• Connecting Speakers with Audiences™

public speaking

Get it in writing to protect everyone involved
Get it in writing to protect everyone involved 2560 1920 I Need A Speaker

When booking a speaking engagement, it’s wise to get your agreement in writing.

Outline the terms and conditions related to all aspects of the presentation, and keep copies of documents signed by both parties.

 

 

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Real thanks for a virtual visit
Real thanks for a virtual visit 1710 2560 I Need A Speaker

Every academic year, professionals and subject matter experts volunteer their time as guest speakers for classes.

At colleges, universities, and other schools, both students and instructors alike benefit from the experience, wisdom, and energy of these valued guests.

You generously offer to connect with students on social media and networking platforms, conduct informational interviews, and sometimes even mentor students who are preparing to enter the workforce.

On behalf of every instructor and student in the classes you visited: THANK YOU. We appreciate you.

 

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Browse our speaker directory for several types of events
Browse our speaker directory for several types of events 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

I Need A Speaker was built to end the pain of repeatedly reviewing personal networks to locate speakers. We are on a mission to amplify new voices.

You can support that mission – and make your speaker event better – by using our speakers for all types of events.

Book one of our accomplished speakers for:

  • podcasts
  • emcee opportunities
  • guest lectures at colleges and universities
  • panel discussions
  • webinars
  • employee events
  • corporate programs
  • training
  • workshops
  • keynotes
  • media interviews
  • conferences
  • fundraisers
  • community events
  • roundtable discussions
  • educational presentations
  • motivational speeches
  • stand-up comedy (for fundraising or corporate events)
  • recognition functions

In today’s virtual speaking space, you’re not even limited to your own country! We now have users in seven countries who can collaborate to help find the right speaker for your event and your audience.

E-mail us at info@ineedaspeaker.com to learn about our fundraising program.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

How visualization helps you succeed
How visualization helps you succeed 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

You can do many things to prepare for a talk. Record yourself. Request feedback from a willing audience. Practice. The list goes on.

One way to help you achieve your speaking goals is to visualize the steps you need to take in order to be a successful, effective speaker. For example:

  • Imagine yourself conducting research.
  • Picture yourself drafting a clear, engaging message.
  • Visualize yourself practicing.
  • Mentally watch as you respond to audience questions.

You know what to do to develop your presentation. Researchers Taylor, Pham, Rivkin, & Armor (1998) say that by imagining yourself successfully completing each step, you’ll maintain motivation and help make it happen!

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Write a memorable wedding toast – in just minutes.
Write a memorable wedding toast – in just minutes. 2560 1710 I Need A Speaker

Outfits have been purchased. Gifts have been wrapped. Now it’s time to write your toast.

Where do you start? Some people tell us they can stare at a blank sheet of paper or gaze at a laptop screen for hours without inspiration.

We’re here to help with tips that will make the process easier and calm those butterflies.

  1. Remember the purpose of the toast. Your intent is to honor and congratulate the couple, encouraging others to join you in this celebration.
  2. Know your audience. Would a sentimental or funny approach work better? Are there people in the audience who would love to hear stories related to the couple?
  3. Start by mentioning your feelings about being asked to speak at the wedding. Are you excited? Honored? What makes you feel that way?
  4. Take a moment to talk about your relationship to the newlyweds, and share a favorite story.
  5. Discuss how both people complement one another. What makes their relationship work? Why is it so special? How will their married status enhance their lives?
  6. Ask guests to raise a glass as you deliver your closing remarks, ending with congratulatory wishes for lifelong happiness.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be able to write an appropriate, memorable tribute to the pair.

As you plan your delivery, keep these additional tips in mind:

  • Make eye contact with the couple and wedding guests, including everyone in the room.
  • Practice in advance so you’re more comfortable when you’re called upon to speak.
  • Plan for a brief presentation of less than three minutes.
  • Remain classy and appropriate.
  • Avoid past relationships, inside jokes, use of expletives, and inappropriate humor.
  • Limit your alcohol content prior to the speech to ensure your best performance.

Now we raise a virtual glass to you and your wonderful wedding toast!

