Public Speaking? Me? by Sandra Ardoin

I’d known since my first book released that I needed to prepare something for an occasion of public speaking. At the least, I needed to prepare some possible topics. Well, since no one beat down my door with invitations, I kept putting it off.

Until…

I got the call in mid-July. It came from a woman who had asked me years ago to speak to her small church group of about eight other ladies, which I did. That was before I began writing novels. It was my first time to formally speaking to a gathering of strangers about my writing experiences for denominational publications. I shook like dog on its way to the vet, but I guess it went well enough. However, it was my last time to stand in front of others and talk.

Until…

She was looking for an August speaker for a different group. Of course, I said yes to a wonderful opportunity for this shy introvert to hone those skills that authors need.

Then…

She told me I’d be expected to speak about my writing career for forty-five minutes. Forty-five minutes? How was I to fill forty-five minutes? Honestly, it’s not as hard as one might think. And if I can stand behind a microphone and rattle on in a somewhat coherent manner, believe me, anyone can, but it takes organization and time.

Here’s how I did it:

• I brainstormed three different themes and included quotes from others that served as examples of those themes. Once my opening was set (a few minutes for an invitation thank you and a little personal information about myself), I could use it for any topic. I included a bit of humor in that opening, hoping that when my audience laughed, it would help relax me. It worked. 

• After choosing my approach, I wrote my talk out word-for-word, typing it in a 16-point font that could be easily read. Then I practiced—alone and out loud—timing it as I went. I tweaked it and practiced again. You know that forty-five minutes? In the end, I had to whittle it down! I sent it to my tablet and practiced until I could speak without stumbling or constantly looking at my script.

• I intended to use that tablet while speaking, but needed a backup—just in case. My talk turned out to be twenty-four pages long, and I didn’t want to fumble with that much paper. Once I was certain I knew what I would say, I typed up a 4-page outline of my points (again, in 16-point font) and printed it. 

• One of the surprises I received that day was being interrupted for questions. That was okay. It allowed me to ad lib a little and put me more at ease—like a conversation. So, depending on where you speak, be prepared for such surprises. 

• As I spoke, I could pick out those who were interested in what I had to say and a couple who were just “there.” Even so, I was careful to spread my eye contact across the room. 

All in all, it went well, and I drove home without crying. Of course, it helps to have an audience willing to put the speaker at ease.

AND …

I have a speech all ready to go for the next time someone asks me to talk about my writing!

What tips do you have for surviving a public speaking event?

~~~~~~

Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. She’s the author of the heartwarming novella, The Yuletide Angel, and the award-winning novel, A Reluctant Melody. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out. 

Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com. Subscribe to receive updates and specials. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and BookBub.

Public Speaking … Not So Scary After All by Varina Denman

I would rather eat bugs than stand-up in front of strangers, but since my writing doesn’t pay the bills, this introvert has stepped out of her comfort zone in order to tackle a few odd jobs, including public speaking. My first few engagements made me slightly nauseated, and after a particularly lively group at the public library, I honestly had dizzy spells for a week. But I’ll go to great lengths to support my writing habit, and I’m happy to report that things are getting easier.

A therapist friend of mine suggested I think of myself as another person. (Like … a person who enjoys talking to people.) It was a stretch at first, but now I see the logic behind his suggestion. Lately, it’s been easier for me to “slip into” the role of public speaker, especially when the audience doesn’t know me.

Another trick I’ve discovered is to write every single word of my speech ahead of time. That just makes sense, you know, since I’m a writer. Before I started doing this, I would stutter over my thoughts, because, of course, I’m better at writing than speaking. Once I accepted that fact, I started to use my strengths to my advantage, and now each sentence is strategically crafted, right down to the subtle jokes to keep the audience’s attention. Not that I always stick to the script, which brings me to my last suggestion.

I practice, practice, practice the speech, not memorizing it word for word, but familiarizing myself with it enough that I don’t have to look down at my notes constantly. By doing this, the words more easily roll off my tongue. It’s as though my muscles already know the words, so when my brain doesn’t keep up, my mouth can fill in the gaps. I know that sounds silly, but it works for me. All the practice gives me confidence so that I feel comfortable straying down a few rabbit trails, knowing I can come back to my pre-written lines whenever I need to.

These are definitely not foolproof, or introvert-proof, tips, but they have helped me to overcome my paralyzing fear of public speaking, and therefore to supplement my income enough that I can keep writing. And it’s worth it.

Have you discovered a way to make public speaking easier?

~~~~~~

Varina Denman writes stories about women and the unique struggles they face. Her award-winning Mended Hearts series is a compelling blend of women’s fiction and inspirational romance. Her latest novel, Looking Glass Lies, tells the story of Cecily Ross, a recently divorced woman struggling with low self-image. Connect with Varina on her website or one of the social media hangouts.

Five Tips for Beginning Speakers by Beth Ann Ziarnik

If you're like me, the idea of public speaking is enough to make you want to hide in a corner of the attic. But Beth Ann Ziarnik considers those invitations great opportunities for promotion and gives us some pointers to help us climb down those attic stairs and onto the stage with confidence. -- Sandy

Beth: Your first novel releases, and you’re holding your dream in your hands! But along with that excitement comes a massive, mind-boggling swirl of promotions—including invitations to speak.

Stay with me here! You can do it.

Invitations to speak appeared the minute my romantic suspense, Her Deadly Inheritance, debuted. To take advantage of those promotion opportunities, I had to make some decisions. You will face the same decisions.

What will I talk about? The easy answer is: pick topics related to your book. Like “My Author Journey.” How did you become a writer and come write this book? You’re already an expert on that subject.

Another topic related to your novel might be a combination how-to and travelogue where you tell brief stories about how you chose your setting and incorporated on-site research in your novel. Sprinkle it liberally with those fun anecdotes.

How often will I speak? (And still have time to write that next novel and keep up with family and friends). I decided once a month was good for me. Other writer friends speak four or five times a month. The choice is yours.

How much do I charge? As a beginning speaker, I let the sponsoring group decide. Often you will receive an honorarium of $25 - $50. In any case, you will sell books and spread a buzz of excitement about your novel.

Where will I speak? Local writers’ groups are great places for beginners to practice speaking. I spoke at three area writers’ groups who also asked me to bring my books to sell and sign. Writers love to buy books!

Libraries enjoy hosting authors, too. Contact your local library, and then branch out to others. When they book your author event, bring along your books to sell and sign.

Check out community events. When I heard about the Fox Cities Book Festival, I applied to be one of their speakers and had a great time. Also sold a lot of books.

Do I need a helper? Yes, you will need a helper to sell your books while you visit with readers and sign books. It’s also good for someone to accompany you when you travel to an event. A friend rides with me, making it a fun and safe outing for both of us.

For more tips, I recommend Speaker to Speaker by Kathy Carlton Willis.

Do you have experience in public speaking? Any additional pointers or success stories you'd care to share?

~~~~~~

A long-time fan of romantic suspense, Beth Ann Ziarnik offers her first novel with all the twists and turns,

Her Deadly Inheritance: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/194110360x
www.bethzairnik.com
http://www.facebook.com/authorBethAnnZiarnik
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https://bethziarnik.wordpress.com/
cliffhangers and romantic tension she and readers have come to love. She is a co-founder of Word & Pen Christian Writers in Northeast Wisconsin and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. In addition to her 450 published pieces (several included in anthologies), she is the author of Love With Shoes On, her ten-year devotional column about love in action and based on 1 Corinthians 13.