Public Speaking for Fun and Profit

While there are many Toastmasters and National Speakers Association members who speak for fun and profit, none can touch the stellar earnings that retired (but not retiring) politicians can rake in at the podium.

As I reported back in 2008, ex-President Clinton (well, I suppose there’s still only one, so no need to clarify like there is with the confusing Bush, Snr and Bush, Jnr) earned beaucoup bucks from the podium.

Now the UK Independent newspaper is shocked, shocked! to hear that ex-PM Cameron (no need to clarify, unlike Pitt the Elder and Pitt the Younger) earns £2,000 per minute speaking about the defining issue of his premiership: the Brexit vote. They note that

While Prime Minister, Mr Cameron earnt £143,462 per year, the standard salary for the role.

Now he’s no longer forced to slum it in Number 10 he can jet around the world in Tony Blair’s footsteps, who knows how to earn a few bob post-Westminster.

Of course, career politicians of this ilk can cash in giving an hour speech here and there, while lesser ones must make money the old fashioned way, as lobbyists and board members.

David Cameron Speaks

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Another British politician making big money on the lecture circuit in the States is ex-Chancellor George Osborne, sacked by the current PM, who is reported to have received £320,000 on top of his salary for delivering a number of speeches in America.

The hapless George Osborne continues to attract media attention for his income from public speaking. He’s now reported to have earned £600,000. According to The Sun:

The 45-year-old has made more than 10 since the end of September, with fees totalling £627,889 – more than eight times an MP’s annual salary.

Osborne Speeches



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