Starting Out in Speaking? Here are 5 Secrets to Stand Out and Succeed.
As a speaker coach, I get asked one question more than any other: “What advice would you give to new speakers?” It’s something I talk about often, train people on, and am incredibly passionate about. So, if you’re someone who’s thinking, “I want to do more speaking,” here are five essential strategies to get you started right.
1. Treat Speaking Like a Business, Not a Hobby
If you approach speaking like a hobby, that’s all it will ever be. To succeed, you must treat it like a business—regardless of how you want to integrate speaking into your life. This means:
- Investing in your skills and development.
- Committing fully, just as you would with any business endeavor.
- Branding yourself and maintaining professional standards, like stellar customer service.
Treat it seriously, and it will become something serious.
2. Starting out in Speaking? Have Something Worth Saying
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people want to speak without having anything significant to say. Speaking is highly competitive, and to stand out, you need a message that truly matters. Ask yourself:
- What unique stories, experiences, or insights do I have to share?
- What makes my journey, career, or perspective different?
Having something meaningful to say is what separates memorable speakers from the background noise.
3. Do Your Homework
Preparation is everything. Know your category, understand the speaking landscape, and research your competition. To excel as a speaker, you should:
- Study other speakers in your niche, understanding who’s who.
- Research event organizers, potential speaking opportunities, and what audiences in your field are looking for.
- Differentiate yourself by knowing what others are doing and defining your unique angle.
Think of it like opening a restaurant: you’d scout the local competition. It’s the same with speaking—knowing the landscape helps you bring something fresh to the table.
4. Be Yourself, Not a Copy of Someone Else
Avoid the trap of mimicking famous speakers. Your value lies in what makes you uniquely you. Trying to be a mini-version of someone else, like Anthony Robbins or another speaking icon, just doesn’t work. Instead:
- Develop your own style and voice.
- Focus on amplifying what makes you, you.
Remember, people are drawn to authenticity, and your true self will resonate far more deeply than any imitation.
5. Be Deeply Authentic
Here’s my mantra: “I became a great speaker when I stopped trying to be one.” Real speaking success comes not from technical perfection but from genuine connection. When you’re authentic, audiences feel it. Speaking isn’t about your ego or looking good on stage; it’s about serving your audience. Ask yourself:
- How can I inspire, support, or solve problems for my audience?
- How can I connect in a way that feels honest and real?
When your purpose is truly to serve, you will leave an unforgettable impact.
Final Thoughts, When Starting out in Speaking
So, if you’re embarking on your speaking journey, remember these five points:
- Don’t treat it like a hobby. Commit as you would to a business.
- Have something meaningful to say. Don’t blend into the background.
- Do your homework. Know your competitors and find your unique angle.
- Be yourself. Don’t try to emulate someone else.
- Be authentic. Focus on serving your audience, not impressing them.
I hope these five strategies guide you, while you’re starting out in speaking, on the path to becoming an extraordinary speaker. Here’s to your speaking journey—may it be authentic, impactful, and uniquely yours.
