Archive for the ‘Public Speaking’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Speaking Glitches and Hitches

Wednesday, November 14th, 2012

Yesterday we talked about speaking outside the club and using speakers bureaus. I want to tell you about a strange situation I got involved in some time back related to someone arranging speaking gigs for me.

I have a couple of people who act as minor players in finding speaking and interview opportunities for authors. One gave my name to a gentleman who does teleseminars and he contacted me via email. He asked if I’d be available to sit on a panel of other experts for a teleseminar on a certain date. He also gave a few other possible dates. I immediately replied that the first date was bad—I’d be traveling that day. And I let him know which of the other dates would work for me.

I never heard a word from him.

The day before the original date he had given me—as I prepared to pack for my trip—I received an email from him saying that we were on for the following day and he gave me the instructions for calling in, told me what the subject was, etc. Yikes! I replied to his email saying, “NO, I told you that I was not available that day and I chose one of the other dates you offered to do this. I can’t participate tomorrow, I’ll be in the air on my way to San Antonio.”

I never heard another word from him. I was stunned. I felt bad because I do not leave interviewers or program directors in the lurch. I contacted one of the other people listed for the panel—someone I know. She said she had the same problem. She, too, had replied to his original email telling him she could not do the gig on that date. She never heard from him and then, all of a sudden, here was this email asking her to prepare for the teleseminar scheduled for the next day.

Still, I have never heard anything from this person. I did let the woman who told this guy about me know what had happened. Wanted her to know I wasn’t letting her down—but there had been a giant lack of communication with this guy. Her response was, “What do you want me to do?” Nothing—just thought she should be (and would want to be) aware.

Strange situation. But then, I have been in this business long enough that I have had many of them. If there is an exception to a rule related to writing and publishing, I’ve probably experienced it.

Sales for Talk Up Your Book are zooming. The ranking for this brand new book at Amazon is improving markedly. Thank you to those who have bought it. Did you notice we now have 3 reviews posted at the book page at Amazon. Talk Up Your Book is available at my website as well as amazon and most other online and downtown bookstores.

http://www.matilijapress.com/TalkUpYourBook.html

Posted in Public Speaking | No Comments »

Have You Joined a Speakers Bureau Lately?

Tuesday, November 13th, 2012

There are speakers bureaus with many different agendas, purposes and programs. But the main focus of a speakers bureau is to provide opportunities for speakers as well as to provide speakers for various activities and events. Corporation and organization program directors often turn to speakers bureaus to locate appropriate speakers for their conferences, conventions and other events.

Most of us think of speakers bureaus as providing big name entertainers and accredited speakers who can attract large audiences and big bucks. And some do. But there are also many speakers bureaus that accommodate speakers and entertainers who don’t charge or who charge minimal fees.

While some speakers bureaus have serious criteria for their members and promote only the most accomplished speakers, others may form strictly as a courtesy. Many speakers bureaus focus on a type of entertainment or a theme—comedy, motivational, inspirational/spiritual, for example. Or they promote a certain topic. A speakers bureau might place only speakers who have something to say about water issues in the community, historic preservation, aviation, politics, and so forth.

The National Coalition for the Homeless sponsors speakers to go out and educate the public on homelessness. The Maine State Bar Association has a speakers bureau as does the Professional Womens International Organization, Southeastern Guide Dog Association and the Colorado Society of CPAs. Publishers have speakers bureaus for their authors, some museums have speakers bureaus and many Toastmaster districts have speakers bureaus for their members.

So, while some speakers bureaus are formed as a courtesy to speakers and program directors, others are designed to get word out about their agenda

If you are interested in public speaking, entertaining audiences, promoting your book through speaking engagements or helping to promote a cause, you might seek out a speakers bureau to help you get gigs. Just use your old friend Google, typing in keywords, “speakers bureau” and then the theme or your presentations or your city name, for example.

Read more about speakers bureaus, how to locate them, how to work within them and specific bureaus you could contact in my latest book, Talk Up Your Book.

