionally designed author website built to support your work, you can explore my services here.
Popular resources for a powerful author/speaker website
50 step author website checklist (aka, 50 reasons to hire me to do it for you!)
Save 10% off your first subscription for a Squarespace website by using the code PAULINE10
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