When I gave my first book reading in a public venue my knees were shaking so hard I thought I was going to fall over. My writing coach had invited his students to join him at a local coffee shop and read aloud from their book manuscript and I figured it was probably going to be good practice. I had done a little business-related speaking by that point, and I was still not a hundred percent comfortable with that idea. But it was especially frightening to be reading from my manuscript – which hadn’t yet been published.

That experience represented a tender time in my evolution towards greater comfort in the speaking world and I’ve come a long way since then. I’m now the author of five traditionally published fiction and non-fiction books and I speak regularly on podcasts, summits, and other stages; I also host my own events numerous times every year. I’ve come to appreciate how important public speaking is for an author’s quest for greater impact and more revenue.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say that public speaking is a pivotal skill for authors looking to share their work and connect meaningfully with their audiences. Whether presenting at their own book launch or a specialized event like the Action Talks Author LIVE Author Event my team and I are holding in October 2024, it’s undeniable that mastering the art of delivering an engaging talk is crucial. Here are some tips for preparing and delivering talks that inform and inspire:

Know Your Audience

Understanding who you are addressing is key so you can tailor your presentation to the interests and knowledge level of your audience. There’s nothing that spells “d-i-s-e-n-g-a-g-e” like a speaker who either gives an overly technical talk to beginners or a ridiculously simplistic talk to experts. If you aren’t sure who is going to be in the audience, ask the organizer.

Master Your Content

Your books reflect your expertise, and your speech should too. Familiarize yourself with your presentation content as thoroughly as you know your books. Instead of reading directly from your work, share insights, personal stories, and relevant data that build on the themes of your writing.

Engage with Stories

Incorporate storytelling into your presentation to captivate your audience. Share anecdotes about your journey, give insights into the challenges you’ve overcome, and the impact of your work. These stories make your talk relatable and memorable, key elements in effective public speaking.

Practice Makes Perfect

Rehearsing your speech multiple times can significantly reduce anxiety and enhance your delivery. When I gave a fifteen-minute inspirational talk of my own recently I rehearsed it at least a hundred times before I delivered it. The practice paid off: I felt confident and comfortable when I delivered my talk, and it went off smoothly.

Manage Public Speaking Anxiety

Feeling nervous is natural. Prepare thoroughly, practice relaxation techniques, and focus on delivering value to your audience. Techniques like deep breathing and strategic pauses can help maintain your composure. I also like to remember that my talk is not actually about me: it’s a service I am providing the people who are here to listen to me.

Engage Your Audience

Make your presentation interactive, where appropriate. Ask questions, encourage audience participation, and surprise your audience so you keep them on their toes. The feedback you receive during these interactions can be valuable for tailoring your presentation to other audiences, as well.

Be Authentic

Let your true self shine through. Use your own voice, share your own experiences, and express genuine passion for your topic. Authenticity resonates with audiences and can leave a lasting impression.

Public speaking is an art that enhances an author’s connection with their audience, and it is “a practice not a perfect.” While some people naturally have the gift of the public speaking gab it can take also years to become an outstanding public speaker and I think if we can see this evolution as a journey, we can control the little gremlins like self-doubt and imposter syndrome that tend to steal our confidence when we hit the stage.

And by the way, if you are ready to elevate your public speaking skills and engage with a community of like-minded authors, I invite you to join my team and me at the ActionTalks LIVE Author Event. You can find out more about it here: https://actiontalksauthors.com

And, if you’d like to book a call with me to find out more, please go ahead and do so here:
https://CrossmanCommunications.as.me/action-talks-authors

We’re here to make a difference. This is one powerful way to do that!

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