You. . .a Public Speaker! - Janice Thompson, Author

Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor. - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

For many writers the thought of speaking publicly is terrifying! They would rather hide under the covers than face the masses any day! Crossing this bridge will propel your career and your book to new heights. Your publisher is counting on your ability to share your heart with your readers and there’s no better way than in the public speaking forum.

Where should you speak? Let’s look at a few options:

WRITERS GROUPS AND GUILDS: I’ve spoken on the topic of merging fact with fiction (and have gone into detail about the research of the book, merging historical fact with fictional characters). Writers are always interested in the “process” of book writing, as well.

CHURCHES/SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES: I’ve spoken to several different churches/denominations about the Galveston hurricane, paralleling it to the storms we all go through in our lives. I’ve given personal testimony of storms I’ve survived in my own life. I’ve had an amazing response, particularly in churches close to the coast.

CIVIC/POLITICAL GROUPS: I’ve gone to multiple civic groups (everything from Lions Clubs to the Sons of Veterans of the Civil War) speaking on the historical elements of the storm and how it changed the make-up of south Texas. I’ve particularly zeroed in on the fact that storms either strengthen or weaken us. Like Houston (after the Galveston hurricane) we can “take advantage” of the storms in our lives to become bigger, better and stronger than we’ve ever been.

SCHOOLS/HOMESCHOOL GROUPS: Since Texas history is a 7^th grade subject, I’ve been welcomed into Houston’s classrooms to teach on the hurricane. If you have product to sell to students, you’ll need to put together a promo page to be sent home to the parents a few days ahead of time so that they can know about your book ahead of time and send a check on the day of your visit.

MUSEUMS/HISTORICAL GROUPS: I’ve been privileged to speak to historical foundations about the storm, focusing on the local history.

ONLINE CHAT CLASSES/BLOGS: I was recently invited to teach a six-week online course. This invitation came as a result of my book’s release, (as other authors/editors began to see me as a professional). Of course, some chat classes don’t offer a stipend, but others do.

READING GROUPS: I was invited to speak to a local reading club/group. The twelve members of the group were required to purchase my book and read it in advance. They invited me to dinner, gave me opportunity to share about the writing of my book, then asked me specific questions related to the story. Out of that evening’s event came several more speaking engagements!

S-P-E-A-K U-P!

I’ve given you a lot of information, but we haven’t yet talked about the ins and outs of standing before a crowd and speaking. If you’re unsure of your speaking abilities, join a group like Toastmasters or C.L.A.S.S. They’ll put you up in front of your peers and give you opportunities to get over the jitters. Here are just a few basic public speaking “rules” if you’re heading out for the first time.

Dress appropriately.

Even if you’re speaking in a casual environment, look as professional as possible.

Come early.

You’ll probably need to set up a book table, which takes time. After all, you’re not just setting up books, you’re putting out business cards, flyers, postcards, etc. (In my case, I take along my laptop so that I can run a Power Point presentation on my book table.)

Get to know the person who extended the invitation

Send a thank you note after the speaking engagement.

Come prepared.

Prepare your notes carefully.

Write your “speech” in such a way that it engages your audience.

Remember that people all have different learning styles. Some are auditory, others are visual and others are kinesthetic (hands on). You need to come at it from all three angles if you’re going to connect with everyone there. When I speak on the Galveston hurricane, I do several things: I tell them the stories (what happened to Galveston Island in 1900 when the storm hit), I give a quiz (which is kind of humorous and gives them a chance to raise their hands and answer questions), and I read from the book (choosing a carefully selected part that leaves them hanging at the end, as I mentioned above). I also give away a free book (not with a drawing, as so many do, but based on the outcome of one surprise quiz question.

Practice in front of a mirror, if you’re nervous

Use your family as a practice audience.

Use the same speech frequently so that it becomes familiar and comfortable.

After awhile it will be second nature to you.

Don’t eat (at least not much) right before speaking.

This is always tough for writers because many speaking engagements involve a meal. I usually “pick at” the food before the speech (to be polite) and grab a bite to eat on the way home. I’ve learned that if I eat before speaking, one of two things happens: I either need to clear my throat frequently OR I need to make a run to the bathroom at an inappropriate time.

Take a bottle of water to the podium with you.

I recently attended a conference where the speakers were not given water and one of my teachers really appeared to be struggling with allergies or some other throat irritation. I felt so sorry for him that I went to get water for him!

When you arrive at the podium, take a deep breath and try to relax.

Many speakers start with a joke or light-hearted quote to put themselves and the audience at ease.

Make eye contact with your audience.

Don’t stay glued to your notes. Smile at the audience and engage them as often as possible.

Use your “theater voice” when speaking if a microphone has not been provided.

There’s nothing more frustrating to an audience than having to strain to hear. And you never know who might struggle with a hearing problem. If you want them to buy your book(s) they have to hear your presentation.

To engage your audience, use visual aids.

Examples would include: Power Point presentation, handouts or photos as part of your speech.

If you’re dealing with/using computer equipment or projectors, arrive early enough to make sure they’re set up correctly.

Ask for help ahead of time if you’re not “electronics savvy.”

If you’re offered a podium, don’t feel that you have to stay behind it.

It makes the audience more comfortable if you come a little closer to them on occasion.

Don’t preach and don’t be a know-it-all.

Nothing will turn off an audience quicker than someone who claims to know everything.

Encourage class participation.

This will do two things. It will ease your tension and it will keep the audience from growing restless.

Have fun!

You’ve waited for this moment for years. Enjoy it!