You're a public speaking consultant. How can you stand out from the competition?

Although there are many universal things about public speaking, in reality - the way you train someone for a TED talk, 3 min investor pitch or a 1h long presentation to the boss differs greatly. In terms of startup pitch training I've noticed that there are kind of 2 broad groups of coaches / consultants: 1) the ones coming from from theater field and mostly focusing on the speech delivery, on stage (or online) presence 2) and the experts coming more from the investor side focusing on the content and data shown in the slides and bringing the perspective on "what an investor is looking for in the pitch deck". The niche I'm personally way more curios about is - the hook and storytelling in 3min investor pitches.

As a public speaker with 100+ talks delivered, I've discovered the magic of connecting with my audience. It's all about understanding them – what they need and care about. I tailor my speeches to hit home. I use storytelling, interactive bits, and thought-provoking ideas to make a real impact, aiming for action and change. Confidence and eye contact? They're the secret sauce for acceptance. When I look my audience in the eye, it's like we're having a genuine conversation. That connection? That's what makes a speech stick.

You have two choices. Speak with authority or speak in general. Authority means you know you niche. General means you are a jack of all trades and a master of none. Being an authority helps build a brand that is sought after. Be sought after!

As a public speaker, I differentiate myself by delivering not just a presentation, but an unforgettable experience. I invest time in truly understanding my audience, their needs, and their pain points, allowing me to tailor my message to resonate deeply with them. Through captivating storytelling, interactive elements, and thought-provoking insights, I ensure that my presentations leave a lasting impact, inspiring action and driving real change. Additionally, I continuously hone my craft, staying ahead of the curve with the latest speaking techniques and trends, guaranteeing that every audience receives a fresh, engaging, and memorable experience.

Honestly? The best advice I was ever given about public speaking is to start with one single (appropriate, relevant, and preferably not too cheesy) joke. You get a laugh, which helps you relax. The audience gets something outside of what they're initially expecting, which cues them to focus. Then you tell them whatever you have to tell them.

Write articles on LinkedIn about the subject that you speak about and make sure that you include your distinct point of view or research or experience.

Show workings!!! What has worked for you or is working for you is a veritable means of displaying results of your expertise. Tell your story that makes you unique as a speaker and use your style of delivery that gives you comfort and confidence.

BRING ENTHUSIASM & ENERGY! One of the ways to stand out is to always lead with energy and enthusiasm. As basic as this may seem, energy is a power source that is often overlooked. Some focus on refining skill (which is great) and overlook energy. Addressing energy deficits immediately addresses multiple other areas at one go. For example, enthusiastic people tend to have good vocal tone, range, and cadence. They also almost always have good posture. It is also difficult to be enthusiastic and rude simultaneously. Try being energetic!

This can be tricky because you don't want to come off as "braggy" or not humble. When picking events to spotlight make sure to include why it is important to you and what you did to achieve it. Also, make sure that showcasing your wins is not the majority of your content. Be balanced, so as to appear ego driven.

Highlight any relevant awards, certifications, or recognition you've received for your expertise in public speaking coaching within your niche. Display badges, logos, or accolades on your website, LinkedIn profile, or marketing materials to showcase your credibility and professionalism.

Give value to your audience. Choose your niche wisely. Provide specific and relevant information. 1. Create high quality blogs to offer the valuable content. Additionally, use the blog posts to show your products and services. 2. Create short, focused and animated videos for the maximum engagement. 3. Infographics offers the instant information to explain the presentation with facts and statistics. 4. Gamification is an interactive engagement. It turns traditional Power Point presentation in to the animated story-telling elements. 5. Podcasts are the best tools for those who have strong auditory memory.

People absorb knowledge is so many different ways, for this reason your speech will be more engaging if it is allowing people to use more than one of their sense. For examples, you can accompany your speech with a visual aid (presentation, movie, demostration) or tangible item related to your speech.

