As you begin adding speaking to your business, you will find that there are many different platforms to choose from in order to reach your target audience and shine your best light in sharing your message. The ones you take are determined by several things: your level of expertise on the topic you speak on, your style of communication, your comfort level in speaking to groups, and your ability to engage or interact with your audience.
A few of the many roles that speakers can fill are:
Keynote speaker – A keynote speaker sets the tone for the event and should inspire and energize the audience while reinforcing the theme of the event. There is no selling during a keynote. It is a good idea to work closely with the event organizer to find out as much as possible about the audience so you know how to approach them.
Motivational speaker– One of the most rewarding ways to share your passion is by being a motivational speaker. Sharing your expertise or personal experiences can provide inspiration and motivation to others that can help them in their own professional or personal lives. The satisfaction you feel in knowing that you have truly helped others overcome a challenge or reach a goal can be as rewarding for you as it is for them.
Trainer – As a trainer, you provide specific directions from which your listeners should come away with a new skill or new knowledge. Providing step-by-step instructions along with a demonstration will provide the audience with a thorough understanding of the topic. This can be a very satisfying role if you enjoy interacting and teaching others.
Panelist – A panel discussion is an exchange of ideas with the goal of informing the audience about a particular subject or issue. Each panelist shares their knowledge and expertise after being asked questions that allow discussion. Acting as an emcee, a moderator keeps the conversation moving.
Facilitator – Sharing your message or expertise with others as a facilitator is indeed a unique role. A facilitator is a guide or discussion leader who gets others to assume responsibility and take the lead. Being a facilitator allows you to work with groups such as corporate executives and employee committees, or entrepreneurs and new business owners. Your role is to assist the group in addressing a particular challenge or opportunity, and find a suitable resolution that will help them accomplish their goals. Empowering others as a facilitator can be an ideal role if you enjoy problem-solving and team-building.
Decide which platforms or types of speaking work best for you. You may find one that works better than another, or you may feel perfectly comfortable pursuing multiple speaking roles, depending on your message, your audience and your own personal preference. The important thing is that you find the one(s) that will best allow you to reach the greatest numbers of your target audience, clearly convey your passion, and engage your listeners so they walk away feeling better for having heard your message.
My challenge to you this week is to identify at least two types of speaking roles that you feel might work well for you. Be sure to use the criteria I discussed above. And then seek out one event opportunity where you can fulfill that role as speaker. Make contact with the event coordinators and set the wheels in motion to become their next speaker.
