Welcome to Peak Speak #107

Your Weekly Dose of Elevating Your Speaking Skills Newsletter

Lord Al Jensen
May 15, 2024

Welcome to Peak Speak #107- Your Weekly Dose of Elevating Your Speaking Skills Newsletter

Hello, Peak Speak Family,

As we gather in the digital realm for another edition filled with insights and inspiration, I want to share a brief tale from behind the scenes—something that reminded me of the unexpected hurdles life throws our way.

A coupla days ago, just as I was gearing up to polish this edition and get it into your inboxes, I was sideswiped by a severe bout of bronchitis. Yes, it hit me hard and fast, like a rogue wave that you don’t see coming until it’s too late. There I was, ready to conquer the world one paragraph at a time, but instead, I found myself grappling with coughs and a relentless fever that demanded I slow down.

The delay in delivering your favorite read wasn’t something I had planned, and it was a stark reminder of how even the best-laid plans can go awry. It was also a testament to the importance of health—something we often take for granted until it decides to take a detour.

This unexpected pause, however, wasn’t just about recovery. It was a time of reflection, of understanding the importance of resilience and adaptability, not just in health but in every aspect of our lives—including our speaking and coaching careers.

So, as you dive into this week's newsletter, albeit a tad later than scheduled, I hope you find the articles as engaging and enlightening as ever. We're all about moving forward, no matter what, and I'm thrilled to be back on track and bringing you content that ignites your passion and enhances your speaking journey.

Thank you for your understanding and your continuous support. It means the world to me and is a daily reminder of why this newsletter and our community are so special.

Now, let's get to the heart of this edition—packed with all the knowledge and motivation you've come to expect from Peak Speak. Here’s to health, resilience, and always finding our voice, no matter the challenge!

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and stories of overcoming your own unexpected hurdles. Reach out anytime at [email protected]

Should You Memorize Your Speech, or Just Use an Outline?

When it comes time to prepare for a big presentation or speech, one of the most common questions I hear is: "Should I memorize my speech, or should I just use an outline?" The answer isn't as straightforward as you might hope. It really depends on you—more specifically, on how your brain operates and how you deliver your best performance.

Let’s break this down.

Understanding Yourself

Some people excel when they memorize their speech. They thrive on the certainty that comes with knowing exactly what they are going to say, word for word. For these speakers, memorization helps reduce anxiety; there's comfort in precision. However, this method requires a lot of time and can sometimes lead to a presentation that sounds rehearsed or lacks spontaneity.

On the other hand, there are those of us who perform better with an outline. This approach allows for more flexibility and adaptability, enabling the speaker to adjust their delivery based on audience reactions or feedback. Using an outline can make your speech feel more organic and dynamic, but it also demands a strong grasp of the topic and the ability to think on your feet.

Knowing Your Content

No matter which method you choose, the key to a successful speech is clarity in what you want your audience to know, think, feel, or do as a result of your message. Are you aiming to inform, persuade, inspire, or entertain? Your goal should shape how you prepare.

For example, if your objective is to inspire, your speech might be filled with stories and emotions, which could be delivered more naturally with an outline. Conversely, if your goal is to inform, memorizing data and statistics might be essential to ensure accuracy.

Call to Action

Every effective speech has a clear call to action. What do you want your audience to do after they’ve listened to you? Sign up for a newsletter? Implement a new business strategy? Change a personal habit? Your call to action should be direct and unmistakable. Make sure this critical piece of your speech is well-defined, whether you memorize it or include it prominently in your outline.

Practical Tips to Decide and Prepare

Experiment with Both Techniques: Try both methods with smaller groups or in a low-stress environment to see what feels more natural and what garners the best response.
Simulate the Speech Environment: Practice under conditions similar to those you’ll face during the actual speech. If you can rehearse in the actual venue, even better.
Record Yourself: Listening to a recording can give you a sense of whether your delivery sounds natural or a bit stiff. Adjust accordingly.
Get Feedback: Before the final presentation, present to a friend or colleague. Ask them not just about the content, but also about your delivery and how engaging you are.

Applying This Advice

Now, think about your next speech or presentation. What’s the topic? What’s your main goal? Decide on your method—memorize or outline—based on your personal comfort and the nature of your speech. Then, take one segment of your speech to apply the chosen method. Practice it, refine it, and see how it feels. Adjust your approach as needed until you find the right balance that allows you to be both confident and compelling.

