What to speak about?
Many people, when they start speaking, choose 2 or 3 of topics that pertain to their business expertise. This makes it easier to create and produce the required materials, plus promote it. Some people start off with a signature speech - something they are "known" for, i.e. a book they've written or an area they've been very successful in.
Your content will change and evolve as your speaking career does. Just choose what makes sense right now for you, your business and your ideal audience.
Your choice of content or topic will depend on several things:
- what the needs of your audience are
- what the organizers dictate or request
- the format of the talk - short or long; interactive versus speech; workshop versus presentation
- is it your signature speech
- what your objective for the talk is
- your marketing message
- your area of expertise
- specific theme of the speaking event
The ultimate result of using speaking as a marketing tactic is to build your list and get customers for whatever your products and services are. Therefore, any speech you give needs to be in front of an audience that is composed of your target group (at least in some part).
And of course, the content of your speech/talk needs to be something that your audience finds valuable and has need of.
As well, the topic needs to support or be similar to the products and services (if you have any yet) that you will be trying to sell to these people - either "from the stage" or later on via your website, blog, follow-up, etc.
So you need to choose content that you know your prospects and clients want. There are several ways to find this out:
- research the needs of your target market
- do a survey
- get information from the event planner or workshop coordinator about the expectations and needs of the audience
- get feedback from your current clients and customers
- get clear on what problem your target audience wants solved and the benefits you offer
Keep in mind that your content will change as you and your business change. Just remember that you are an expert in your field and as a result, you have your own story to tell.
As you proceed, you learn what inspires and motivates your target audience. Your experience is original and unique and by sharing that, you and your material become memorable and special.
Jody Gabourie, The Small Business Marketing Coach, teaches small business owners and entrepreneurs how to take action with their marketing in order to get more results and more profits. To learn all about her unique "done-for-you" ebooks called Ready Made Marketing Plans
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What to speak about?