As a busy homeschooling mom, pastoral assistant, writer, and sought-after speaker, Chrystal Evans Hurst can’t say yes to every organization that invites her to speak. In a conversation with hope*writers, she tells us what she needs to know about a speaking engagement before she says yes.

New speakers often say yes to any opportunity that comes their way because the experience and visibility gained often outweigh the time and energy commitment required for the event. As you gain experience and your schedule begins to fill, you need to know exactly what you’re saying yes to. 

“There are questions you ask when you’re ten years, twenty years in that you don’t ask when you’re two months in.” — Chrystal Evans Hurst

It’s good practice to begin asking questions that help you understand the commitment and the needs of the audience as soon as you begin your speaking career. However, your own needs and questions will...