Here's how you can rebrand yourself in a new public speaking career.
Entering the world of public speaking can be a transformative career move. Whether you're pivoting from a different profession or enhancing your existing expertise, rebranding yourself as a public speaker is a journey that involves self-discovery, strategic planning, and a touch of personal marketing. This career path not only demands mastery of the topic at hand but also the ability to connect with audiences and convey messages with confidence and clarity. As you embark on this new venture, remember that every great speaker was once a beginner, and with the right approach, you can establish yourself as a compelling voice in the realm of public speaking.
Before you dive into the public speaking circuit, take stock of your current skills and expertise. Public speaking isn't just about being comfortable in front of a crowd; it also requires an in-depth understanding of your subject matter and the ability to engage with your audience. Identify your strengths—perhaps you have a knack for storytelling or a deep well of knowledge in a particular field. These attributes can become the cornerstone of your public speaking identity. Also, be honest about areas where you might need improvement, such as diction or body language, and consider seeking training or coaching to refine those skills.
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Sammanika Rawat
Accidental Lawyer turned Entrepreneur Changing Perceptions about Legal Careers • Your Legal Career Coach (YLCC) • Indian Army JAG SSB Recommended• NUJS Alumnus •Top Writing Voice Top Career Coaching Voice, LinkedIn'24
Rebranding yourself to connect with your audience and build a personal brand would involve multiple strategic steps. However, to begin with, I would personally recommend you to focus on three things- authenticity, storytelling, and keeping it natural. Authenticity is the cornerstone of effective public speaking. Your audience will be drawn towards you if you are genuine and sincere. Your unique experiences, perspectives and personality is what makes 'YOU'. Storytelling is the tool used to convey the message in a memorable way and natural delivery is the key to keep the audience engaged and making your message more accessible.
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Aman Mohan Mishra
Team Lead - Public Health Management & Leadership | Ex-WHO | Health System Strengthening | Universal Health Coverage | Member of Indian Public Health Association
With extensive experience as an international speaker, I have successfully trained public health professionals, doctors, and students across India and Southeast Asia. My expertise also includes training IAS officers, renowned as the premier cadre in India. Drawing from a robust background spanning ground-level initiatives to international engagements, I am known for my patience, respect, and ability to address all questions, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment.
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Avi Wolfson
Inspirational Keynote Speaker || I help students develop resilience and unlock their inner champion || Transformed lives of 300 students || Best Selling Author
Rebranding yourself in a new public speaking career by assessing your skills involves taking a comprehensive inventory of your strengths and areas for improvement. For example, you might identify that you have strong storytelling abilities but need to enhance your technical knowledge on specific topics. You could then take courses or seek mentorship to build up those areas. By understanding your unique skills and gaps, you can develop a clear personal brand that highlights your expertise and passion, setting you apart in your new public speaking niche.
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Harsh Mahaseth
Assistant Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University | Co-Founder, CollegeIt
I remember a time when I was very nervous about public speaking. I often felt that I didn't have much to contribute, even though I had enough knowledge on the subject. That feeling of insufficiency lingered, and sometimes it still does. However, my confidence in speaking has grown over time. I believe that having room to grow is a key mindset. This belief keeps me humble and aware that there is always more to learn. Embracing this journey, I have identified my strengths, such as my improved confidence and commitment to continuous learning. These have become the cornerstone of my public speaking identity. Remember, we all have room to grow, and with that mindset, we can achieve a lot.
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Brett Harned
Author of "Project Management for Humans," vision-driven creative leader, consultant, and coach.
The best presentations are given by people who are excited about and have direct experience with the subject matter. I think it’s good to think about topics that might getting excited, or maybe even topics where you might offer a fresh perspective. From there, I have found it very helpful to sit down and outline of the presentation, and start writing. Eventually, that turns into a blog post that I’d share with folks for reactions that I’d take into consideration for my presentation. That type of engagement gets me even more excited about the potential for the presentation, even if the feedback is critical.
Carving out a niche is crucial in the saturated market of public speakers. Your niche is where your expertise and passion intersect with public interest. It could be anything from technology to personal development, sustainability, or even humor. By focusing on a specific area, you become more memorable and sought-after for events and conferences related to that topic. Research current trends and gaps in the market to ensure your niche is relevant and has a demand. Once defined, tailor your messaging and content to reflect this specialty, which will help you stand out and attract the right opportunities.
