Today we are going to talk about one of the scariest and most powerful tools in the book promotion toolbelt: public speaking. There is a reason nearly all of the top nonfiction authors are also public speakers. Even many novelists find public speaking to be a key way of driving book sales. If the idea of public speaking scares you, don’t worry!

Joining us today is Aurora Gregory.

Aurora is the Co-Author of Get Picked: Tips, Tricks and Tools for Creating An Irresistible Speaker Proposal (Affiliate Link) Aurora is a communications trainer, helping speakers just like you overcome their fear, level up their speaking skills, and get more speaking gigs.  

Aurora, welcome to the Christian Publishing Show!

Questions:

  • Why is public speaking important for Christian authors?
    • Authority
    • Credibility
    • Emotional Connection 
  • How can we overcome our fear of public speaking?
  • How do you get better at public speaking?
  • Let’s talk a bit about getting the gig in the first place. 
    • What are the most important elements are of a great speaker proposal or pitch?
      • Make a Promise
      • Trigger Curiosity: Use a Question Word in the Title
    • A lot of women struggle to break into speaking in the church world. What advice do you have for our female listeners who feel most of the speaking opportunities are going to men? 
  • What are some speaking opportunities that are easily overlooked? 
  • Any final tips or encouragement?

Links:

Sponsor: Christian Writers Institute

The Course of the Week: Public Speaking for the Writer

Author and speaker, Jack Cavanaugh, explores how writing and speaking go hand-in-hand, and may help you sell more books. As either a fiction or nonfiction writer, honing your speaking skills prepares you for radio interviews and other speaking opportunities. Cavanaugh teaches how to develop your speaking skills and discusses the important elements of a verbal presentation.

Use coupon code “podcast” to save 10% or click the link in the show notes to activate the coupon code automatically.