Launching a Speaking Career

I’ve been told that public speakers who are authors do quite well at selling books even if a book is rather inferior. Of course if a book is inferior, the people feel cheated, which is not a good outcome.

But, since according to the reviews (here and here and here), my book Blooming is not the inferior kind, I came to the conclusion that if I became a public speaker more people would find themselves enjoying my book.

So, about two years ago, I joined Steeltown Toastmasters. I learned to make speeches. Two years in a row I came home with best speaker awards. In 2009 I received the 'Steeltown Newcomer of the Year' and the 'Steeltown Speaker of the Year'. In 2010 they voted me 'Best Non Dramatic Speaker' as opposed to 'Best Dramatic Speaker' which was taken by the fellow who took on the role of whoever he was speaking about. He became the cancer patient who had lost his wife to cancer. He was Martin Luther King. He did an awesome impersonation of a southern judge.

I merely spoke as myself—which according to my late mother is enough melodrama, thank you very much.

I feel like I’ve graduated. And, right on schedule, the speaking engagements are flowing in.

This past weekend I had the privilege of reading bedtime stories (from Blooming) to the women at The Ladies Discovery Group retreat for women held at the Five Oaks Retreat Centre in Paris, Ontario. A totally enjoyable conference on Beautiful Feet—lots of solid teaching, a foot massage, Zumba dancing and I even sold some books.

I’ve also been invited to be the parent speaker at my daughter’s grade-eight graduation next week. I don’t think the graduates will be interested in hearing about my book, but maybe I can inspire them to become authors—or salespeople, or both.

Then in August I’m scheduled to do a sermon at church. The pastor and most of the men are planning to be away at a weekend retreat. I won’t be flogging my book, but speaking is speaking. I’ll have to ask the Lord what to say.

And in September there’s a possibility I’ll be speaking to a ladies group at a Baptist Church.

God is good.