The thing is, personality should play a huge role in the promotion of your book and this book will show you how. It’s available at my website, http://www.matilijapress.com and at amazon.com and most other online and downtown bookstores.

Posted in Authorship, Public Speaking | No Comments »

Get Speaking Gigs at Conferences

Monday, October 29th, 2012

I have a busy week ahead. I’m preparing a presentation for the Cat Writers Association Conference in Los Angeles Friday morning. I’ll be talking about self-publishing (or pay-to-publish services).

Saturday morning, I sit on a book promotion panel at the Ventura County Writers Weekend in Camarillo, California. I have been asked to prepare a brief introduction into book marketing. I will spend the rest of the weekend at this event speaking to people about SPAWN and handing out our Catalog of Members Books and Services. I may even sell a few books. I expect to have that opportunity at both events. I’ll also hand out my brochures and business cards along with some valuable handouts related to the themes of my talks.

I always look forward to these opportunities to connect with other authors and, perhaps, help some of them get off on the right foot as they step into the unknown and highly competitive world of publishing.

These two events will conclude my activities for this year. In 2013, I will be visiting authors throughout California in Palm Springs, Orange County, Ventura and Los Angeles as well as Tucson and Las Vegas. Check the “appearances” page at my website for details. And keep an eye on this page as more appearances are added. http://matilijapress.com/activities.htm

Have you scheduled some appearances where you can promote your book? You know, it is rare that someone will seek you out as a speaker/presenter. It does happen. But the most common scenario involves the author locating speaking opportunities that his/her readers attend. If you have a nonfiction book, for example, you might land a speaking gig at a conference related to the subject of your book—finances, technology, art, writing, architecture, pets, ecology, marketing, wellness, health and so forth. I’ve given these to you before, but here are some conference directories. I’d love some feedback from you once you’ve checked appropriate conferences out and, maybe, even secured a speaking position. PLFry620@yahoo.com

What can you expect? The organizers may have a budget designed to pay all expenses for speakers. They may pay for part of your stay or travel. Or they might come up with a small honorarium. I typically find it is worth my while to speak at an event that is well-attended by my particular audience, even if I paid my expenses. But then, not only do I sell books, but I offer editorial services.

Before you apply for a speaking slot at a conference, you might attend one or two. Sit in on the sessions. Study the program. Determine what you can offer that is unique and would be of interest to attendees. And then make sure that you can handle the task. If you need to hone your speaking skills, join a Toastmasters Club and participate. You will be quite pleasantly surprised by the improvement in your skills and confidence.

And be sure to read my latest book designed for any author who is involved in or will be involved in giving presentations, appearing on radio/TV/podcasts, communicating with readers at signings/book festivals and so forth. Talk Up Your Book is your go-to resource for using your personality to sell your book. http://www.matilijapress.com
Conference Directories
http://shawguides.com
http://www.allconferences.com
http://www.bvents.com
http://www.tsnn.com
http://www.eventsinamerica.com

Posted in Book Promotion, Public Speaking | No Comments »

How to More Successfully Address Your Readers in Person

Sunday, October 21st, 2012

Talk Up Your Book, How to Sell Your Book Through Public Speaking, Interviews, Signings, Festivals, Conferences and More has its first review—a 5-star review. You can see it at Amazon.com or at the reviewer’s website:

www.SimonTeakettle.com/13reviewfry.htm

Order your copy at Amazon today. It’s discounted already! To get to the book page at Amazon, type the name of the book in quotation marks or type in the title of the book along with my name “Talk Up Your Book” or Talk Up Your Book Fry.

I know, I know, you expect to see a tip or some publishing perspective when you visit my daily blog. Well, my tip for the day is, if you are an author who promotes his or her book through presentations, readings, book signings and festivals, for example, the tips, ideas and resources in this book could be the difference between ho hum and highly successful events. If you are the author of a nonfiction book and you do not design workshops, present podcasts, go on blog tours or speak at related conferences, perhaps you should study up on the benefits these activities and how to implement them.

