Are you an author who uses speaking to gain visibility and sell books? Or a speaker who wants to use books to gain visibility and get more speaking opportunities?
Either way, you’ll be way ahead of the game when you have the right tools and training.
Whether you speak for free or a fee, or you speak to promote your business, book, or message, knowing how to present allows you the opportunity to make a great living. When you know what you’re doing, it’s not difficult to generate six figures.
However, there’s more to giving a good speech than simply being able to open your mouth and talk. You need to craft your presentation in a way that’s engaging, informative and timely.
Common Fear
Although many authors know they would benefit from getting on the platform, fear stops them from moving forward.
Fear of public speaking is very common. It’s rated at the top of the fear scale.
You can either let fear hold you back or take the initiative to work through it. A great way to get to the other side of fear is to hire a presentation coach. One that specializes in stage fright and anxiety.
Another is to join a speakers group to learn from other speakers. Most likely, the very fear you deal with, others have also dealt with. Hearing successful speakers talk about past fears is incredibly helpful. You realize what you’re going through is quite common.
Preparation is yet another way to address the issue of fear. When you’ve put time into the craft of speaking, fear will minimize.
Big Dream
Many authors dream of becoming in-demand keynote speakers as a way to sell books, position their message and grow their business.
To be an in-demand speaker you need to prepare for opportunities.
A few must-haves are:
- Signature talk
- Speaker One Sheet
- Sizzle Reel
Signature talk
A signature talk is simply a talk that is uniquely your own. Even if someone else has a similar topic, your signature talk and theirs will be unique to each of you.
Speaker One Sheet
Your Speaker Sheet showcases your signature speech and unique aspects about who you are. 
Sizzle Reel
A sizzle reel is also known as a demo reel. It’s a 2 -5-minute video that allows meeting planners to get a good idea of your speaking style.
Finding opportunity
In most cases, opportunity is not going to drop in your lap. You must create opportunity. There are a variety of ways to get in front of your market through speaking.
- Speak at association meetings.
- Partner with other experts to host half-day and full-day workshops.
- Host intimate mastermind retreats for up to ten people.
- Offer self-staged events that bring in anywhere from 50 – 250 people.
- Work with meeting planners who find you paid speaking opportunities.
For more ideas, go to http://www.powerupforprofits.com/2015/03/speak.html
Take Risks
Without a doubt, experts who stand head and shoulders above others are those who are willing to put themselves out to market in a big way. They take risks. They create opportunity where none seems to exist. They don’t give up.
Not sure where to start? Check out this amazing giveaway my friend and colleague, Ellen Finkelstein, created. She’s brought together leading experts who are all gifting you with some powerful content specific to speaking.
Check it out. http://www.powerupforprofits.com/speakergifts
Thank you for sharing this! I have been talking about getting into speaking. I was in Toastmasters for a couple years (and could probably benefit from more time if there was one closer to me) and that helped me get past a lot of my fears. I need to come back to this and read it again later.
I became a Toastmaster in 1994. It was one of the best choices I made to develop my speaking skill. Too bad there are not clubs closer to you because it’s definitely worth participating
Loved this article. I saved it for later review. I’m currently working on a project where I’ll help women entreprenuers live and plan their day with intention (as well as spend money with intention). When I am finished with it, I’ll be looking to take to the stage!
Thanks Emily. So glad you enjoyed the article. If you want more content around speaking, visit my blog and definitely access all the great gifts at http://www.powerupforprofits.com/speakergifts
A lot of times people refer to fear of public speaking and forget that there are introverted and extroverted people and not wanting to engage in any public speaking activity has nothing to do with fear.
You can’t make an introvert into an extrovert. How about a platform that teaches people to promote their books without getting in front of people face to face and without any public speaking?
Great point Dace. Speaking is not for everyone. And there are lots of ways to promote without ever stepping on the platform. For example, in my free report – Hit #1 on Amazon, I share lots of online strategies. Check it out. http://www.oneonamazon.com I would also recommend checking out the many choices of blog posts I’ve written to do with book marketing that have nothing to do with speaking.
This is such an important skill to have. I went to a meet the author event because the topic was so interesting to me. Unfortunately she didn’t connect with the audience and talked more statistics than anecdotes and good advice. It was a shame because I went there to buy the book and then I didn’t.
Excellent point about the need to connect with one’s audience. Hopefully your next experience will be better. Thanks for your comments Elisa.