Liz's encouragement for aspiring speakers

If public speaking is calling your name, here are some ideas to get you started!

The only way to get into the world of public speaking is to speak—everywhere, anywhere. I know that sounds simplistic, but it's the only avenue that’s sure to get you where you want to go.

If you won’t mind, I’ll share my own path to the platform first, including lots of tips along the way. My first speaking engagement was in 1982, in front of 500 folks at my own church. I was a nervous wreck—not only then but for the first few years of speaking. So, if you get butterflies before you speak, not to worry—so do the pros! Our goal is to get those butterflies flying in formation.

Slowly but surely, the doors began to open for me to speak at other churches—mother-daughter banquets, women's conferences, Sunday School rallies, etc. I didn't seek after speaking opportunities; they simply came to me and I said yes whenever I could.

Then, because of my radio show in Louisville, I began to get calls from civic and educational groups to come and speak. Initially, it was "come tell us about your radio show," then it was, "come talk about anything interesting!"

I began to write programs based on the theme of encouragement, and soon I was doing 40, 60, 80 programs a year for all kinds of groups—local and regional, general and Christian. Those calls were generated by word-of-mouth referrals, which is still how things usually work. The audience you stand before is your best source of future engagements—always!

By 1987, when I left radio to begin full-time speaking (and mothering), I had already presented 300+ speeches, the first 200 of which were for free. Few people who want to create a long-term career in public speaking can avoid doing lots of "freebies" in the beginning. My fees were very low initially, and slowly grew as the phone requests and my skills (I hope!) increased. My office now receives hundreds of requests a year, of which I generally do 25 weekend programs in the spring and fall. For all the events I cannot do, we recommend other gifted friends and peers who have also been in the speaking business a long time and have much to offer the churches who’ve kindly contacted me.

If you want to speak to general audiences, contact local civic clubs like BPW, ABWA, Junior League, NAWBO, PSI, ZONTA, etc., and offer to do a 30-minute program in your area of expertise. These groups meet monthly, sometimes weekly, and are always looking for good local speakers, so jump right in! You may be able to find them in the phone book or by simply tracking down members among your circle of influence. You'll also want to check the Business Calendar section of your local newspaper for contact info.

If you feel called to speak to Christian audiences, churches also have various groups that meet on a regular basis—youth, men, women, seniors, young mothers, singles, etc.—who are eager to find speakers to bring an inspirational message centered on the Lord and his Word.

For either kind of organization, they'll need a one-sheet biography, a one-sheet topic description, and perhaps a digital photo to publicize your presentation.

As soon as you've prepared a solid 30- to 45-minute program, full of original stories to illustrate the message you're trying to convey, start making those phone calls! If you’re uncomfortable offering your services over the telephone, simply call to determine the name of the right contact person, then send him or her the above info with a personal note of introduction. And pray!

I'd also encourage you to join Toastmasters International. Toastmasters groups meet in cities and towns all over America, at all different times. It's inexpensive and very helpful. By the time I discovered Toastmasters, I was too far along in my speaking career to benefit as much as I might have if I'd found them earlier—don't make the same mistake!

If you're already charging a fee for your speaking and want to learn more about how to get the word out about your availability as a professional speaker, you might want to contact the National Speakers Association in Tempe, Arizona. This organization is for those who speak professionally, so the membership fee is fairly steep, but the educational benefits are worth the investment. They also have fabulous, affordable tapes of their conference speakers, a great way to jump-start your learning. When you contact NSA and request their prospective member information, you'll get info about the tapes, their upcoming national events, and the NSA chapter nearest you. Our Kentucky chapter website is http://www.nsakentucky.org. Because my own speaking focus has shifted from general conferences to Christian events, I am no longer a member of NSA, but appreciate all that I learned in my 17 years of membership.

Many beginning speakers worry about what they should charge for their services. That's a very individual decision, based on your talents, your experience, and how in demand you are as a speaker. My advice is to choose an amount that is fair to all involved (including you and your family!) and quote the same fee to everyone—speakers call it "fee integrity." As experience and demand dictate, your fees can move up, although your greatest goal should be providing the right message for the right audience. You can trust God to take care of the financial side of things.

Believe me, if you truly have the gift and the calling to speak, and are willing to work very hard, I believe the Lord will bless your efforts. Much joy to you, as you seek to serve the audiences who eagerly await your life-changing message!

P.S. Because of my writing, traveling, and speaking commitments, I'm unfortunately not able to offer one-on-one advice to aspiring speakers, nor am I able to review videotapes, audiotapes, or press kits. Please forgive me! I am confident that if you pursue the resource links above, they will lead you to lots of good folks who stand ready and able to help you grow as a speaker. Bless you for understanding!