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TIPS FOR NEW SPEAKERS

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Whenever I started talking with someone who wanted to get into speaking, I found myself repeating the points and sending the same emails.  So, I'd just create a page for anyone considering speaking. 

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The one caveat is that every speaker's journey is different, and there is no perfect way to do it. The reality is that you can't get away from failing, going through bouts of self-doubt, and having amazing highs and challenging lows.  That is the rollercoaster of speaking that you cannot avoid, and frankly, in retrospect, you want this up-and-down experience as it prepares you for being the speaker you want to be.  I was once told this quote: 

 

"The longest way around is the shortest way home." - C.S. Lewis

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For you to find your voice, for you to understand what impact you want on stage, takes a great deal of time, but if you take this long way, you will obtain a grounded presence that allows you to manage the highs and lows.  If you focus on quick, viral success, whatever you achieve will be short-lived, and you'll constantly look for the next dopamine high. This method can burn you out and prevent you from enjoying a long career in speaking.  

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The best thing you can do to pursue your speaker career is to practice hearing your inner child and follow your intuition in order to find your voice.  

 

Every speaker's journey is drastically different.

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Here are some additional speaking tips when just starting out:

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#1. Check out my article: I'm A Speaker, Where Can I Speak?

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  • This will give you an overview of the speaker's world

  • Identify your target audience and the pain point you are trying to address

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#2. Figure out the rules with your company regarding your speaking (if you work for another organization)

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  • Are there talks where you can represent your company on their behalf?

  • Can you do talks where you are not affiliated with your organization?

    • HR and your supervisor typically know the answers to these questions.

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#3. Put together a draft workshop write-up based on topics that you'd love to talk about

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#4. Find Stages: Review potential speaking opportunities from this list

 

  • Identify the audience that most would resonate with your message

  • This link above provides speaking opportunities in various industries

  • Searching Call For Speakers on Google or #callforspeakers, #speakers, # on LinkedIn, Twitter, & IG will provide you with more potential speaking opportunities

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#5. Once you get selected to speak, start putting together the talk

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  • Many new speakers think they must have their entire talk down before applying to speak, but you don't.  

  • Like stand-up comedy, your talk is a work in progress that is constantly evolving, so there is no need to be fully prepared before beginning to apply.

 

When you are ready to put together your talk, I recommend doing these exercises to help provide clarity:

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  • 4 Questions To Ask For Your Talk - Marsha Shandur

    • Who is the audience for this talk?

    • What do you want them to do differently as a result of the talk?

    • What is one small action they can do RIGHT NOW that'll make a difference in their lives (around this topic)?

    • What would you say about your workshop if you only had 30 seconds/one run-on sentence?

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#6. Figure Out How Much To Charge For Your Talks

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  • Here's what I've charged organizations throughout the years

  • This is more of a mindset shift than a specific protocol

    • A business coach of mine Stephen Warley recommended doing the mirror test

      • Say a number in the mirror, and when you start giggling, that is a number worth quoting as it challenges you

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