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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

Add this to your social media posts to increase booking requests.

Add this to your social media posts to increase booking requests. 2560 1857 I Need A Speaker

Self-promotion helps speakers increase booking requests. It’s helpful to publicly remind your followers when you’ve presented a keynote, published a paper, appeared on the news, authored a book, or completed another achievement.

The next step is helping event planners find you. Include a line on your social media profiles and posts that says, “Find me on I Need A Speaker!” On our directory, event planners can learn more about your qualifications, find links to several of your social media accounts, and obtain details about your speaking requirements.

Give thanks all year long.

Give thanks all year long. 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Even if you’re the only person who worked on your speech, many people contributed to its success.

Thank the event planner who selected and prepared you.

Thank the person who introduced you.

Thank fellow panelists and other speakers, if there are any.

Thank your sources for helping you collect relevant information.

Thank your audience members for their time and attention.

Thank everyone else who contributed.

Your acknowledgment of their efforts will be remembered.

Sources need down time, too. Plan interviews well in advance.

Sources need down time, too. Plan interviews well in advance. 1978 2560 I Need A Speaker

Plan early if you need to work with a source to plan your presentation. Like you, sources need their down time, too.

Schedule well in advance to ensure that the subject matter experts will have time to respond. They’ll appreciate your respect for their time, and you’ll have the information you need to plan your remarks early. Win, win.

Soon, it will be 2021. Does your speech reflect that?

Soon, it will be 2021. Does your speech reflect that? 2560 1920 I Need A Speaker

In just a few weeks, we will be (gratefully) welcoming a new year. As we say goodbye to 2020 and greet 2021, take some time to review your speech material. Do a refresh if your research and sources are too dated to be relevant.

Use credible online sources, primary research, and research librarians (unsung heroes in society) to update a tired presentation with current information. Don’t wait another minute.

What if I become emotional during my presentation?

What if I become emotional during my presentation? 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

A recent speech by Marriott President and CEO Arne Sorenson was lauded for its authenticity and effectiveness. During the speech, which lasted less than six minutes, Sorenson detailed the impact that the pandemic has had on Marriott’s staff and business. This brief presentation earned praise and admiration for Sorenson not only as a leader and presenter. Why? Because he showed his human side. He demonstrated empathy and sincerity.

As a public speaking coach, I have asked people to tell very personal stories, forcing them to dig into their hearts and memories to share intimate pieces of their lives. And when they do, they absolutely shine. They succeed because what they’re saying is deeply important to them, and these speakers have the credibility of a lived experience.

Often, speakers worry that they’ll become emotional while presenting, as Sorenson does. To some, they feel they have failed as a presenter. They believe everything has to be perfect and that becoming too visibly emotional will make them vulnerable. I remind them that it’s okay.

Some topics are just harder to talk about than others. If you’re sharing an emotional story or presenting about a topic that makes you sad, wistful, angry, regretful, or any other emotion we don’t often share with a room full of strangers, remember this: Emotion connects us in powerful ways. Your audience will relate to you on a new, deeper level, and the people who hear your story will remember it.

These tips may help the next time you tackle an emotional topic:

  • Take a moment if you become too emotional while speaking. Breathe. Then keep going. Don’t let emotion cut your speech short.
  • Realize we all feel these emotions; it’s not just you. Your audience relates to what you’re saying.
  • Practice several times to prepare for the more emotional moments in your presentation, and work on delivering those messages powerfully and at a reasonable pace.
  • Bring tissues. You may not need them, but it’s good to be prepared.

You got this.

What speaker testimonials and product reviews have in common

What speaker testimonials and product reviews have in common 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

I’m one of those people who shop for the holidays early, and packages have already been arriving on my front porch. While browsing, I’ve made it a habit to check product reviews before clicking on “add to cart” and completing my purchases.

Reviews tell us what people liked and what people would change about their product or service experience. Customer feedback, whether positive or negative, helps businesses adjust products, prices, policies, and practices to satisfy customers.

Speakers can also benefit from requesting testimonials from satisfied event organizers and audience members. Most attendees are happy to complete a quick online survey following a presentation.

To encourage future bookings, speakers can post testimonials on their website, social media accounts, informational materials, and other customer-facing materials. Event organizers will benefit from knowing about speakers’ past successes as they plan future ones.

Can I interest you in some related material?

Can I interest you in some related material? 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

When you complete your I Need A Speaker profile, you’ll be asked to choose a fee range. We’ve included “negotiable” as a response, because many speakers may choose to offer a somewhat lower fee – or even charge no fee at all – if they are allowed to sell services and products after their presentation. In an ideal situation, you’ll receive your full speaking fee and be allowed to promote your goods and services.

If you are in a position to offer paid consulting services or hope to sell a book, for example, check with your event organizer about sales and solicitation policies for the event in question. If the event budget is lower than expected, you may be able to use sales as a negotiation point. Engaging your audience and selling your products or services will likely increase your popularity as an expert and position you for top rates in the future.

Clarify and fulfill your value proposition

Clarify and fulfill your value proposition 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

When event organizers contact potential speakers, they’re trying to determine if the speaker is a good fit. They want to be sure the speaker is affordable. They want to check availability and work out booking details. Although those are all important to learn, perhaps what matters most to the event organizer is the speaker’s value proposition.

As a speaker, what will you do for my organization and this audience?

That question is a critical one. Seasoned event organizers have specific goals in mind. Examples might be: teach new hires effective ways to close a sale; guide my organization through the process of improving our diversity and inclusion efforts; demonstrate good manufacturing processes for quality control; instruct the audience on ways to practice mindfulness. In other words, those planners know what results they are working to achieve. For best results, both the event organizer and speaker should in agreement about organizational objectives for the event.

If you’re a speaker with a strong value proposition, make it clear in your communications. In social media, on your website, and during personal conversations, don’t just list your areas of expertise or your credentials. Rather, state what value you’ll bring to audiences, and highlight past successes to reinforce your value. That’s what builds a positive reputation.

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