Comments on: Paid Presentations: How To Become A Professional Speaker

By: Marty

Marty — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 05:28:56 +0000

Dear Dr. Jim Anderson,

Thank you so much for your input and support!

Just the other day, I had the opportunity to present my version, of an existing cognitive tool, at the King County Behavioral Conference in Seattle. I spoke for an hour and a half in front of an audience of 40 plus people. They were all asked to fill out a questionnaire at the end. I was happily surprised to receive almost all “excellent” marks! This has really boosted my confidence and has given me the desire to pursue this further.

My next step, after I save some money, is to invest in myself. I want to “hang around the pros” so I can improve my speaking abilities even further. Then I will need to find support when it comes to marketing, sales, accounting, etc.

Again, thank you for your encouragement.

Sincerely,

Marty Abdo

By: Dr. Jim Anderson

Dr. Jim Anderson — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 18:55:21 +0000

Marty: The answer is always “yes” — the story that you have to tell about how the tool changed your life is one that, if told well, others want to hear. Create a speech and try it out — see what kind of reaction you get from your audience. You’re way of looking at the tool may be different than everyone else’s and that could be what makes your message valuable. Good luck!

By: Marty

Marty — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:31:09 +0000

As we all know, their are very few original ideas out their anymore. My question is can someone be paid to present on a cognitive tool that already exists?

Two years ago, I developed a very simple cognitive tool, for myself, to quickly manage overwhelming stress, create daily structure, and achieve short term and long term goals.

After some research, I discovered the exact cognitive tool already exists, and is utilized in the business world. I would like to apply this tool in several different arenas.

I am confident that my personal life story is what would make my speech unique, but the tool is what would captivate the audience. It actually works, and can be demonstrated easily with audience participation.

In addition, I had created my own PowerPoint and handout before discovering the tool already existed.

Could their be an legal issues around the fact that I am “reinventing the wheel” but sharing my material, my story, and targeting different audiences?

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Marty

By: 10 Professional Speaking Tips That You Need To Know (public speaking tips to boost presentation skills and business presentation) | The Accidental Communicator

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:04:04 +0000

[...] Paid Presentations: How To Become A Professional Speaker [...]

By: Dr. Jim Anderson

Dr. Jim Anderson — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:20:08 +0000

Valerie: I’ve taken courses offered by the NSA in the past and I agree 100% with what you’ve found. It turns out that very few people actually can make a living from just speaking – ex-Presidents seem to do very well at this. However, the other speakers need to create and sell additional products. Being seen as an expert sure can help make this happen!

By: Valerie

Valerie — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:32:05 +0000

I just competed training with NSA National Speakers Association- Speakers University and the Speakers who taught the classes all said the change in the Speaking Platform is changing from A Speaker to An Expert. Companies are hiring experts, and yes many of thier income is coming from other sources- products, books, CD’s, Training, Coaching, Consulting.

By: Dr. Jim Anderson

Dr. Jim Anderson — Sat, 16 May 2009 01:13:36 +0000

Stevie: oh man, have you asked a loaded question! I’ve done a lot of research on this one and talked with many folks who identify themselves as professional speakers. My #1 discovery is that nobody can support themselves as just a professional speaker (unless you are President Clinton, Tony Robbins, Suzy Orman, etc.). Instead, they create books, videos, workshops, audio downloads, etc. In all honesty, a much better term would be to say that you are an aspiring information marketer who wants to use public speaking as ONE way to communicate and earn money. There’s a whole lot more to this…!

By: Stevie King

Stevie King — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:29:04 +0000

As an aspiring professional speaker I am currently trying to wrap my head around “what is a professional speaker?”. I have always felt I had the business sense but not the story to be on the platform. Through competing, and making it to regionals, in the TM international speech contest, I have seen that people do identify with my stories and that I do have some value to give an audience. I try to read anything I can relating to learning the business and this post is simple and to the point with good information I can use.

Thanks

By: Barbra Sundquist, Bio Writer

Barbra Sundquist, Bio Writer — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 01:57:26 +0000

You make a good point about writing a professional bio. I especially like this part:

If you expect people to pay to hear you speak, then you had better come up with a bio that paints you as being a special person. Your bio should clearly state why anyone would want to hire you.

A bio is a little advertisement for you. So think about who will be reading your bio and what you want them to know about you. Then advertise your best and most relevant features!

By: GreatManagement

GreatManagement — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:01:23 +0000

I work with one of the World Champions of Public Speaking and it is all about the ‘transfer value’ of your speech.

You must think like an expert, not a speaker. Think what value do you have to transfer?

I also agree with Olivia – “back of the room sales” make a big difference to your income.

Andrew