Even though speaking scares the crud out of many entrepreneurs, it is still one of the best ways to get your message out. In the past, there was really only one way to get in front of an audience — speak on stage.
I have been speaking in public since I was in elementary school (I took public speaking in 4-H and even got a blue ribbon at the state fair) and I've been performing (singing/dancing) since before that.
Professionally, I have been speaking since 1994, leading big and small workshops and giving keynotes on a number of different topics. A lot has changed over the years!
Today, there are many different ways to speak and share your knowledge:
- Speaking to live audiences on stage
- Teleseminars
- Webinars
- Google+ Video Calls and Hangouts on Air (HOA)
- Skype Meetings and Video Calls
- Live Streams
- Radio and Podcast
When I'm working with my private clients, we often have an element of their private program that includes a strategy for them getting onto more “stages.” Here are 8 ways that you can get more speaking gigs/engagements.
1 – Update Your Profiles
The bio/about space on your social media profiles is valuable real estate! Make sure to say “speaker” in your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc. profile.
2 – Announce Your Speaking Engagements
Let people know about your speaking engagements before, during, and after the event. If others are sharing about your speaking, make sure to share that too. (social proof) Places you can share:
- Social media
- In your blog
- On a media room page
- In your newsletter
- In the signature line of your email
- On the sidebar of your website
3 – Reach Out to Event Producers/Hosts and Offer to Speak
Take time to research upcoming events and contact the event producer/host to see if they could use your help. You can offer to be a speaker, emcee, moderator of a panel, or panelist.
4 – Reach Out to On-line Producers and Offer to be a Guest
There are thousands of telesumits, webinars, GooglePlus Hangouts, radio interviews, and podcasts that happen every day. Get connected! Reach out to the producers of these events and offer to speak. In a future post, I'll share some spots you can research for online/telesummit events.
5 – Talk to Local Groups
There are always local groups, service organizations, and professional organizations that are looking for speakers. Research your local area and contact the meeting planners and offer to speak.
6 – Take and Use Pictures or Video of You In Action!
When you are speaking, ask someone to video or snap pictures of you in action. (Sometimes the event coordinators will have a photographer/videographer, but you'll be able to get the news out faster if you have images you own.) Then, share them all over social media and your own blog or newsletter. Make sure to add comments with the images for more engagement.
7 – Take and Use Pictures of You with Participants
Consider taking pictures with event participants. Interact! Build relationships. Let them know that you will be posting the pictures on your Facebook page or in a Google+ album and invite them to tag themselves. When they do, the picture will be shared with their tribe.
8 – Host Your Own
Start a podcast, host a telesumit, or a live event! I've gotten some of my best speaking gigs by people finding my podcast and asking me to do more.
Your Turn!
What things have you done that has helped you get more speaking engagements? I'd love if you would add to the conversation below.
Until we talk again,
Live Fully — Love Openly — Laugh Often — Leverage Your Brilliance — Connect Authentically — Get Your Message Out — Serve with Impact — Prosper Everyday
Kimberly Eldredge says
Excellent ideas! I especially like #5. I’ve used local stages to refine my messages, timing, and offer. And don’t forget about local radio! While the reach may not be huge, the practice is invaluable.
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Kimberly – Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Yes! Radio, local, regional or internet are all good places to share your message.
Joanne Kaminski says
These are all fantastic suggestions. Thank you for sharing.
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Joanne – You are welcome.
Susan Schiller says
I used to be a regular conference speaker, but that was many years ago. It was before all the great ideas you’ve presented here, using video, blogs, etc.
When I saw your topic title, I knew I wanted to learn more – I’m bookmarking your site now!
Thanks so much for these great speaking tips!
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Hi Susan – Thanks for checking out my site. Glad you could visit. What did you used to speak on? Are you going to ramp up that activity again?
kirsten says
I am contemplating starting a podcast. Not sure anyone wants to listen to what I have to say but I guess I won’t find out until I do it
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Kristen – Are you kidding me?! Of course people want to hear about living a healthy lifestyle! Following people on their health journey is of interest to many people. (Reality TV Biggest Loser is a great proof of that.)
