SPEAK+ Week Twelve

Welcome to Week Twelve of SPEAK+.
The final thoughts, tips and to-do’s.

Two years ago I was brought in to speak at a corporate team event in rural Manitoba. There was about 150 people in the room, including the super-friendly CEO and members of the Learning and Development Team. Being post covid, there was an excitement in the room as people mingled, chatted, connected and huddled around the open bar (it was 1pm!).

I was speaking on Rocking Your Life (WorkLife Wellness). The group was fun, engaged and open to the audience interaction activities. We had fun….together. At one point, during a workshop activity where everyone was sharing about one thing in life what they “really want”, I looked into the audience and felt this overwhelming sense that I was doing EXACTLY what I was meant to do.

My journey to getting on “stage” has been many, many years in the making. Over the decades I have tried out different types of stages and have learned where I make the most impact (and which stages I would like to avoid). This is part of the growth experience. Some people love me, some people don’t. Some clients bring me back again and again, while others share I missed the mark and move on. Earlier in my years speaking became woven into my sense of self and identity. I thought success would mean bigger stages and trips around the world. Oh how things evolve and change.

Now success for me is 1-2 speaking engagements a month on stages that absolutely fill my cup with an audience that’s as excited to be there as I am. When I feel aligned with my business goals and life goals I know I am succeeding. I suspect my idea of the best “stage” may change many times over the coming years, as I level-up and my life circumstances continue to evolve.

As an Impact Maker, speaking is part of what I do and not who I am. This took years for me to learn.

I encourage you to explore and experience your own development with lots of curiosity, grace and courage. You are here to make the impact you know you can. Your journey is going to be full of curves and twists, ups and downs and most importantly…beautiful moments of alignment where you feel, on a soul deep level, that you are exactly where you should be.

YES. YOU. CAN. xo

Welcome to Week Twelve of SPEAK+

You did it! If you are reading this right now it’s because you embody tenacity, courage and an absolute commitment to professional growth. I am so crazy proud of you! Now, this is week twelve (the final week of SPEAK+) but only the beginning of your journey as a speaker, thought leader and impact maker.

I have lots to share in this final lesson….I consider this a “working week” for you. I know, I know…I drive you hard right? :) Next Wednesday be sure to open your final SPEAK+ Lesson as it will be your CELEBRATORY GRADUATION email. GET READ TO CELEBRATE!

Personal power is the ability to take action. - Tony Robbins

For twelve weeks YOU have been taking action. YES YOU! Was it perfect? No. Did you book yourself as the opening speaker for Oprah’s next tour? Maybe not. Did you stretch what you thought possible for yourself and create opportunity as a result. HELLS YES! Be sure to take some time to reflect on your growth over the last three months and to ENJOY the experience of ENGINEERING MOMENTUM.

I have some final thoughts, tips and to-do’s for you this week. Let’s get started.

Truly, I feel like SPEAK+ could go on for at least a year with all that I could share. With great intention, I have given you the most important foundational tools, skills development and industry insiders I could package into our short time together. Not it is your turn to take everything you have learned and level-up by continuing to take action, ask for the opportunities, adapt, tweak, evolve and PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE. The world needs your expertise and thought leadership. Impact truly does await.

I find the Q&A format the best for sharing tips so here’s some questions you may be asking yourself when it comes to moving forward with your speaking journey. 1on1 clients be sure to share any other questions you have in our private sessions together. My goal is for you to feel incredibly supported and confident as you continue growing your success.

I GOT A GIG! SHOULD I USE A CONTRACT?

A speaker contract is crucial because it lays out the ground rules for the speaking engagement, like when and where it's happening, how much the speaker gets paid, and what happens if plans change. It's like a roadmap that keeps everyone on the same page and helps avoid misunderstandings. Plus, it ensures that both the speaker and the event organizer know what to expect, which makes everything run smoother and more professional. So basically, it's all about clarity, fairness, and making sure things go off without a hitch!

The essential elements in a speaker's contract may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the engagement and the preferences of the parties involved. Here are some key elements typically included in a speaker's contract:

1. Identification of Parties: Clearly identify the speaker (individual or organization) and the organization hosting the event.

2. Event Details: Include the date, time, location, and duration of the speaking engagement.

3. Scope of Work: Outline the specific services the speaker will provide, including the topic or theme of the presentation, any customization or tailoring of content, and any additional activities (such as workshops or Q&A sessions). Be detailed here.

4. Fees and Expenses: Specify the speaker's fee, payment schedule, and any additional expenses that will be covered by the organizer (e.g., travel, accommodation, meals, equipment rental). Include details on invoicing and payment methods. Note: a 50% deposit is the industry standard.

5. Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies: Define the process and penalties for cancellation or rescheduling by either party, including any applicable refund policies.

6. Intellectual Property/ Recording Rights: Address ownership and usage rights for any materials or intellectual property created or used by the speaker during the engagement, including the recording of your speaking. I typically says it’s ok as long as I get a copy :)

7. Confidentiality: Include provisions to protect any confidential information shared between the parties during the engagement. This may be more applicable for corporate training/consultative work.

8. Force Majeure: Address how the contract will be affected by unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of either party, such as acts of nature, war, terrorism, or government regulations.

9. Cancellation: Outline the conditions under which the contract may be cancelled by either party, the process for doing so and the financial obligations/options.

10. Additional Terms and Conditions: Include any other relevant terms or conditions agreed upon by both parties. This may include book sales, additional work etc.

It's important for both you and the organizer to review the contract carefully and ensure that all relevant terms are clearly defined and agreed upon before signing. Consulting with legal counsel may also be advisable to ensure the contract adequately protects the interests of both parties.

*** SPEAK+ 1on1 clients please request a contract template.

WHEN SHOULD I RAISE MY FEE?

You might bump up your fee in a few situations. If you're getting more popular or have gained more experience and expertise, it makes sense to charge more. Also, if the cost of living has gone up or you're offering specialized knowledge, you could up your fee. Limited availability, market trends, and showing the value you bring to events are other reasons to consider raising your fee. Basically, it's about staying fair and making sure you're getting what you're worth.

As with all conversations around fee’s I believe it is important to a) follow your intuition and comfort level and b) challenge yourself to raise your fees as you bring in the bookings.

HOW DO I MAKE MY POWERPOINT AWESOME?

Not all speakers use powerpoint presentations…but most do :) If you choose to use PPT here are some important tips!

1. Keep It Simple: Use clear language and avoid overcrowding slides with text. Stick to key points and use visuals to help illustrate. I mostly use just pictures.

2. Visuals Matter: Choose high-quality images and graphics that enhance your message without overwhelming. Avoid cheesy clip art. AT ALL COSTS! Use free services like unsplash.com or canva.com (in some cases you may have to pay for premium level). You need high res big files for them to look good on the big screens.

3. Bullet Points Sparingly: Keep bullet points short and use them only when necessary. Too many can confuse your audience. Plus no one likes bullet points. Avoid them really.

4. Consistent Design: Stick to a single design theme for a professional look. Don't go overboard with fonts and colors. Make it look pro—so important! Use canva.com or a similar editing program OR hire someone to create a polished template for you.

5. Subtle Transitions: Add transitions and animations sparingly to keep things interesting but not distracting. I don’t do transitions much at all.

6. Timing Is Key: Make sure your slides match your speech pace. Don't linger too long on one slide. Practice, practice, practice! DO NOT MEMORIZE. The skill to zone in on is clicking the next slide without having to look where you are at. This takes practice.

7. Check Before You Present: Preview your slides for errors and make sure everything looks right before showtime.

*** SPEAK+ 1on1 clients please request a slideshow template.

WHAT ARE SOME IMPORTANT TECH TIPS?

So you are finally on stage! YAY! Now that you are ready to rock your Signature Speech you may be thinking about how to make the most of the opportunity. Here’s some tips:

1. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you rehearse your presentation, the smoother it'll go. Try doing it in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or even with friends. It'll help you get comfortable and find areas to improve. Use your Speech Roadmap to keep you on pace and flowing smoothly. DO NOT MEMORIZE YOUR SPEECH! I know, I know…I have said that many times at this point. It’s important!

2. Know Your Equipment: Get to know the gear you're using, like microphones and slide clickers. Always test the mic and clicker at each venue (AV companies may have their own clicker for you to use). Over time you will learn what kind if mic you prefer (handheld, headset or lapel). I prefer handheld for my style while most speakers I know prefer headset.

3. Use Visual Aids Wisely: Keep your slides simple (see notes above) and use visuals that complement your speech. They should add to your presentation, not distract from it. Practice switching between slides so it feels seamless.

4. Be Prepared for Technical Issues: Even with prep, technical problems can happen. Have backup plans ready, like printed handouts, in case something goes wrong. Stay calm, and remember, it's okay to roll with the punches (that’s the sign of a professional!)

HOW DO I MANAGE NERVOUSNESS?

Feeling nervous is normal, but you can manage it. Try deep breathing, visualizing success, and focusing on delivering your message instead of worrying about being perfect.