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Matthew Donnell
Founder of Educ'ish & Workeneur - Speaker and Platform Builder
No one wants a mystery box when they are paying top dollar! Every stakeholder needs to fully understand exactly what it is you do and what solution you bring as a speaker to their problem they are addressing.
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Charles Muthui
Challenging the status quo of team building, employee engagement & management retreats
Curving your niche gives you a competitive edge and also defines your personal brand. Do a self assessment to identify which topics and subjects you are most conversant and passionate about. Keep talking about your knowledge area expertise across social media, blogs and networking platforms like LinkedIn. Attend events that align to your expertise for more effective networking.
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Dr. Kerstin Brehm
👩🏻⚕️Cardiac Surgeon turned Career and Communication Strategist 👩🏻💼I Innovator I Speaker
By tailoring your message don´t just think generic, researched advise. But think of stories you have to tell. What did you experience and what did you learn from it. Extrakt the learnings, mix it with your story and you'll engage your audience.
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Harsh Mahaseth
Assistant Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University | Co-Founder, CollegeIt
Whenever I write, I keep the following in mind: contemporary relevance, specificity, and novelty. These principles are equally important in public speaking. Your niche should have contemporary relevance, ensuring it resonates with current trends and interests. It should be specific, focusing on a particular area rather than being too broad. It should also offer novelty, something unique that will make you memorable. By aligning your expertise and passion with these elements, you can carve out a niche that stands out in the saturated market of public speakers.
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Dr. Wilbert Mutoko
PhD, MBA, FHEA, Multi-award-winning expert in strategy, change management, leadership, and entrepreneurship, | senior lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology
Successful speakers decide in time what niche they concentrate on. As they say, 'Jack of all trades, master of none.' At first you can start by being a generalist, but with time, you should choose a niche.
Content is king in establishing your brand as a public speaker. Start by creating compelling presentations, workshops, or talks that showcase your expertise and speaking style. Use storytelling to make your content relatable and memorable, and don't shy away from incorporating multimedia elements to enhance your delivery. Regularly update your material to keep it fresh and relevant. Additionally, consider starting a blog or podcast to share your insights and connect with a broader audience. This not only builds your credibility but also helps you practice articulating your thoughts clearly and engagingly.
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Daniel Baines
Head of Training at Samsung Electronics
I have always given a lot of thought to the use of visual aids when preparing and delivering a presentation, especially if delivery is over 10 minutes. Great video content and high quality images will help to keep people's attention and keep engagement high throughout, but please don't use low resolution...it will grab attention but for the wrong reasons. Most importantly, attendees retention and recall will be much higher
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Charles Muthui
Challenging the status quo of team building, employee engagement & management retreats
Have a culture of consistently sharing knowledge across digital platforms and other social media. Write articles and also contribute to blogs. Seek speaking opportunities that touch on your areas of interest. Share presentations on various hacks and quick tips. Share the story of your journey and keep networking as long as you are breathing.
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Harsh Mahaseth
Assistant Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University | Co-Founder, CollegeIt
Consider publishing your work on well-known blogs or having your material reshared on other platforms to increase its visibility. This strategy helps your content get noticed by a larger, more targeted audience in a shorter span. By leveraging established platforms, you can amplify your reach and impact, making it easier for your expertise to gain recognition and attract opportunities.
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Noah Harris
Indiana Realtor
Social media, alongside honing my skill in public speaking, has transformed my client engagement strategy as a realtor. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer unparalleled opportunities to showcase properties and share market insights, while public speaking engagements allow me to connect with audiences on a deeper level. By seamlessly integrating these two approaches, I can establish a robust online presence, nurture relationships, and position myself as a trusted authority in the real estate industry. Additionally, engaging with real estate communities and participating in relevant discussions not only enriches my knowledge base but also expands my reach, benefiting both my clients and my business.
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Utkarsh Kaushik
Barrister and Advocate Supreme Court of India
Craft captivating presentations & workshops to showcase expertise. Storytelling & multimedia make it memorable. Regularly update & consider a blog/podcast to expand reach & hone communication skills. Build your brand as a speaker with content as king! By focusing on creating high-quality, engaging content and utilizing various platforms to share your message, you can build your credibility, connect with a wider audience, and continuously improve your public speaking skills.
Networking is the lifeblood of a successful public speaking career. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with event organizers and fellow speakers. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be powerful tools for building professional relationships. Engage with your peers' content, share your own insights, and participate in discussions to increase your visibility within the community. Remember, opportunities often come from people who know your work and believe in your ability to deliver a great speech, so make sure you're visible and active in the right circles.
