• Connecting Speakers with Audiences™

Promoting Yourself as a Speaker

Eight Ways Public Speaking Helps Build Your Business

Eight Ways Public Speaking Helps Build Your Business 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Tap your phone screen or flip open a laptop and search the terms “marketing” or “business growth.” You’ll get thousands of results pointing you toward digital marketing solutions, paid advertising, and sales tactics. Those are all basic elements of many successful marketing approaches. What few people recommend is one of the most effective tactics: public speaking. Let’s talk about why.

  1. Public speaking forces you to organize your thoughts.

Prior to making a presentation, you need to consider what you’d like to share. Ideally, you’ll have an introduction, three to five main body points, and a conclusion. When planning your remarks, you’ll be forced to organize your thoughts in a way that’s easy to share with others.

  1. Public speaking improves communication skills.

Press the “record” button on your phone before practicing your presentations. On playback, you’ll quickly discover if you’re using too much industry lingo or incorporating vague comments. Once you know where you have room to improve, you can make appropriate changes.

  1. Public speaking establishes you as a subject matter expert.

For best results, choose a niche and learn as much as you can about that particular, narrow topic. You’ll become known as the go-to person on that subject, which can potentially drive business your way.

  1. Public speaking allows audience members to feel your passion, enthusiasm, and dedication.

Potential customers or clients can read about you or visit your website, and they’ll come away more informed. Seeing you in person adds emotion to the mix, demonstrating your passion and commitment to your industry, business, and/or mission.

  1. Public speaking builds self-confidence.

Really, it’s true! So many people report feeling anxious (even terrified) about public speaking, but when you know your material well and present often, you’ll experience a stronger sense of self-confidence.

  1. Public speaking generates word-of-mouth referrals.

The combination of your expertise and enthusiasm will resonate with audience members, and they’re likely to tell other people in their network about you. This, in turn, will strengthen your reputation.

  1. Public speaking expands your professional network.

Think about it. People love getting to know other people who share the same values or ideas. They love talking about their work or industry with others who understand it. Prepare for LinkedIn invitations in your inbox after an effective presentation. Better yet – invite the audience to follow you, and see how fast you rack up new connections.

  1. Public speaking helps you better understand your customer or client base.

Allow for time after your presentations to answer questions. As people raise hands or step toward a microphone, you’ll begin learning what questions people have about your business or industry. Use these questions to help guide your communications plan. Maybe you’ll change hang tags or packaging. You may update your website. Or you’ll add a new vehicle to communicate with your customers.

Combined, these benefits pack a powerful punch. Grow your public speaking skills. Grow your exposure. And you’ll grow your business.

 

 

Photo credit: Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

Join Free in September with Code AMPLIFY

Join Free in September with Code AMPLIFY 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

We’ve been quiet for a while, and that’s been intentional. Our team devoted a lot of time this summer to creating a plan for growth.

We are working hard for I Need A Speaker to be the global go-to resource for event planners to find the right speakers for their events, and we’re excited to have you in this space. To further that mission, we’re offering you a free one-year membership during September 2022 ($349 value)!

If you’re an event planner seeking diverse speakers or a speaker with expertise to share, join today. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Visit www.ineedaspeaker.com.
  2. Choose “I Am A Speaker.”
  3. Use code AMPLIFY to begin your free, one-year membership.
  4. Complete your profile.
  5. Tell your friends and share this message on your social media accounts.

It’s that easy!

We will do our part to promote I Need A Speaker to help event planners find you. That’s when the magic happens.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

10 ways to prep now for success in the future

10 ways to prep now for success in the future 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Summer months are often a time to stop working and enjoy leisure time. We believe the slower season is also a great time to prepare for the future. Here are 10 ways to level up as a speaker this summer:

  1. Add some impactful visual or audio aids to your presentations.
  2. Collect updated data and include it in your content.
  3. Create downloadable resource materials for your audience.
  4. Practice, practice, practice!
  5. Record yourself and critique your performance.
  6. Post videos of your presentations online, so event planners can see your performance.
  7. Review previous evaluations to determine where you can improve.
  8. Create or update your speaker sheet.
  9. Write an introductory message to potential clients.
  10. Update your profile on I Need A Speaker.

These steps take little time and can have great impact, leaving you plenty of time to relax.

What do you do to prepare for the future?

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Create a speaker sheet to highlight credentials and results

Create a speaker sheet to highlight credentials and results 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

To help promote yourself as a speaker, create a one-page speaker sheet. Sometimes known as a “one sheet,” it’s a document that highlights information about your public speaking offerings.

Many speakers hire graphic designers or use an online resource like Canva (www.canva.com) to create an attractive document. Regardless of how it’s developed, here’s what to include:

  • A recent headshot. Although you can have a friend or family member take a photo, we recommend using a professional portrait when possible. Secondary images might show you on a stage, in front of a podium, or interacting with an audience.
  • Summary of your expertise. If you’ve read previous blog posts, you’ll know that we recommend finding a niche and remaining focused on becoming the expert in that specific topic. For example, instead of just saying “mental health,” a professional might list his or her expertise as “trauma-informed spaces” or “dealing with grief after the loss of a spouse.”
  • Related topics on which you can speak, or a list of titles from previous presentations. This allows event planners to determine if your expertise is right for their event and audience.
  • Anticipated results. Include the learning objectives you’ll meet, the value you’ll deliver, or the experience your audience will have. Help event planners imagine the effect you’ll have on your audience. State how the audience will benefit. Will they learn? Laugh? Relate? Feel motivated?
  • Client names and testimonials. This is part of the “social proof” that you’ve got a positive track record. If you specialize with a specific audience (at-risk youth, parents/caregivers, medical professionals, etc.), say so.
  • Links to your personal website and/or social media accounts. When event planners click through to learn more about you, they should find more information on your credibility and expertise. They will also expect to find video clips of your prior speaking engagements.
  • Your contact information. Usually, a phone number and e-mail address are all you need.
  • Optional: fee structure. We recommend you don’t include your fee on your speaker sheet, because the fee may vary, depending on who books you. Some speakers charge less for their alma mater or a non-profit, for example.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

