Hello Love,

Before Andres graced us with his presence. I was invited to speak locally at a meeting at Fuquay Aglow. I was around 36 weeks preggers! This was my 2nd time being invited to speak for an event and it doesn’t get easier but, I did get wiser. So today I’d like to share with you 4 tips to help you when the time comes for you to speak.

Tips I wish I known the first time I ever spoken!

[dropcap]1.[/dropcap] Be Prepared

Have something tangible that your audience can leave with. I spoke about something that I had already made a video on and also performed live via periscope.

I spoke on Recognizing the Season You’re in. I even printed out the workbook that I made with it! It was so great to have a reference and to feel a bit prepared about the subject I was going to speak on.

Let me tell you Love, it was well received and it was soooo much better than leaving a business card, that can get lost in someone’s wallet or purse.

[dropcap]2.[/dropcap] Tell Your Story

Do you know the impact that you can have on those around you, by your story? Your story is your powerhouse. It’s where you can really drive in whatever message you are trying to get across to your audience. It allows them to resonate with you and ease into what it is you are saying.

I had no idea what I was doing at my first speaking engagement. I didn’t understand the power of telling my story, or even a snap shot of one of my stories. It doesn’t have to be a long drawn out testimony just something short, sweet and to the point. Don’t just state facts. People don’t want boring facts.

People want tangible evidence that you know what you’re talking about, through your story. I mean, just take a look at the parables Jesus preached. I’m just sayin!

Tell a story, tell your story but don’t just leave without leaving a piece of you that they can remember and identify with.

A story allows them to be in your shoes.

[dropcap]3.[/dropcap] Understand Your Audience & Your Message

Usually, your message attracts your audience. But it doesn’t hurt to understand who your audience is and how you can serve them. This is one I really didn’t get or understand the first time around, but have wisely grasped the concept.

Before, I didn’t have my message honed in as I do now. This left me a bit empty handed when it came down to speaking at an event for bloggers. I didn’t consider my audience, really I didn’t prepare for it at all and I cringe just thinking back at the time. I still can’t believe some of those sweet ladies follow me on insta! Love you guys.  ♥

The moral of this story? KNOW your message. What are you trying to say to the world or to that one person you are trying to reach? KNOW your audience, know what it is your audience is there for. Why have they gathered at this particular point in time? Why are they there and why are you in front of them?

By knowing these things, you will be able to deliver an engaging memorable speech that really serves them. Because after all that is why you are there, to serve.

Do I look nervous?

[dropcap]4.[/dropcap] Be Funny!

Yup. Make them laugh! I love the quote:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

– Maya Angelou

This is so true my friends! I’ve learned that laughter and all the good feels that comes from it, really makes an impression. It really makes you likable and approachable.

At my first speaking engagement, I wasn’t funny, I wasn’t clear with my message, I wasn’t even prepared.

And you know what?

I really didn’t get much interaction with my audience at the end of the event. Considering just how many people came up to me at the end of this speaking engagement!!

WOW!

I couldn’t believe how my message really touched the heart of my audience, one audience member said to me, and I quote, “That was finger lickin’ good” she even demonstrated. (You can’t make this stuff up guys!)

Well alright then! I guess I did pretty well despite my nerves.

Although I was, nervous, I know with all my heart I did my best. I over prepared and then I went with the flow. It was amazing and such a great experience.

How about you, any tips you can add to have a more compelling speech? What has been your experience?