Blog - Page 9 of 11 | Speaker Sponsor | Where sponsors pay YOU to speak!

From time to time Speaker Sponsor will be featuring a Speaker Spotlight profile from professional speakers. If you’re new to speaking you will benefit from their inside knowledge of how the speaking industry works. And even if you’ve been around a while there is always something you can learn from the learning curve of other speakers.

Networking expert Diane Darling didn’t plan her career as a public speaker. She tells Speaker Sponsor how she became an “accidental” speaker who learned from trial and error how to constantly improve her skills as a speaker.

Why did you decide to become a speaker?

It was a total accident …. I was asked by a women’s group to explain how I got meetings with key decision makers. I innocently didn’t think I did anything unique or special. So I gave a talk and people in the audience told their friends/colleagues and it went from there.

Do you remember your first speaking engagement?

Do I ever! I was TERRIFIED. I prepared a grid with 3 boxes to help my nerves.

Copy of the slide
Bullet points of my remarks
Words that would help me relax – e.g SMILE, WHEW, It’s almost over (I usually had that first to help my nerves)

I had JUST started, I put the papers on a clipboard because my hands were shaking. A few minutes into my talk a woman spoke up and said, “I’m sorry to interrupt. I’m concerned you’ve eaten something you’re allergic to. You’re neck has red blotches.”

I was mortified. I continued and everyone empathized with my nerves. I went and bought a bunch of red turtlenecks and wore them for a long time.

How have you changed as a speaker?

I’m much more relaxed for sure. I also realize that I can’t possibly share EVERYTHING I know – no matter how long the talk. Editing what I’m not going to say is difficult, but I’m getting better.

How have you seen the speaking industry change?

It seems that everyone wants to be a speaker but maybe that’s just because it’s the business I’m in. People glamorize it. Others seem attracted to it as a way to vent or get attention.

What’s the best advice you would give someone who is just entering the speaking business?

Start with top content. Just being funny or good in front of an audience doesn’t mean you have something people will want to hear. Then work on your delivery. I closely watch comedians. The best have something to say – they write, practice, rewrite, practice again. It’s hard work.

What methods do you use to get speaking engagements? Cold calling, inbound marketing, speaker’s bureaus, direct mail, all of the above, or something else?

I’m not enough of a celebrity to be of interest to speaker’s bureaus. Or at least that’s what they’ve told me – directly or indirectly. Most of my work comes from referrals from people who have seen me speak before. Rarely, but on occasions, someone will find me on the web.

Where do you expect to be as a speaker in 5 years?

I’d like to find someone who gets the clients and I can focus on writing more talks. In due time, I’d like to have time mentoring others but that’s a ways off. I have a variety of talks I’d like to give outside of my current topics and I’d like to be delivering more of them. I guess I’d like to be known as a good speaker – no matter the topic. Not just an expert on networking.

Meeting planners will often give out speaker evaluations to determine what the audience thought of the speaker. It’s a way for them to gauge the effectiveness of the programs they’re putting together and how they can improve them in the future. For speakers, dealing with speaker evaluations can be stressful.

I remember with my first evaluation the other speakers went out of their way to let me know how much they liked it and one even pointed it out during his presentation. But when I got the feedback from the audience it was lukewarm at best. I had failed to put myself in the shoes of the audience.

I’ve had other ones where the audience was thrilled, but not the meeting planner, and ones where the management was excited, but the audience didn’t get it. Sometimes no matter how hard you try you won’t be able to please everybody.

The National Speaker’s Association asks their speakers to provide them with learning outcomes for their sessions, which they print in the program for the audience to compare against. They then ask the audience if those outcomes were met, what value they received from the presentation, and what takeaways they planned to implement themselves.

Toastmasters is a great training ground for speakers because you get constant feedback from your peers. Plus you can also learn from hearing feedback that other speakers get. Toastmasters is great for beginners because the feedback is both critical and encouraging. The feedback is simply an honest opinion of how the speech affects you personally and how it could be improved. Check out the Toastmasters Effective Evaluation Manual to learn more.

