121 Secrets to Profitable
Speaking
By Speaker/ Humorist
www.speakforprofit.com www.motivationalplus.com
Here they are. No fluff or filler just great ideas to help you get
started on the right foot in the motivational speaking business.
1.The Power of Observation
Become a constant observer of the human condition. I carry a notebook
and a pen with me at all times. I never leave home without them. No
matter where I go I am conscious of what people are doing and saying.
When I hear, read or see something humorous, touching or inspiring I
write the story line down in my notebook. At the end of each week I
transfer my observations into my data base. Here is an example of an
item I observed in our local newspaper’s help wanted ads. "Successful
candidates must have 203 years experience." That’s one old candidate!
Obviously the writer meant to say 2 or 3 years experience. I use this little
item in my presentation on communication.
Another example:
Just yesterday I was having my morning coffee at the local Tim
Horton’s coffee shop when I overheard two teenage girls speaking. One
said to the other, “ You know the best things about life are sex, drugs
and rap music.” I immediately wrote this down to use in my
presentation on leadership to senior highschool students.
Since I started observing and recording the human condition years ago I
now have on file over 500 stories, anecdotes and humorous
observations. Many of these make their way into my books, talks and
cartoons.
2. Meeting the Needs of Event Planners
As soon as you have been booked to speak ask your contact for the
three outcomes they would like to see result from your presentation.
Keep them on file and refer to them often when preparing your
presentation. By doing this you will prepare a speech designed to meet
the expressed needs of the event planners and not your perception of
their needs. This keeps you focused and on track.
I always ask the planners if they felt that their outcomes
were achieved when I finish my presentation.
3.The Dry Erase Board
I don’t like standing behind a lectern while I speak. I prefer speaking
away from the podium directly in front of the audience. To help me
recall the stories and the key points of my presentation I use a dry erase
board.
Before my speech I write cue words on an 8" x 11" dry erase board.
Each cue word is written in large print so I can see the word without
bending over. Let’s say that I will be using a story about an old man
with a heart murmur. I write HEART MURMUR on the dry erase board.
When I have all cue words written on the board I lean the board against
the leg of a chair in the front row. As my talk progresses I occasionally
glance down to look at what is written on the board. This way I don’t
have to go back to my notes, find my place, check what story is coming
next and continue. I wouldn’t be without my board.
4.Building Your Contact list
It is vital for a speaker/ author to build a list of people
interested in his/her services and products. Communicating
with your list enables you to establish a trusting
relationship with potential clients and buyers.
When people get to know you they start trusting your opinions, taking
your advice and seeking your service. When you offer them a new
product they are more willing to purchase from you.
Try this. When people are entering the room and pass your
product table ask for their business cards. Tell them that
there will be a draw at the end of the evening. Place all
business cards in a box. When your presentation is finished
have the box brought to the front of the room and have someone
from the audience make the draw. The prize can be one of your
books or tapes. You might want to draw twice for two prizes.
Doing this allows you to collect the contact information of a
lot of potential clients and buyers. When you get home add
the information to your list and send them your promotional
information periodically.
5. Establish Your Focus and Direction
Before you begin planning your talk write this sentence stem on a piece
of paper and fill in the blank.
By the end of my speech I would like my audience to-----------
-------------------------------------.
Example: Let’s say I am giving a talk on Humor