Public Speaking Information


Will Speak for Food - Using Free Speeches to Attract Customers


If you want to get in front of prospective customers, and be viewed as an expert in your industry, become a speaker. Being at the front of the room gives you credibility. And you might be surprised how easy it is to get to the front of the room.

Every day, there are meetings of networking groups, professional associations and community organizations all over town. Many of those meetings need speakers. Most won't pay you, but they will give you exposure, and usually lunch, too. While the Chicken ala King may not be anything special, the opportunity to reach an audience will build your reputation and cause customers to seek you out.

Many people, perhaps including you, are afraid to speak in public. Studies have reported that public speaking is the #1 fear of most people, even ahead of death. (Or, as Jerry Seinfeld put it, at the average funeral more people would rather be in the coffin than delivering the eulogy.) The best way to overcome your fear is to start speaking. It gets easier with experience.

To get practice in a supportive environment, join Toastmasters. Members give prepared and impromptu speeches and receive feedback on their strengths and how to improve their skills. To find a chapter near you, go to www.Toastmasters.org.

What should your talk be about? It is not a commercial for your business. Give good information to help your audience solve a problem. Show your expertise, so that people who hear you will look to you as the authority on your subject. Most groups will want you to speak for 20 to 30 minutes. Structure your talk around a list of principles or tips, or talk about solving one particular problem. Don't try to cram everything you know into 20 minutes.

Have promotional materials and business cards available for the audience. Make sure everyone gets a handout to take with them. Your handout can simply be tips and resources copied on an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of paper. Include lots of useful information (so they keep it), as well as your contact information and a little about you.

You can find groups to speak to by watching for meeting notices in newspapers and newsletters, and asking local chambers of commerce for directories of organizations. Identify the groups that include members of your target market. Then, call the contact for each group. Tell them what your topic is and that you would like to present to an upcoming meeting. It shouldn't take many calls until you've booked a speech or two. (The first time I tried this, I succeeded on my second call.) Program chairs often have a hard time filling speaking slots, so they are happy to hear from someone interested in presenting to their organization.

Speaking for free may even open up a brand new profit center for you-speaking for "fee." You will know you are ready to join the ranks of professional speakers when audience members start asking how much you would charge to speak to their group.

Copyright Cathy Stucker. As the Idea Lady, Cathy Stucker can help you attract customers and make yourself famous with ideas to market yourself as an expert. Get free tips, articles and more at http://www.IdeaLady.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. ...


Telegraph.co.uk

A Complex Knot of Conflicts
Washington Post, United States - 2 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 ...
Video: Hillary Will Get SOS Nom Soon CBS
Hillary Clinton weighing secretary of state post The Associated Press
Bill reveals files to move Hillary closer to top job This is London
guardian.co.uk - Deseret News
all 5,065 news articles


Cheyne is Toastmaster champ
Burlington Union, MA - 18 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 - 3 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 - 14 hours ago
Hosted meetings to help people improve their public speaking, critical thinking and leadership skills. East Hills Community Church, 12000 Campus Drive. ...


The Boss Inspired by Mom
New York Times, United States - 2 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. ...


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 ...


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. ...


CNET News

Google attempts to save marriages around the world
CNET News, CA - 20 hours ago
Naturally the company has offered the usual public speaking about concentrating on other businesses and accepting that not every bet will work out. ...

Public-Speaking - Google News

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