Tomorrow morning, I’ll head out on a trip that includes my first public speaking event of the year. I’m reminded that I wrote a fair amount on the topic of public speaking last year. There was a good reason for that as I had set a goal (one I attained) to speak 12 times in 2010. For 2011, I have not set a numeric goal for speaking engagements. The plan will be a bit different this year.
Public Speaking in 2011
I’m going to be more selective in the events I go after and the unsolicited ones I accept. In 2010, I had to get reacquainted with public speaking. While I’ve spoken on and off throughout my career, I had not spoken much in the last few years and needed the practice.
This year, I’m on the lookout for opportunities to speak about color strategy within the printing and graphic arts industry. One such opportunity is the Premedia Spectrum 2.1 conference where I will be speaking in a few days. I’m also happy to report that I have been asked to speak again at Central Wisconsin Social Media Conference. Regional and national events like these two will be my focus this year.
I’ll still speak locally when my schedule allows. For local events, I normally waive my fee or ask a modest contribution to the American Cancer Society if the organization has the means to do so. Because of the time constraints of managing ColorMetrix, it’s important you contact me as early as possible for local speaking opportunities.
Public Speaking Goals
I strive to deliver unique presentations each time I am honored with the opportunity to speak before a group. You may see the same or similar slides, but the content is always unique because I spend several hours getting mentally ready for each presentation. I never wing it and know the material I present cold.
If you’re charged with planning a meeting or event that requires an inspirational public speaker, please take a moment to review my public speaking page. There, you can find information about the topics I prefer to speak about, video samples of my speaking and information about hiring me to speak.
I hope to meet many of you face to face at my speaking events this year.