Public Speaking: Tips for Getting Started

When we're at colleges presenting Starting into Practice workshops, we receive questions from chiropractic students as they prepare to go into practice. Here's one that was asked recently about public speaking.

Posted in Marketing on Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Question: I'm interested in teaching as part of my career. How did you get started giving speeches and do you have any suggestions on that topic?

Answer:  What a wonderful goal!  I feel it is our responsibility to contribute knowledge and enthusiasm in this way.

I would suggest doing a careful and thoughtful examination of your own passions and strengths and develop educational lectures based on that type of content. 

If there is a need for the resources and content you can provide, then tapping into a teaching role will be easier than starting with a blank slate. 

For example, my passion has always been in helping companies deliver their product or message through marketing and business development strategies.  For this reason, I have always loved learning about the topic and speaking on it in an effort to help others. 

Since this is a topic that many business leaders and doctors need to learn about, I have a wonderful opportunity to help. This is also a wonderful way to become more involved in the community and get your name out.

A few more tips

Be sure to practice your presentation skills before booking a gig. Maybe this means signing up for Toastmasters. Above all else, practice, practice, practice. The time to work on your presentation skills - and overcome any jitters - is not in front of the group that invited you.

Don't make this a sales pitch. In fact, make sure your message includes helpful information for your audience. This is a great opportunity to position yourself as an expert on specific topics. The audience will be aware of your profession and your practice. They're more likely to be interested in your message if it's pertinent to them.