This past weekend I attended a National Speakers Association event. I’ve been doing so for almost a year now. I recommend all writers consider attending these events; in fact, become a member of NSA if you have 20 or more paid speaking gigs a year.
NSA offers the best place for writers to learn how to speak, and writers need to learn to speak. You need to learn to speak so you can get up in front of an audience, speak on the radio or television, give a teleseminar or webinar, or even address a small group of interested readers. In fact, you must know how to speak well to pitch your book to agents, acquisition editors and prospective readers.
Professional speakers have a host of information on how to speak and present well. Go hang out with them. They are extremely forthcoming with their information. You’ll learn a ton, and your audiences will thank you for having done so.
Not every author or writer is a born speaker. If you’re not, take it upon yourself to learn how to do so. It’s an important skill to have when you’re called away from your computer to promote yourself and your books.
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