The Mechanics of Speaking for Free

Professional speakers (those who get paid to talk) also speak for free. A great way to test new material and stories and find new avenues to pursue or add.

People new to the speaking business will speak for free more often to gain confidence and polish their presentation. It will take many freebies before you can even think about a paid gig.

But, new-speaker freebies better be good or the damage could be fatal. Say you get yourself invited to speak at a Rotary Club in a town of 35,000 people. The Rotarians represent a cross- section of the businesspeople in that town. If you impress, you could be invited to speak at the plumbers association or the annual chamber of commerce meeting. You never know the impact you will have.

So you better be prepared. Even if it is your first time in front of a "connected" audience, you want to leave the right impression AND you want to be sure everyone in the room can find you for a paid gig.

Here are BIG Mike’s 5 ways to master the mechanics of speaking for free

1) Make and wear a name badge with your name and the word "Speaker" in large letters. 3 Lines. Easily readable.

2) Stand at the door and greet everyone when they come in. Yeah, you gotta get there early

3) Be sure to have a supply of business cards at the ready. Be able to produce your card in a flash when asked. And present it with two hands (makes a nifty impression)

4) Prepare a small take home card listing the main points of your presentation or offering handy tips. Use your computer and card stock and make four cards from every page.

5) Think of a clever way to get a business card from everyone in the room (unique gift, book or free tickets).

When it is over, they know who you are, most have met you. They have your take home piece and you have a hat full of business cards.

The mechanics of a free speech are almost as important as the speech itself.

Speaking is fun, especially when you can get paid for it.

Article Source:Public Speaking Articles

(c) 2006 BIG Mike McDaniel - All Rights Reserved - BIG Mike has been a professional speaker for over 30 years and Chapter President of the National Speakers Association. Big Mike works with people who want to become professional speakers. MailTo:BigMike@GetPaid2Speak.com

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