One of the best ways to get feedback is to run everything by a group of trusted people who will be critical, but helpful. This could be a group of speakers who are at least on your level, if not higher. But it doesn’t have to just be speakers. You won’t be talking to speakers in the room, so try to get an audience of regular people. Even better, find an audience similar to the one you’ll be speaking to and ask for their most critical advice.

You can’t take everything to heart, but if you see a pattern emerge from several different audience members you might want to work to improve it.

A speaker Q & A isn’t always right for every speech you give, but when the meeting planner asks if you will do one, take her up on it. A speaker Q & A session will keep you on your toes and get you to prepare even more than you planned on. I think that’s a good thing. If you’re the expert you should know that topic and not be rattled by the audience’s questions.

If you have to do a Q & A, here are a few tips to make it go smoothly:

Practice – Get a friend to sit through your speech and ask questions at the end. Get someone who is a tough critic who will ask the questions you might not have thought of. If you don’t know the answers then this is an opportunity to find them out before getting the question at the event. Get feedback from your friend to make sure you answered it completely.
Over-research – You’re the expert and should know this information like the back of your hand. This is a chance for you to read up on the latest news in your industry. I always like to find at least one bit of information that no one else has heard of. It might take a while to find that obscure reference, but it’s worth it. Your audience will be impressed and so will the meeting planner.
Keep it positive – It never, ever fails that once one person in the audience plays devil’s advocate, it brings down the vibe in the room. Then others start to chime in with negative comments and it seems to never end. If you see that happening, instantly make it positive and quickly move on to someone you think will be more uplifting. It’s okay to push it that way yourself. But do keep it positive or you’ll end the speech on a bad note and that’s all they’ll remember.
Use Notecards – I’m slightly hard of hearing, so I’m always afraid I won’t hear the questions from the audience. So I started giving them notecards in the beginning and at some point in the speech I ask them to write down any questions they have along the way, so we don’t have to stop the momentum. It’s also for me so that I don’t have to risk not hearing them. You can kind of pick and choose a little too if you get to a card you don’t have an answer for.

Some speakers dread the Q & A. I even know a very experienced speaker who won’t do them. I see them as a challenge. The worst that can happen is that you don’t have an answer. If that happens, you just say you really don’t know, but if they’ll give you their email you’ll get an answer for them as soon as possible. And the next time you won’t be stumped by that question.

Will Airbnb impact traditional meeting room blocks? (via http://www.conferencesthatwork.com/)

Brian Chesky, 32, is the founder and CEO of Airbnb, “a community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world” that was founded in 2008 and, in just six years is expected to become the world’s largest…

(more…)

The panel moderator is similar to an orchestra conductor. Their job is to make sure the speakers on the panel look good and that the panel discussion goes smoothly and stays on time. Though a good panel moderator makes it look easy, it does take a certain skill to pull it off. It’s a delicate balance of talking just enough, but not too much as to overshadow your panelists. A good panel moderator should have a thorough knowledge of the topic. This helps them know the most interesting questions to bring up, and knowing some background on the topic helps fill in the gaps.

Being a good panel moderator requires effective communication, organization, and the ability to facilitate engaging and insightful discussions. Here are some tips to help you excel in this role:

Prepare and Research

Familiarize yourself with the topic of the panel discussion and research the backgrounds of the panelists. This will help you ask relevant and thought-provoking questions and facilitate meaningful conversations.

Set Clear Objectives

Define the purpose and objectives of the panel discussion. Communicate these goals to the panelists and the audience at the beginning of the session. This will provide direction and keep the discussion focused.

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Start the panel by introducing yourself, the panelists, and the topic. Set a positive and inclusive tone to create a comfortable and engaging environment for both the panelists and the audience.

