That question, “WHAT topic should I speak about?” comes up often.
Sometimes, it’s an easy answer:
If it’s job-related, the subject matter may have already been chosen by a manager or program director.
If that’s the case, have a conversation with them and, together, list bullet points you agree should be covered.
Was it solicited by you, the speaker?
If so, there were probably several topics the meeting planner could choose from.
Hopefully, you’ve sent them “One Sheets.”
A “One Sheet” is a PDF you can email with bullet points of information about you and what you speak about.
There can be a “Summary One Sheet” or one for each topic. All should contain your contact information.
A link to some of my “One Sheets” is HERE.
Did the organizer contact you after visiting your website or seeing you give a presentation?
They may have a subject in mind.
They might also be unaware of additional presentations you deliver.
One Sheets should be available on your website via a Landing Page that captures names and emails for future marketing.
Another possibility, YOU get to pick the topic. What’s Your Passion?
Passion for a topic trumps everything!
I’ve seen speakers deliver less than great presentations, but because their passion for the topic was extremely high, the audience loved them and GOT IT! i.e. they understood what the speaker wanted the audience to understand.
A great example of Passion is This Video where a fourteen year old testifies against lessening hours at a library in Toronto, Canada.
Add knowledge and technique and you will own the audience!
To take advantage of every “Speaking Opportunity,” have a Signature Presentation in your hip pocket!
We never know when that opportunity will present itself. It could be a last minute cancellation by a scheduled presenter. It might be more time being allocated for speakers or one choosing to lessen their allotted time. Perhaps, the event planner decides to suddenly schedule some breakout sessions.
Always being prepared to deliver a talk should be one of a speaker’s goals.
To be considered for an unexpected “Speaking Opportunity,” let the program director and other decision makers know, in advance, you are ready to present should they need to have another speaker. Tell them your topics and be flexible on time for presenting them. Having slide decks on a flash drive and notes with you and conveying that to those in charge will make you the go-to person should a speaker be needed.
Develop and build a Signature Presentation in Modules.
Those modules can be placed into other presentations, making the next one easier to develop.
Example: “The Fear of Public Speaking” is a module I use in many presentations, including: “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” – “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!” – “We’re All Self-Employed!”
Placing that module into other presentations is relatively easy. Also, because about seventy-five percent of the population has this fear, it’s a topic most will be interested in.
Think about your topics, potential audiences, and modifications you can make in content and length.
Always be ready, and, if needed, that presentation will be absolutely, positively, NO SWEAT!
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About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills.
They do this because they know: Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
They also know: We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!
Services:
Topics:
Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!
Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
We are All Self-Employed!
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Podcast Channel, and connect with me on LinkedIn and Facebook.
My books can be purchased on amazon.com. “NO SWEAT Public Speaking” “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
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