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.