Marketing Tools of the Trade: Public Speaking

All writers love to write. However, when it comes to public speaking many writers run in the other direction and don’t look back. If you want to successfully market your book then you need to become comfortable with your public speaking skills. Marketing a book doesn’t involve only printed information about your book. Readers, fans, and the media will want to hear what you have to say as an author.

Public speaking promotes not only your book, but you as a person which is critical to your triumph. Readers like to know that you are an expert in your field or at the very least know what you are talking about. Readers wish to connect your words to a face they can trust. Public speaking is the marketing effort that establishes this relationship.

Public speaking is an art. Many people are not born with top notch public speaking skills. Therefore, it is imperative that you learn and practice public speaking skills before you promote and market your book. Public speaking involves interacting with others so you must jump out of your chair and leave your writing project at home.

Spending time interacting with others is not enough. It is possible to improve your public speaking comfort level if you attend social events and talk to people at public places such as book stores. However, it is vital that you know the elements of effective public speaking. You can learn these public speaking skills through organizations such as Toastmasters International, www.toastmasters.org.

What is Toastmasters International? Toastmasters International is an organization that teaches public speaking skills and allows you to practice these skills with a local Toastmasters group. They also provide excellent links to online and print information regarding public speaking. You can search their website to find a local club. Many workplaces have a Toastmasters group that meets one to two times per month. These clubs give you a great chance to focus on your public speaking skills.

Improving your public speaking skills can give you the confidence to read at your book signing and ace any interviews about your book. You can communicate the purpose and importance of your book more successfully thus leading to higher sales.

December 30th, 2008 by admin
Posted in Marketing Tips

One Response to “Marketing Tools of the Trade: Public Speaking”

  1. David Portney Says:

    As an author and public speaker, I could not agree with this more! Authors, public speaking is truly the best way to promote your books. I suggest you not only speak at the obvious evens such as book signings and such, but actively seek out other venues to speak such as clubs and associations.

    Best of success!
    David Portney

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