You can check out our post “Authors: How to Break In To Professional Speaking” for more detailed tips on how to get started speaking in front of audiences, but here are some professional organizations centered on the art and business of public speaking:
Start here:
- Contact local chambers of commerce and service groups such as Rotary and Kiwanis.
- For trade associations, search online for <your city> plus “association,” “group,” or “organization.”
- Let peers and clients know that you’re available to speak. Ask what groups they belong to and if they can connect you with the right people.
- For schools, contact department administrators and coordinators (those who would handle your particular subject matter).
It really isn’t that hard to get booked once you start looking around!
Resources for Speakers
www.Toastmasters.org – Find a chapter near you to learn the craft of speaking professionally
http://www.nsaspeaker.org/ – National Speakers’ Association
http://www.astd.org/ – American Society for Training and Development
http://www.asla.com/ – American Seminar Leaders Association
http://SpeakerNetNews.com – Free newsletter with subscriber tips for speakers
LinkedIn Groups
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=48422 – ASTD National
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=125470 – Global Keynote Speakers Association
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1742397 – Need a Speaker/Be a Speaker
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=37544 – Professional Speakers and Seminar Leaders
Books
Speak and Grow Rich by Dottie Walters and Lilly Walters
The Wealthy Speaker by Jane Atkinson
Money Talks: How to Make a Million as a Speaker by Alan Weiss
From the Soapbox to the Stage: How to Use Your Passion to Start a Speaking Business by Bill Corbett
