Using Public Speaking to Build Your Writing Platform
In last week’s podcast conversation with Sandy and Mary K from Writing Off Social, they talked about 3 platform-growing activities that are particularly effective alternatives to social media. Honestly, these things are effective whether you choose to include social media in your platform plan or not.
We’re going to talk about them in a bit more detail this week and next week. Today, we’re going to look at public speaking.
Why public speaking?
So why is this so effective? Because it puts you face-to-face in front of your audience so they can not only read your words, but hear your voice and feel like they know you.
Public speaking might feel intimidating, but it’s something you can start slowly and gradually build your confidence in. Speaking helps you to explore your topic more fully and gain instant feedback on what is resonating and what isn’t. As you engage with your audience after your talk, you have the opportunity to answer questions and get to know what their needs and questions are. As they interact with you face-to-face, they get to know you and feel comfortable with you.
You can stay connected with those who were interested in your message by gathering their email addresses. One way I’ve done this is by having a drawing for something related to my message. I’ve given away a journal since I talk about journaling a lot. I had everyone who wanted to put their name and email address on a slip of paper and then I drew a winner to receive the journal. I was clear that they did not have to give me their email address, but if they did, I would be adding them to my list of those who receive my monthly email newsletter. Generally, everyone includes their email. I then manually add those emails to my database. Every time I’ve done that, I’ve added almost everyone at the event to my email list. Considering how slowly new subscribers tend to come in from things like lead magnets, this is a great return on your investment of time. I’ve also seen authors have a clipboard at the back where audience members can simply write down their email address in order to get their newsletter. You could also choose a higher tech option and have a QR code that they scan that takes them to a landing page with your email service provider where they can enter their email address for a free resource related to the talk.
Ways to Grow and Improve
If you are new to speaking and want to grow in your skills, there are different programs out there to help you improve. There’s a secular nonprofit organization called Toastmasters that has local clubs around the country designed to help members grow in their public speaking skills. There are also online programs and videos with suggestions on how to be a better speaker.
Getting Booked
Once you’re ready to put yourself out there, where can you find opportunities to speak? I would suggest starting small. Leading a small group Bible study at your church, and speaking at other church small groups and events can be great places to start. Some churches have moms groups that use speakers or senior events or women’s events that have speakers. Just be sure that your topic of choice suits that audience. Church retreat breakout sessions are also an option.
When you’re ready to move beyond your personal church sphere, you can try similar events at other churches. If you have the opportunity to record yourself so that if those who don’t know you want to see an example of your speaking, you have something to show them.
I’m going to put on my ministry leader hat for a moment. As someone who has been on the other side of booking speakers, I can tell you that word of mouth and personal relationship is really important. If someone I don’t know reaches out to me and requests to be a speaker at my ministry event, I’m very unlikely to book them. As a ministry leader, having someone come and speak to your group is a big deal. You’re trusting that speaker that they will be engaging, theologically correct, and helpful to listen to. I feel personally responsible for how it goes. If I’m going to book a complete stranger to do that, I need to be able to see examples of her speaking at that least. It definitely helps if someone I know and trust can vouch for that person. So as you speak, gather testimonials from your audience and keep contact information from those who book you. I had a phone call a while back from a church out of state that was looking to book a speaker that I had used before. They wanted to know all about how the event went and what my thoughts of the speaker were. That speaker had kept my contact info so she knew who to refer that new church to. Understand that anyone booking you needs to feel confident that you will take care of their audience well.
Probably the most important thing to remember about speaking (and all of these other topics as well) is to be specific in who you are talking to and what need you’re addressing. There’s something to be said for being flexible while you’re still learning in order to get the experience. If you have an opportunity to speak to senior citizens and your topic could be applied to them, go for it. The same goes for moms or other types of groups. You just want to be sure that you and the person who booked you to speak are on the same page about what type of content you’re providing for their audience.
Have you considered public speaking? What is holding you back? What is one baby step forward you could take in this area?