{"id":139686,"date":"2016-05-12T11:00:33","date_gmt":"2016-05-12T11:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getflywheel.com\/?p=16963"},"modified":"2024-06-30T22:20:29","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T03:20:29","slug":"how-public-speaking-can-increase-your-credibility-and-get-you-your-next-gig","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/resources\/how-public-speaking-can-increase-your-credibility-and-get-you-your-next-gig\/","title":{"rendered":"How Public Speaking can Increase Your Credibility and Get you Your Next Gig"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you freelance or are part of the traditional workforce, you share these truths: distinguishing yourself and connecting with other professionals is elemental to your career velocity.<\/p>\n

For any given full-time position advertised on LinkedIn<\/a>, there may be 50-350 applicants. Ouch. Freelancers have it equally tough as they face the arduous task of building a client list<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Great gigs don\u2019t magically appear to those who simply wish and wait. Or even to those who, in recent generations, would have met most job qualifications with a four-year diploma and some prior experience.<\/p>\n

Today, web designers need to take more significant measures to stand out as the logical new hire<\/a> (or consultant of choice). Beyond secondary degrees, internships, and even relevant job experience, shouldering your way to the front of the masses requires creativity, commitment, and a willingness to develop new skills. \u201cT\u201d shape<\/a> may be the new specialization.<\/p>\n

\"public-speaking-stand-out\"<\/p>\n

Many paths to get there from here<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no single right way to create distance between you and the candidate pack. You could build a varied writing portfolio. Someone else might develop sample websites or apps to demonstrate proficiency in programming languages and logic, or do pro bono design work to showcase creative juice.<\/p>\n

On top of the inherent value, these and other types of side projects<\/a> help career-minded pros stay competitive, develop key workplace skills, and be an indisputable part of the consideration set when new opportunities open up.<\/p>\n

The Case for Talking More<\/h2>\n

Another useful tactic to distinguish yourself is to attend conferences and give some talks. A list of interesting talks given at regional or design conferences speaks to how well you are regarded in<\/a> the industry while also suggesting talent on the rise.<\/p>\n

When annotated with positive reviews from attendees, an appearance list is a testament to your comfort level in defending a particular point of view, of possessing an analytical mind, and of having a pleasing stage presence. As you establish your speaking and presentation chops, your professional network will expand as your credibility in your field grows.<\/p>\n

Someone skilled in public speaking<\/a> with a documented history of talks may be more persuasive and display higher emotional intelligence<\/a> in important business situations, like when a deal is on the line.<\/p>\n

What it Takes to be a Great Public Speaker<\/h2>\n

Now that you see how public speaking can benefit your career aspirations, the next step is to figure out what you\u2019ll need to be good at it. Here are four rules of thumb:<\/p>\n

1. Focus on a Specific Topic<\/h3>\n

[twitter_link]Great speakers boil broad topics down to a specific, finite essence.[\/twitter_link] They don\u2019t spend a lot of time setting the stage for their main theme, and they avoid over-explaining concepts or ideas that most of their audience are familiar with.<\/p>\n

2. Read and React to Your Audience<\/h3>\n

In sports, the superior athlete is one who can read his\/her opponent, quickly analyze their objective, and react accordingly. Similarly, the best speakers look for cues in the audience<\/a> to adapt their delivery. That may mean asking a spontaneous question to test audience understanding and assess engagement, or adding more detail if a few faces look quizzical.<\/p>\n

\"public-speaking-audience\"<\/p>\n

3. Only Talk About Passion Topics<\/h3>\n

As with most things in life, there\u2019s no substitute for innate passion and interest<\/a>. We excel doing the activities and tasks we find most emotionally and intellectually rewarding. The best speakers identify primary themes of interest and concentrate their lecture repertoire in that area. Sure, exploring some tangents is acceptable, but it\u2019s a slippery slope. I say own a topic area, and rock it.<\/p>\n

4. Lead Your Listeners on a Journey<\/h3>\n

Skilled speakers aren\u2019t really concerned with being the center of attention or even projecting their rigidly fixed ideas into the minds of others. Instead, [twitter_link]influential speakers know their job is to lead the listener on a journey.[\/twitter_link] On the journey, together they\u2019ll identify problems, explore potential solutions, evaluate some success cases. The speaker will help the listener discover how the teachings come into play with their own work.<\/p>\n

Next, Get Your Name Out There<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s important to intelligently market yourself as a speaker<\/a>, too. That means understanding the attributes event programmers value most when researching and recruiting speakers. Here are five ways to make yourself attractive to those in charge of getting you an audience:<\/p>\n

1. Understand the Engagement<\/h3>\n

The trouble with some \u201cseasoned\u201d speakers is they hear the words, \u201cAre you interested in speaking at\u2026\u201d and then they stop listening. Their brain automatically jumps to a Powerpoint (or ten) they\u2019ve already given. Remember, even if the organization is okay with you drawing on some previous work, they likely don\u2019t want a cookie-cutter presentation.<\/p>\n

Ask questions to learn more about the anticipated audience makeup, what prior experience they likely have, what issues the event programmer thinks are most important, and understand the attendee journey (will they receive a transcript after the fact? Do you need to develop a worksheet?).<\/p>\n

2. Master the Basics<\/h3>\n

Good grammar, plain language<\/a>, proper editing, and proofing may sound obvious, but plenty of marquee speakers submit materials half-baked. Imagine if five of seven speakers slated for an event are lazy with their fundamentals? That\u2019s time and attention the program manager doesn\u2019t have. If your materials are polished, you\u2019ll be remembered.<\/p>\n

Moreover, you\u2019ll get back-channel recommendations for other events and gigs. I once invited a speaker to participate at an event and was so pleased with her attention to detail and punctuality that I approached her later for another event and a spot as a guest writer for the company blog. She\u2019s now doing some freelance editing projects, too. Boom!<\/p>\n

3. Be Reliable and Timely<\/h3>\n

You may not understand why the draft of your lecture is needed eight weeks before the event, but trust if the event programmer asks for it, it\u2019s in your long-term interest to deliver<\/a>. Further, if you agreed to a timeline (or signed a speaking agreement with a detailed timeline), you\u2019re obligated to fulfill as expected. If something unexpected were to pop up, give as much notice as possible. You\u2019re not doing the event programmer any courtesy by stalling, and they\u2019ve likely heard every excuse imaginable.<\/p>\n

\"public-speaking-reliable\"<\/p>\n

4. Keep an Open Mind<\/h3>\n

Event programmers have the responsibility of meeting the expectations of both the audience and host organization. A collaborative mind open to feedback and suggestion is a great way to further endear yourself. Don\u2019t strong arm the event programmer.<\/p>\n

5. Tell People About It<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s not an event programmer in the history of ever who isn\u2019t thrilled at the words, \u201cHow can I help promote the webinar\/lunch-and-learn\/class\/workshop?\u201d Remember to ask if there is a custom URL or hashtag you should reference when promoting the event on social networks. Review the full event lineup for ways to cross-merchandise, tie topics in with what you already share on social media, or promote other featured speakers.<\/p>\n

Get Out There and Talk<\/h2>\n

Wondering how to get started?<\/a> While it\u2019s true you\u2019ll need some major events under your belt before you can command stiff speaking fees or a keynote slot, taking baby steps is a good way to get started building your chops and your network<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Do you use RSS? Add some blogs to your feed, and pick up some good books to get inspired and learn some tips.<\/p>\n