Speak Often - It's good for business, great for your career

Sharing your experience and expertise with industry peers is good for business and great for your career. Each year thousands of trade shows and conferences are held covering virtually every topic, industry and profession. These events provide you the chance to build your reputation as well as the reputation of the company or organization you represent by giving a keynote, a speech, or participating on a panel.

Of course, the quality of your content and delivery will determine just how valuable your contribution turns out to be. Good speakers are often asked back and receive invitations to present at other events. Your opportunities will grow when you build your speaking reputation. Honing your speaking skills to maximize your impact can be invaluable.

Start now.

• Develop a core list of topics you are comfortable addressing and develop speaking points for each.
• Begin to explore speaking opportunities for those topics.
• Once you secure a slot, develop a schedule for preparation. Include time to develop your remarks; practice and revise; and for at least one dry-run.
• Use video to help identify areas for improvement.
• Consider getting a presentation coach to help you prepare.