Editio Self-Publishing discussion

Hi everyone! So I was talking with a friend about book marketing and the topic of speaking events came up. I thought it might be cool, but I was wondering if looking into classes or a coach would be helpful.

By any chance, anyone here ever work with a public speaking coach? Any feedback would be great! Thanks in advance.

It probably depends on why you feel you need additional training. Qualified coaches can be very expensive. I took an art portfolio course at the local community college that briefly covered presentations and artist talks that was somewhat helpful. There's also organizations like Toastmasters. But I don't have a problem speaking in public, nor do I want to be a professional public speaker.

If you are going to participate in speaking engagements, you can insist on the structure and format you are most comfortable with. You can look up other authors presentations to see how they handled it or video yourself and then play it back to see how you present yourself.

On the other hand, if you are writing motivational books, or books on public speaking and presentation then you should most likely look for some professional training.

I had heard about Toastmasters before but haven't tried them yet... I don't like public speaking but I guess I just need practice. I thought you needed experience or coaching to do workshops or panels! I should try video first (I think I'm more nervous of video than live speaking actually).

Toastmasters is the way to go. I was in it for a number of years, and it greatly helped my career. They are a friendly bunch and provide training for both prepared speeches as well as off the cuff remarks.

Google them to find a club that meets near you.

In addition, start to learn about Microsoft PowerPoint. It's a great package for preparing slides for your talks.

Presentations have worked out well for me. I take my "Book Fluffer" along to sell in the back of the room while I talk and sign books.

Just remember, when you're facing a room full of people, they want to hear what you have to say, chose to be there. So talk to them as you would a group of friends interested in your work.

Looked up Toastmasters and it sounds both cool and scary to be part of a group. So they help with making prepared and improvisational speeches?

Bradford, what's your "Book Fluffer"? Did you ever work with a coach?

Candace, I guess I'm worried that they really don't want to be there. For example, I had a mixed experience at the last workshop I went to. One author was really arrogant and condescending, another author was really vague and we didn't learn anything at all... I mean, there were nice authors, but it makes me worried.

My "Book Fluffer" is my wife. She sits at a table at the back of the room and handles the books and the cash box.

Never had a coach. Figured out online how to produce a book through Createspace. Did some public speaking before I retired. Have been redoing the PowerPoint presentation to add some video segments and voiceovers. Will then be able to output it as an MP4 DVD. Did you know that Createspace also packages DVDs for you for sale on Amazon?

Ohmygosh that's an awesome title! And how awesome is that, to have your wife so involved too.

It's good to know that there's so many resources out there, without having to resort to a coach. Also, had no idea that Createspace also does DVDs! Do they host downloads of those DVDs too like online movies?

Jess wrote: "Looked up Toastmasters and it sounds both cool and scary to be part of a group. So they help with making prepared and improvisational speeches?

Bradford, what's your "Book Fluffer"? Did you ever ..."

Well, you just addressed your concerns. Don't be arrogant or condescending, and come to the talk prepared.

If you don't think well on your feet. Use a structured format. Decide ahead of time what you're going to say, write the major points on note cards. It's okay to let your audience see them. You can even open by saying you're not a professional speaker and ask for their forbearance.

If the question and answer part worries you, ask questions to be submitted in writing in advance, and apologize in advance if you don't get to all the questions. Then answer the ones you're comfortable with. Or give people an email address to ask questions the talk. That way you have time to think about your answers.

Another thing about the question and answer period to remember is that it's okay to pause, think and take your time choosing your words. This isn't Jeopardy.
As long as you're nice, approachable and prepared, you should be fine.

Jess just thought of something and checked on it... There is a movement called Opencourseware. Several major universities offer their classes and lectures free online (you don't get credit but you can still learn)

Below are some courses I found on public speaking... these should be free.

BYU
According to the Open CourseWare Consortium, "an Open CourseWare is free and open digital publication of high quality educational materials, organized as courses." BYU Independent Study is happy to offer selected courses from the university and high-school portfolio in our Open CourseWare pilot program.
http://is.byu.edu/courses/univ/485936...

MIT lecture on public speaking (lecture 8 from Chemistry Bootcamp)
http://ocw.mit.edu/high-school/chemis...

another MIT course
[movies] MIT15.969F04 - MIT OpenCourseWare
The first two weeks of this course are an overview of performing improvisation with introductory and advanced exercises in the techniques of improvisation. The final four weeks focus on applying these concepts in business situations to practice and mastering these improvisation tools in leadership learning.
Keywords: advanced exercises in the techniques of improvisation; business situations; leadership; improv; public speaking; speaking; speech; improvisation

Several free courses and resources on business communication.
http://www.mastersincommunication.net...

This is just the beginning of the list. Search terms "opencourseware, public speaking" Good luck

Jess - Createspace helps you publish the DVD. They don't do downloads. Once published, like a paperback book, the DVD becomes available for sale on Amazon.

Candace, such amazing advice! I didn't realize all the things that we can do to take charge of a speaking event, wow. And I didn't even think about MOOCs! That totally opens up a bunch more options, thank you so much!

Bradford, thanks for the clarification. I'll be thinking about that, especially after checking out the courses Candace mentioned.

This public speaking thing isn't looking so scary now! Thanks everyone :D

Jess wrote: "Candace, such amazing advice! I didn't realize all the things that we can do to take charge of a speaking event, wow. And I didn't even think about MOOCs! That totally opens up a bunch more option..."

Best of luck, let us know how it goes.