Remember, the best speakers are not necessarily the ones who can recite a speech flawlessly from memory but those who can connect with their audience and leave a lasting impact. Whether through memorization or a dynamic outline, make sure your delivery is engaging and your message clear.

So, what’s your next step? Take your upcoming speech, apply these insights, and set the stage for a memorable presentation. Your audience awaits!

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Tips to Get Your First Speaking Gigs

Landing your first speaking gigs can be a thrilling and transformative experience, pivotal in launching a successful speaking career. For many aspiring speakers, the challenge is knowing where to start and how to gain that initial exposure. Let's explore some practical strategies to secure your first speaking opportunities, especially by tapping into local organizations like Rotary clubs, Kiwanis groups, Chambers of Commerce, networking groups, and Meetup groups.

1. Understand the Landscape

Before you pitch yourself as a speaker, it’s essential to understand the audience and mission of each group you're targeting. Rotary clubs, for example, often seek speakers who can provide value through educational insights or inspiring stories that align with their commitment to community service and ethical business practices. Similarly, Chambers of Commerce appreciate speakers who can discuss topics relevant to local businesses and economic development.

2. Craft Your Pitch

Your pitch should be concise, compelling, and tailored to the organization. Start with a clear introduction of who you are, what you speak about, and why your topic is relevant to their members. It’s crucial to articulate the benefits clearly: What will their members learn? How will your talk inspire them or help solve a problem?

3. Build a Speaker Profile

Create a professional speaker profile that includes your biography, a professional photo, topics you are passionate about, and any previous speaking experiences (if any). If you're just starting, you can include relevant experiences like workshops you’ve led, webinars, or any instructive sessions that demonstrate your speaking and presentation skills.

4. Reach Out Proactively

Start by making a list of local chapters of Rotary, Kiwanis, and nearby Chambers of Commerce. Visit their websites to find out who is in charge of booking speakers and send them a personalized email with your speaker profile attached. Follow up with a phone call a week later. Persistence pays off, but always keep your communications polite and professional.

For networking groups and Meetup groups:

Join as a Member: Engage with these groups as a member first, if possible. This provides a better platform to offer yourself as a speaker once you’ve established some relationships.
Attend Events: Being seen at events makes you a familiar face and helps build credibility within the community.

5. Offer to Speak for Free

When you’re starting, the goal is to build your resume and gain experience. Offering to speak for free can remove barriers to booking your first gigs. Explain that you’re looking to build your speaking portfolio and are willing to provide valuable, engaging presentations to their members without charge.

6. Record Everything

Whenever you get the chance to speak, make sure it’s recorded. High-quality video footage of your speaking engagements is invaluable. It serves as evidence of your capability and charisma as a speaker. You can use these videos on your website, social media, and in pitches to other organizations.

7. Gather Testimonials

After every speaking engagement, ask for feedback. When you receive positive reviews, request permission to use them as testimonials. These testimonials can be incredibly persuasive to future prospects, providing social proof of your expertise and effectiveness as a speaker.

8. Leverage Every Opportunity

Each speaking engagement, no matter how small, is an opportunity to network and secure future gigs. Always have a supply of business cards on hand, and don’t hesitate to ask attendees if they know of other groups that might benefit from your presentations.

9. Follow Up and Stay Connected

Building a speaking career is about building relationships. Follow up with a thank-you note to the host of your speaking event. Keep in touch by sending updates about your speaking activities and new presentations you develop.

Actionable Call for Readers

Now, take action! Select two local organizations you’re interested in speaking at and research their upcoming events and key contacts. Craft a personalized email using the tips above, attach your speaker profile, and send it by the end of this week. Remember, every great speaker started with a single speech. Your journey begins with stepping up and reaching out.

These steps are your launchpad. By engaging with community organizations and leveraging every opportunity to speak, you will build the confidence, credentials, and connections necessary to expand your speaking career.

Creating Your Own Webinar, Workshop, or Masterclass to Build Your Business

In the ever-evolving landscape of business and entrepreneurship, the power to captivate and educate an audience can significantly amplify your reach and revenue. One of the most dynamic ways to do this is by creating your own webinar, workshop, or masterclass. This strategy not only positions you as an authority in your field but also offers a high-impact, low-risk avenue to grow your business from the comfort of your office.

