You're striving to advance your career with public speaking. How can you secure your boss's support?

1 Understand Goals

Before you approach your boss, take time to understand their goals and how your public speaking can align with them. If you can demonstrate that your speaking engagements will benefit the team or company, your boss is more likely to be supportive. For instance, if your boss is focused on raising the company's profile, highlight how your speaking events can increase brand visibility. By showing that your interests dovetail with their objectives, you build a case that supporting your public speaking is in their best interest too.

2 Craft Proposal

Once you know what your boss is aiming for, craft a proposal that outlines the benefits of supporting your public speaking. This should include potential networking opportunities, the chance to learn from industry leaders, and the ability to bring back valuable insights to your team. Your proposal should be clear, concise, and focused on the value-add for the company. Remember, you're not asking for a favor; you're presenting an opportunity that has tangible benefits for your boss and the organization.

3 Timing Matters

Timing is crucial when asking for support. Choose a moment when your boss is not overwhelmed with other issues. If your company has just landed a big project or is at the end of a fiscal quarter, it might not be the best time to discuss your public speaking ambitions. Wait for a quieter period or after a success that you've contributed to, which can serve as a springboard for your request. A well-timed conversation can make all the difference in securing the support you need.

4 Be Prepared

When you finally have the conversation with your boss, be prepared to address any concerns they might have. They may worry about time away from work or the cost of attending events. Have answers ready, such as how you'll manage your workload or the potential for minimal expenses. Being prepared shows that you've thought this through and are serious about making public speaking a win-win for both you and the company.

6 Follow Up

After your discussion, follow up with a brief thank you note expressing your appreciation for their time and consideration. This keeps the conversation fresh in their mind and shows professionalism. If they need time to think it over, respect that and offer to provide any additional information they might need. Persistence is key, but always be respectful of their decision-making process. Your persistence and professionalism can help sway their decision in your favor.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?