Do you have some annoying habits when speaking in public? Are you unsure when it comes to asking for the sale when someone expresses an interest in your book? Would you like to get paid to speak? Are you at a loss for how to find speaking opportunities? Do you need help building a rapport with your audiences? What are some of the outrageous and cool venues where novelists can speak? How do professionals rehearse their speeches? Would you like to experience more successful book signings and book festivals? How would you like tips and techniques from professionals on preparing for your media appearances? How can you become a workshop leader at a conferences related to your book topic? Would you like some creative ideas for speaking about your novel?

Order this unique book for authors and you will experience much greater success in all activities where you are before or with your potential readers.

Talk Up Your Book, How to Sell Your Book Through Public Speaking, Interviews, Signings, Festivals, Conferences and More. Buy it today at Amazon.com.

Posted in Book Promotion, Public Speaking | No Comments »

Go Out and Speak About Your Book

Friday, September 14th, 2012

There are many tasks involved when you take on the responsibility of promoting your book. And if you publish a book, you most certainly have taken on the responsibility of promoting it. If you don’t accept that responsibility, your book will die. That’s the hard truth of it.

Public speaking is a major book promotion activity that many authors pursue. I’ve written a book about how to promote your book through public speaking, book festivals, signings, conferences, interviews and more. It includes being interviewed for TV, radio, podcasts and such as well. It’s all about public speaking and communication. Allworth Press will bring the book out in the fall. Of course, I’ll announce it here. You can actually see it posted at Amazon.com. It’s called, Talk Up Your Book. The book posted at Amazon has the wrong cover on it, though. I expressed my dislike for the cover and they changed it. I love the new cover. I’ll try to keep an eye on it and let you know when it is up.

In the meantime, if you have a book to promote, I’d like to suggest that you take a weekend or a few days during the week and set up some speaking engagements. I spent a recent weekend contacting writers’ group leaders and writers’ conference organizers and managed to set up speaking gigs in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Orange County, Camarillo and Ventura California as well as Las Vegas, NV over the next several months. Of course, you don’t have to travel to speak. You can start locally. Here are some ideas:

• Contact the program chair for local civic groups.
• If your book is suitable, offer to present programs in schools.
• Speak to classes at a community college.
• Get a teaching gig through an adult education program.
• Arrange an author appreciation day (or week) at your public library.
• Do book signings at bookstores as well as appropriate specialty stores.
• Contact people you know who belong to groups. Ask to speak.
• Develop entertaining home parties around the theme of your book.
• If your book is conducive to book clubs, seek some out in your area.
• Create a program to take into local companies.
• Contact hotels in your community and offer to present a program for guests.
• Contact radio/TV program directors and ask to be interviewed.

There are a dozen ideas for getting speaking gigs related to the theme of your book. I’m sure you have others. Contact me and I’ll publish them here.

PLFry620@yahoo.com

http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

Check out my appearances page:
http://www.matilijapress.com/activities.htm

Posted in Book Promotion, Public Speaking | No Comments »

Authors, Expand on Your Presentation Topics

Thursday, July 12th, 2012

I’m preparing for a presentation Saturday and have been lining up talks for my 2013 calendar. In the process, I noticed that my list of possible presentation ideas was kind of sparse. I decided it was time to add to my repertoire. So I came up with around ten new, hopefully, intriguing speech titles. Once my webmaster posts them at my website, I’ll have approximately 20 speech topics program chairpersons and conference directors can choose from.

Do you have trouble coming up with speech themes related to your book? Remember, if you are promoting a book, live presentations are among the best promotional activities for most people. Why? Because personality sells books.

If your book is nonfiction—a how-to, self-help, informational, reference book, you should be able to come up with dozens of speech topics. Presumably, each chapter represents a subject you could talk about and maybe even each heading within each chapter. Additionally, you can consider new information on the topic of your book, angles and perspectives that occur to you or that are presented by others, new experiences within the realm of this subject and so forth. You can also glean presentation ideas from the articles you write on the topic and your blog posts.