The Value of Creating Your Own Stage

When you host your own events, you essentially create your own stage. Unlike speaking at conferences or participating in panels, when you control the platform, you control the content, the audience, and the message. This autonomy allows you to tailor your presentations to directly address the needs and pain points of your target audience, ensuring that every word spoken is designed to engage and convert.

Creating your own webinar or workshop means you're not just a speaker; you're an event organizer, a content creator, and a thought leader. This role amplifies your visibility and provides a direct line to connect with your audience, fostering a deeper relationship that pre-packaged content or third-party events cannot match.

Leveraging Affiliates to Fill Seats

Utilizing affiliates to promote your webinar or workshop can dramatically increase your reach. Affiliates who share your target audience can introduce your valuable content to a broader community, enhancing your registration numbers with minimal effort on your part. This strategy is not just about filling seats but filling them with the right people—those who are most likely to engage with your content, subscribe to your services, or purchase your products.

Making an Offer and Generating Revenue

The climax of any webinar or workshop should be your offer. This could be a course signup, a product bundle, a membership enrollment, or a one-on-one coaching session. The key is to structure your presentation so that by the time you make your offer, attendees are already convinced of their need for your services.

By hosting your own event, you control this sales funnel from start to finish. You can craft your content to lead naturally to your offer, using the event to build trust and demonstrate value. This controlled environment, coupled with a well-timed offer, typically converts at a higher rate than less personalized, indirect marketing tactics.

Minimal Time, Virtually No Risk

One of the most attractive aspects of digital webinars or workshops is the minimal time investment relative to the potential returns. Preparing and delivering a webinar might take a few days of work, but the event itself can generate leads, sales, and professional opportunities far exceeding those few days’ effort.

Moreover, the financial risk involved is low. Digital platforms offer cost-effective methods to host webinars, and with affiliates helping to bring in attendees, the cost of acquisition per participant can be very low. This setup allows you to experiment with different content formats and marketing strategies with little downside.

Maximum Upside for Potential New Clients and Sales

Every webinar or workshop attendee is a potential client or customer. By delivering valuable content and demonstrating your expertise, you convert attendees into leads. Each event also serves as a showcase of your capabilities, helping you build a reputation as a leader in your niche. These factors combine to create a powerful mechanism for sustainable business growth.

Actionable Call for Readers

Are you ready to harness the power of your own digital stage? Whether you're planning a one-off webinar, a series of workshops, or an in-depth masterclass, managing this process can transform your business. You’ll reach new clients, generate significant sales, and solidify your standing as an expert—all within a framework that you control completely.

If you’re excited about the possibilities but unsure where to start, I’m here to help. Reach out to me, Lord Al Jensen - THE Speak to Sell Talent Developer, at [email protected]. Let’s discuss how to turn your expertise into an engaging, profitable event that positions you at the forefront of your industry. Together, we can create a platform that not only informs but also inspires and sells.

In creating your own webinar or workshop, you’re not just sharing knowledge; you’re building an enterprise. Let’s get started!

Join Lord Al Jensen's Affiliate Army: Empower Your Tribe and Earn Together!

Are you a speaker, coach, content creator, or entrepreneur looking to add value to your community while also discovering new avenues for revenue? If that sounds like you, then we've got an exciting opportunity! We're inviting you to join Lord Al Jensen’s Affiliate Army, a dynamic network designed to benefit both you and your tribe.

What is the Affiliate Army? The Affiliate Army is more than just an affiliate program. It's a community of influential professionals who share a common goal: to offer valuable, transformative experiences through various programs, webinars, and events hosted by Lord Al Jensen. As a member of this community, you will have the opportunity to share high-quality content and opportunities with your followers, helping them to grow and succeed.

Why Join?

Earn Commissions: By joining the Affiliate Army, you’ll earn commissions on any sales made through your referrals. It’s a fantastic way to generate additional income while promoting products and services that align with your values and the needs of your audience.
Add Value: Your tribe looks to you for guidance and resources that can propel them forward. By introducing them to proven, high-quality resources like those provided by Lord Al Jensen, you’re helping them achieve their personal and professional goals.
Expand Your Network: Collaborating as an affiliate partner opens doors to connect with other top professionals in the industry, broadening your network and opening up further opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Who Are We Looking For? We are seeking motivated individuals who:

Lead a tribe of like-minded people through their email lists or social media platforms.
Are committed to providing value and positive change for their community.
Are interested in mutual growth and the success of their peers.

