Lots of people each year make an effort to result in the jump from speaking free of charge at Toastmasters, church, and other organizations to some career as a Professional Speaker. Some speakers gain instant credibility through celebrity. Others are retiring from the corporate world and produce their successes and failures with them to the stage. Still more leap to speaking through survival: from disease, accidents, and disasters. Instant credibility will take them only to date, however.
Others take a longer path. They have a love of speaking, for influencing and inspiring audiences, and therefore are going to make a living from their internal passion. Their credibility is built over time, and with great effort, and they use it the line with every appearance.
For speakers, each aspect of credibility is to be closely guarded and continually built upon. This number of articles will concentrate on 15 areas of credibility that must exists for all speakers to achieve success over the long term. “Instant Credibility” must continue to be nurtured for any career to carry on. If you are building from the ground-up, each point should be examined and properly dealt with to be able to build deep roots on the speaking circuit.
Facet #1: Appearance
Unfair as it might seem, clothing, your hairstyle (or insufficient one), and even your scent will provide a strong impression for your audience.
A. Take a job interview approach. Every speaking opportunity may be a job interview in disguise. Your next job may be within the audience. As a general rule, dress one notch above your audience.
B. In case your image clashes together with your message, the crowd could be confused, and quickly lost.
C. If you are scheduled to entertain, your dress may mimic everyone else, or bridge into costuming for effect.
D. If your image is within line together with your message, but clashes together with your audience, be extra careful evaluating the necessity of your attire towards the message. Extreme Example. Professional Bodybuilders speaking on goal-setting should probably invest in a lot more than bikini briefs!
Before and after your speaking engagement you'll be interacting with your meeting planner, audience members, and potential future jobs. In such cases, speakers must “sweat the small stuff,” to be able to build credibility from every angle.
Image Checklist:
Personal Grooming
Hair – Always carry a brush, comb, and hair spray in your purse or resource bag.
Teeth – Bring an emergency toothbrush and toothpick.
Nose – Keep tissues handy all the time – colds and allergies strike at the worst possible moments!
Deoderants/Perfumes – Never overpower the area with too much or too little.
Makeup – Consider your environment: lighting, humidity, and appropriateness.
Hair on your face – Buy simple set of trimmers and scissors. Under $20 for the most part discount stores.
Personal Attire
Check yourself - your tie, shirttails, slip, collar, and, obviously, your zippers before walking to the stage.
Show some style – purchase clothes from the current decade, and ensure your colors work well together, and your socks match.
Wear Comfortable Shoes - if you're standing for 30-60 minutes, comfort is more important than look. Unless your shoes draw negative attention, they won’t be noticed at all.
Beware Jewelry – be sure your accessories do not detract from, but instead contribute to your image. Watches, necklaces, cufflinks, large rings and earrings can produce a myriad of problems, from glare under strong lights to being a point of distraction for you like a speaker. How many of us are responsible for class ring or wedding ring twisting?
Be genuine - ultimately, you have to be yourself on stage. Your individual authenticity must take precedence over your audience expectation, unless you are purposely speaking outside your individual realm of comfort. If being yourself doesn’t mesh with your message, it’s time for you to re-evaluate. Your appearance won't cause you to a great speaker. It may cause you to an unforgettable speaker, a funnier speaker, or perhaps a glamorous speaker, although not a great speaker. Few speakers are famous or powerful enough to allow their credibility to take popular from their outward image. Protect your image no matter what – a little time and financial investment today will protect your opportunities for achievement tomorrow.
Rich Hopkins is really a speaker, coach, and consultant who aligns his clients with their own potential. He's Two decades of business background in marketing, sales, and customer support. He consults with folks, student groups,
