Public Speaking Information


What is YOUR Speaking Expertise?


Why do you have to be an expert when getting speaking engagements?

The first thing you need to do before engaging into a speaking career is to define what you are an expert in. I have seen so many speakers that get relegated into the mediocre list just because they say they can talk on anything and "what would you like to hear?" Although I am not advocating sticking with one topic, I am advocating that you are an expert in a field that you choose. Do not try to be everything to everyone. The other day I came across a consultant saying to me that he was in the Application Integration business and that he had some major customers. I asked "how do you present your materials?" He explained that he simply worked with major vendors to make all their systems talk together. Then to my dismay he also added "and I do training (which is OK) and I am also a management consultant to help management make decisions with processes and how to put them together." To each question I asked he replied "I do that too". Now I was totally confused. All of a sudden, I did not view him as an expert and moved on.

You will find that once you specifically define your expertise, you will stick to it! You may also provide other things to your clients, but when you are speaking to an audience, YOU are the expert and not a chameleon that changes spots with the changing smell of a new business opportunity. Remember to focus on what you do best and the rest will follow; when you secure a speaking engagement, attach a subject to it, don't leave it open.

If you can clearly define your expertise, then business will be easier to obtain. People will come to know you in that field and ask your advice. Being an expert and defining it well is the first step to a speaking career within your field. Another thing you must be aware of is your audience and why they will listen to you.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://www.BlueprintBooks.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Toastmasters: Here to help you quash your fear of public speaking
Moody County Enterprise, SD - Nov 18, 2008
BY RYAN WOODARD Jerry Doyle has started a local chapter of the public speaking club Toastmasters International, which has members all over the world. ...


Public Speaking Is Not Worse Than Death
dBusinessNews Triangle (press release), NC - Nov 19, 2008
DURHAM, NC November 20, 2008 — Many people fear public speaking, yet it can be an extremely effective method for marketing your business’s services. ...


BBC News

A Complex Knot of Conflicts
Washington Post, United States - 4 hours ago
Those familiar with the talks said they covered a range of concerns, including the former president's profitable public speaking, his global investment work ...
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Clinton signs for Obama's dream team Independent
Hillary Clinton weighing secretary of state post The Associated Press
This is London - guardian.co.uk
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Cheyne is Toastmaster champ
Burlington Union, MA - 20 hours ago
Have you ever wanted to develop your public speaking skills? Mary Cheyne, a Somerville resident and member of The Last Word Toastmasters Club in Burlington, ...


Reviving a Novel-Worthy Tale of War and Religion
New York Times, United States - 5 hours ago
At home and away, the young boy was also trained in horseback riding, public speaking and fighting skills. All would prove crucial. ...


Community calendar
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 16 hours ago
Hosted meetings to help people improve their public speaking, critical thinking and leadership skills. East Hills Community Church, 12000 Campus Drive. ...


Program to focus on public speaking
The Reporter, WI - Nov 14, 2008
RIPON — Jody Roy, professor and chair of the communication department at Ripon College, will present a program on public speaking and perfecting ...


The Boss Inspired by Mom
New York Times, United States - 4 hours ago
When I was 16, my mother said the biggest thing that had helped her in her life was when her mother and father asked her to take a public speaking class. ...


Public speaking course essential for repertoire
Kaleidoscope Online, AL - Nov 10, 2008
Cecil Betros, professor of communication studies at UAB, believes it is important for students to take part in a public speaking course. ...


Carlisle, Davidson tops in Poetry Out Loud
Gulf Coast Newspapers, AL - 2 hours ago
Davidson said she loves public speaking so she didn’t have a problem reciting before the judges—particularly because she “practiced it constantly. ...

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