Want More Speaking Gigs? Don’t Make These Mistakes
Being a guest speaker is a great way to promote yourself and your business, but not if you make these common mistakes.
One of the best ways to promote yourself as an author or expert in any arena is through speaking gigs.
But if you do these don’ts, you won’t be invited back or referred to other organizations.
1. Don’t respond promptly to requests for information.
Doing it right: Respond promptly (same day, if possible) to all requests. You may be busy, but so are the people in charge of the event. Being inconsiderate of the host group’s requests will definitely get you off on the wrong foot.
2. Don’t provide information far enough in advance and in the requested format for the host to use in their promotional materials.
Doing it right: Make it easy for the host group to let its audience know about you. Ask when they will begin promoting the event and get your information to them well in advance of the deadline.
3. Don’t bring sufficient handouts.
Doing it right: Ask ahead of time what the anticipated attendance will be, and bring more material than you think you’ll need.
4. Don’t check in advance to see what type of presentation equipment is available.
Doing it right: Never assume that certain items (projectors, screens, computers, etc.) will be available; ask to be sure.
5. Don’t bring your own equipment.
Doing it right: If the host group doesn’t have what you need for your presentation, make arrangements to provide it yourself.
6. Don’t provide digital files in advance if you’re using the host’s equipment.
Doing it right: Send digital files in advance so the host’s tech team can check for compatibility and make sure everything works. If you just show up with your files on a thumb drive, you may or may not get the results you want.
7. Don’t arrive in sufficient time prior to the start of the event to meet hosts, do a facility/soundcheck, etc.
Doing it right: Ask the host what time you should get there. Just because the meeting starts at 7 p.m. doesn’t mean you should arrive at 6:55.
8. Don’t end on schedule or plan to stick around afterward for general questions and possibly one-on-one meetings (depending on what’s appropriate).
Doing it right: Wrap up on time so the organization can stay on its schedule. Also, remember that darting out the door as soon as your presentation ends doesn’t leave a positive impression.
9. Don’t clear selling items ahead of time.
Doing it right: If you want to sell books, CDs, DVDs, etc., discuss it with your host in advance. Some organizations have strict rules about what can and can’t be sold at their events.
10. Don’t bring a written introduction to make it easy for your host to introduce you.
Doing it right: You and your host will both shine if you bring a scripted introduction for the host to use.
11. Don’t be prepared to deliver your presentation naturally without reading a script.
Doing it right: Know your subject and material so well that you can speak without anything more than a minimal outline — or, even better, without any notes at all. Anyone can stand in front of a room and read PowerPoint slides, but if that’s all you do, your audience will be bored. After all, they can read the slides, too.
Give yourself the advantage of getting off on the right foot. Avoiding these mistakes sets the stage for success before you begin your talk.
A version of this article was originally published on my site at CreateTeachInspire.com. You can reach me there or email me at [email protected].
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