Step #1
You have a dream to be a Professional Speaker. You can visualize yourself speaking in front of audiences receiving excellent remuneration. Now create an action plan.
Step #2
Decide the topics you want to speak on. Try to have three different titles. Hopefully, these are areas that you have enormous expertise in. Remember you have to provide value to an audience. Their time is very important to them. Why should they listen to you unless it will inform, educate, inspire or entertain them. If you don’t feel you have enough material research, research, research.
Step #3
Go to listen to speakers as much as you can. Watch them with a critical eye. Ask yourself two questions. Who do you admire as a speaker? What traits and behaviours have you noticed in the speakers you admire? Acquire these traits and behaviours as your own. They will not take away from your uniqueness only enhance it.
Step #4
Read many books, articles and resources on public speaking. Everytime you go to hear a speaker, ask a thoughtful question during the question and answer time. This strategy will help to diminish any fears of public speaking.
Step #5
Take a course with a Professional Voice Coach and Trainer in Public Speaking.
Have yourself evaluated and assessed as your weaknesses and strengths in Public Speaking. Learn the strategies and skills of professional speaking. Customized courses work best..
Step #6
Decide what kind of speaker you are most comfortable being. Do you want to be a keynote speaker, a break out group speaker, a motivational speaker, a trainer, a workshop speaker, a seminar speaker, a facilitator, host or a master of ceremony.
Step #7
Once you have decided on your speaking path, find avenues to test your material at rotary clubs, libraries, religious venues, lunch and learns. Volunteer if available.
Keynote speakers often are authors and have books they are selling at the back of the room or giving out copies complimentary.
Step #8
Try to qualify for a speaker’s bureau. Do cold calling to organizations where your topics would be a good fit. Join a Professional Speaking Organization such as CAPS The Canadian Association of Professional Speakers for networking events and continual learning.
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