Why You Can't Find Any Public Speaking Opportunities
“I’d love to be a better public speaker, but the truth is, my job doesn’t really require me to do that.”
This is a sentence I hear A LOT.
Often, it’s the first response I get when I introduce myself as a public speaking coach to a new group of people.
And I totally get it.
Why invest in learning a skillset you’re not regularly getting asked to use?
But here’s the catch 22…
Speaking opportunities aren’t going to present themselves to you until you start presenting yourself as a skilled public speaker.
Let’s untangle that for a moment…
Here’s the pattern that I’ve seen emerge with client after client:
At the end of our first session, I’ll usually get met with a cautiously optimistic smile and something like this:
“I’m really glad I’m working on this, but I don’t think there are going to be a lot of opportunities for me to practice this week. I don’t tend to get called on during meetings.”
Then the surprised emails start rolling in...
Around week 2:
“Guess what?! There was actually an opening to talk about my project at the meeting this week! I gave a 2 min impromptu presentation and folks seemed really engaged! What are the chances?”
A couple weeks later:
“I’m glad we have our session this week, because something just popped up out of the blue. My boss asked me to present on my team’s project this Friday. I don’t usually take the lead on that sort of stuff. So...I guess I’ve got a 20 min presentation to prepare?! 😅”
A couple months later:
“You’ll never believe this. My company got invited to speak at a conference, and my team wants ME to be the speaker. I NEVER thought I’d be picked for something like that!”
My inbox is filled with these messages of disbelief.
They always make my day.
But while I 100% share my clients' excitement about these opportunities, I share 0% of their surprise.
These opportunities aren’t happening “out of the blue.”
These opportunities are presenting themselves because:
- My clients are actively seeking them out
- They’ve put the work in to make the most of those opportunities
There are speaking opportunities all around you.
You’re just not seeing them.
And, others aren’t seeing you for them either.
If you’re ready to step into the spotlight in a bigger way, now is the time.
Why not use this strange period of lock-down to hone a new skill?
Be prepared for the next opportunity BEFORE it presents itself.
As the philosophers say:
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
Which is why I'd like to invite you to schedule a complimentary Public Speaking Strategy Session with me!
<<Schedule your complimentary session here!>>
During this phone call, we'll get super clear about what your goals are as a public speaker and what's getting in the way of you reaching those goals. Then, we'll come up with a plan to address those stumbling blocks so you can masterfully step into the spotlight!
Can’t wait to dig in!
Sara Glancy is an NYC-based actor and public speaking coach and the founder of Speak Masterfully, a service that helps professionals take the stage with less fear and more fun!
Want to nail your next presentation?!
Apply this basic outline to any speaking engagement to feel twice as prepared in half the time!