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Women, please take the stage.
Women, please take the stage. 1707 2560 I Need A Speaker

Yesterday I heard a disturbing statistic. I learned that approximately 70 percent of conference speakers are men. Seventy percent. Wow.

Although I’m sure these speakers have a great message, I know that women also have inspiring and useful information to share. Let’s make room on the stage, please, to welcome more diverse speakers.

I Need A Speaker is on a mission to amplify new voices. Please encourage the women you know to learn more about I Need A Speaker and how their voices can be heard. Audiences are waiting for you.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Do this before beginning your public speaking career.
Do this before beginning your public speaking career. 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

I was in a Clubhouse room the other day, and someone raised a hand to be invited to the stage. The individual explained that he was ready to begin exploring opportunities for public speaking.

“What’s your central message?” the moderator asked.

The individual replied, “Well, I can adapt to suit the audience. I have expertise in a number of areas.”

Ouch.

The first thing to do is to have a central message. Know what it is, and know who needs to hear it. Then you can start looking for opportunities to share it.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Check the link. An error can lock out your audience.
Check the link. An error can lock out your audience. 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Dafna Gold Melchior – one of our wonderful speakers – recently posted this on LinkedIn. With her permission we’re sharing this message:

“Check the link. Double check the link. Otherwise you could discover that your esteemed guests were sent somewhere else…

I delivered a workshop last night, on behalf of an organization. 150 people signed up via a production company, which sent them an invite with a link. I was in the Zoom room early, checked sound and share screen with the helpful tech person.

At a few minutes to the hour, we started wondering why no one was joining… Turned out the production company had mistakenly sent the wrong link…

By the time I too was sent the (wrong) link my audience had received, there were 8 people left (5 with cameras off). So three lucky people received my workshop, and I assure you I gave them my all, as I would have with 150 participants.

I’m sharing this to spare you the same frustrating experience. I beg you, have those who handle logistics on your behalf check and re-check the link.”

Follow her advice.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Why Clubhouse may be your best training resource
Why Clubhouse may be your best training resource 2560 1920 I Need A Speaker

Clubhouse is one of the most popular new social media apps. Currently available to iPhone users only, Clubhouse describes itself as “a new type of social network based on voice—where people around the world come together to talk, listen and learn from each other in real time.”

As of 1 February 2021, Clubhouse has 2 million users. I haven’t turned off my Clubhouse notifications, and my phone regularly lights up with mentions of current, new, or scheduled “rooms.” As a user, I can drop into these rooms and listen to a discussion or raise my hand to participate. I can create my own room solo or with other people.

So what’s the appeal for someone who is a public speaker? There are several benefits, actually … networking, learning, promoting yourself. But today I want to focus on a really important benefit that’s especially beneficial for emerging public speakers: practice.

If you’re anxious about public speaking or feel like you need to speak more confidently, take the Clubhouse “stage” and share your thoughts. The tone of the app is an informal, using a pop-in-quietly-and-leave-quietly design. Schedule your own room on a topic you know well, or raise your hand in someone else’s room to contribute.

You’ll have the opportunity to receive valuable feedback. And when people ask questions, that tells you what information you might want to include when speaking in front of a live audience.

When you do this with regularity, you’ll refine your message, obtain more experience in delivering it, and advance your public speaking goals.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day: kissing the Blarney Stone and Irish advice on speaking
Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day: kissing the Blarney Stone and Irish advice on speaking 1920 2560 I Need A Speaker

I’ve spent a lot of time in Ireland, yet it never seems like enough. I miss the people, the scenery, the craic (pronounced “crack,” it means fun), and, of course, the advice.

I’m among the throngs of people who have climbed the steps of Blarney Castle and stretched backward to kiss the Blarney Stone. Legend claims that kissing the Blarney Stone will give the kisser the gift of eloquence.

Fueled with confidence and the blessing of better speech, people may benefit from some of the Irish sayings below:

  1. Who keeps his tongue keeps his friends.
  2. A kind word never broke anyone’s mouth.
  3. It is often that a person’s mouth broke his nose.
  4. Every St. Patrick’s Day every Irishman goes out to find another Irishman to make a speech to.

We love this traditional advice! What’s your favorite Irish saying?

 

Photo credit: Tricia Richards-Service

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