If you want to just try it out for a while, consider Voicebo.com. They are a podcast social network. You can record right from a smart phone with great quality. The owner of the company is super cool too. Here is my voicebo account — http://voicebo.com/u/StephCalahan
Or, if you want to get really into it, here is the tool I use to create my podcasts and publish to iTunes with ease: Audio Acrobat http://steph.bz/AudioA
KG says
These are super great tips! I wish I wasn’t so afraid of public speaking. But it’s true as an entrepreneur, you do need to get over that fear.
xoxo,
KG
http://www.kgstyleblogs.com
Stephanie LH Calahan says
KG – You are not alone. It really is the top fear of many adults. If you want to build that muscle, consider joining a Toastmasters group in your community. Toastmasters is a group just for people that are trying to improve their speaking skills and is quite supportive. Or, start with a small group where you are just answering questions. Often, when we are in the mindset of helping people by answering questions, it is not as scary. Good luck!
Amanda HelmiBM says
Great post. I have been wanting to be a speaker for PTSD and surviving suicide as there is not much information about those topics where I live. These tips have given me some great leads. I very much appreciate it. Thank you
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Amanda – Wonderful! I hope you’ll come back and tell us how it goes for you. I’m a former volunteer first responder advocate for sexual assault and attempted suicide. Educating people is really critical. Much success to you.
Debra Jason says
All great ideas. I’m grateful that public speaking doesn’t scare me like it does others. I started out wanting to be an actress when I was in elementary school and performed in school plays. However, after the High School of Performing Arts turned me down, I stopped pursuing that dream.
Today, and since the day I started my business (almost 25 years ago), I have been speaking in public. Now, with the Internet, I also do online speaking via Blog Talk Radio, webinars, teleseminars, etc.
I like your tip about taking photos when you speak at a live presentation. I do that and find people like seeing their pics on social networks! Just spoke last week in Tucson and will be speaking tomorrow here in Boulder, CO. You’ll see pics on my FB profile as well as my Fan Page.
How do I get speaking engagements? I ask friends/colleagues for referrals. I also attend networking events, MeetUps, etc. and ask the host/hostess if they’d like to have me speak. And, I find leads in a variety of Facebook groups that I participate in.
Thanks.
~Debra
Stephanie LH Calahan says
I’ve heard wonderful things about your presentations Debra! Thanks for sharing your journey and how you find leads for your speaking.
Brenda Adams says
Updating your bios in all your social media accounts to include “speaker” – had not thought of that. Such a simple idea. Thank you for sharing practical tips that we can implement right away!
Stephanie LH Calahan says
You are welcome Brenda. Sometimes it is the simple ideas that can be the most effective!
Maribel Jimenez says
Great tips Stephanie! I’m using them all right now…some not enough and excited to share my podcast soon! As a host, I can say, I really do pay attention when people reach out to me…and especially if they are prepared to speak with a speaker packet and free gift, it makes it easy as the host. I ensure that I am ready myself and have team support that can respond quickly to requests. I always say -“Whatever you want More of, Be Ready for a YES!” …which means if they called today, are you ready? Thanks again for this awesome post!
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Hi Maribel – Thanks for dropping by today. Love that you are starting a podcast! I know people can really use your product launch tips. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective as a host. A lot of times, speakers don’t think about the work that goes into producing a show. (It’s a lot!) I agree. Be ready for a “YES”
Christoph Trappe says
Also consider live tweeting it… I get lots of engagement with that.
Here’s how you do that: http://authenticstorytelling.net/another-way-share-presentation-live-tweet/
Cheryl Y. Howard says
Great! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, experience and steps to improve, enlarge and connect. I haven’t spoken out in platforms in a while especially since I recently moved to Richmond VA from NY. Getting settled still-finding sufficient income in the meantime to afford a place but I’m eager to speak on a full time basis because it seems as if whenever I get invites to speak, preach or do a panel, and my confidence level increases, there is always a large gap in between gigs/engagements and I feel as if I’m doing it for the first time again-nervousness comes back. I appreciate your help and wealth of info to help others succeed as well.
Julie Onos says
Stephanie – Thanks for sharing the link to this post on G+. This is a great resource for starting out. I’m going to take a look at my social profiles and also start seeing where I can build relationships and reach out to others to see if they need a panel member or a speaker.