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Public Speaking - Six Steps to Choosing a Topic That Will Wow 'Em Every Timeby Felicia Slattery Public speaking is one of the most powerful ways to market your business. But what do you do when you have so much content to choose from? Where do you begin? And how do you choose and narrow your topic? Recently I attended a local networking event and witnessed first hand the disastrous results of a speaker who neglected to choose and narrow a specific a topic within everything she offers. The speech was unbearably overtime - going 30 minutes overtime for what was only supposed to be a 20-minute presentation. The speaker ended up having to rush through her planned comments, skipped many of her slides, was basically pulled from the stage, and obviously could not take any questions at the end. Not that anyone wanted to ask anything-- a large portion of the audience walked out during her presentation because she was still speaking 15 minutes after the planned end of the luncheon meeting. People had to get back to work. Unfortunately, this was sad because this speaker was an otherwise talented and credible speaker. She had excellent stage presence, was clearly knowledgeable, and had a few funny comments sprinkled throughout her presentation. Her main problem: lack of focus on one topic. Here's what you can do to avoid that problem when selecting and narrowing your topic: Step 1: Choose something you love This one is easy. If you focus on something about your business you are passionate about, your audience will be drawn into your energy, passion, and enthusiasm for your topic. Step 2: Focus on one key area Break that into smaller, manageable chunks. If you are a financial or tax consultant, don't try to explain the entire US tax code in 20 minutes or less. You'll never do it and you'll lose your audience. Try something like: Three End of Year Tax Tips That Will Save You Money. Now there's a topic people will love. Here's a hint: anything that will save people money or make them money are popular topics with audiences. Step 3: Talk about the details Discuss the details of each chunk. It's ok to go into some detail when you're only discussing three main points of one aspect of your business. Answer the old journalism questions of what, where, when, why, and how. Step 4: Make sure you have a point Fill in the blank at the end of this sentence: "After listening to my speech I want my audience to [blank]." Be sure whatever you want the audience to get out of your speech is clearly presented. Everything should lead to that goal. Step 5: Offer your audience something useful Give useful tips especially if you are delivering your speech as a way to market your business. You can offer a free report, a coupon, a detailed brochure... something tangible they can use that relates to the topic of your speech. Your free offering is an opportunity for you to go deeper into your topic, perhaps in exchange for their email address or business card so you can follow up with them later. Step 6: Always remember your audience Focus on your audience and the details most pertinent to them. For example, you wouldn't give the same speech on organizing to a Mom's group that you would to a business group. Moms often have to clean up toys, keep track of their kids' schedules, and have loads of clothes to handle. Business executives may have those concerns at home, but if you are talking to business people, your details should relate to their business issues such as: effective methods for filing, taming desk clutter, and organizing a computer email inbox. You must make your details be useful for that specific audience. Public speaking can help you grow your business so you will see more cash flow. By choosing a topic and narrowing your topic, you will captivate your audience and your business will benefit from the power of public speaking. As a public speaker, you will build your credibility and get more clients and customers. But you have to maintain that credibility. If you need to check facts or details quickly, or
simply invite friends to your performance for moral support, you'll want a way
to contact people quickly and cheaply. You can call any phone, anywhere in
the world with Skype. Click now to download Skype
About the author I invite you to discover how to Increase Business by
Communicating Your Credibility now. You'll get this FREE e-course designed to
help you attract more business and get more cash flow. Pick it up here: If you want to learn more about putting together a speech to market your business, consider creating what I call a Signature Speech. Find out more now: http://www.CashInOnSpeaking.com Felicia J. Slattery, M.A., M.Ad.Ed. is a communication consultant, speaker & coach specializing in training small and home-based business owners effective communication skills so they can see more cash flow now. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felicia_Slattery |
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