Develop a Structure

Organize the panel discussion by establishing a structure. Decide on the order and timing of each panelist’s contribution. Ensure that each panelist has an opportunity to share their insights and allow for interactive discussions.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Craft questions that encourage panelists to share their expertise and insights. Pose open-ended questions that spark discussion and debate. Be an active listener, and follow up on panelists’ responses with additional probing questions to delve deeper into the topic.

Manage Time Effectively

Keep track of time throughout the panel discussion. Ensure that each panelist has an equal opportunity to speak and that the discussion stays on track. Politely intervene if a panelist exceeds their allotted time or if the conversation veers off-topic.

Encourage Interaction

Foster an interactive dialogue among the panelists. Encourage panelists to respond to each other’s comments and engage in respectful debates. Also, involve the audience by allowing time for questions or incorporating interactive elements like live polls or audience participation.

Stay Neutral and Impartial

As a moderator, strive to remain neutral and impartial. Avoid expressing personal opinions or biases that may influence the discussion. Your role is to facilitate a balanced conversation and give every panelist an opportunity to share their perspectives.

Manage Difficult Situations

In case of conflicting opinions or tense moments, maintain control and manage the situation diplomatically. Stay calm, mediate disputes respectfully, and guide the discussion toward constructive outcomes. Ensure that all panelists feel heard and respected.

Conclude Effectively

Summarize the key points and takeaways from the panel discussion. Thank the panelists for their valuable contributions and encourage the audience to continue the conversation beyond the session. Offer any closing remarks or resources related to the topic for further exploration.

Choose interesting and diverse panelists

Use diversity to choose panelists who will complement each other, but also offer a different point of view on the topic at hand. I recently moderated a panel of entrepreneurs and chose a group who were each successful in their own right but arrived at success as an entrepreneur in very different ways. The topic was about funding a business. One of them bootstrapped a business on credit cards and loans from family and friends, another one started out as a celebrity athlete and used her winnings to start a business, and another was able to get angel funding and venture capital to fund a business.

Be in the moment

A good panel moderator will know how to run with a fascinating comment and expand on it. Instead of getting too caught up in your list of questions you have to get through, if one of your panelists brings up an interesting question or comment you haven’t thought of, get the other panelists in on it. Have them talk to each other and encourage them to ask each other questions. Watch the audience. Are they on the edge of their seats at that moment or checking their text messages? If you see that they are intrigued, explore the issue further. One reason you shouldn’t prep too much is so you can get more of these surprise moments. If you have a smart moderator who asks good, probing questions, and smart panelists you will probably have a lively discussion.

Have good timing

The best comedians have an intuitive sense of comedic timing. It’s something that’s hard to define. Kind of like you know it when you see it. But like most things, it can be learned, and definitely has to be practiced over and over again to perfect. If you want to perfect your timing, find some places where you can practice your skills as a moderator for free. Get the bugs out at a local Chamber of Commerce or school event where they won’t be so critical of you. Focus on listening to and watching your panelists and the audience and staying in the moment. Watch a good conductor and how they work the orchestra. Good

Remember, being a good panel moderator requires practice and adaptability. By applying these tips, you can create an engaging and informative panel discussion that leaves a lasting impact on both the panelists and the audience.

Not all speakers are able to handle the role of panel moderator. You have to be able to forget about content and switch off your ego for the good of the group. It’s not about your opinion, but the opinions of the panelists and the needs of the audience.

If you’ve been a panel moderator, what did you learn and what advice would you give to a speaker doing it for the first time?

All professional speakers have made mistakes. I certainly have made my share of them. It’s part of the learning process of becoming a good speaker. But one thing that has saved me time and time again through computer glitches and more is improv. Michael Bay proved at the Consumer Electronics Show that speakers should learn improv.

One of the very first speaking jobs I had was for a large educational conference. Everything was great until I happened to glance at the back of the room and saw the CEO of the company standing there staring at me. Suddenly, for some reason, I forgot the name of the company that hired me. It was probably a ten second pause, but for that moment, it seemed like an eternity.

