Guest Post by Mary Emma Allen

Once a writer is published…either as a journalist, freelancer, book author, or proficient blogger…the next step often involves speaking before groups. You take your knowledge and experience “on tour.”

“I could never speak before a group!” you exclaim.

I thought I couldn’t either, but now find it truly enjoyable. I’ve spoken to groups of no more than five to those larger than 1,000. I’m equally at home with either…as long as I’m prepared and am speaking on a topic I have knowledge about and am passionate about.

Speaking also evolves into way to earn income, in addition to writing. You may start out speaking without payment until you’re confident and sure of your topic. I recall hearing motivational speaker Zig Ziglar relate how he started speaking to any group and for no pay. Then the honoriums of $25 came in. Eventually he realized fees in the thousands of dollars. I have spoken for free, for small honoriums, and now for larger amounts.

How to Get Started

Take the plunge with a small group…perhaps your writing group, your child’s class, a club where you’re a member. I had an enjoyable experience speaking about quilt history and showing the quilts of my family, at a program for the local historical society.

I wasn’t sure I’d receive payment (never thought to ask), so was thrilled when the coordinator handed me an honorium. Draw upon your experience as a writer, upon your hobbies, and the topics you write.

Where to Find Invitations

Make a list of organizations in your area that might be interested in your talks. Approach the program coordinator. Ask friends if their clubs use speakers. In the course of conversations, mention you speak to groups.

Word will begin to spread that you are a speaker and offer an interesting, informative program. Hopefully any organization your speak for will send a press release to local media. If they don’t, then do it yourself.

Speaking Tips

Be prepared. Make a list of your topics and write an outline. Develop a brochure about your talks.

Practice in front of family and friends. Or your pet! Record your talk and listen to yourself. You even may want to video tape it. I know, I know. You don’t like to listen to yourself or see yourself. However, it’s helpful to see what you’re like.

Prepare visuals. It helps to hold your audience’s attention if you have “show and tell” items to display and talk about. (It also puts you more at ease.) This could include a power point program in today’s electronic world.

I found having the family quilts to talk about helped hold my audience’s attention. This also drew them to me after the talk.

Provide handouts for your audience. You may have a short introductory item to pass out as people enter, like a bookmark. Generally save other handouts until after the program

Relax and enjoy yourself. Speaking to share your books and your writing provides a most enjoyable experience and way to earn additional income. As long as you’re prepared and have material you’re knowledgeable about, you’ll find yourself having fun speaking to groups.

©2007 Mary Emma Allen

Mary Emma Allen is a journalist, book author, and blogger. She speaks on a variety of topics – Alzheimer’s, writing, genealogy, quiltmaking, as well as local history. Blogs: Home Biz Notes , Alzheimers Notes, Quilting & Patchwork and Mary Emma’s Pot Pourri of Writing

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