“I can’t do that. I am too shy (or I don’t know what to share or I am scared).”
Does the thought of public speaking for your business and to build your author platform make you nervous?
I talk with many authors, consultants, and coaches who are very fearful of standing in front of a group and sharing key tips and information that would not only help their audience but attract clients to them. This is one of the fastest ways to find clients. Get yourself in front of them and give them something of great value.
Public speaking for your business is like any skill: it takes some practice. Here are 7 steps for attracting clients when you speak.
- Do your research. So you’ve been asked to speak and it is now on your calendar. Check out the organization or group. Who are their members? What topics have the previous several speakers shared? You don’t want to repeat what they have already heard the past few weeks. What information would be most valuable to them right now around your expertise? Many a time I have revised my standard presentation to fit the audience. Usually it is only a few small tweaks.
- Prepare for success. Ask the meeting organizer how she defines success for their meetings. What does success look like for their attendees and members? This information is gold in terms of how you approach the presentation and content.
- Make it relevant. Whatever you are speaking about, make it relevant to that particular group. Add case studies or references to their industry or topics of interest to them right now.
- Be tech savvy if you plan to use video, audio, or new equipment. Don’t try new technology that you have not used before unless you have practiced and are prepared with a back up plan if something goes wrong. Remember when slides were prepared and stored in a slide carousels for viewing? If not, you may have seen the episode on Mad Men where a slide carousel was used. Many years ago I was speaking every hour to groups of employees at a client location. One of the meeting organizers bumped into the stand for my slides and the slides went flying. I had only a few minutes to put the slides, now all out of order, back in the right sequence before I started speaking. Somehow 2 of the slides were in backwards and I was mortified. We recovered and it is funny now but it wasn’t funny at the time.
- Seek signals from the audience. Make eye contact and watch for how they are absorbing your information and engaging. Who is with you? Who is nodding? Or falling asleep:)! Mix it up if you see the audience is not fully engaged.
- Add value. Provide hand outs for the participants to take notes if appropriate. Give them great tips and insights based on your topic and expertise.
- Review and refine. Ask for feedback to improve the presentation for next time. Graciously accept all input and comments, even if they are not positive. We learn by taking in and applying the feedback that makes sense.
One final tip… the BIG one
Make sure you have a call to action at the end! What do you want the audience to do next? Call you for a complimentary consultation? Visit y0ur site to claim their special gift you have for them? Always have a reason to follow up and a bonus gift you can offer every audience. Gather their names and email addresses to send them a free report or white paper you have prepared as a thank you for coming to your presentation.
Need help with developing your speaking skills? It is only a call away
If you need help building your speaking skills, check out your local Toastmasters Clubs. You’ll find a very supportive group who are all seeking to improve their speaking skills. Click here to find the clubs closest to you.
Visit a few to find your “tribe”, the group where you resonate and you know you fit and belong. Plunge in and learn all you can. Remember “practice makes perfect” and this critical skill will open doors for you to attract your ideal prospects, readers, and clients.
