Speaking is about communication, the sharing of information. Even more than that, it’s about the relaying of your testimony, sharing your passion and your heart.
My speaking experience dates back to my college years. In undergrad, I earned a Communications Degree. I went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Counseling. After that, a large part of my career depended on my ability to speak well. I worked as a Domestic Violence Counselor, a School Outreach Counselor, an Addictions and EAP Counselor, and worked with private practice counseling groups. I had to be able to communicate effectively and professionally in all of these positions.
Even outside of the counseling world, I used my speaking skills in every position I held. I worked as a Candle Lady selling Partylite, as a church leader for 40 Days of Purpose, and, finally, as a Life Purpose Coach and Speaker.
I created NACWE in 2010, and my speaking opportunities multiplied. Along with speaking engagements from the organization, I also focused on making my own opportunities. I started using BlogTalkRadio.com in 2008 to create my own radio show. There, I was able to share my thoughts and interview others. I also started using YouTube and other similar video services in 2008, and I’ve received 23,454 video views since then. For more private speaking engagements, I began using FreeConferenceCalling.com, which offers a way to record your calls. I now speak weekly on webinars using ClickMeeting.com to capture training for members of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every aspect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
—Ephesians 4:15
Are you speaking?
What is holding you back from sharing your story in your business?
What is your message and area of expertise?
Everyone has a unique message. What’s yours? You are an expert in something. What is your expert topic? Or topics? Right now, think of 2-3 main speaking topics you are confident in and write them down. Focus on who you will speak to and when.
You want to speak to your ideal clients, people who will truly benefit from listening to your message and will provide you with potential opportunities. Ideally, you also want the chance to offer an invitation or call to action. What is your offer? Finally, you want to have a goal. Look back at your journey and all of the speaking you have done. Where do you want to go from here?
Figure out your speaking boundaries now before you get asked to speak. How far will you go? For what pay? For how long?
There are many tools available to you to help you share your message and use your voice. Many of these tools are free to use! Use your personal webpage, your Facebook fan page, or use a vanity URL like: www.inspiredwomentv.com (a page that links to my YouTube channel). Some useful paid tools include webinars and speaking bios. Most importantly, use these tools to use your voice.
Above all else, practice being authentic. Learn to share your heart. Be real. God is walking by your side and will help you as you continue to share your message!
(Join me next week as I share more about speaking in part two of this message!)
Diane Cunningham is the Founder and President of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs. She is a “business therapist,” plane crash survivor, author, consultant, speaker, marathon runner, and fun friend. Find out more about NACWE and why 165 women joined in the first year at www.NACWE.org. Connect with Diane at www.facebook.com/DianeCunningham for fun updates, silly videos, and lively conversation.