Partner with complementary businesses, organizations, or influencers within your niche to expand your reach and credibility. Collaborate on joint ventures, co-host webinars or events, or contribute guest posts or interviews to industry publications to showcase your expertise and reach new audiences.

Creating valuable content is indeed a powerful strategy for public speaking consultants. However, it's crucial to remember that the content should not only be informative but also engaging and relatable. Utilizing storytelling techniques can make your content more compelling, while effective communication and body language mastery can enhance your videos and webinars. Furthermore, addressing stage fright, a common issue among many, can attract more potential clients who are looking for solutions to this specific problem.

Go all in on your personal brand, message and mission. People love the story and you should be the absolute BEST at telling it. Let the people who resonate with you be your clients.

Meet other educators and discuss the innovation in terms of teaching public speaking. Be yourself while delivering the pitch and remain calm.

Leverage social media platforms to engage with your target audience, share valuable content, and showcase your expertise in public speaking coaching within your niche. Participate in relevant LinkedIn groups, Twitter chats, or Facebook communities to establish yourself as a trusted authority and attract potential clients.

Drawing from my extensive experience, I can attest that networking and collaboration are indeed pivotal in the field of public speaking. It not only helps in expanding your knowledge base but also opens doors to new opportunities. Furthermore, co-hosting workshops or co-creating content can provide a fresh perspective, enhancing your ability to engage and captivate your audience.

Network and collaboration is key! It’s not always what you know but who knows you….. networking and collaborating will help you to: 1. expand professional connections 2. gain access to new opportunities 3. fosterer a supportive community 4. enhance your knowledge and expertise through shared experiences and insights 5. amplify your visibility and reputation within your industry and other industries, ultimately, enabling you to reach a broader audience

Innovation in public speaking is indeed crucial. As an expert, I've observed that the most successful public speaking consultants are those who consistently adapt their methods to the evolving audience expectations and technological advancements. Incorporating elements like gamification, virtual reality, or artificial intelligence can significantly enhance audience engagement. Moreover, staying updated on the latest research and trends can provide fresh insights to improve your delivery and make your sessions more impactful.

Tailor your presentations to the specific needs, interests, and preferences of your audience. Conduct audience analysis beforehand to understand their demographics, knowledge level, and expectations, then customize your content and delivery accordingly.

Understand that when you provide public speaking virtually – it is a different environment that you need to adapt to such as camera angles, movement within the camera angle, and the use of visuals is as important if not important. And to pin your slides and you on the screen, so they are not seeing your head in the corner. By doing this, you’re emulating an in person experience.

I always gravitate toward speakers who pay attention to the connection they create with their audience. This ties into the idea of authenticity, but also the idea that when you're presenting or giving a talk you are engaging in a type of relationship with your audience. If they are given the sense that you're speaking to them as a person, they connect better with the content.

Know your client first. Every client may require a new technique. Evolve new techniques and blend them with previously proven ones

To stand out as a public speaking consultant, emphasize personalized coaching tailored to each client's needs. Showcase success stories and testimonials. Develop a unique approach or methodology that sets you apart, and leverage technology for virtual coaching options. Stay updated on industry trends and continuously refine your own presentation skills to demonstrate expertise. ???

In the realm of public speaking, it's crucial to remember that authenticity is key. While it's important to learn from others and adopt effective strategies, it's equally important to infuse your own unique style and personality into your presentations. This not only helps you stand out from the competition, but it also allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Furthermore, continuous learning and adaptation are critical in this ever-evolving field. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in public speaking to keep your skills sharp and relevant.

To distinguish yourself as a public speaking consultant, highlight distinctive services like customized coaching, inventive presentation methods, interactive workshops, or specialized knowledge in specific domains. Share client achievements, provide complimentary resources, engage genuinely on social media, and showcase expertise through content creation and speaking opportunities. Offering exceptional value and a remarkable client experience will set you apart from competitors.