Speaking before a group about your business is definitely
the cheapest and best way to market your product or service
and expand your customer base. I know this from first hand
experience. I started talking about my hair styling business
at local service organizations, such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimists.
I didn't have any public speaking experience, so I studied
the pros. Here are some key points I learned that helped me
build my business.
Check out the Room:
Being prepared is a key to presenting a good talk. It's
a comfort knowing that the lights, the microphone, the flip
charts, etc. are working and, more importantly, that you know
how to work with them.
Go to the room where you will be speaking earlier than everybody
else. Imagine yourself a success. Get comfortable on the stage.
Test the microphone. Are your notes in order? Are the flip
chart and markers in working order?
You may not be a professional speaker, but struggling with
audio/visual equipment just distracts and annoys your audience.
You want them on your side.
Presenting your Talk:
Do not read your speech. Write key points in bold felt tip
pen (or in a large, bold typeface on your laser printer) on
a pad you keep on the lectern or table on the podium. I urge
you not to stand behind the lectern throughout your entire
talk. It puts a barrier between you and the audience and they
feel it. However, if you feel more secure standing behind
the lectern, do not lean on it.
The Introduction:
Write your own introduction. Use your resume as a guide,
but customize it to fit the topic on which you're speaking.
Do not include your job as a life guard in your intro unless
it directly relates to your subject.
Handouts:
Develop a page detailing your key points. Or if you've had
an article published, make copies for the audience members.
Make sure that the handout includes your name, address and
telephone number.
Business Cards:
If your goal is to develop business contacts, always collect
business cards from the audience members. You can offer to send
additional information, articles or tip sheets to them. Or you
can offer a door prize (this can be a product you sell or certificate
for service--a free evaluation of financial status, etc.); ask
that everyone drop their business cards in a box from which
you or the program chair will draw the winner (or winners) at
the end of your talk. The business cards give you prospects
with whom you can follow up later. If you offer to provide attendees
with written material, you might include an order blank for
you product or service.
Just Do It!
Speaking before a group of strangers can be intimidating, but
keep focused on the positive impact the presentation will have
on your business reputation and your bottom line. Don't expect
to be a magnificent speaker the first time out. Your goal is
to present the most valuable information possible to the members
of the audience. Think of it as the beginning of many long-term
relationships.
Go on--step up on the podium and profit from the experience.
(529 words)
If you find these tips on public speaking useful, you will enjoy,
appreciate and learn from Patricia Fripp's audio and video tapes:
http://www.fripp.com/professionalspeakers.html
For more information on speech coaching for business leaders
or professional speakers, groups or individuals visit: http://www.fripp.com/speechcoach/
If you are a business executive who wants to get paid for your
knowledge, or a professional speaker who needs innovative marketing
and strategy seminars, you need The Odd Couple® Seminar: http://www.fripp.com/oddcouple.html
Patricia Fripp CSP,CPAE is an award winning keynote
speaker, Past-President of the National Speakers Association,
and in-demand speaking skills coach.. She is the author of
Get What You Want!, Make it so You Don't Have to Fake It,
We offer this article on a nonexclusive basis. You may reprint
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contact information is included. PFripp@Fripp.com, 1-800 634
3035, http://www.fripp.com
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Patricia Fripp
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