Do you have an interesting case study or a unique perspective on a current business topic? You may want to share your knowledge and expertise with others in a live setting, but you’re not sure how to go about landing a speaking or workshop presentation opportunity. These five tips may help get you where you want to go.
1. Update your LinkedIn Profile
A quick and easy way to let people know about your speaking experience and desire to speak at more events is to update your LinkedIn profile with information about your past speaking opportunities. You can add your speaking experience to your Summary section or Experience section. If you’re comfortable posting the presentation, you can add it to your profile, too. You may want to consider posting the presentation on Slideshare and linking to presentation in your LinkedIn profile. Adding it to Slideshare will expand your potential audience and allow people not connected to you on LinkedIn to view your presentation.
2. Ask The Conference Coordinator
When you attend your next conference, take a moment to speak to the conference coordinator to find out how they book their presenters. Many times, there’s a call for presentations. If so, ask to be on the email list so you can submit a proposal. When you approach the coordinator, be prepared to offer a high-level synopsis of what presentation could be. Your topic should be interesting and relevant to the kinds of conferences the coordinator produces.
3. Do Your Homework
Look for organizations that produce industry-specific conferences and training seminars. These conferences and seminars typically feature many speakers, both as keynote presenters and workshop leaders. These organizations often have a way for you to submit a presentation proposal through their Website and/or provide a contact person to respond to inquiries. If you have an engaging case study or have a track record for being a subject matter expert in your field, you may want to research a conference company that would be a good fit for you.
4. Start Local
A great way to book speaking opportunities is to reach out to the leadership of any local organizations to which you belong. Your local chamber of commerce, other civic organizations or local industry trade organization often need speakers for their events. The key is to offer to speak on topic that’s current and relevant and an area of your expertise.
5. Host Your Own Event
If you want to get started speaking or would like to refine your presentation before taking it on the road at a regional or national conference, you may want to consider producing your own speaking event. Your local library or civic organization may provide you space for little or no charge. You can invite people to come hear you speak, as well as promote your event locally. After you’ve presented at your event, make sure to update your LinkedIn profile with the relevant information!
Dave Sweeney is a corporate communications professional who has both spoken at national conferences and written and prepared presentations for senior executives to present at national conferences.
