Comments on: MARKETING MATTERS: Speaking of Sales

By: Eva Ulian

Eva Ulian — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:29:04 +0000

Having prepared a summary of what you are going to say takes away a good percentage of the fear,I’ve found. Of course the butterflies remain but once you are off,it’s as if you were in your sitting room. Some fear questions, but if one sticks to the truth, they too can be overcome, even though I’m not saying it’s just a piece of cake, but then what satisfaction would there be in it if it was?

By: Kimberley Payne

Kimberley Payne — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:38:13 +0000

Great points for speaking! I’ve always believed that being scared is a good thing. It gives you that little extra enthusiasm you need to make your presentation zing.

By: Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Shannon Taylor Vannatter — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:31:04 +0000

I’ve always been terrified of public speaking, hate standing up in front of people, hate being the center of attention. Yet, at my first writers’ conference, I looked at the speaker and thought I want to do that. Nine years later, I’m finally contracted and embarking on a speaking career. I’ve done three workshops for local writers’ groups and one for children through Modern Woodmen of America. I’m in talks with my son’s school about a short story workshop for 5th graders and with two local writers’ conferences for 2010 and 2011. By then, my book will actually be out and hopefully all of this is getting my name out there and will eventually help sales. Either way, I’m having so much fun. The first time, my voice did that little quivery thing for a minute or two. After that, I was fine. I don’t even get nervous anymore. When it comes to a conference, more people might make me nervous, but I’ll get past it.

By: Carolyn Wilker

Carolyn Wilker — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:28:34 +0000

When I knew that some day I would be asked to speak about writing, to lead a workshop, or to promote a book, I joined Toastmasters to help me prepare for that day.
It’s good to know your topic well, to pray for wisdom and guidance, but it’s also good to get in there and practise with a group of folks one trusts and to refine one’s presentation in preparation for the real world opoortunities.
Impromptu speaking is just as important as the prepared speech.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:15:50 +0000

“Do it scared”. Ah yes…another one of my favorites is Eleanor Roosevelt’s “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” I have been asked to do public speaking before (not with my writing) and I find it easiest when I’m able to speak on something I’m interested in and passionate about. Once my book is complete, I will be able to talk more about it, and if anyone asks me to speak on it, I shall throw back my shoulders and say “YES!”.

Jen

By: Lenore Buth

Lenore Buth — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:04:58 +0000

P.S. Sorry for the typo, since I do know how to spell “and.” Blame it on tired eyes…

By: Lenore Buth

Lenore Buth — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:03:07 +0000

Great post, Kathleen. I’ll remember your Big Three. I think a bit of “excitement” is supposed to be a good thing, isn’t it? There’s nothing more fun than looking out aand seeing audience members nodding in agreement and taking notes. I expect it could be addicting.

By: Janet Ann Collins

Janet Ann Collins — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:44:23 +0000

I enjoy speaking engagements. The secret is to focus on what I have to offer and how I can help the audience rather than what they think of me. And I always pray that what I say and what the audience thinks and remembers will be according to God’s will.

Speaking engagements are a great opportunity to meet nice people and there are plenty of those out there. And even if someone disagrees with what I say ‘ve never had anyone throw rotten eggs at me yet.

By: Julie Surface Johnson

Julie Surface Johnson — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:43:44 +0000

A couple of things helped me get over stage fright.

One, I taught volunteer trainings on a subject I was qualified to teach. In the process, I discovered that coming to the microphone with a POV of imparting helpful knowledge to the recipients took the focus off of myself and onto others. This carried over to speaking engagements in front of general audiences. I come with the attitude of bringing something of value to them.

Second, I come:
-knowledgeable about my subject
-in an attitude of telling my story (who can
deny what I found to be true in my own life?)
-humbly, knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness.

By: LeAnne Hardy

LeAnne Hardy — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:03:31 +0000

But heaven help you, Lynnette, if your material doesn’t hold their interest! They may be accepting, but they aren’t necessarily polite.

I get stage fright too, but looking back, I think my life motto has been, “I’m scared isn’t a good enough reason to say no.”