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Ola Zueiter
John C. Maxwell Certified Public Speaking & Leadership Coach | Regional Project Manager | Women Empowerment | Disability Advocacy
Attend industry events, connect with other speakers, and join relevant professional organizations. Build relationships with event planners and potential clients who might hire you for speaking engagements.
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Pusta Hery Kurnia, MBCC
CEO, Mindset Indonesia | NLP Trainer | Book Author | Motivational Speaker | Mindset & Behavior Change Consultant
If you're not networking, you're not working. This is also true for public speaking career. Networking helps you to: 1) Get used to meeting various types of people. This will increase your confidence level and broaden your horizons as a speaker. 2) Meet potential customers and partners. 3) Provide a place to hone your skills. Jeffrey Gitomer says, "Give free speeches." Networking provides the perfect place for this.
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HELENA ESTRADA
Speaker - Abogada, Master en Finanzas y Coach - Gender Training para Top Management · Libros: Soy Dueña de mi vida, Saltar por nosotras y Dueña de tu dinero · IG 230K · LI 45K · Podcast: Mujer es Poder
El networking es clave! Para aprender, sentirse acompañado, poder compartir experiencias, y a la vez entender mejor el mercado. Crear camaradería con otros speakers y no sentirlos como competencia, el mercado es vasto y hay lugar para todos!
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Trevor Houston
I Help Job Seekers Overcome Ageism, Recover Income & Achieve Financial Freedom for Resume-Free Retirement. CEO at ClearPath Wealth Strategies 📈 | Career Strategist 🎯 Who Ya Know Show | FREE Tools in FEATURED Section 👇
Picture this: you're not just a speaker; you're a part of a vibrant community. So, get out there! Attend those industry shindigs, join associations, and rub elbows with event organizers and fellow speakers. But don't stop there—dive into the digital world too. Platforms like LinkedIn are your playground. Engage, share, and be part of the conversation. Because here's the scoop: opportunities don't just knock; they come from connections who know your mojo. So, be visible, be active, and let those connections light up your path to speaking stardom!
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Dr. Wilbert Mutoko
PhD, MBA, FHEA, Multi-award-winning expert in strategy, change management, leadership, and entrepreneurship, | senior lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology
Your network determines your networth. Success in public speaking comes partly through mingling with the right people who open doors for you.
Marketing yourself effectively is essential to getting booked for speaking gigs. Develop a personal brand that reflects your niche and professional image. This includes having a professional headshot, a well-designed website, and business cards. Your website should highlight your speaking topics, past engagements, testimonials, and contact information. Utilize social media to share snippets of your speeches, behind-the-scenes preparations, or thought leadership pieces. Consider creating a speaker's reel—a short video compilation of your speaking engagements—to give potential clients a taste of your style and expertise.
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Trevor Houston
I Help Job Seekers Overcome Ageism, Recover Income & Achieve Financial Freedom for Resume-Free Retirement. CEO at ClearPath Wealth Strategies 📈 | Career Strategist 🎯 Who Ya Know Show | FREE Tools in FEATURED Section 👇
Picture this: you're not just a speaker; you're a brand, baby! So, let's polish that brand to perfection. Start with the basics: a killer headshot, a slick website, and snazzy business cards. Your website? It's your stage! Showcase your topics, flaunt those testimonials, and make sure your contact info shines. But hey, don't forget the power of social media! Share sneak peeks of your gigs, drop some wisdom bombs, and let the world know you're the real deal. And here's the icing on the cake: whip up a speaker's reel—a tantalizing taste of your magic on stage. Because when it comes to getting booked, a killer brand is your golden ticket!
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Mildred Thabane
2X Founder I Connector I Speaker
What I've also found useful is getting clients to market you too after an event - why blow your own horn when happy clients can do it for you! This also means building strong relationships and networks that will do the heavy lifting for you.
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Dr. Wilbert Mutoko
PhD, MBA, FHEA, Multi-award-winning expert in strategy, change management, leadership, and entrepreneurship, | senior lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology
Without marketing your speaking business, you will limit the number of people who will know you. That's why someone once said, 'Doing business without marketing is like a guy who winks at a girl in the dark.'
