If you are looking to build a global presence today with Public Speaking, we need to talk about how the industry has evolved in the last 5 years.
It is an exciting time to be a public speaker because the rise of social media has made it easier than ever to reach out and connect with an audience. It is a great way to add an additional revenue stream to your income and create or expand an existing business.
In the interview with John Ray from Business Radio X, I answered some questions that are all critical and one of those is this:
How has the public speaking industry evolved over the last 5 years?
If we look at the career or the business side of public speaking, traditionally, you could choose between being a keynote speaker, workshop presenter, panel speaker, or even an MC.
Keynote speakers are often brought in to deliver inspiration or motivation. They either open or close the event and set the tone for what is to come. There is a lot of responsibility on a keynote speaker, and event organizers are careful to consider someone they know who can deliver, and bring tremendous value. This is not a spot that is left to chance, or newbies in the business because so many aspects of the event are riding on this.
What has changed in recent years is that the level of demand for those who are speaking just from a motivational or inspirational standpoint has decreased. So, if you’re looking to increase your speaking business, you have to be aware that event organizers and planners are looking for more practical aspects in your keynote speech.
We are now seeing things in a keynote speech that would normally be seen in workshops, like activities, exercises, or practical takeaways.
There are two words I often hear from event planners and organizers and they are: Practical and Applicable
Say it with me: Practical and Applicable
Yes, they want something their audience can use and apply to their life right away, not something they can find on Google. So, from a keynote standpoint and the business side of that, anyone going into this industry or who has been seasoned in the industry has to be aware of those tweaks because the audience will provide feedback through their level of engagement or disengagement.
And, if the audience isn’t happy, the event organizer isn’t happy and you don’t get paid again and again, and again. The opportunity will simply be a one-time shot for you.
The second aspect that has changed is obvious. There are tons of hybrid opportunities that give you a chance to speak “all over the world” without having to get on a plane.
You can “be in” Slovenia, you can “be in” the UK, but if you don’t have that awareness of intercultural communication and intercultural sensitivity with your audience, you can cause some unintended gaffes. You must be mindful of your content. Content has much more influence, weight, and relevance.
No longer can you just get away with something that’s very light and fluffy because your audience is in their homes. They have all the distractions available to them. They’re not held hostage in the conference center. They’re not in the nice comfy chairs at the venue. They can’t go to the bar or get the food that the conference organizer is providing.
All of those things factor into how someone receives your message. It goes into the sensory aspects of what they are experiencing, but now, they are at home, and maybe the dog’s barking, maybe the kids are coming in, maybe whatever is happening is happening.
How do you commend their attention? Why should they listen to you? So, that’s the whole aspect of the hybrid.
The hybrid model has exposed a lot of really poor speakers. And so, you have to switch your content. You have to make sure that your content is applicable, relevant, and practical, with takeaways.
Here’s the full version of my Business Radio X interview with John Ray: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/north-fulton-studio/monique-russell-clear-communication-solutions-llc/
The public speaking industry is no longer just about performing in front of people—it’s about connecting with them.
If you need help in Public Speaking or you are not comfortable with the idea of working with global companies and you want to know how to stand up in front of an audience, contact me and let’s get you making an impact right from the start. If you aren’t ready for the deep dive just yet, you can begin with a copy of The Ultimate Speaker’s Guide which will give you a step-by-step coach-in-a-box process to accelerate your journey.