Learning Speaking Only Gets You So Far

There seems to be another influx of wanna-be professional speakers entering the speaking world. I'm constantly getting questions from newb speakers wanting to get their first paid gig or, most often, trying to figure out what they're going to talk about. I usually get these questions when I'm attending a speaking-related association meeting. If I could lump all my complaints into three categories related to new speakers it would be these:

1. Lack of Conversion to Cash - Think you have a new angle on "leadership?" No, you really don't. You can have a better way to teach it; offer an easier way to understand it; provide a step-by-step sequence for learning it. But, the concept of "leadership" itself has been around for a very very long time. You can't just tell a meeting planner that you're a "leadership speaker." That just makes me want to gag.

Instead, present yourself as The Turnover Terminator!...because, once a manager uses YOUR techniques, no employee every wants to leave your company. And, that is money in the bank! Your message needs to convert to cash if you can expect to be hired (for pay) as a speaker today.

2. Lack of Drive - If you really want to become a professional speaker, you will immerse yourself in the process completely. Join FIVE Toastmasters clubs! Attend speaker workshops that get you on stage. Attend speaking gigs just to see other speak so you can analyze what works and what isn't working with the crowd these days.

3. Lack of Mileage - This is a bit related to #2, but different as well. You simply have to get out there and speak at any and every venue possible. Free, fee, pay to speak, it doesn't matter. You can't buy mileage. You can't pay someone else to give you the experience you need to become a "good" speaker.

To sum it up, re-consider your topic and figure out a way to change your objective so that the people you want to speak for can see how your presentation will make them money. Then, dive in and get speaking. The money for higher paid speaking gigs will come later.