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HELENA ESTRADA
Speaker - Abogada, Master en Finanzas y Coach - Gender Training para Top Management · Libros: Soy Dueña de mi vida, Saltar por nosotras y Dueña de tu dinero · IG 230K · LI 45K · Podcast: Mujer es Poder
Reflejar una identidad determinada crea una marca personal sólida y seria. Esto significará decir que no a algunos proyectos, para no distraerte de tu camino ni que tu marca personal sea demasiado difusa. Que tus dichos, tus acciones y tus principios estén alineados: es la mejor marca personal!
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Esther Ayodele
I teach Gen Zs Self-Leadership | Public Speaker |Building Teens Communities through PTC GLOBAL (Impacted 3000 Teenagers) | Studying Engineering Physics
Marketing is the life of any career. You have to put your brand in the face of people who need to invite you. Social media is helpful. So, make those long posts, post the testimonials, share the pictures with people, flaunt the certificates. Just be visible!
In the dynamic field of public speaking, staying current is non-negotiable. Continuously update your knowledge base and be aware of the latest trends and developments within your niche. Attend workshops, read relevant books, and watch TED Talks or other renowned speakers to keep learning. This not only ensures that your content remains fresh and informative but also demonstrates to your audience that you are a dedicated professional who values growth and education. By staying informed and adaptable, you'll be able to speak with authority and inspire confidence in those who listen to you.
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Harsh Mahaseth
Assistant Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University | Co-Founder, CollegeIt
I also read newspapers, online blogs, and websites, and have connections who share regular updates that help me with my ideas. Ideas can come from many unknown places. One of my last good ideas came from a random YouTube video.
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Trevor Houston
I Help Job Seekers Overcome Ageism, Recover Income & Achieve Financial Freedom for Resume-Free Retirement. CEO at ClearPath Wealth Strategies 📈 | Career Strategist 🎯 Who Ya Know Show | FREE Tools in FEATURED Section 👇
Picture this: you're not just a speaker; you're a trendsetter, a fountain of knowledge. So, how do you keep that edge razor-sharp? Simple: stay hungry, stay curious! Dive into workshops, devour those books, and binge-watch TED Talks like there's no tomorrow. Why? Because knowledge is power, my friend! It keeps your content fresh, your audience engaged, and your credibility sky-high. But here's the kicker: it's not just about what you know; it's about showing that you're committed to growth and excellence. Stay informed, stay adaptable, and watch as your authority skyrockets, inspiring confidence in everyone who hears your voice.
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Esther Ayodele
I teach Gen Zs Self-Leadership | Public Speaker |Building Teens Communities through PTC GLOBAL (Impacted 3000 Teenagers) | Studying Engineering Physics
I check my email daily to read new theories, new school of thoughts and new strategies. The world is evolving and as public speaker, you must stay informed.
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Sant Ram Yadav
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In today's environment, every thing is for short period. When you have mastery on the latest . We find, new version has come ,we are new to it. So if We remain updated with the newest knowledge, we are employable. Thus, we need to remain upto date with newest developments Thanks
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Tashi Dawa
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This is critical .. your ability to be “current” is what draws and captures the attention of your audience.. they can relate to what you say!
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Kathy Taylor
Businesswoman | Speaker | Community Builder | Social Impact Leader | Women-Owned Businesses Advocate | Stakeholder Engagement | Board Governance | I'm also passionate about traveling, food, wine, and my dog Lola.
I think it is important to think about your why for public speaking? What impact can your story, your journey, your lessons learned make on others? How do you positively add to the dialogue on a specific subject? How can you inspire others to make a positive impact? There are a lot of ways to make a living but public speaking should be aligned with your values not your ego! It allows you to use your voice and your story to impact others!
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JeNae Johnson
CEO @ CTM Unlimited | Best Selling Author |Transforming workplaces from ordinary to legendary.
Often aspiring speakers are waiting for someone to invite them to speak on their stage or digital platform. In this world of social media, you don't have to wait on anyone to become a speaker. You simply use your phone to start recording videos or go live on any of the various SM platforms. Start building your following and testing out content and for FREE. I did this years ago on FB live, and got several paid speaking engagements just from a couple months of going live on FB. Today, you can easily start your own podcast, live stream on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, etc., and host your own webinars with little to no monetary investment. Moral of the story: stop waiting for someone to invite you to their stage. Instead, create your own.
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Numair Ahmed
Head of PMC and Project Services / Area Manager for Mid-Stream Projects at ILF Consulting Engineers
In my perspective, it's very important to speak with a purpose and bring value to the audience. In addition, authenticity takes precedence over precedence over niche and content.
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