As a CPA and financial advisor, I’ve done public speaking for over 20 years.\u00a0 My largest audience ever was around 2,000.\u00a0 The topics were of course accounting, tax, business, investments and technology.\u00a0 Only those interested in such topics attend and pay any attention to my speeches.\u00a0 Two years ago I joined a Toastmasters Club here in Norman, OK.\u00a0 My first speech was an ice breaker and I had 4-6 minutes to speak about myself.\u00a0 I had no idea what to say about myself.\u00a0 It was my worst speech ever.<\/p>\n
As time progressed my speaking improved, but the topics were not about business.\u00a0 I gave a presidential speech, I spoke about a national water grid, and just about anything other than business. Time came when I wanted to give a speech on my epic trilogy that comprise the beginning to my nineteen story mythology.\u00a0 My first attempt bombed big time.\u00a0 So I went back to the process of trying to describe the stories as quickly as I could.\u00a0 Here is how I approached this speech the second time:<\/p>\n
That speech provided me with the basis for answering readers questions at book signings and other events.\u00a0 As I moved on I gave a humorous speech and was urged to enter a humorous speech competition.\u00a0 I won three rounds of competition with the speech before finally losing.\u00a0 At each contest the speakers are interviewed.\u00a0 This was the opportunity for me talk about my books.\u00a0 Because of that I was approached by people who wanted to read the stories.<\/p>\n
So if you are beginning the path of becoming an indie author, consider joining a local Toastmasters.\u00a0 Give it a try, there is nothing to lose and you also get valuable feedback on your ability to deliver what you write.\u00a0 This is a plus.\u00a0 Finally, I have an enormous amount of fun and laughter. \u00a0 Look up Toastmasters International and consider joining one today.<\/p>\n