Picture this: You’re at a networking event (virtual or in person—it doesn’t matter). The person you’ve just been introduced to is an event planner. How would your conversation with them proceed? How would you introduce yourself to them? In my mind, this scenario raises a few important questions:
- How do you “title” yourself in your introduction? Is identifying yourself as a “speaker” one of them?
- Are you ready to answer the next questions the planner is likely to ask?
Let’s take a deeper look….
Do You Identify Yourself as a Speaker in Your Introduction? As much as we might want to think that everyone already knows we’re a speaker, most often, that’s not the case. I’ve met many people who attend regular networking groups who’ve never shared that in addition to the rest of their expertise and talents, they’re also a speaker.
I get that we want people to think of us as experts in our field first and foremost, because our expertise is our bread and butter. But when we omit the title “speaker” from our introduction, we’re missing out on a very organic way of finding speaking opportunities. You’ve probably heard this before, but here goes anyway….
You never know who you’re going to meet. Remember, you’re not always just sharing what you do with the person in front of you. That person might have the power to invite you to share your expertise with their whole audience, or someone else’s whole audience. Wouldn’t you be delighted to introduce yourself as a speaker to that person? Of course you would! Well, unless the word speaker is part of your introduction, you have the potential of missing out on a whole new audience to share your expertise with.
Now that you’ve decided to always use “speaker” in your title, make sure you’re also prepared with answers for 3 questions an event planner is likely to ask.
- Who do you speak to? Sometimes speakers get so excited they say they can speak to anyone. It’s very important to have a brief description of your target audience, because even if it turns out you aren’t a good fit for this planner’s audience, they might know of other audiences and opportunities that are a good fit. Plus, if you say “anyone,” you might find yourself wasting time speaking to unpreferred audiences.
- What type of stages do you prefer to speak on? This isn’t just about whether you prefer to speak virtually or in-person. It also includes types of events. Do you prefer speaking at conferences? Association meetings? Seminars? Keynotes? As a break-out speaker? At local groups—such as Chambers and networking events?
- What do you speak about? This is a question people can get a little long-winded trying to answer… almost like they’re trying to audition right then and there. Instead, come up with a short and sweet answer, such as “people who hear my talk walk away with ABC.” Sum your talk up in a way that provides the necessary information, while leaving room for the listener to ask you more questions if they’re interested.
It’s a fact that not everyone you introduce yourself to is going to be interested in you or your topic, or whether you’re a speaker or not. But, if you don’t share that you’re a speaker during your introduction, they’ll never know, and you’ll be missing out on great future speaking opportunities without ever knowing that you were!
‘Til we speak again….
~Beth