Speaking is the fastest way to get exposure and build credibility. It’s how every great movement began. It is also the best way to attract high-paying clients.
“To influence and connect with others, inspire change, and build your business, it is critical to speak authentically and confidently in front of groups,” says Maria Lynn Johnson, author of a great book titled The World’s Greatest Speakers.
Whether on a stage, in a conference room, or over the internet, this book provides the elements necessary to become a great speaker. Through her personal interviews, Johnson has masterfully captured the exclusive insights, first-hand experiences, and detailed advice of 20 world class speakers including Brian Tracy and Suze Orman.
Johnson is a speaker, trainer, and business communication coach. For over 20 years she has held leadership roles in training, change management, and performance coaching in Fortune 500 corporations. She is also an adjunct university instructor and has a master’s degree in Human Resource Development.
Here are 12 tips from Johnson on how to get paid to speak:
- Get clear on your core message. (What are you passionate about? What is your big “Why?” How do you want to serve? What problem do you want to solve?)
- Decide what type of speaking you want to pursue. (Is it keynote, live events with selling from the stage, corporate training, workshops and lunch-and-learns, retreats, or online speaking?)
- Envision your ideal client and who you want to serve. Create an avatar in your mind of the specific person, their problems and how they think.
- Start with speaking for free at Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Churches, Networking/Industry Groups. Spread the word that you are looking for places to speak.
- Once you have practice under your belt, move to paid speaking at conferences and organizations. Google places to speak. Type in "Speaking opportunities in XYZ city," "Call for proposals," or "Call for speakers."
- Research groups and organizations and track down the person who schedules speakers. (This may take a few calls.) When possible, attend the meeting at which you want to speak.
- Introduce yourself and ask meeting professionals how you can serve them. (What can you say and do that will ensure they hit a homerun at their event?)
- Be ready. Have your speaker sheet, intro and topics written. Try to capture video and photos of yourself speaking, as most places ask for a speaker reel.
- Deliver a compelling talk so you get referrals. (Open your talk with a bang by engaging them, then share 3 key points with supporting stories, and give a call-to-action.)
- Practice. Speak as much as possible. Record yourself. Don’t wait until you’re perfect and confident to begin. Beginning is how you get there.
- Behave as the expert. Run your practice as a business. You have value and are the expert. Offering your services improves people's lives. Price yourself accordingly.
- Eventually expand and repurpose your content. Once you’re delivering your signature talk, look to branch out. Use your content to build training, webinars, a book, podcasts, videos, newsletters.
But what do you say when you approach groups. Here is a sample email from Johnson to local organizations who may need speakers:
Dear Name,
My name is Maria Lynn Johnson. I live in Minneapolis, MN and I teach leaders “WHAT to say, and HOW to say it” so they skyrocket their credibility and brand. (Describe the specific benefit and problem you solve.)
I see your organization is going through (research the company and mention something current that may point to a need - know your stuff). My expertise from 20 years in corporate training and ten years as a successful entrepreneur can help your team (explain the benefit you can provide tying your solution to their needs). And I do it in an engaging, impactful, and playful way. (Quick description of unique expertise).
Meeting professionals have said they appreciate my preparedness, flexibility, and professionalism. Audiences walk away feeling excited, energized and understood, as well as equipped to take on the world.
Name, I would love to serve your community and help you hit a homerun in your next event! I haveopenings starting in January 2019 (just in time to kick off the new year with a bang).
Your Contact Details, email, phone, website
Johnson gave up her corporate job to follow her passion of helping entrepreneurs and leaders reach higher levels of success through effective speaking. With her unique blend of business experience and the ability to entertain an audience, she's a highly sought-after speaker, trainer and coach.
