• Connecting Speakers with Audiences™

The Business of Speaking

‘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

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

Event planners: consider your topic and purpose when choosing speakers

Event planners: consider your topic and purpose when choosing speakers 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

A Twitter user recently posted a message stating “yall my friend’s company held a diversity panel for AAPI Heritage Month and 2 out of the 6 panelists were wHITE MEN. they explicitly said they were on the panel bc theyre married to AAPI women and they bring pErSpEcTiVe, I CANT—”.

Too often, events don’t have the right speakers. They may have good speakers, but not relevant ones.

The takeaway here is to give serious thought to who is best suited for the event. If your event is about diversity, do you have diverse speakers? If your event is about disability, do you have speakers with a disability? If your event is about Black business owners, do you have speakers who are Black business owners?

It’s estimated that 65% of all conference speakers are white men. We don’t mind that white men are on the stage. We just want to make some space for more diverse speakers.

Event planners, we can help! Create your free account on I Need A Speaker and browse our global directory to match the right speaker(s) with your audience(s).

Speakers, join our searchable global directory today for $349 per year so event planners can easily locate you.

 

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

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

Aren’t we all speakers?

Aren’t we all speakers? 2560 1920 I Need A Speaker

I Need A Speaker is on Clubhouse! Hosted by Tricia Richards-Service and Christopher Pahoski, the room was open for people who want to learn more about getting started in public speaking.

Some people have said, “I’m not a speaker. In fact, I’m rarely in front of an audience.” We responded that the size of the audience isn’t as relevant as the opportunity to deliver value to people.

When you make a presentation in your department meeting … you’re a speaker. When you make a toast at a special occasion … you’re a speaker. When you respond to questions in a job interview … you’re a speaker. If you have a message to share … you’re a speaker.

You get the idea.

Whether we are involved in a one-on-one conversation, a small group meeting, or a conference, we all have the opportunity to collect our thoughts, consider our audience, and deliver value.

 

We’d love to hear examples of how information was powerful because it was shared. Send your stories to info@ineedaspeaker.com.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels

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