5 Speaking Tips

post by Michelle Griep

If this hasn't happened to you yet, it will.

When I signed up to be a writer, there were certain things I expected to be part of the job . . .

- a pajama/fuzzy slipper dress code
- Hollywood producers knocking at my door to beg for the rights to my story
- the paparazzi shadowing my every move
- a mailbox full of adoring fan letters

Okay, so those might've been pie-in-the-sky type of expectations -- except for the jammies. Reality is writing isn't all that glamorous, unless your slippers happen to have sequins on the toes. But the real ugly truth about writerly expectations is that there are some that weren't even on my radar screen.

Like speaking to a group.

Gulp.

I know. I hear you. "Wait a cotton pickin' minute! I'm a writer, not a speaker. That means I'm an introvert at heart. Standing in front of a group not only makes me break out in hives, it gives me the sweats, the stutters and the . . . well, let's just say I need a clear shot to the restroom."

Even so, Bucko, when you're a writer, you will be asked to speak in front of groups. How are you going to manage without curling into the fetal position? 

Never fear. Have I got a handy dandy checklist for you . . .

Know what you're going to say.
The more familiar you are with what you're going to say, the less uncomfortable you will feel once you start talking. And the beauty of this is that you can do it alone in front of a mirror. Or if that creeps you out, just do it alone. Whatever, it's key that you practice what you're going to say so that if fear does strike when eyeballs are zeroed in on you, at least your mouth can keep going even if your heart stops.

Know who your audience is.
Is this a group of newbie writers you're speaking to or the Ladies Aid Auxiliary? It makes a difference. Find out what the group you're speaking to is interested in and tailor what you'll talk about to those interests.

Slow down.
Whatever your normal speaking speed is, slow it down two notches. Pretend you're talking to preschoolers if you need to. This not only helps you annunciate clearly, it keeps the audience from leaning forward and cocking their heads all crooked to figure out what in the world you're saying.

Do a giveaway.
This one is kind of a given. Who doesn't love to win a prize? And if you hold off on announcing the winner until the end of your speech, a lot less people will wander out of the room because they won't want to miss out on their chance to snatch up some loot.

Smile.
This one sounds like a stupid no-brainer but honestly, you'd be surprised at how many speakers are so nervous they forget to smile. An audience is much more likely to enjoy what you're saying if you don't look like you're scolding them.

Incorporate these five easy things and your next speaking gig will be a success. Not promising, though, that you still won't need extra duty deodorant. It's never comfortable standing alone in front of a crowd, but here's the bonus . . . there just might be a Hollywood producer in the audience and a paparazzi waiting for you outside.

Like what you read? There’s more. WRITER OFF THE LEASH: GROWING IN THE WRITING CRAFT is a kick in the pants for anyone who wants to write but is stymied by fear, doubt, or simply doesn’t know how to take their writing to the next level.

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. Follow her adventures and find out about upcoming new releases at her blog, Writer Off the Leash, or stop by her website. You can also find her at the usual haunts of Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

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ALWAYS ON DUTY

by Cynthia Ruchti

She didn’t realize writing a book would mean people might read it.

That’s a slight exaggeration. But in an interview a couple of years ago, the author of a widely read novel series—millions of copies sold to date—noted she was embarrassed to think about the men who had read her books, the pages full of what she calls her private fantasies.

She wrote and published a book—which put it into the hands of the public—and now realizes the words she wrote bear some unpleasant consequences.

Few of us will know “success” equaling that author’s sales numbers. But we’d all benefit from the reminder that our words all carry consequences.

Will the words we write today make us cringe tomorrow?

   

If a hastily written or prematurely-birthed book gets noticed by the press, will it be noticed for the right reasons? What does it say about our choice of subject matter if part of our prayer labor for it is praying our pastor and grandmother don’t see it?

  

Will a casual remark on Twitter or Facebook give a negative impression to a prospective agent or editor? Or reader? Will a pattern of whining on social media sites spoil our relationships within the industry and with our readers?

   

Will carelessness in proofreading, even in emails, tell a story we don’t want to tell?

   

What happens when the person we spoke against this year changes jobs and becomes our editor or marketing director next year?

  

Will that photo or video taken “just for fun” worm its way into resources accessed by the press?

    

If every book, every blog post, every interview, every speaking engagement doesn’t receive our best effort, will we live to regret the consequences?

For those of us who value what the Bible has to say, the motivation to make sure we have nothing to be embarrassed about is even stronger. II Corinthians 6:3 and other verses remind us to live “above reproach,” including in the words we write.

Our marketing efforts need the fewest hindrances possible. The same is true of our character development as authors.

Those who live for Christ—those who write for Christ—are always on duty. “Letting our hair down” is no excuse for unprofessional behavior at any time.

I’m saying this not from behind a pulpit but from across the table with friends. Every word we say and every word we write matters.

I unwrapped a gift—with beautiful Mylar wrapping paper—and noticed it was shiny on both sides. There was no “bad” side. The interior was as sparkling as the exterior.

 

That may be part of the lesson the Lord is driving home to my heart as I consider these thoughts. I want to be shiny on both sides. Shiny in my public persona. Shiny in the depths of my heart, with every word I write worthy of the King I serve.

And nothing to embarrass either Him or me, whether or not it ever sells a million copies.

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through her novels, novellas, devotions, nonfiction, and through speaking events for women and writers. You can learn more about her books and speaking topics at www.cynthiaruchti.com.

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