By Wendi McNeill
In this article I share seven of the most common mistakes I see when coaching beginning speakers who are just starting their speaking business and also on how you can avoid them. This article is Not about presentation skills or speech tips or even about conquering your fear of speaking but for those who are brand new and just starting their speaking business.
The following are just some of several mistakes I have seen over the years of coaching new speakers. First and foremost, remember to clarify your vision and ask yourself where you would like to be in a year from now. Know in your heart that you are good at what you do…know what you want to share and know with whom you want to share it!
Mistake Number One: Not doing your research first. Before you even think about stepping into the speaking arena you have to know if your topic is marketable. Many speakers pick a topic they feel will work and spend thousands of dollars on marketing material and come to find out that their topic is not in demand therefore not a paying market and what you have now done is set yourself up for disappointment and have spent endless hours and a lot of money. So, do your homework, research your market, talk to meeting planners and executives in your market, visit associations in your market see who they have hired to speak at previous events, you can even talk to other speakers. Just take the time to research and know without a doubt that your topic is marketable.
