Tips For Public Speaking

As writers, we're an odd assortment. We like our privacy. We are by nature private people. That's why we have terms like "the writer's cave." It means we can crawl away and think, or write, or just be alone. We like the world this way. We slink off to our writing spot, type away at our masterpieces, and are happier nowhere else, than alone with our characters.

Like I said, we're an odd breed.

But there comes a time when you will have to peek outside of that cave and look at the world around you. After all of this writing, you've finally taken some form of publishing route, or are querying agents. You want others to know what you've written.

While you're doing this you're also building your platform, getting your feet wet online, and building a presence. You're meeting people, learning the industry, and growing as a writer.

Good for you.

Before you know it you're marketing your lovely novel and making great strides. You are doing online interviews and really putting yourself out there. Then the day comes and you post your picture so people see the real you (photo shopped to glam perfection, of course)!

Pat yourself on the back!

The writer's cave only beckons you when it's time to write. You may even have to force yourself to go there sometimes, because you are so busy with marketing your current novel, that the next one is sitting alone in the dark waiting for your attention.

You're getting the hang of this marketing thing and hope you're doing everything right. You feel pretty good. Okay not good, but so-so. Until the day comes for that first public speaking engagement to promote your book. Things don't seem so happy any more and the writer's cave reminds you of how life used to be.

Ahh, the good old days... Privacy.

You will want those days back, just so you don't have to open your mouth in front of people and have to say anything. After all, you're a writer not a public figure, right?

Wrong.

The fact is, you are a public figure. And another fact is, that you can get through the public speaking engagement that threatens to send you running back to the cave. It's actually pretty easy, too.

The key is to start small.

Try volunteering to read for your child's classroom. Volunteer to read for a small group at the library, or visit a book club. I'm sure they would love to read your book and have the author present at their meeting. You could speak at a Sunday School class or at a senior center in a small group setting.

Starting small will help you build courage and help you practice speaking in public.

Prepare note cards, bring props for the audience to look at, have a print out of your speaking points, or a flyer with your book information on it. These visual distractions will keep the audience's attention. They will also make you feel better. After all they won't be staring at you the whole time, they will be looking at what's in their hands, too.

The point is, with practice, and planning you can overcome your fear of public speaking. You may even get comfortable doing it. And if a miracle happens (I believe in miracles), you may even enjoy it.


(Be sure to enter my Monday Madness Giveaway! You could win Ted Dekker's latest novel. Details are here.)