80 How to Sell Yourself
Is there a theme?
A lot of meetings and conventions are given “grabber” titles.
Make a special effort to include that title and relevant informa-
tion inside your message.
Where and when will I speak?
The site is very important. If you’ve spoken in this room or
auditorium a lot, you’ll feel almost as comfortable as you are in
your living room. If it’s on the 50-yard line at the Super Bowl game,
you’re on foreign soil. You always should consider an on-site re-
hearsal and always, always check your equipment beforehand.
Who’s my contact?
This can often be the most important question you ask. There
is no one who can make you look better or worse than the meeting
planner, and nothing is more frustrating than having a problem
and not knowing who can help. Things are bound to come up that
weren’t anticipated. Find out right away who’s assigned to “hold
your hand.”
My rule is simple: If the audience doesn’t know you have a
problem, you don’t have a problem.
How much time do I have?
People who book speakers often want the most time they can
get. For them, it becomes a matter of quantity instead of quality.
Above all, you must never lose sight of the audience and remem-
ber the old vaudeville adage: Always leave them wanting more.
They should feel sorry, not relieved, that it’s over.Other points to consider
The physical set-up
- The size and shape of the room.
- The location of the audience in relation to you, the
speaker. - Will the room be set theater style, classroom style, or at
round tables? - The location and quality of the microphones.
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Team-Fly®