The new brain research says we should all do something new and challenging to grow our neurons and enlarge our neural pathways. I took up Spanish and computer brain training. Maybe writers could give public speaking a shot as a way to recharge brains — and sell books. It can be fun.
When your first or next book is published, traditionally or not, you’ll want and need to be out there selling yourself and your book to the world. Carol Cassella, MD and author of Oxygen, was stressed and unprepared for the demands of promoting her book, when I interviewed her for an article. Public speaking was the unexpected requirement. “I can’t do this. It just isn’t me.”
Two years and another book later, Healer, Carol told me that she had come to enjoy readings, speaking to book clubs and at conferences, and speaking on topics other than her books. She had opportunities to speak about topics such as creativity and neuroscience, health and wellness, and ethics in medicine as well. On her web site, Carol even offers to make presentations to groups although in an email she acknowledged that big presentations to large audiences still produce some angst.
There’s nothing like an eye-to-eye connection
Just as we’re all overwhelmed with understanding and using social media and its changing trends, with staying connected with thousands of people we don’t know at all, the time has come to add another plank to our platform — public speaking. There’s nothing like personal contact, eye-to-eye connection, a handshake, a mutual laugh to interest and influence people. It’s time to take the leap, whether you’re an experienced or novice writer.
Today’s writers are asked to be entertainers, performers, creative promoters, and excellent verbal communicators whether they write books or are freelancers looking for new markets for articles. Readings at bookstores have changed dramatically in format in the last few years. Telling your own personal story is often a prerequisite to attract and influence your audience to buy your book.
Talking about your “other” life, in addition to your writing life helps people connect with you as they see and hear commonalities. E.g. you’re a runner, or dealing with work-life balance too, or are involved with the Zero Waste movement.
Although the goal of being a comfortable public speaker is to sell your writing, lots of other outcomes can be attained through becoming a competent presenter:
- Increased self-confidence
- Improved word usage
- Clearer organization and flow of content
- Better story-telling skills
- More concise interpersonal communication
- Faster and easier writing
- Greater comfort with promoting yourself
To learn more about how to add public speaking to your repertoire, attend the interactive workshop I’m moderating at the ASJA conference, “So You Want to (or Need to) Speak: From Private Writer to Public Speaker.” It’s at 2 p.m. on Members Day, April 25. You’ll learn, practice, and have fun.