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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 decided to create a page for new speakers, anyone considering speaking, or speakers who need a different perspective. 

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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. 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 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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• Title

• Workshop Description (75 - 150 words)

• Provide three learning objectives

• Here are examples of what that looks like 

 

#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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Determine Your Outreach List

• 80% of your initial clients will come from people already within your network

• Go through your LinkedIn Contacts/Followers, Social Media accounts, and your email to see which decision makers you are already connected to and determine who you'd like to reach out to

• Identify who of your friends you would like to ask for help in introducing you to a community or organization that currently are not connected with

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From Phil Gerbyshak's Ultimate Guide for Aspiring Speakers: Building Your Platform

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• Building Your 'Fast 50' List

  • Identify 50 people or companies you aspire to speak to. These should be based on your existing networks, such as previous employers, industry associations, or other professional groups.

• Identifying Local Opportunities with 'First 50'

  • Compile a list of local businesses, schools, and associations within a 50-150 mile radius where you could realistically travel to speak and return home the same day.

• Cultivating Your 'Future 50' List

  • As you establish yourself, develop a list of 50 future engagements or contacts who have expressed interest in your talks or share common industry ties. This will be your springboard into broader networks.

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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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• 4 P’s Workshop Development Tool - Angie Cole

  • This tool helps you craft a deeper dive into your workshop, making it much more impactful

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• Addressing Pain Points Sales Page - Marsha Shandur

  • This will be important in how you present your talks to potential clients, focused on addressing their main pain points

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• The Workshop Survival Guide

  • Learn the essential facilitation needed to solve unexpected problems and run a smooth, stress-free workshop

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

• 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 giggle 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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Bonus Tips:

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• Advice On How To Get Hired As A Paid Speaker By An Event Producer
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• Learn The State of The Speaking Industry in 2024

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• Speaker Intel Engine Webinar - Prospecting Speaking Opportunities & Decision Makers