3 Ways to Map Out Speaking Events


Speaking events are a great way to motivate, engage and create drive and determination? They are the perfect approach to encouraging leaders and building relationships. And it makes no difference the type of event, status of the speaker or the location; it’s all about delivering a significant speech and creating momentum and inspiration.

For groups deciding on the most appropriate contender for speaking events; above all look for a speaker that recognizes and gets their event goals. Over the years, I have worked with some outstanding speakers that in the end bring it and inspire and entertain audiences. Sometimes they’ve been celebrities or known to the crowd. And many other times it has been unknowns that are successful in their industry. Either way speakers in part are meant to share their expertise as well as attract an audience. And like everything wisdom, experience and expertise doesn’t always translate to talent and success on the stage. Some speakers are good, really good and others not so much.

3 Tips to Get Started at Speaking Events

Looking to get started in the arena of speaking events? Here are some tips to get you moving in the right direction.

Know the Crowd. The audience is vital to the success of speaking events. So first and foremost answer the question; who is the audience and what is their history? Do your homework. Get to know the crowd and the event topic. Get info from the event planner and ask questions. Consider the subject matter and what will be of interest and appropriate. No cookie-cutter speech here, you’ll have to tailor the speech to the crowd. So it’s imperative to understand who you are communicating to. The more you know the better you can prepare.

Create a Blueprint. Before you start to make a plan or create content you have to address some issues. What is the reason for the event? What are the hopes and goals of the client? Are you looking to educate, inspire or inform? Determine what the most important points you want to share are. Figure out what you want to include and what you don’t. Where to start and what the end game is and when it’s all been said and done what is it you’re looking to achieve.

Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse. We’ve all heard it before “how do you get to Carnegie Hall” practice, practice, practice but of course. Addressing audiences at speaking events is no different. Rehearse your speech and do it frequently. In front of the mirror, with friends, family and work peers. Time it and be sure to rehearse the complete performance from start to finish. The ultimate goal is to inform, entertain while making it look effortless. We all think we have it covered but the facts are we don’t. So take any pointers and comments, rework it and in the end you will overcome the mistakes and ace the speech.

And as Michael Frick, CEO of SPEAKING.com Speakers Bureau | Speaker Management says, “Get out and do as many strategic engagements as possible. That means speaking for free and/or for just travel expenses to groups that you want to reach in your topic and/or industry area. Make certain that there might be potential buyers in the audience, IE: people who have the power to book speakers. And, ask the client to tape your presentation and give you a digital copy.”

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