Using my improv background, I instinctively grabbed a teddy bear that was sitting on the table, which happened to have the name of the company on it. Phew! Saved by the bear! I started improvising in the bear’s voice and after getting a laugh from the audience and the CEO, the faux pas was quickly brushed off.

Director Michael Bay’s “meltdown” at the CES could have benefitted from a little improv training. First of all I would have told him that a keynote speaker should never rely on a teleprompter. Just like a speaker should never rely completely on a power point presentation. Technology, as great as it is, is not perfect. And speakers, more than anyone, know about Murphy’s Law. If you’ve been a speaker for any length of time, you’ve had some kind of technology screw up happen to you.

But if he had known his topic inside and out, and also had some improv background, he would have been able to riff on the spot, even making a joke out of a technology failure at a consumer electronics show. This is proof of Murphy’s Law in action.

I was talking to a meeting planner today and she asked if I was interested in a job as a motivational speaker at a wedding. That’s a first! I’ve never heard of such a thing. She said the bride and groom were having an unconventional wedding and wanted a professional motivational speaker to jumpstart the crowd.

Motivational speaker at wedding

Okay, maybe I’m not very hip to what’s going on in the wedding industry these days, but it did get me thinking. I’m open to any kind of new and innovative speaker ideas and would probably speak at a rodeo if I was getting paid.

I would prepare for a job as a wedding speaker the same way I would any other corporate or non profit gig. If you’re a professional speaker and the bride or best man ask you to speak, you should be able to pull off a top notch performance. But what if you’re not a professional speaker and were asked to deliver a speech at a friend or family member’s wedding? Here are a few tips to make it a memorable one:

Timing

Nothing is worse than a wedding speech that drones on forever. Like a guest at a party, you should know when to get in and get out before you wear out your welcome. Keep it long enough to create a good story arc, but short enough that you keep them wanting more. Talk it over with the bride and groom. After all, it is their day and the focus should always stay on them.

Planning

Never give an impromptu speech at a wedding. Just like professional speakers write out and rehearse a speech, you should do the same thing for a wedding speech. Write down how you met the bride and groom, and any touching or funny stories you can think of. Mention something interesting about the bride and groom. Rehearse the speech enough where you know it, but not too much that it sounds canned. If you have to write down bullet points on cards, do it. But it’s always better if you can do it without cards.

Delivery

First of all, take your time and enjoy it. Nervous speakers tend to speak too quickly, hoping to get it over with as fast as possible. Enjoy the moment and smile. The audience wants you to succeed. A good way to ground yourself is to look at the people you’re talking about. When you speak about the bride, look at her and gesture to her. When you speak about the groom, make eye contact with him like you were speaking just to him. And, most important of all, speak from your heart. If the bride and groom have asked you to give a speech, they are obviously close to you and you should consider it an honor. Wish them all the happiness in the world, and end your speech on a positive note.

What’s the most unusual speaking job you’ve ever been asked to do?

Anyone can make predictions about the future of the meetings industry, but no one has a crystal ball to give a definitive answer. We’ve combed through studies from IMEX, Destination Hotels & Resorts and American Express, along with other experts and have tried to distill it down to several key points that most everyone agrees on.

Budgets are still tight – Spending for meetings in North America appears to be flat right now, with a slight 1.5% increase in actual meetings being held. Spending for meetings in Europe seems to be decreasing. Everyone is demanding more ROI. If you’re a speaker, you simply must be bringing in more value. Fluff doesn’t cut it anymore.
More social media integration– Companies will be using social media in new and different ways for content creation and networking. Social media allows attendees to talk about and share information before, during, and after the event. People who attend the event can review it, and hopefully shape future events.
More complex and rigorous approvals – Senior level executives must often approve meeting budgets above a certain amount, which will slow down the approval process. A shift will be towards more revenue focused meetings.
More local meetings – Expect companies to start having more local meetings and fewer large meetings where everyone has to travel a great distance. Many will also be combining those meetings with local volunteer charity.
Lower priced hotels – Meeting planners have said they are going with lower priced hotels and giving attendees fewer options. Some also said their food and beverage budgets have been cut.

