To be an effective professional speaker, you will meet different types of audience. Let's have a brief look at those you'll encounter for your public speaking to be truly effective.

 Effective Public Speaking

In other pages we've looked at becoming an expert in your field. You've seen how simple it would be for a layman to become an apparent expert on any trade or profession - at least on an intellectual level. Being the expert is your first step in effective public speaking.

However we're not talking about you becoming an 'expert' at something you know nothing about. Rather about you becoming a real expert on something you already have at least some expertise in.

But the real point I wanted to make is that you probably have more expertise in your potential topic than you realise.

The really good speakers walk their talk. Not only have they the intellectual knowledge but also the practical knowledge from real world - in the trenches - experience.

As a professional it would not be prudent to put all your eggs in one basket. To speak effectively and often you will have different audiences and different types of audiences. Some may be for private groups and some for the general public. Any decent public speaker will be able to present effectively in these areas.

Effective Speaking Categories:

The keynote speech tends to be the highest paid, generally 50 - 60 minutes. At an industry convention this would usually be the opening and closing spots. The first professional speaker I saw live was Rita Davenport at the Balloon Decorator's Convention back in 1991. She was the first event and got the convention off to a flying start. A keynote is given in the main auditorium to all the attendees. The main purpose of a keynote is to set a tone and provide motivation and inspiration.

Breakout sessions. A number of sessions talk place at the same time, usually each concentrating on a particular skill or interest. The breakout session concentrates more on providing information.

Workshops to develop specific skills. These can vary from half-day to multi-day training.

Sales meetings. This is more like a mini-keynote to a specific group of people for a specific purpose.

Consulting and coaching with companies and individuals.

Product sales. Books, CDs, DVDs, manuals, courses.

After-dinner speaking. This is usually pure entertainment with about 95% humour and 5% message.

Do not forget Product sales. They can had a huge amount to your income, especially when they are your own products. Effective public speaking is not just about speaking, it's about earning a good living too. Art and commerce can mix!

Use Speaking To Promote Your Business