The Publicists Assistant

Public speaking for fun and home-based business profit

March 24th, 2009 | Author: Assistant

Did you know that most people would rather die than speak in public? These folks would literally rather be the one in the box than the one delivering the eulogy. I happen to believe just the opposite and I hope you do too because public speaking can be one of your most enjoyable and profitable ways to market your home-based business.

Everyone is an expert in something. What is your expertise? You need to be an expert in your company, product, and opportunity if you have a home-based business. Becoming a true expert helps you avoid competition… even from people in your same company or organization.

The road to expertise is paved with credibility. Public speaking is a free (or even paid!) way to boost your credibility.

A solid speech that is both well crafted and well delivered will work miracles. A weak speech that is poorly crafted and/or delivered won’t earn you the respect you seek. How does one create a great speech? Easy! Begin with your conclusion. It should be powerful, succinct, and to the point. It should leave your audience thinking “A-ha!” and feeling motivated to take action. Next, what three points best support your desired conclusion and what order should you present them in? Finally, your introduction is the hook that catches people’s attention and makes them sit up and pay attention.

New to speaking? It’s perfectly OK to use notes. Even experienced speakers use notes to help them stay on track. Need to figure out how to work the stage or what to do with your hands? Avoid the whole problem by using a lectern or podium. If you are prone to using “filler” words like “ah” and “um”, make it a habit to pause every few seconds while speaking to let your mind catch up with your words. Pauses help your audience absorb what you are saying while making you look like an accomplished speaker.

Remember that your goal is to build relationships by giving value, not to wheedle money. Speak to, for, and about your audience—not you. You are doing this for them, not the other way around.

Where to give your talks? The list is virtually endless. Here are a few ideas tailored to novice speakers: Chambers of Commerce, Elks, Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, your business, professional organizations, charity events, church events, schools, community centers, convention rooms./centers, public-access TV, local radio, open mike nights- the list is virtually endless. Who exactly will be most interested in what you have to say and where are the best places to speak to them? Delivering your talks to the right audience will give you the greatest long-term benefits.

Well, you now have a few basic tips on how to prepare and deliver a speech. Still, you might be more than a little apprehensive about actually doing it. That’s OK. Nervousness is natural. In fact, the more nervous you are, the more important your material is to you. Channel that nervous energy towards the positive outcome you want and all will be well.

Practice makes perfect. Having a test audience to practice on as you develop your skills and refine your message is ideal.

Where can you find such an organization?

You can find it right in your home town.

I cannot recommend Toastmasters strongly enough. It’s like riding a bicycle where you can fall off as many times as it takes to master the art with nary a scraped knee. Go to Toastmasters, find a club in your area, and stop in for a visit. You’ll meet some great people, hear some awesome speeches, and get the chance to add your voice to the human chorus.

Overcoming your fear of public speaking will revolutionize your marketing and opportunity presentations, even if you never give a speech in the traditional sense. Toastmasters has improved my listening skills as well as my speaking skills. This is perfect for your home-based business! If you are a confident speaker, your confidence will radiate to everyone around you, who will be motivated to listen closely… and more importantly, to take action on what you are presenting to them. You will communicate far more effectively than you ever dreamed possible. Speaking is also a great way to build your network… which is just the ticket for growing your home-based business. You’ll develop powerful speeches that will have audience members scrambling for their wallets.

In short, becoming a competent speaker will boost your profits, the dear old bottom line. And what’s your home-based business is all about!

Anthony Hernandez

Anthony Hernandez is a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Business Association Coach and author of Guerrilla Marketing Success Secrets with over 20 years of successful self-employment experience. He is proud to be a co-founding member of the MOXXOR WORKS Team. Visit the MOXXOR WORKS Team web site to learn more about the MOXXOR WORKS Team and our home-based opportunity.