Liana Zavo is a global keynote speaker, PR executive, personal branding expert, and founder of ZavoMedia PR Group, a global PR firm.
As business leaders and entrepreneurs strive to spark inspiration and ignite change to improve the world, we often want to speak with others and amplify our breakthrough ideas to make an impact.
Events like TEDx Talks can be great places for aspiring speakers to start sharing their innovative ideas and springing their careers to the next level. But to stand on a stage and have the honor of speaking in front of thousands is daunting for many aspirants. I was among the many determined speakers who sought this opportunity and realized that it demanded tedious preparation, brainstorming, honing public speaking skills and more.
However, these challenges didn’t stop me from achieving this transformative experience. Having conquered that stage made me wiser and more confident, which in turn helped impact the people I work with as a PR strategist.
Let’s discuss five different strategies I recommend to increase your chances of landing a speaking engagement.
1. Develop a new and unique idea.
To secure a spot on a prestigious and sought-after platform, you must brew an innovative idea that could potentially influence and change the world. Event organizers constantly look for fresh and unique ideas that mainstream media hasn’t explored yet.
When I help clients brainstorm new and unique ideas appropriate for events, I often ask them these questions: What makes your idea stand out? Can your idea help solve a critical issue in today’s society?
Researching similar genres and analyzing the current market can provide clarity and spark more ideas.
2. Create a compelling pitch.
The next step is to craft a pitch that is worthy of attention and discussion. It must be a meticulously designed composition that compellingly outlines your idea. Make sure to stay relevant and timely since TEDx and other events typically have time limits and may impose strict guidelines.
I often remind my clients to keep their pitch brief and concise but creative and exciting. Get to the point. Avoid using jargon and technical terms that your audience may not understand. Make it easy for them to understand what you’re offering.
Before crafting your pitch, take the time to research your target audience. Understanding your audience will help you tailor your pitch to their specific needs and make it more compelling. Your pitch should focus on the benefits of your product or service, not just its features. Highlight how your solution can help solve the problem your audience is facing and how it can make their lives easier.
As well, use storytelling techniques to make your pitch more engaging and memorable. I’ve found people remember stories better than facts and figures. Share real-life examples and anecdotes that showcase the value of your product, service or idea.
Finally, think outside the box and come up with creative ways to present your pitch. Most importantly, consider using visual aids like images, videos and infographics to make your pitch more visually appealing and engaging.
3. Build your credibility as a speaker.
Your opportunities and network can grow when you constantly engage in speaking events in your community. These opportunities can sharpen your speaking skills and build your image as an established speaker.
Other than community events and conferences, I also encourage my clients to join speaking groups like Toastmasters and online speaking platforms such as podcasts and SpeakerHub for more opportunities to improve their skills and gain more visibility.
4. Choose the right stage.
Many events have themes to set the tone. The venue, support team, production quality and other information shouldn’t be overlooked, as these details help you strategize better.
Before deciding on a TEDx Talk with my client, we explore and check upcoming events in other regions to learn specific details, requirements and restrictions. Preparation is essential, especially for public speaking.
If the purpose of the event is not clear or does not match your interests, it may not be a good fit. If the attendee profile is not a good match, you may not get the most out of the event. Review the event agenda to see if the topics and speakers align with your interests. If the agenda is not compelling or does not match your interests, it may not be worth attending.
Also pay attention to the location. How far do you have to travel, and is it convenient for you to attend? If the location is too far or difficult to get to, it may not be worth the effort. My last piece of advice here is to look into cost and determine the cost of attending the event and whether it fits within your budget.
5. Network.
Knowing the right people can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to contact past speakers or organizers and ask for their input and advice on pitching your ideas effectively.
I often encourage my clients to attend other TEDx events where they can obtain pointers from other speakers and organizers to meet and establish relationships with like-minded people who can potentially introduce them to key figures.
Landing a speaking engagement demands careful planning and thorough preparation. Remember that this is not just an opportunity to showcase your ideas to the public, but also to inspire and challenge people to think and act differently in relation to the world around them.
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