For example, you know I write books, articles and this blog on writing, publishing and book promotion. Here are some of my speech titles:

• The Psychology of the Book Proposal
• Book Marketing for the Reluctant Fiction Author
• How to Be CEO of Your Book
• How to Prepare for the Business of Authorship
• How to Sell More Books at Your Next Book Event
• Is Your Book Really a Good Idea?
• 10 Book Promotion Activities You Must Pursue and Why
• 25 Reasons Why You Should Write That Book
• A Dozen Surprising Ways to Successfully Promote Your Ebook
• Platform-Building Tips and Techniques for the Author

For fiction, you may want to tell part of the story in your book, talk about what led up to writing the book, some of your experiences while conducting research for your book, some of your characters and how you developed them, how the characters in your historical novel might react to technology or language or communication in today’s world. You might present some trivia related to the theme of your novel, have audience members participate in acting out part of your story or discuss an aspect of one of your nonfiction hooks.

What is a nonfiction hook? This is an aspect of your book that you can use to promote it, such as the fact that one character is autistic, the period or region where the story is set, the industry involved, a character’s hobby, etc.

If you want to speak on behalf of your book—and you should—spend some time fleshing out at least three possible programs you could present. Add more as you go along. Not only will this get you invited back to speak to the same group more often, but it will widen the horizons of speaking possibilities for you.

Posted in Public Speaking | 1 Comment »

Address a More Attentive Audience

Sunday, May 13th, 2012

Happy Mothers Day!

I’m taking the day off to spend with my mother. But first, I want to talk to you about your next speech. You are going out and speaking about your book, aren’t you? It’s a great way to get exposure for your published book and to create an audience for your upcoming books. You are the best ambassador for your books, after all.

Who else cares as much about your books as you do? Who else knows as much about your story or the information you have compiled as you do?

Here’s a tip that I use when I plan a presentation. In fact, you may recall that I involved you in this technique recently.

I’m planning a talk to a group of writers in Sacramento next Saturday. The theme of this talk is freelance writing. I asked my blog followers to share some of the questions they would like to ask with regard to this subject. And I got some great ideas for my presentation.

I also contacted the writers’ group organizer and asked her to poll members with regard to their freelance writing challenges—what would they ask about this topic?

So now I have a great outline for my talk reflecting those very things someone just starting out as a freelance writer as well as those who are involved in a freelance writing business want to know.

You could do the same, whether your topic is hang gliding, grammar tips, how to conduct research, gourmet cooking, catering, how to start a small business or your life story as a preacher’s wife, for example.

If you are talking about your latest novel, find out what members of your audience want to know about novel-writing or publishing. Do they have a curiosity about a writer’s life or how to conduct research for a historical novel?

Sure, you’ll generally offer a Q and A session after your talk (or allow questions during your presentation), but you’ll have a more attentive audience if you are addressing the things that really matter to them. And one way to find out what matters is to ask.

Posted in Public Speaking, Writing | No Comments »

Clever Preparation Tips for Author Presentations

Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

The Ojai Wordfest continues. This is a week-long event featuring 100 presentations and activities for readers, authors, writers and even children. I presented my speech number two yesterday surrounded by a dozen lovely hopeful authors and freelance writers on an outside deck under a canopy of oaks.

I must say I was concerned about the weather. When I walked that morning, I wore long johns under my heaviest sweatpants, two sweatshirts and a wooly scarf. It was cold and overcast. But, miraculously, by 11, the sun was out and we were all quite comfortable lounging at the venue.

While preparing for this presentation, I was emailing with another speaker/author and she reminded me of something I often forget when preparing for my talks. It occurred to me that I should create a permanent speech list and refer to it before each presentation.

Here’s my list:
Speech notes
Handouts (appropriate to the topic)
Books to sell
Brochures (or other promo pieces for the books)*
Business cards
Sign-up sheet*
Change in appropriate denominations
Credit card forms
Extra pens and paper (for those who forget to bring some)
Resources to show*
Examples to show*

*Promo pieces might be bookmarks, postcards or magnets with the cover of the book, etc. I have 3-fold brochures that list my services and information about several of my books. I also have magnets to promote my cat stories book, Catscapades.

