Occasionally people will ask me about getting into the professional speaking industry. I’m not an expert on this subject but I can provide you with a few tips and point you in what I think is the right direction...

Speaking Professionally

Occasionally people will ask me about getting into the professional speaking industry. I’m not an expert on this subject but I can provide you with a few tips and point you in what I think is the right direction.

First of all... If you want to be a professional speaker then you have to be an effective speaker. You have therefore picked a good place to start. Look around www.EffectivelySpeaking.Com to get as much information as you can about improving your public speaking skills. In addition, you will probably want to sign up for my regular newsletter.

Most people don't realize this but there are two types of people who make their living speaking – fee based speakers and product based speakers.

Fee based speakers are the people that we normally think about when the term professional speaker is mentioned. For a price they will come to a meeting, seminar, rally, conference or any other event and speak on a subject. Some well known speakers are paid extremely well.

It’s important however to understand that this is an overcrowded industry. There are a few people who are paid well but the vast majority of people in the industry are just trying to get “gigs” that will pay the mortgage. It is not an easy life.

Product based speakers will speak on a subject that they know and offer the audience the opportunity to buy products afterwards that relate to the message. The products could be books, audio programs, DVD sets, and the list goes on. They are also known as information marketers and the speaking component is just one of their products. The other products may be their own or they may be related products that they have bought a license to.

As I understand it, this speaking career is easier to get into and more likely to pay the bills.

How do I know about this – because I have learned from an information marketer by the name of Fred Gleeck. Fred is an expert at getting into the speaking industry. I have read 5 or 6 of his books, worked through two DVD programs (approximately 15 disks each), listened to countless audio programs (really, I don’t know how many) and attended one of his live seminars. Take it from me, if you are interested in a career in speaking you should acquaint yourself with Fred.

You can find Fred at http://www.FredGleeckProductions.com. Sign up for his free email course and newsletter – they are both worth it.

If you are talking to Fred, let him know that I sent you.

Disclaimer: The presenter and publisher of this information make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the contents of this material in general or for any specific situation. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied) or fitness for any particular purpose.  Any actions taken as a result of this material are the full responsibility of the individual carrying out the actions. 

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Copyright © 2007 David Mudie
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Speaking Professionally