Get Involved If you're excited about the possibility of becoming an affiliate partner, or if you think Lord Al Jensen might be the right fit to promote your offers, we would love to hear from you. To ensure a good fit and to discuss the specifics of our affiliate program, including commission rates and promotional materials, schedule a discovery call with Lord Al Jensen today. Visit Affiliate Partnership Discovery Call to book your slot.

Whether you're looking to boost your income, enhance your offerings, or simply find new ways to engage and uplift your audience, joining the Affiliate Army could be your next great move. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your business and help your tribe succeed.

Let’s explore how we can work together to make a significant impact. Join us and become a key player in a network that’s shaping the future of our industries. Your journey to more profound influence and increased earnings starts here!

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I haven’t told anyone about this. Not even Corrine, my Executive Assistant (and she knows EVERYTHING!). I’m trying out a new segment in this newsletter - “Peak Speak Perks”.

This week, Peak Speak Perks offers a Sneak Peak at a program that I developed for my tribe a few months ago: The Know - Like - Trust Code.

Now, this isn’t the entire program . . . it’s a 15 page introduction to the program. It’s got some great ideas on how YOU can build Know - Like - Trust within your organization.

If you want the entire program, I’ve embedded a super discount . . . something like 75% discount over the normal price. But don’t worry . . . if it’s not for you, just download the preview with my compliments and you’ll find some great ideas for implementing the concepts into your business. No Cost!

Please just drop me an email at [email protected] and let me know what you think.

Fair enough? I hope so!

Click the link below to get YOUR Peak Speak Perk now!

The Know Like Trust Code

academy.nextstagecommunications.com/products/courses/view/1158617

Call for Contributing Authors: Join the Peak Speak Community

Are you a seasoned speaker, an innovative coach, or a creative content creator with insights to share? We are on the lookout for passionate professionals like you to contribute to the Peak Speak Newsletter—a premier resource for the speaking and coaching community.

Why Contribute? By becoming a contributing author, you’ll have the opportunity to share your expertise with a vibrant and engaged audience that’s eager to learn and grow. It’s a chance to make a significant impact, enhance your professional visibility, and connect with other thought leaders in the industry.

What We're Looking For: We need content that inspires, educates, and motivates our readers. Your articles should provide actionable advice and fresh perspectives that help our audience of speakers, coaches, and content creators excel in their respective fields. Whether it's innovative speaking techniques, coaching tips, or creative strategies for content creation, we want to hear what you have to offer.

How to Get Involved: If you have an idea for an article or a series that can enlighten and empower our community, let’s talk! To ensure a fit that benefits both our readers and your goals, please schedule a time to discuss your ideas with me, Lord Al Jensen - THE Speak to Sell Talent Developer.

Book your slot now at Schedule a Call with Lord Al Jensen and let’s explore how you can contribute to the next editions of Peak Speak.

We're excited to possibly feature your work and share it with a broad audience of professionals who are continually seeking to improve and innovate. Join us in our mission to empower the next generation of speakers, coaches, and creators.

Looking forward to your unique insights and stories!

Wrap up

As we wrap up another edition full of insights and inspiration, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for joining us on this journey of growth and discovery. Each week, we strive to bring you the best strategies and stories to help you excel on your path as a speaker, coach, or content creator.

Spread the Word
If you found value in the articles you read today, consider sharing this wealth of knowledge with friends and colleagues who might also benefit from joining our community. There’s nothing quite like the power of shared growth to bring about real change!

Invite them to subscribe to the Peak Speak Newsletter by visiting Subscribe to Peak Speak. It’s a simple way to keep not just yourself, but also your circle, at the forefront of industry trends and developments.

Your support by sharing this newsletter helps us grow a community of motivated professionals eager to learn and succeed together. Let's make the circle bigger and bring more voices into this wonderful conversation.

Thank you once again for your time and engagement. Keep speaking, coaching, and creating with passion, and don’t forget to reach out if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a question you’re burning to ask.

Until next time, keep striving and thriving!