For some, the prospect of standing before a group of any size can cause uncontrollable shakes, and a desire for heavy drugs. For others, it turns into a case of the \"Hardly Waits\".
If you want to speak, you must have something to say. I have a friend who used to say \"I will speak to any group, anywhere, about anything\", until he learned that he had to know something about what he was talking about.
To be a good speaker, you should know your subject and speak about it often. Even the preacher at church was a little rocky the first few times in front of the flock. Professionals do their thing frequently; preacher, rodeo cowboy, brain surgeon, speaker.
Before you can get paid, you have to polish your skills in front of a live audience for free.
Here are BIG Mike\'s 7 steps to giving a free speech.
CAUTION: these steps will require work on your part.
1) Pick a subject in an area where you have expertise. Make a list of 7 points you can make about your subject.
2) Think of one event or happening in your life that you can tell on yourself to reinforce one of the 7 points (a signature story). It must be your story.
3) Write a few paragraphs on each of your seven points. Get at least 900 words (about two pages) each.
In front of an audience, it will take you 3 to 5 minutes to explain each of your points.
3 minutes times 7 points is 21 minutes.
Throw in 5 more for your story and you have an easy free speech for Rotary and Kiwanis anywhere.
4) Practice by reading it out loud. Graduate to using crib notes, then to using one or two word clues, but don\'t memorize it. Time it. Adjust it.Try it out on a spouse or friend. Get comfortable with it. If you can get up there and do a decent job you will immediately position yourself as an expert with the audience. Experts get hired.
5) Experts never hide behind the podium (lectern). When you deliver your talk, stand, unafraid, in front of your audience, not behind a shield.
6) Invite yourself to several Rotary Clubs within an easy drive from home and learn to love rubber chicken.
7) Call them to action. Tell your audience to get off their behinds or to give blood or...something. There must be a purpose for you being there. Even if you only recap your 7 points and encourage them, end with a call to action.
To learn the details of how to invite yourself, to Rotary and Kiwanis, read my article \"Getting Booked to Speak for Free\" You can get it by sending a blank eMail MailTo:Speak4Free@GetPaid2Speak.com
Soon you will be a better speaker and on your way to being known as an expert who speaks. Go into the speaking business with your eyes open - listen to the professionals and do what they say works.
(c) 2004 BIG Mike McDaniel - All Rights Reserved -
BIG Mike has been a professional speaker for over 30 years and Chapter President of the National Speakers Association.
Big Mike works with people who want to become professional speakers. His GetPaid2 Speak series is a 12 week university-level distance learning course. Check it out at
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