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‘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

Ten Things Event Planners Have On Their Wish List

Ten Things Event Planners Have On Their Wish List 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

As we promised, we wanted to talk about some holiday gift ideas for any event planners in your life.  From tech to desk, we have some ideas that we know will make any event planner burst with excitement!

  1. A 2023 planner–  Papier has planners in a variety of colors and sizes to match your recipients’ taste and personality.  

  2. An iPad–  Starting at just $449, an iPad is a wonderful tool to gift.  From sending those early morning emails to creating presentations and offering bookings, this gift will make an event planner’s life a whole lot easier.

  3. Sturdy tote bag–  Get a wide sturdy tote from Baggu. This bag has plenty of pockets with space for wherever the day takes you. It’s also machine washable and made of recycled products!

  4. Desk accessories–  No one wants a boring workspace! Give the event planners in your life candles, plants, or organizers to make their work space feel a bit more like home.

  5. A Pinch Provisions kit–  Need stocking stuffers? With travel sized bags for any emergency, Pinch Provisions kits are a must buy this holiday season (or all year!). Choose from tech kits, work from home kits, travel kits, and so much more.

  6. Bedtime basket–  With long days of work and traveling, it’s important to enjoy some downtime. Fill a basket with all the essentials for a cozy night in: slippers, a sleep mask, blankets, essential oils and some hot cocoa.

  7. Insulated coffee cup–  For those early mornings with no time to stop at Starbucks, give them a travel cup of their own.  Yeti has a 30 oz insulated cup that is customizable and available in many colors.

  8. Magnetic calendar–  Can’t miss the calendar on the fridge!  Amazon has packs for each month of 2023 at can’t beat prices!

  9. Cell phone stand (for the car)-  Left on Main Street, right on Broad!  Make directions easier and safer with a stand for their car.  Check out Amazon for affordable and sturdy options.

  10.  Pens–  For someone who’s always using and losing pens, trust me, they will love this simple gift. Grab a pack of colorful pens to get them through 2023 in style – we’ve chosen some they aren’t likely to lose!

 

 

Photo credit: Yan Krukov on Pexels

Ten Practical Gifts That Will Please Any Speaker

Ten Practical Gifts That Will Please Any Speaker 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

The holidays are here, and this means it’s time for some shopping.  We know how hard it can be to find the perfect gift for the people in our lives, so we wanted to help.  Let’s look at gifts for public speakers – specifically, things they will always appreciate and will be sure to use!  

  1. An insulated water bottle Speakers need to stay hydrated! When it comes to water bottles and commuter cups, we have been loving the Stanley quencher 40 oz tumbler

  2. A journal–  Get a personalized journal from Papier for speakers’ travels, schedules and brilliant ideas.

  3. Monogrammed stationery/cards–  The Stationery Studio allows you to personalize with names, monograms, and images.  

  4. Organizer tote–  I suggest the Boat and Tote by L.L Bean.  From small to extra large, offered in neutrals and bright colors, this bag is fashionable and useful. Fill it up with some binders, folders, or some of their favorite treats.

  5. Pro membership on Canva Canva is the place to go for creating media posts, preparing slides for speeches, developing your speaker sheet, and so much more.  This subscription will help speakers create content with ease while giving them tools to get creative and bold.  Gift them with this subscription that will become their new best friend (Don’t worry, it won’t replace you).

  6. Digital recorder–  Reviewing and practicing speeches has never been easier.  Get a recorder to help speakers take their words on the go! 

  7. New headphones–  Beats wireless headphones are the way to go for this.  Your favorite speakers are going to need a way to listen to practice recordings while they’re out and about, so it may as well be stylish and fun!

  8. Self-care package–  Remind your speakers that they deserve some down time, too!  Encourage some nice R&R with a care package from a small business on Etsy.  

  9. New luggage–  Away has modern and spacious luggage for someone who is always traveling.  Try the popular Carry-on suitcase, which fits up to a week’s worth of clothing and has 360-degree wheels to move with you wherever you go.

  10. Gift card to their favorite lunch spot–  Break time sandwiches on you!  Panera and Chipotle are always a great go-to for quick midday meals.

Stay on the lookout for our next blog post for gift ideas for any event planners in your life!

 

Photo credit: Thais Araujo on Pexels

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

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