How can you make the most of your free time as a public speaking professional?

I strongly believe in continually building myltiple income streams. So, I'm a professional speaker, co-business owner and co-author of fiction and non fiction books. External factors can affect your speaking opportunities such as pandemic, financial crash, war, climate issues, travel issues etc do building other income streams is important. However, it's also invaluable for you in developing other skills, know-how and know-who that will help your speaking. For example, 12 years ago, as I was approaching my seventh decade I realised that the best use of my time to improve my writing and keynote speaking was to DOUBLE the amount of reading - fiction and non-fiction that I did each year and attend at least 3 courses a year too. It's great fun.

Habit stacking is number one here. Current behaviour + new behaviour = habit stack My favourite habit stacks: - Walk & self development podcast / call family - Coffee shop and a book - Visualisation / goal setting whilst on the bus - Gym class with a friend I also focus on a colour coded calendar which is planned out to make sure I spend enough time on my freelance work but also give myself enough space to explore and enjoy my passions. Weekly occuring reminders like ring your family, book that gym class is super helpful.

As a public speaking professional, planning ahead is crucial for maximizing free time. I allocate specific time slots in my schedule dedicated to personal development. This could include exploring new speaking techniques, staying updated on industry trends, or delving into materials that enhance my overall communication skills. By consciously planning for continuous learning, I ensure that my free time contributes directly to my professional growth.

While planning is practical, embracing spontaneity and unstructured time is equally important. As a public speaking professional with an introverted nature, the value of unscheduled, quiet moments cannot be overstated. These periods of free time, devoid of strict agendas or objectives, often foster deep reflection, creativity, and emotional rejuvenation. They allow you to connect with your inner self, crucial for authenticity and resonance in your public speaking. This perspective might seem counterintuitive in a productivity-focused world. Still, it emphasizes the importance of balance between meticulous planning and the freedom to be, which can be surprisingly beneficial for personal and professional growth.

I have a "Wasting time" note on my phone. In there, I list things I can do, like reading a report, writing something, etc. These things are mostly aligned with my development. When I have free time and am about to fire up YouTube, I instead open the note and find something to do.

Watch other people's talks. There's so much to learn from people. And connect with them too. The learning from sharing skills and ideas helps you develop even better ways to speak yourself.

Podcasts offer an ideal way to gain new ideas and knowledge, learn from others' mistakes and experiences, and simultaneously contemplate how you can implement these insights into your own business—all while multitasking during activities like exercising, doing chores at home, traveling, cooking, and more.

To make the most of my free time, I actively seek opportunities to learn new skills beyond traditional public speaking. This could involve honing my storytelling abilities, mastering the use of visual aids, or delving into the realm of virtual or hybrid presentations. Diversifying my skill sets ensures that I remain adaptable and well-rounded as a public speaking professional.

The pursuit of constantly learning new skills can sometimes overshadow the importance of deepening the skills you already possess. As a public speaking professional who has mastered areas like mindset and emotional intelligence, there's immense value in honing and refining these core competencies. Instead of spreading yourself thin across various new skills, enhancing your strengths can lead to a more profound and impactful expertise. This approach goes against the popular notion of constantly chasing new skills. Still, it emphasizes the depth of knowledge and specialization, which can be significantly more influential and rewarding in the long run.

I knew a confectionary chef, and sometimes, they would ask me to help sell cupcakes and sweets at events. I would then play different characters selling sweet stuff to people. One of my favourite characters is The Sultan of Sweetness. You increase your vocal variety and test things you can never test on stage. Also, you learn how to "sell on stage" Hehehe!

I assume you will unlock your phone and browse some social media. Instead, open up LinkedIn and send check-in messages to a few people. You are not asking for business; you are simply seeing how they are doing. In a day, you could easily do 10 of these. Create searches on LinkedIn for specific people, roles etc. and bookmark them. It is easy to then open the bookmark and communicate with a specific group of people.

Networking is a powerful tool for professional growth. I make a deliberate effort to attend relevant networking events, conferences, or industry gatherings during my free time. These interactions not only expand my professional circle but also offer opportunities for collaboration, shared insights, and potential speaking engagements. Building and nurturing relationships within the industry is a strategic use of free time.

In my experience, while networking is valuable, it's equally important for a public speaking professional, especially an introvert, to value solitude and introspection. These quiet moments away from networking can be fruitful, allowing for self-reflection, idea generation, and nurturing your authentic voice. This challenges the emphasis on constant networking, advocating for a balanced approach where personal growth and creativity are as important as external connections. Profound insights and advancements often arise in solitude, not crowded rooms.

In my experience, excessive rehearsal can hinder authenticity and spontaneity in delivery. Balancing preparedness with being present and adaptable is crucial. Rigid adherence to a script can hinder connection with the audience. Instead, focus on understanding the material deeply and trust yourself to deliver naturally. This approach encourages an organic and genuine connection.

Effective public speaking requires meticulous practice. During my free time, I allocate specific periods for rehearsal and practice sessions. This dedicated time ensures that I refine my delivery, perfect my timing, and polish my content. Consistent practice not only enhances my confidence but also contributes to delivering impactful and memorable speeches.

Like most things, being good at many things will enable you to be great from the stage. Make time each week for rehearsal. The more confident you are come the speech, the better the speech will be. One way to do that is to rehearse!

Actively seeking feedback is a proactive approach to professional development. During free time, I reach out to peers, mentors, or colleagues for constructive feedback on my speaking engagements. Honest assessments from others provide valuable insights, pinpoint areas for improvement, and guide me in refining my skills.

In my experience, relaxation and enjoyment go beyond typical leisure activities. As a public speaking professional who values personal development, finding relaxation involves nourishing the mind and soul. This can mean reading thought-provoking books, practicing meditation, or immersing in nature. Enjoyment isn't solely about external experiences; it encompasses internal growth and reflection. This perspective may seem unconventional, suggesting that relaxation involves activities contributing to personal and professional growth. For me, true relaxation lies in aligning activities with my values, helping me grow as a speaker and an individual.

Imagine yourself giving a great presentation, take some deep breaths and focus on the positive energy. Remember, public speaking is an opportunity to learn and connect, not a reason to stress out.