Ask Me Anything - Speaker Of The Year 2023

Last year, I had the mind-blowing experience of winning two awards at the Speaker Awards - Best Live Gig and Speaker of The Year 2022.?

This photo shows the moment everyone realised I’d won - apart from me! It was a huge honour but processing it took a while because being Speaker of the Year clashed with the sense of imposter syndrome and self-doubt. Ever had that? When your internal story is out of whack with the external evidence and data?

Time to step up

I knew that if I was going to be shortlisted for this year’s awards, my entry had to be better - to show improvement on last year. The first step was choosing to go with the facts (I won!) over my own feelings of ‘people like me don't achieve things like this’.

Over the last year, I’ve immersed myself in the art of speaking, constantly learning and stepping out of my comfort zone to take risks. Improving my craft meant refining every aspect of my speaking business, from marketing, fees, getting booking, scoping calls, delivering keynotes that go beyond inspiration to galvanising people to take action, following up, and most of all, pouring love on my clients by meeting them where they are. I took my own message of being 10% braver and lived it!

2023 Speaker of the Year

Fast forward to this year's awards. I was shortlisted in all three of the categories I entered:

• Best Storyteller
• Best Live Gig
• Most Positive Impact.

On the night I won all three categories and then went on to win the converted title of Speaker of the Year 2023!

I’m still taking it all in!

An even bigger win

One of the things I'm proudest of this year is mentoring and encouraging other speakers - three of whom were also shortlisted in different categories: Well done again to Chris Bonnello , Yinka Ewuola - who was highly commended and Grace Marshall - the winner of Best Virtual Gig.

I started my career as a teacher. Seeing others rise is still the thing that fills my heart with joy the most.?

What it (actually) takes

Being a great speaker is about connecting with people on a personal level and leaving a lasting impact. None of this comes naturally to most of us; it takes practice, dedication, and a willingness to grow.

It's so much more than standing on stage and talking! It's about meticulous planning, understanding client needs, and delivering a call to action that inspires people to change. It took countless hours of intentional focus and learning from the best to become the speaker I am today.

Being 10% braver

These awards have allowed me to keep becoming 10% braver. We all have fears and doubts, but it's how we choose to confront them that defines us.?

What would it look like if you were just 10% braver??

If you're thinking about speaking or want to boost your speaking career, I want to encourage you. That may mean taking the leap to share your ideas or seeking opportunities to grow and learn. Be tenacious, ask questions and connect with those who inspire you. Even the most seasoned speakers started somewhere.?

Supercharge your speaking

To support your journey as a speaker, I'm excited to announce a live Q&A Zoom next week on Tuesday, 18th July at 7.30pm.?

Save your seat (or get the replay) by registering here: https://jazampawfarr.com/speaker

It's a free Q&A session during which I'll be lifting the hood on my speaking business and sharing what a two-time Speaker Of The Year winner does. Take this opportunity to ask me anything.

• Find clients - the ones that pay!
• Structure a winning keynote/speech/presentation
• Engage and enrol your audience to take action
• Use social media to build your business
• Turn the volume down on your own imposter syndrome

Strap yourself in Maureen…

This is your one-off chance to ask me anything about how I run my speaking business at every stage of planning, social media, handling enquiries, delivering on stage, and going beyond keynotes to workshops and coaching.

Sign up now! Oh, and don't worry if you can't make it. I’ll be sending a replay to everyone who registers.

https://jazampawfarr.com/speaker

Your time to shine

Becoming Speaker of the Year again has been an incredible adventure. Along the way, I’ve learned to turn down the volume on imposter syndrome by connecting and engaging with the amazing speaker community.

Next year I want to be standing on stage with YOU! I can't make you a great speaker overnight, but I gift you an hour of my evening and share my journey to success. Don't miss out!

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