Freelance Switch |
| Learning to Love (or Survive) Speaking Events Posted: 08 Feb 2011 05:30 AM PST  credit: Daniel E/Flickr Many freelancers enjoy the solitary aspect of their work style. Working long stretches uninterrupted by co-workers, controlling when you'll be called into a meeting, and donning your best-loved sweatshirts are all benefits of the lifestyle. But that same solitary lifestyle can have some adverse affects. With less reason to use them, many freelancers let their public speaking skills go stale, perhaps without even realizing it. Speaking skills are a valuable tool, and it pays to stay sharp. "Speaking to others is a great networking and referral tool that will help grow your business. One effective speech can lead to multiple other freelance projects," says Gary Schmidt Past International President, Toastmasters International. "You owe it to your business to speak as often as possible." Teaching classes, hosting seminars at a conference, or making presentations at schools help you establish a presence in your field and attract new clients. "Early in my career, I began speaking about graphic design to high school classes, small business organizations and related conferences. Speaking engagements now make up about a third of my annual income," says Jeff Fisher, Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based design firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives. Don't let inexperience or nerves stand in the way of pushing your business to the next level. Here are some tips for revitalizing your public speaking skills: Observe: Watch other speakers, observing their good and bad habits. Study news reporters, seminar hosts, speakers at church, clubs or social gatherings. Mimic their positive traits such as eye contact, expression, or speaking pace. Learn: Read books written by other powerful speakers. Join networking groups, or public speaking organizations such as Toastmasters, to help you learn and practice. Take baby steps: If your dormant public speaking skills are admittedly dormant, warm them slowly. Invite a few colleagues to get together for lunch. Host a small party at your house. Attend a meeting of a local networking group. Seek a mentor: Find someone you know who frequently makes presentations, and offer them a free lunch in exchange for sharing their tips. Start locally: A community center is a great place to get your feet wet. "My earliest speaking engagements were to local high school students and neighborhood business groups. With experience, invitations came my way to speak at the national and international level," says Jeff Fisher. Know your stuff: Start off with speaking engagements on topics you know inside and out: a beginner's course in your field, or a hobby you know well. This will build your confidence with speaking in general before you move on to more challenging material. Prepare, prepare, prepare: "The key to success is to prepare and practice. Just like exercise, you do not see results without consistent and constant effort," shares Schmidt. Scope out the setting: When the big day arrives, arrive early. Seeing the room when it's empty can calm your nerves. "Take a deep breath. Relax. Visualize a successful presentation. Remember that you were asked to speak because you have something of value to share. The audience is looking forward to learning from you," advises Schmidt. Also locate things you may need: a podium, pen and paper, overhead projector, water fountain, rest rooms. Afterwards, congratulate yourself on taking a major step forward, buy yourself a treat, and begin planning your next event! Photo credit: Some rights reserved by Daniel E
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