*I like to have a sign-up sheet to collect names for my large emailing list. I sometimes ask people to sign up to receive the SPAWN enewsletter. Yesterday, I did a drawing. I numbered the lines on the sign-up sheet, chose a number and gave a book away to the person whose name landed on that line.

*As for resources, I sometimes bring a copy of Writer’s Market or another book I want to talk about, such as Mark Levine’s The Fine Print of Self-Publishing, for those who are considering a pay-to-publish company.

*Sometimes I bring copies of the first books I produced or magazines that my articles appear in, etc. It depends on the topic and the expected audience.

Today I speak at the Ojai Library. My presentation title is: “So You Want to Write a Book!” I will leave behind my handouts and books related to freelance writing. My focus will be on book publishing, so this is what my handouts and books will reflect.

Another way I will prepare today is to walk with my speech notes and go over them in my mind. Yesterday, when I did that, I came back to my office and tweaked my notes a tad. Glad I did, the presentation went quite smoothly and I think everyone walked away with something of value.

I would love to hear about your preparation routine prior to your public appearances. In the meantime, be sure to check out my two latest books. They may just be the life preserver you seek in the huge, shark-infested ocean of publishing.

Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author
Promote Your Book, Over 250 proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.

http://www.matilijapress.com

Posted in Authorship, Public Speaking | No Comments »

The Author’s Edge in Public Speaking

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

I spoke yesterday at our famous outdoor bookstore in Ojai as part of the week-long Ojai Wordfest. Bart’s Books has been in existence for about 60 years. Used books are shelved in little alcoves surrounding a couple of large patio areas where you can sit and read or attend a book event. Some books are on shelves outside. When the store is closed, you can still purchase books. You just look at the price on the book and toss that amount over the fence onto the patio.

Today, I believe they have a slot where you put the money and it drops down into a can. I guess the new owners didn’t enjoy looking all over the cement each morning for coins.

One charm of Bart’s was the huge oak tree that grew up from the very center of the store. It had to be taken down a few years ago. It’s just not quite the same. I see that they have a resident cat, though. It seems that there was always a Bart the Cat wandering around the premises. Yesterday, I met Bart number 5 or 8 or 10—who knows?

My talk went okay. I got to talk about me—my journey as a career writer. I think I spread some inspiration around. A few people came up to me afterward to tell me that they felt inspired to follow their writing dreams and hoped they could be as committed as I was through the early years.

I had a friend ask me yesterday if I ever get nervous before a talk. I thought about it and responded this way:

“There is always the Gemini tendency to think and rethink and plan and consider and strategize and maybe worry a tad before a talk. No matter how well you plan for a presentation, there are still a lot of unknowns until you arrive at the venue.”

Yesterday, I arrived early, as I always do, and discovered that the metal chairs and tables were still very wet after the rainstorm the day before. I spent my prep time wiping them down with paper towels and pushing them out into the sun to further dry before guests arrived.

I told my friend, “Some of the unknowns are not revealed until you actually get up in front of the group. You don’t know how many people will show up, whether they will be friendly, what they hope to get from you, etc. So I think I get a little nervous until I feel the energy coming from my audience. If it is positive, which 99.99 percent of the time it is, this will settle any uncertainties or nerves within me.

“I may be concerned that I can deliver what the audience wants. I try to squelch that concern by asking what they want. And I may experience some anxiety about being able to stay on track with my speech—you never know when your message will fall flat. Of course, that’s why you prepare, prepare, prepare and then give yourself permission to deviate from your speech if you see a need to.”

I remember once, tearing up my speech notes in front of an audience, tossing the pieces up in the air and letting them rain down on me. Once I got started, I realized that the audience wanted/needed something different from me than I was led to believe. So I improvised and it worked out very well.

I no longer feel nervous about going before a group, but I do shine brighter when I feel the group is friendly and are really interested in the information I am presenting.

So I told my friend, “Nervousness—as in fear of speaking isn’t a problem for me, in most cases. But I think it is useful to be a little charged or stressed or on edge before speaking. It gives you a greater sense of energy. For me, I become more animated and energetic. And this, I think, energizes the audience and keeps them interested.”