We’re seeking event planners for interviews

We’re seeking event planners for interviews 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

It’s Free Membership February*, and we’re ramping up for a fantastic year! (Welcome to the dozens of speakers who joined our global directory this month.)

We are seeking event planners to chat with us about a variety of topics:

  • speaker etiquette
  • meeting planning
  • how to vet speakers
  • how to know when a speaker is right for your group
  • considerations for audience engagement
  • how venue influences tone
  • meeting trends
  • best practices
  • and a lot more!

Interviews may be done by e-mail, phone, or Zoom, and there is no cost to you at all. We just want opportunities to discuss happenings and trends in the speaker event industry.

E-mail tricia@ineedaspeaker.com to schedule a time to chat, and you may be featured in our newsletter.

 

*To join as a speaker during Free Membership February, use code FREEFEB for your free, one-year membership. Offer valid through 2/28/22.

 

 

Photo credit: George Milton / Pexels

Public Speaking Lessons from Ted Lasso

Public Speaking Lessons from Ted Lasso 400 400 I Need A Speaker

Ted Lasso, the lovable coach from the hit show of the same name, is known for his inspirational speeches. His words have motivated a failing team to rally toward victory. Let’s consider what makes his speeches so effective.

Ted Lasso is genuine. He speaks from the heart.

He uses anecdotes to help his audience remember main points.

When speaking, Ted uses eye contact to connect with the people who are listening.

Ted uses language that’s easy to follow.

He smiles and enjoys the process.

What lessons did you learn from watching Ted Lasso?

 

 

Photo credit: Twitter @TedLasso

Free Membership February Offered to Amplify New Voices

Free Membership February Offered to Amplify New Voices 2560 1709 I Need A Speaker

In August 2020, we launched I Need A Speaker for two main reasons. First, we wanted to amplify new voices. Second, we wanted to share information.

Since its launch, I Need A Speaker has grown. Our directory now features speakers from seven countries, and we want to grow the directory even more. We want to change conversations and open minds. We want speakers to know how great it feels to share their ideas and increase their self-confidence. We want to create the go-to directory for event planners to find the perfect speakers for their events.

With these goals in mind, one-year memberships are free this month with the code FREEFEB. This code is transferable and expires February 28, 2022. Feel free to share it with your networks.

Register today. Audiences are waiting to hear what you have to say.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Presentation lessons from Disney’s Jungle Cruise

Presentation lessons from Disney’s Jungle Cruise 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

Some things just make summer feel more like … well, summer. Sprinklers. Bike riding. Shore taffy. One of my favorites is the drive-in.

Our local drive-in was showing Jungle Cruise, so we invited our daughter and her friends to enjoy the show outdoors. The opening scene featured Jack Whitehall as MacGregor Houghton, delivering a speech to an unfriendly crowd.

Playing the brother of lead Emily Blunt, Whitehall was requesting that his theatrical sister be granted access to a valued and protected archive.

Nervous, he read aloud from the notecards the requestor had provided. At one point, he read every word on the card, including “Pause for dramatic effect.” Blushing, he continued on, but the audience wasn’t amused.

Another notecard said, “If it goes sideways, go to plan B.”

As the kids munched popcorn, I reflected on the scene’s lessons:

  • Be prepared for your presentations.
  • Practice. Practice. Practice.
  • Yes, pause for dramatic effect, but don’t read the directive.
  • Have a plan B if plan A isn’t working.
  • Know your audience.

How would you handle a not-so-friendly crowd?

 

 

Photo credit: John Cheathem from Pexels

Channel this habit from rock stars to enhance your presentations

Channel this habit from rock stars to enhance your presentations 2560 1920 I Need A Speaker

I’ve been a fan of Styx (and most rock and roll) ever since I can remember. The first notes of certain songs take me back to fun memories and special times, and those songs tend to be the ones I play on repeat.

I’m not the only one who has stories associated with songs. At a recent Styx concert, band members would introduce songs by telling stories about what inspired the songs or what was happening when the songs were written. Hearing those anecdotes made me feel closer to the band and its music. Rock legends Tom Petty and Bon Jovi did the same thing, and the stories added so much depth to the show.

Something to think about: How can you incorporate stories into your message to make it more memorable and meaningful?

 

 

Photo credit: Tricia Richards-Service

Gig worker. Cancel culture. Second gentleman. What do these phrases have in common?

Gig worker. Cancel culture. Second gentleman. What do these phrases have in common? 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Have you figured out what those phrases have in common? They were all among the 520 new terms that were added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in January 2021. (Read more of them by clicking here.)

Yes, you read that right. In one month, more than 500 new words were added to our constantly changing vocabulary.

With so much rapid change in the way we communicate, it’s more important than ever to define unfamiliar terms.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

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