• Connecting Speakers with Audiences™

Speaker Preparedness

‘A Christmas Carol’ for Public Speakers

‘A Christmas Carol’ for Public Speakers 1829 2560 I Need A Speaker

For fun this holiday season, we imagined what it might be like if Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” for public speakers. Would you be chosen to be visited by three spirits tonight?

If so, it may not be because you have a “bah humbug” attitude. In fact, it may be a welcome refresher!

Consider questions you may be asked by the Ghost of Speeches Past: What have you learned along the way that you can use to tweak your message? How could you have better engaged with your audience? What went well, and what might you do differently?

Next might be lessons from the Ghost of Speeches Present. The visiting spirit may ask what you’re doing now to stay current on the topics you cover. Are you using updated examples? Have you considered using new presentation tools?

Our favorite spirit is the Ghost of Speeches Future. That’s because everything that you learned from the past and present will help make you an even better speaker!

We’re not suggesting you awake tomorrow morning and flip open your laptop to get started (but we love your enthusiasm if that’s what you choose to do). We are suggesting that – after you enjoy special time with special people – that you consider past lessons and current updates when planning to take the mic in 2023.

Photo credit: Nadi Lindsay on Pexels

This Is the Best Way to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

This Is the Best Way to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month 695 472 I Need A Speaker

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and there are so many ways to celebrate:

  • Try Hispanic foods
  • Attend a library program
  • Visit a museum
  • Read a Hispanic author
  • Learn to speak Spanish
  • Support Hispanic-owned businesses
  • Teach Hispanic history (to a class or to your own family)
  • Learn a salsa dance
  • Host a workplace lunch ‘n learn
  • Play iconic Latin songs
  • Start a book club
  • Watch a documentary or film
  • Listen to a podcast (we’re partial to LatinoUSA from NPR)
  • Donate to a non-profit
  • Create your own Latin art

These are all great ideas to keep you entertained and educated during the month-long celebration, but the best suggestion we have is to book a Hispanic speaker.

If you’re an event planner, use our searchable directory to help find the right speaker for your group. Create a free account to search the directory.

If you’re a speaker, join others in our global directory to help event planners find you. Celebrate this special month with a free, one-year membership during September when you use code AMPLIFY.

Keep heritage education going all year long. Register now.

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day; Mental Health Experts Encouraged to Share Information

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day; Mental Health Experts Encouraged to Share Information 918 410 I Need A Speaker

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, an annual event that focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma, and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented. Learn more about the effort here.

If you are a mental health subject matter expert, we encourage you to share helpful information that may prevent tragedy. A listing in our global, searchable directory will help event planners find you. Get a free, one-year membership this month with code AMPLIFY.

 

 

Photo credit: World Health Organization

How Queen Elizabeth II Made Speeches More Effective

How Queen Elizabeth II Made Speeches More Effective 1387 1920 I Need A Speaker

Several years ago, I had the privilege of seeing Queen Elizabeth II in person. A friend and I had traveled to London to see The Rolling Stones in concert, and the event date coincided with Her Majesty’s birthday celebration.

We joined thousands of people who lined the streets to get a glimpse of the royal family as the procession slowly snaked through the city. Pomp and circumstance highlighted the esteemed status of the royals, adding an element to the day that was reminiscent of a fairy tale. The feeling of love and respect for the queen was overwhelming.

When Her Majesty spoke to the beloved crowd, we saw a glimpse behind the castle gates. She would speak of international issues, share hope, and reference a vision for the future.

What made her speeches most effective were the personal anecdotes to which her audience – to which anyone – could relate. Queen Elizabeth II’s Christmas 2021 speech was by far her most personal, as well as her most relatable. Here are some excerpts from her other noteworthy remarks.

If you want to make your presentations more memorable and reach your audience on an emotional level, follow the queen’s lead and share your personal stories.

 

 

Photo credit: Image by WikiImages from Pixabay

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 would love to be your podcast guest!

We would love to be your podcast guest! 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

We are thrilled to welcome new speakers all the time, and we love to hear their stories. Here are some reasons why people join our global directory:

  • To share a personal, impactful, and meaningful story;
  • To elevate their presence at work;
  • To establish credibility in their field;
  • To demonstrate subject matter expertise in hopes of finding a job;
  • To continue contributing after retirement;
  • To share their love of a particular topic;
  • To meet new people;
  • To help other people deal with specific issues; and
  • To speak out about a cause that’s important to them.

Did you realize that public speaking offers so many benefits? In addition, public speaking supports:

  • researching to remain current on topics;
  • organizing your thoughts;
  • building self-confidence; and
  • writing and editing.

Public speaking is a great topic for a podcast about employment, leadership, marketing, and so many other areas of focus. To book us for your podcast, e-mail tricia@ineedaspeaker.com.

 

Photo credit: Harry Cunningham @harry.digital / 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

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