13 Publicity Tips for Professional Speakers

In a funk because other speakers seem to be snagging all the media attention? It's time to start claiming your share. Here are a baker's dozen of tips that will boost your publicity efforts and help you finally get noticed.

1. Every time you speak before a group, offer to submit a short summary of your presentation for the group's newsletter. Don't forget to send your photo. It gets you in front of those you just spoke to as well as those who missed you the first time around. Many groups also send their newsletters to the media. Be sure the last paragraph tells people what you do and how to get in touch with you.

2. Call the advertising department of every newspaper and magazine you want to get into and ask for a copy of their editorial calendar. It's a free listing of all the special topics and special sections coming up during the calendar year. It will tip you off to sections where your story idea would be a good fit, so you can query the editor weeks and even months ahead.

3. Call a reporter from your local newspaper and invite her to lunch or coffee. Offer yourself as a resource and Ask "How can I help you?" Feed her tips and story ideas. Become such a valuable source that she keeps coming back to you for more information and eventually writes about you.

4. Consider starting your own television show on your cable TV station's community access channel. The station will provide the camera equipment for a $20 fee, and you can produce either one show or an entire series of programs. Air time is free. Call your cable company for details.

5. Build a network of other speakers who concentrate on your topic or area of expertise. Agree informally that you will refer reporters to each other whenever the media calls. Often, reporters want more than one source for a story. It's a chance for all of you to get additional publicity.

6. Whenever someone asks you to write for their ezine or online magazine, visit their web site first and see if they have a resource section where you would be a good fit. Ask to be listed for free, in exchanged for providing an article.

7. If you publish a print newsletter, be generous with free subscriptions for the national and local media. You'll be amazed how many reporters start calling you for interviews. If you can't afford to pay people who submit articles for your newsletter, be sure to tell them they will be seen by national media who get your free subscription.

8. Don't forget newspaper and magazine columnists. They're always hungry for fresh ideas. Keep in touch with them and feed them ideas regularly.

9. Call local radio talk show hosts and invite them to call on you when other guests cancel. They will be thankful you offered.

10. Write articles for print newsletters. My favorite resource is the Oxbridge Directory of Newsletters, which lists more than 18,000 newsletters by topic and includes detailed information on the type of audience and subjects covered. Most larger libraries have this resource directory.

11. Write articles for electronic magazines and include a paragraph of information at the end that leads readers to your website. My favorite resource for thousands of ezines is Ezine Universe at http://www.ezine-universe.com

12. Contact your trade association and ask them to refer reporters to you. Many reporters who don't know where to find sources start by calling trade associations.

13. If you have some level of expertise, always refer to yourself as an "expert" in your marketing materials, at your website, in information that explains your workshops, in your introductions, and in your media kit. The media always seek out experts and interview them.

Follow these publicity tips and soon be able to promote yourself, your products and your programs.

Joan Stewart publishes the free ezine "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," packed with valuable tips on how to generate thousands of dollars in free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.PublicityHound.com and receive free the handy checklist "89 Reasons to Send a News Release."

---

15 Tips For Making A Great Speech

1. Listen to your internal dialog. 2. Visualize a positive... Read More

Speech Writing Secrets Of President Bill Clinton

Speaking in public can be a powerful way to build... Read More

Youre Making Me Nervous

Almost everybody is nervous when they stand up to speak.... Read More

Public Speaking - How to Make Your Next Speech Count

Along with the opening two minutes of a speech, the... Read More

Get Real

Humans are born storytellers, but our education system doesn't help... Read More

The Best Practical Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright

As one who does some speech coaching, I have heard... Read More

Top 7 Steps to Better Public Speaking

Whether you want to be a part time, full time... Read More

15 Ways To Keep Your Speaking Inspiring and Creative

When stressed or blocked it is wise to make a... Read More

Timing - Why You Should Never Go Overtime with Your Presentation or Speech

In a conference setting, nothing annoys audiences more than talks... Read More

Top 7 Ways to Succeed in the Business of Speaking

How attractive are you as a speaker? No, your looks,... Read More

A Perfect Meeting: AKA When You Dont Want to Strangle the Speaker

Have you ever worked for weeks or even months, often... Read More

The Porch Light* Method to Speaking Confidence

You know the feeling. Looking out at a sea of... Read More

Making Transitions

Ever notice how smoothly some speakers or writers move you... Read More

Is Information Delivery Instruction?

Do you work for one of those organisations whose "training"... Read More

Speech Coach?s Tips to Public Speaking Success

It is inevitable that at times during our careers or... Read More

You Too Can Be A Public Speaker

Have you ever watched a speaker and said, "Wow, I... Read More

A Powerful Vocabulary Will Transform Your Life

Studies show that your word-power determines your earning power, that... Read More

Five Tired, Worn Out Speaking Cliches

The subject of public speaking is riddled with tired, worn... Read More

Speaker Partnership Offers Trade Show Value

Want to gain added exposure at a trade show? Consider... Read More

Foreign Translations of Your Talk - How Do You Ensure Your Message is Delivered Properly?

There are a number of possibilities as to how this... Read More

Lessons in Love for the Shy at Heart

One of the biggest regrets of my life is that... Read More

Presentation Skills Without PowerPoint

Can you identify what each of these actions or activities... Read More

How to Present Your Proposal at an Executive Meeting

What's the worst reaction you've ever gotten when you made... Read More

Let Your Products Sell Your Name: For Public Speakers

Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to be... Read More

Speaking One-to-One

Speaking to an individual is different from the group experience.... Read More

How Authors Can Get a Free Promotional Tour

I was a celebrity lecture agent in the college and... Read More

Public Speaking: Getting the Room Set-up Right

I don't know why it is, but no matter how... Read More

Etiquette - An Essential Ingredient to Your Success As a Public Speaker

Sadly, the public speaking circle has its fair share of... Read More

How Well Do You Speak?

The ability to speak well can enhance your career, clinch... Read More

Dont Judge an Audience by its Stare

Don't Prejudge A Situation: In the areas of emotions and... Read More

How To Make A Blue Ribbon Presentation Every Time

You can make a Blue Ribbon presentation each and every... Read More

Be Brief!

Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... Read More

Using Your Natural Style On Stage

We were both speakers at the same convention presenting on... Read More