Trade shows are big
events for speakers. At these events, they are contracted to come out and speak
on a wide variety of topics, and it can be a money-making bonanza, as well as a
networking opportunity for speakers.
Becoming a great
public speaker is very important if you want to speak at trade shows, because
most companies will not pay for someone who is sub-par.
To be that great
public speaker, here are ten tips to make it happen.
- You need to prepare yourself for the
speaking event. You want to practice your speech several times so that you
know it inside and out, but that is not enough. You also have to make sure
you look good and sound good during the speech. Practice the speech in
front of a mirror, and use a recorder so you can hear how you sound with
the speech.
- If you go into the event without knowing
exactly what you are talking about, you will do a poor job. Make sure that
you understand the subject well.
- People love stories, and they love storytellers.
Don’t bore your audience with a hum-drum speech, make sure it is a great
story that will leave them wanting more.
- Learning to market yourself is very
important. By having materials, biographies, press sheets and more about
yourself at the event, you will be able to get more work and spread the
renown and respect you have as a public speaker. Make sure everything is
up to date, and even include a five to ten minute video for people to
watch.
- Websites are a great way to market
yourself, but you need more than that. Think about newsletters, free items
and more that will let people know about where you are speaking and about
what. You may have some people come out just to hear you speak if they
like you enough.
- Things change, so learn to be flexible with
everything from presentations to what you are going to talk about. The
more flexible you are, the more work you will get.
- Knowing your audience ahead of time will
help you keep them in the palm of your hand. If you try and improvise
while you are on stage, the audience will probably see through it and you
will look bad. Always know the various skill levels and industries of the
audience to keep this from happening.
- It is not all about the money. Sometimes
you may need to speak for free, especially at the beginning. This is a
great way to help people learn about you and your speaking ability.
Opportunities may not always be steady, so take them when you can.
- Getting a speaking agent is a very good
idea. No different than actors, musicians and writers, speakers need
agents who know the industry and know how to get you work. Typically, they
will take 20 to 30 percent in commission off of your speaking fees.
- Selling tapes, videos, workbooks and more
is a great way to pad out the wallet at a speaking engagement. Most places
will be fine with it, but always ask first.