📣 #009: Speaker slots

The next edition from the 52 PR Tips challenge: prompts, tips & templates to help you Hype Yourself.

Hiya 🌊! I’m Lucy from Hype Yourself. If you are new to this page, pop your email below to ensure you receive my posts sent every Sunday. The 52 PR Tips challenge is sent out every fortnight(ish). You will receive personal essays and other good things on self-promotion and creative living in different weeks. Come and sit with us.

Image of prompt card 9 - edited in Adobe Express

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WELCOME TO THE 52 PR TIPS CHALLENGE - TASK 9

One of the most popular ways to add revenue to your business is to be paid for your expertise through public speaking.

Today’s post will be supported by a micro-masterclass and Q&A with Public speaking coach Alex Merry next Friday, March 22nd, at 12:00 GMT.

🏠 Paid members - please register your seat for the session.

Speaker slots:

Speaking about your business is free publicity and makes great content for your social channels. Look into networking events and conferences that you can speak at. 

Author photo: Lucy Werner speaking at Enterprise Nation Startup Show

Getting started with public speaking

📣 It is a big leap from talking on Instagram stories to hosting the mainstage in front of thousands and being paid a hefty fee, so how can we get started?

🎤I’ve worked with many founders who dream of landing a TED talk. When I asked what they wanted their talk to be about, they couldn’t answer.

🧩 Start with knowing yourself and the message you want to share. What do you want to be known for? What 3-talks could you give?

👀 Attend other talks, workshops, panels and note down your takeaways. What was good? What was bad?

👯 Practice in online panels with peers and networking groups to get you warmed up.

This week, we are going to take a look at the following:

• Dos and don’ts from Alex about starting a speech

• Where to look for speaking opportunities

• What to put in an event speaking pitch

• Recommended reading and resources

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Dos and Don’ts from Alex about starting a speech

Alex grabbing a selfie at his book launch

❌ 'I'll start by giving a bit of background on me...'

... is the worst way to start a presentation. Here's what to do instead...👇

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 1: 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭 🧠
✅ Walk on stage and assume authority.
❌ Don't ask for it.

When we get the urge to start with a 'credibility story,' it's often because deep down, we feel inadequate.

If your audience wasn't interested in what you have to say, they wouldn't have turned up 🙂.

You have their goodwill already.

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𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟮: 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 '𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲' 🥇
❌ You don't need to be THE expert.
✅ Just AN expert.

There might be people in the audience who are far more 'knowledgeable' and 'experienced' than you are.

It can make us feel inadequate.

Don't fall into the trap of leading your ego. Lead with your insights. Back them up with personal/professional experiences. No one can take those away from you.

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𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟯: 𝗕𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 🪼
❌ No disconnection question: 'Put your hands up if you've ever felt sad... 😢'
❌ No speedy spoiler: 'Today I'm going to talk to you about... 😴'
❌ No over-enthusiasm: 'Hello everyone! How is everyone feeling?! I'm SO excited to be here... 😃'

Instead:

✅ Address the elephant 🐘: 'Now, I know what you're thinking...'
✅ Ask a hard question 🤔: 'I want to start with a question...'
✅ Share a thought-provoking story 🔥: 'Something happened last week that has fundamentally changed how I think about [insert your subject]...'

In other words... jump straight in.