Master Your Speaking Skills for Added Success
One of the best ways to promote yourself is to speak before groups. So let me walk you through the three basic steps: being able to speak, developing a program, and marketing yourself as a speaker.
I’m not going to get into how the number one fear of most people is speaking in public. There are ways to fix that. The more you speak in front of groups, the easier it is to do. For years, I’ve recommended writers join a local Toastmaster group. There is one in nearly every town. If you’re not comfortable speaking in front of a group, they’ll have you speaking like a pro in no time. There are also media training services, but I’ve found Toastmasters to be my person choice for recommending.
Using the skills you learned from your own research, your own opportunities of speaking before groups, and information gained from media services or groups like Toastmasters, you can then develop a solid program. This program is going to be as individual as you. That’s what makes having you as a speaker so wonderful! As a writer, you are interesting. People want to hear what you have to say, how you came to be a writer, what you have found in your research, how you go about the process. The things you can speak about are only limited to your own personal knowledge and experience and that, if you truly appreciate yourself, is a lifetime of great advice. If you think about it, you’ll have a wonderful program in no time.
Armed now with your ability to speak comfortably in a crowd and knowing that you have something wonderful and beneficial to say, you simply need to market yourself. This can be difficult at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it is easier than you think. Organizations and groups everywhere are looking for speakers and, with your knowledge, you will be the perfect fit. Look for organizations that match what you write about. Make a list and reach out to them. Let them know you are available. You’ll be surprised at how receptive they are to having you come speak and even sell your books.
Everyone wants to be compensated for their speaking, but there are numerous forms that compensation takes. In the beginning stages, experience and building up a resume are tremendous payments. Selling your books at the event is a wonderful opportunity. As you become more skilled and word-of-mouth proclaims how wonderful you are, then you can start charging money. When I started out, I was willing to drive for three hours each way just for the opportunity to speak. Now, depending upon the length of the engagement, I am able to command four- to five-figures in actual dollar payment. All of this is possible for you, as well, but it won’t happen overnight. Be patient and keep your eyes on the end goal. This will be a slow build (probably like your book career), but the economic, professional, publicity, and personal growth efforts will be worth it.
The benefits to you are tremendous. I’ve sold a lot of books and services through these presentations. You can, too. If you haven’t thought about how speaking will affect your life, you might want to give it a thought. I can tell you it has changed my life. I’m a firm believer that it will change yours, too.
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