So, how does this affect you as a speaker? You could get upset about it, or you could see it as an opportunity to start bringing more and more value to a company as a speaker. How can you help a meeting planner with their social media? Or meeting promotion?

The dilemma meeting planners are in is that they are looking for the best speakers to speak for the least amount of money so they can fit it into their budget. With attendees demanding more value, hiring good speakers becomes critical.

You can help the meeting planners out by agreeing to speak for free, if they will let you get your own sponsor. They’re much more willing to work with you on it if they can get a valuable speaker.

Don’t be discouraged. Live meetings aren’t going away. Yes, there may be more virtual meetings, but the bottom line is you can’t have a networking dinner or share a glass of wine over the computer. Live meetings with interesting and entertaining speakers are here to stay.

Speaker Sponsor will be highlighting professional speakers on the Speaker Spotlight. If you’re new to public speaking, you’ll get a glimpse into the life of a professional speaker and what it takes to make it in the industry. If you’re a seasoned speaker you still may learn a thing or two.

Our first speaker is Michael Solomon. Michael’s background reads like a political thriller. He was assigned as the intelligence officer to the U.S. State Department and while in the intelligence division, he was assigned to protect the Shah of Iran and Madame Chang of Tawain.

He was also an NYPD special investigator and survived a double murder attempt on his life.

When he entered the private sector he started working for various charities and was cited by both houses of the NY State Legislature in Senate and Assembly Resolutions as Humanitarian of the Year. He continues his philanthropic work and even speaks on the topic of the importance of giving back.

He’s also the author of two bestselling books, “Success by Default – The Depersonalization of Corporate America”, and “Where Did My America Go?”.

Why did you decide to become a speaker?

After my book was listed as number 22 on the Amazon Bestseller list. I realized I had a message to convey. My motivational business message has helped many new and existing entrepreneurs learn how to take their businesses beyond the next level.

Do you remember your first speaking engagement? How have you changed as a speaker since then?

My first public talk was in 1997 to a group of college freshmen about how to succeed in school and beyond. My passion for my subject had shown through and since then I have spoken to over 500 audiences, some as large as 20,000. My talks get better each time as my passion for my subject intensifies. I use a lot of humorous anecdotes, which keeps my audiences engaged, laughing and begging for more.

Do you consider speaking your primary job?

Yes, I do. It’s my passion and my profession.

What is your idea of a great speaking engagement?

Looking out into my audience, seeing everyone awake and on the edge of their seats. The Q & A and comments afterwards, which for the most part, are positive, are inspiring to me. I get as much from my audiences as they get from me.

Since this site is about speaker sponsorship, which kind of companies would be a perfect sponsor for you?

Anyone who has a product or service to sell and wants to promote their message.

Where do you expect your speaking career to be 5 years from now?

Hopefully beyond the next level. I would like to become a household name.

What’s the best advice you would give to someone who is just entering the speaking business?

Be yourself. Don’t try to become someone different than you are. Your audience will see right through you. don’t be afraid to put your heart on your sleeve. If you have a message to impart, go for it. Just tell it like it is.

Not everyone is cut out to be a public speaker, but if you’re a nonprofit, why not get out and start spreading the word as a cause speaker? If you’re not a professional speaker there are some ways you can get up to speed quickly to improve your speaking skills and eliminate your fear.

Do your homework

I’m sure you know your cause and your nonprofit like the back of your hand. But how much do you know about your audience? Every audience is different and expects something different from you. The best way to find out is to ask the meeting planner. Really dig deep to find out as much as you can about the people you’ll be speaking to. What do they want and need to learn from your presentation? What do they already know? No matter how much they know, you can win a lot of brownie points by finding some really interesting information nobody has heard of.

