Speaking season is full of excitement and opportunities to share your story and message with others. But it can also be stressful, especially if you’re a new speaker or have a lot of talks lined up. Here are some tips to help make sure that your speaking season is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible:
- Prepare ahead of time – Preparation is key to success. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare your talk, practice, and rehearse. Take some extra time to learn the venue, familiarize yourself with the people involved in your talk, and review any relevant material.
- Stay organized – Organization helps reduce stress during speaking engagements. Keep a calendar that includes the dates and times of your talks, as well as any preparation you need to do beforehand. Make sure that you know the specific requirements for each talk, such as what equipment or materials are required.
- Take care of yourself – Speaking engagements can take a toll on your body and mind. Make sure that you get enough rest before each event and make sure you’re eating well. It can be tempting to skip meals or stay up late to prepare, but doing so will leave you feeling exhausted and unable to do your best work. Also, take time for yourself between engagements; this will help keep you refreshed and energized for upcoming events.
- Network – Don’t forget to use your speaking engagements to network. Meet other speakers, connect with audience members, and make new contacts. Networking is a great way to expand your reach and gain more speaking gigs in the future.
- Have fun – Don’t forget the purpose of public speaking: it should be enjoyable. Take time during each engagement to have fun and be creative. Audiences are looking to be entertained and inspired, so make sure you bring your enthusiasm every time you’re on stage.
- Be willing to improve – By partnering with coaching speakers and professionals, you can learn new tips and tricks to make your speeches even more engaging. Whether it’s learning a new delivery technique or mastering the art of storytelling, constantly strive to become a better public speaker.
- Ask for feedback – After each engagement or presentation, ask for feedback from the audience and other speakers to identify areas of improvement and understand how to best reach your audiences in the future.
- Take time off – Speaking engagements can become overwhelming and tiring, so make sure to take regular breaks in between speaking events to rejuvenate and relax. Whether it’s taking a vacation or spending the day at home, self-care is essential for maintaining your enthusiasm and staying motivated throughout your speaking season.
- Don’t be afraid to say “no” – You don’t have to accept every speaking opportunity that comes your way. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or if the topic isn’t within your area of expertise, it’s ok to turn down an invitation – allowing yourself time and space away from the public spotlight can help you stay energized and motivated throughout the speaking season.
- Establish boundaries – Speaking engagements can often become all-consuming, so it’s important to set limits for yourself about how much time you’re willing to invest in each event. Set guidelines for yourself about how many events you want to take on within a certain period and stick to them to avoid burnout and keep your speaking season more enjoyable.
- Celebrate successes – Finally, always take a moment to celebrate the success of each event, no matter how small it may seem. Acknowledge yourself for all the hard work that went into preparing and delivering a successful presentation!
