3 STAGES OF PREPARATION TO MAXIMIZE A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT

Whether a seasoned presenter or first-timer, there are 3 stages of preparation that can give you maximum impact and self-confidence. 

✅ 1️⃣ Prior to the speaking engagement, meet the event organizer to understand the overarching theme of the event.  Once you understand the theme, purposefully bring in language from the theme into your speech to personalize the topic for your audience.  If feasible, issue a survey prior to the event so you can present “data and insights” in your speech based on their responses.  Most event coordinators will allow a speaker to send an email and survey link prior to the event. This will create a high level of personalization for the audience.

✅ 2️⃣ On the day of the speaking engagement, attend presentations prior to your speech so you can have “call backs” to help the audience connect your speech to other messages that’s been shared earlier in the day.  Most presenters fall into the trap of sitting in an audience and mentally talking through their message points rather than absorbing the speeches of others at the event. By having these “call backs” to previous presenters, your audience will find you to be an active listener with expertise.

✅ 3️⃣ After the speaking engagement, work with the event coordinator to send out a follow-up email outlining key messages with your contact information. This will allow audience members to contact you for future engagement opportunities. It also gives you an opportunity to collect valuable first party data like name, email address and contact information for your CRM efforts.