Use humor

By their very nature, most causes are serious business. Cancer, domestic violence, homelessness. None of those topics are funny. But you can and should find a way to add some humor to your speech. Laughter is the brain’s reset button. We especially need humor when talking about a serious subject. There’s a saying “Humor is just tragedy, separated by time and space.” This could get a little tricky, so it’s best to use your gut instinct. Run it by the meeting planner first just to make sure you’re not crossing a line. And use your own experience. It’s almost always okay to laugh at yourself.

Be prepared

It’s more than just a scout’s motto. One of the tricks to being a great speaker is simply to know your speech like the back of your hand. Not memorized word for word, but knowing your topic so well that you talk about it all day long. I know it sounds boring, but practice your speech over and over and over again until it bores you. Then you can start playing around with it and improvise. I practice in front of my dogs. If I can keep them awake, I know I’m on the right track. Once you have it down, practice in front of a group that is similar to the one you’ll be delivering the speech to. Get feedback and practice some more.

Creating a cause

Creating a cause as a speaker involves identifying an issue or mission that you are deeply passionate about and leveraging your platform as a speaker to advocate for it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a cause as a speaker:

Self-Reflection and Passion Identification

Take some time for self-reflection and identify the social or humanitarian issues that resonate with you on a personal level. Consider the causes that evoke strong emotions and a desire to make a difference.

Research and Understanding

Once you’ve identified a potential cause, conduct in-depth research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Learn about its root causes, the impact it has on individuals and communities, and existing efforts to address it.

Define Your Mission and Vision

Clearly articulate your mission and vision for the cause you want to create as a speaker. Define the specific goals you aim to achieve and the impact you want to make through your advocacy.

Craft Your Message

Develop a compelling message that communicates the urgency and importance of your cause. Your message should be clear, concise, and emotionally impactful, inspiring others to support your cause.

Leverage Your Speaking Platform

Use your speaking engagements to advocate for your cause. Incorporate your cause-related message into your presentations, keynote speeches, and public appearances.

Create Engaging Content

Develop content that educates, engages, and inspires your audience. Use storytelling, statistics, and real-life examples to effectively communicate the significance of the cause.

Build Partnerships and Collaborate

Connect with organizations, NGOs, or other individuals who are working on similar causes. Collaborating with like-minded entities can amplify your message and create a more significant impact.

Utilize Online and Social Media

Leverage social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, and other online channels to spread awareness about your cause and reach a broader audience.

Measure and Communicate Impact

Track the impact of your advocacy efforts and communicate the progress you’re making toward your cause’s goals. Share success stories, testimonials, and outcomes with your audience.

Stay Committed and Persistent

Creating a cause and effecting positive change is a long-term commitment. Stay persistent and focused on your mission, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Encourage Action and Engagement

Inspire your audience to take action and get involved in supporting your cause. Provide tangible ways for them to contribute, whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading awareness.

Continuous Learning and Improvement

Stay informed about the latest developments and research related to your cause. Continuously improve your speaking skills and advocacy strategies to maximize your impact.

Have fun

Just remember that the audience wants you to succeed. They are rooting for you. If you’re having fun, they’ll have fun. Believe me, they don’t want to sit through a boring speech, so just go out there and have fun with it. As long as you’re prepared, you have passion for your topic, and you’re excited about what you’re talking about, you’ll be fine.

Remember that creating a cause as a speaker is a journey that requires dedication, empathy, and a genuine desire to make a difference. It’s essential to remain authentic and true to your mission throughout the process. As you build momentum and gather support, your cause can grow and create a positive impact on the world around you.

Speaker Spotlight

Dealing With Speaker Evaluations

How to Pull Off a Good Speaker Q & A Session

Will Airbnb Impact Traditional Meeting Room Blocks?

Speaker Job – Panel Moderator