I always spend some time in my hotel room, car or heck, even in a bathroom stall, to ground myself with this thought. “I am a seed planter and it’s my hope that someone in the audience needs to hear what I have to share today”. This takes the pressure off for me. I breathe in deep and slow. I release my need to control the outcome. As one very wise teen once said to me, “Just get up there and say what you need to say.” Brilliant. Right?

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM SUCCESSFUL?

Great question. Take a moment to read this section more than once. Promise me! Here are a few ways to gauge if you have been successful:

1. Check the Crowd: Pay attention to how the audience reacts during your talk. Are they nodding along, asking questions, or chiming in? If so, you're likely hitting the mark. Note: men nod more than women!

2. Get Feedback: Using a feedback form ask people what they thought. Find out what they liked and what they think could be better. It'll give you a good sense of how you did.

3. Look for Impact: Think about whether your talk made a difference. Did it inspire or motivate people? If it got them thinking or changed their minds, that's a win. You will know this by the conversations you have after your presentation with audience members plus via social media messages and emails sent your way.

4. Check Your Goals: Remember what you wanted to achieve with your talk. Did you cover what you wanted to? Did you stick to your time limit? If so, you're on the right track.

5. Trust Your Gut: How do you feel about your talk afterward? If you're feeling good and think you connected with the audience, that's a good sign.

6. Watch for Repeat Invites: If people want you to come back or recommend you to others, it's a sign you did well. Keep an eye out for those repeat invites or referrals.

By considering these things after your talk, you'll get a good sense of how you did and what you can do better next time. One can always LEVEL UP right? It’s an ongoing journey of skill mastery.

Now. This is the important part I reallllllllllly want you to soak up. Just by getting on stage and sharing your message you are succeeding. Can you alway get better? YES. But like point #4 above you need to be clear on your goals (AKA your Impact Statement). Stay focused on the impact you seek to make and you will be empowered to keep moving forward even when a gig doesn’t go “great” or you think you could “do better”. We can always do better! KEEP. GOING. #yesyoucan

LET’S TALK VALIDATION.

Take some time to reflect on where you seek validation from when it comes to your professional journey (well in life in general actually). As humans we look to be heard, valued and understood....it's important that the people we are looking to receive validation from actually have the ability and understanding to provide it.

For example, my Hubby is not the best person to chat biz with. He is an electrician and doesn't resonate with, or particularly understand, the nuances of being in business. When I look for his excitement to match mine I can be left feeling let down, even though he is in fact supper supportive (in his own way!). SOOOO I have connected with a handful of people in my life I can talk to about biz and speaking. It’s very important to engineer your own support network with people who champion you, and challenge you, to be the very best version of yourself.

A wonderful group that does just that is the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. In fact, there are many associations that offer wonderful support (what association is great for you depends on your industry and goals). Something to consider as you expand your community of supporters, mentors and cheerleaders.

DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

If you can see yourself on stage, you can be on stage. Doubts are normal. Choose to keep showing up while you walk along with them. You know, every keynote I have a little voice saying, “are people going to even care about what I have to share?”

I hear that voice
I recognize it’s there
I tell it to fuck off
I carry on

There have been many times when I have received some very mean feedback. Not just “you can improve this way feedback”, I am talking about down right MEAN and CRUEL feedback. I have wanted to quit. I’m glad I didn’t.

You know why?

If I had quit, I wouldn’t be here working with YOU. xoxoxo

Also the cruelest of mean feedback is absolutely the best keynote material!

OK I HAVE ONE FINAL CHALLENGE FOR YOU!

Utilizing everything you have learned, and practiced, around story telling, post in the facebook group a 45 second-1 minute video sharing the most empowering thing you have learned about YOURSELF through your SPEAK+ Journey. Share your energy. Speak your truth. This is an opportunity to concisely, genuinely and persuasively share your Impact Statement and a Power Statement. How has this learning about yourself changed you?

When others hear your growth they may see this growth in themselves too. That’s the power of packaging and sharing our thought leadership.

YOUR WORDS MAKE IMPACT.

Post this short and informal video in the FB group. We are there to cheerlead YOU on!

Your Action Steps for this week…

• Take the time and energy to read through this week and marinate in the final thoughts and tips. Share your “THE MOST EMPOWERING THING I LEARNED ABOUT MYSELF IN SPEAK+” video in the SPEAK+ Private Facebook Group . YES. YOU. CAN!

• For 1on1 clients please refer to your google doc for additional action steps, customized feedback and templates.