Today, I’m speaking on another outdoor patio under a canopy of oaks. My talk title is “Generating Revenue Through Writing.” I imagine I’ll have quite a few people there who are eager to get insider tips for making money with their writing. I hope they aren’t discouraged when I tell them, what you’ve been hearing from me in this blog for years, that it takes more than writing talent to make money in this industry.

I’ll let you know how attendees accept my message about dedication, commitment, motivation, tenacity, persistence and hard work.

Have you ordered my two latest books, yet? I sold some on the patio at Bart’s Books yesterday and have some packed up to take with me today, in case people are in the market for some seriously valuable information and guidance.

Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author and Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.
http://www.matilijapress.com

Also available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and most bookstores.

Posted in Book Promotion, Public Speaking | No Comments »

Presentation Help, Warnings and Accolades

Saturday, March 24th, 2012

This weekend, after having finished editing a 400-page manuscript, I am preparing for a series of five presentations next week at the Ojai Wordfest. Busy, busy.

I’ve mentioned the Wordfest before. This is the second year they’ve held it here in Ojai and it is an interesting concept which pretty much involves the whole town. Various merchants agree to have an author read or speak to customers at set times throughout the week. There will also be speakers/readers at the library, in private homes and other venues throughout the community. It’s a lot of fun and it’s well attended. To learn more about the event, go to http://www.ojaiwordfest.wordpress.com You’ll find a calendar of events there.

Speech Preparation How-To
Two of my adult grandsons were over for dinner the other night. One of them asked me how I prepare for a speech. I thought some of you might be interested in my response, as well.

I write my speech and then I go over it many times, tweaking as I go. When I am satisfied, I condense it to notes and begin practicing it while I walk each day. I might memorize (or loosely memorize) the first line and the last line. Other than that, the speech may take on a different flavor each time I practice it. This means I am also free to go with my intuition upon meeting my audience and gearing my talk to their specific needs.

I know my material, so my main concern, when formulating a presentation, is organization. I want to share the information and anecdotes in an organized manner, so that the material flows—much the same as you would do when writing a book or an article.

If I need to memorize a speech, which I may do for a much longer presentation, I do all of my rehearsing while out walking. Has anyone else discovered the benefits of rehearsing speeches while walking? What works for you?

Grandparent Scam
By the way, all of you grandparents out there: Are you aware of the grandparent telephone scam being perpetuated against grandparents, lately? I have received one of the calls, as has my mother and my daughter’s father-in-law. The caller pretends to be your grandson or daughter who is stranded in a foreign country and in need of money. They say, “I can’t call my parents, they don’t know I’m here, so can you send me some money so I can come home?”

Don’t fall for this scam. As I understand it some do. My mother was the first one I know to get the call and she handled herself and the criminal on the other end of the phone quite well. I got it next and, recognized the scam for what it was because of my mother’s experience—but also because my grandsons would never talk to me the way this young man spoke to me.

Protect yourself from telephone scammers just like you do Internet scammers.

New Unsolicited Review for Publish Your Book!
Hey check this out: I got an Amazon review from someone I don’t know and she doesn’t know me. Don’t you love when that happens? Here’s the review:

“I really appreciate this book. I wish that I had known about it before I started my own publishing journey. It is packed full of things every beginning author needs to know to be successful. It talks about mistakes beginning authors make, some of which I made, also things like how to pick a publisher, self-publishing, writing a book proposal, and even some marketing basics with lots of tips and ideas. She includes the addresses of many helpful websites and even has a chapter on bookkeeping for authors. I recommend this book for any beginning author and anyone who wants to know more about the book publishing industry.”

If you haven’t ordered your copy of Publish Your Book, why not visit Amazon.com this weekend and place an order. If you are thinking about writing a book, you’re involved in the process of writing or publishing a book, you will not be disappointed in my book. Let it be your guiding light that helps you make better decisions on behalf of your project.
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

Posted in Announcements, Public Speaking, Publishing | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »