OurMostPopularExclusiveFeature from2021

WRITTEN BY CERI-JANE HACKLING

There are a variety of ways to enhance your reputation as a Thought Leader. As we’ve already discussed, editorial coverage in the media to target your key audience is a great way to demonstrate your experience and expertise, however another effective way to reach your audience is by embarking on public speaking engagements.

Public speaking also allows you to engage with your audience in a way that you can’t necessarily through other mediums. For example, when your audience sees you speaking at an event, they start to feel like they know you which engenders trust. Your body language also helps to engage with them... Contd on page 25

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An audience can tell when a speaker is passionate about their subject and the body language you use communicates this Without even realising it, when you care about your topic and are keen to help your audience to understand it, it comes across in the way in which you communicate How you use your hands, your intonation, your manner and your enthusiasm tells your audience that you know and care about your subject and that they’re in safe hands.

Speaking live also allows interaction between you and your audience which you can’t get through other mediums. During lock-down I’ve done various presentations and webinars on Zoom which has been a solution to the immediate problem, but there’s nothing like standing in front of a group of people and getting that instant feedback

When you’re speaking directly to an audience, you know if they’re finding you interesting or entertaining and you can feed off their reactions to alter your approach. For example, if they’re a serious audience, it’s worth toning things down a bit but if they’re interacting with you, you can afford to ad lib a little more

As I explained in last issue's column, many people avoid undertaking PR because they don’t recognise themselves as an expert and are nervous about putting themselves front and centre but keep in mind that if people have turned up to see you speak, it’s because they don’t understand the topic or need to know more.

One thing that I find helpful both as a speaker and an audience member, is a Q&A session at the end of a presentation. This is valuable for a number of reasons. Firstly, from a research perspective, it helps you to identify the questions people still have so you can include them in your next presentation if you feel they’re relevant.

It can also lead to discussions that you wouldn’t have had otherwise When someone asks a question, it can often lead you to use examples which people can relate to and see how an approach can work in real life. Seeing you explain how a specific approach has worked for you, or how you dealt with a certain situation can really resonate with an audience.

Keynote speaking also offers other opportunities for PR exposure

Use your social media channels to tell your audience where you’ll be speaking next, ask them to submit questions that they’d like answered, even if they won’t be there. If possible, get someone to film the presentation so that you can use clips and images on social media which will demonstrate to people that you are an experienced public speaker and are available for other speaking opportunities The more you publicise them, the more opportunities you have to reach your target audience and potentially, encourage them to attend your events.

HEREARETHEMAINTAKEAWAYS FROMTLC101: KEYNOTESPEAKING

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It can be daunting to speak in front of an audience so if you’re nervous about it, start small. There are plenty of networking groups which are looking for speakers to educate members about specific topics so contact them and find out whether they might be interested in hosting you.

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There are hundreds of opportunities with conferences and exhibitions which are looking for people with expertise in certain areas so look at your target audience and see where you might find them and approach the events which might be interested in hosting you for workshops or speaking engagements.

THOUGHT THOUGHT LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP TIPS FOR 2022 TIPS FOR 2022

Cerub PR is a boutique agency which works across a variety of sectors including health, lifestyle, education and business. The company also works with entrepreneurs and authors to help them raise their profile nationally both through PR and social media support. Cerub PR’s clients regularly appear on national television and radio as well as in national newspapers and magazines.

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