Monday, June 2, 2008
Turning Your Writing Into Speaking
As a Powerful Choleric/Popular Sanguine personality, I am a natural at voicing my opinion with gusto. I have been "on stage" since the age of five when I made my first income at family reunions reciting the Japanese version of London Bridge is Falling Down. It's true that twenty-five cents a pop is not a lot of money but in a room of 50 people, it adds up.

Today, I speak in front of hundreds and on occasion, thousands of people at a time at retreats and conferences; I host a syndicated talk-radio show, and emcee events across the country. It's safe to assume, I love to speak but, when it comes to writing, not so much. I am a declared "Speaker Who Writes" yet I'm proud to say because of my connections through CLASS and my friends Tama, Allison and Brenda, I have become a more confident writer. I believe increased confidence over time will result in excellence (Excellence: Being the best me, I can be in any given venue). I currently write articles for magazines, a local newspaper, and online (check out www.cbn.com for my health & fitness column) I am in the process of completing my first book (early stages... oh how painful and prolonged the pangs of labor are... but the results will be worth it)

The journey of a "Writer Who Speaks" is much the same. For those of you who write but would like to be speaking more, here are a few suggestions to get you going on the road to gaining the confidence that will take you to the next level.
Start with one or two topics you are passionate about and develop a 30 minute talk on it. This naturally could come out of your writing, whether it's instructional or inspirational. If you're writing on it... you know the drill... you should be speaking on it. Be sure to incorporate the PIER structure in your talk for best results. (For those of you reading this who are not familiar with CLASServices, PIER is a speaking/writing format developed by Marita Littauer to provide excellence to our audience. Include a Point- what you want the audience to walk away with, Instruction to your audience on how to incorporate it in their situation, Examples of how it has worked in your life, and References - this could be articles from newspapers, magazines, or scripture, anything that backs up your point.)

Have some peers or friends in your target audience listen to your talk. After the presentation, ask them to answer these four specific questions: (it's best to provide the questions in writing so they can think about their answers and you have something to refer back to)
1: What message did they receive?
2: What part of the talk did they want to hear more about?
3: What would they leave out of the talk?
5: How did it apply to their life in practical terms?
After you get these answers match them to your purpose for the talk; did they understand your message, were your points recognized, and did they get your instruction? If they "got it" great, if not, go back and tweak your talk. Notice, I italicized the word, "your" in the previous sentences. If the audience received a point but it wasn't what you intended, then you need to refine that part of your talk.
After the tweaking, try again, Go to local civic organizations, libraries, schools, churches, homeowner associations, anywhere your topic would be applicable and offer to share your knowledge at no cost, until you have several presentations done in multiple venues. This will help you define your target audience... those that love you as much as you love being in front of them... no test needed!
The most emotional stage of my writing career is always the red-ink process. I've had to endure multiple slashing from friends and professionals to wind up with a product of excellence. This remains true for us as speakers; unless we welcome the verbal or written red-ink that perfects our presentations we will wind up settling for mediocrity. As children of God, mediocrity is not acceptable; we are to always bring our best to the altar.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject.
Most of you reading this are CLASS graduates, but for those of you who are not but you desire to claim excellence in your speaking abilities, I highly recommend signing up for the next available seminar, the link is on the right side of this article.
Posted by Linda Goldfarb at 8:21 AM

Break-in Markets
Would-be writers often ask me, "How do I break in?" Here's a few quick and easy ideas that have worked for me and countless others. Have fun with this list - try a few of the ideas and see where this new venture takes you.

Stir the hornet's nest to create a buzz
Newspaper editors thrive on controversy. A reader's response that expresses a differing or opposing viewpoint is sure to capture his attention and likely to be published.

Letter to the Editor
Ever read an article that stirred you up? Write those thoughts and feelings down. Your response will capture the gleeful attention of the editor, especially if your view expresses a differing or opposing stance. Newspapers especially thrive on controversy, if you provide it in 500 words or less, you are sure to be published.

OP/EDs
When you have strong feelings on a topic, more than what a 500-word letter can handle, opt for the OP/ED. Usually around 1000 words, these pieces run opposite the editorial and position you as a vital voice in the community. Plus, writers are generally paid for the article.

Pitch a column idea
Schedule a few minutes with the editor and pitch your idea for a regular column. Are you a biz whiz, organizational genius or gardening guru? What doesn't the publication have that you can provide? Spark the interest of the editor by coming up with an expansive idea that will allow you to relate to the readership in a unique way. (Remember, first is free, the rest, "pay me.")

Local leads the way
Local newspapers lead the way for encouraging new writers - especially if the paper is a small town press. Always on the hunt for new blood, editors of weeklies are willing to work with writers who may have little experience, but great effort.

Don't knock the 'Net
The information superhighway is packed full of websites, electronic magazines and posting boards that require content. The novice can be published quickly in exchange for a byline and reciprocal hyperlink. Watch your clips stack up! And with a little experience publishing on the web, you'll learn how to locate paying online markets too.

Copy, copy, provide the copy
Corporations, advertising companies, and website owners are always in need of a professional writer to provide content. If you can work well under pressure and be creative in spite of the material (I've had to write exciting dramatic copy about garbage hauler), then you can spice up your portfolio with consistent, well-paid work as a copywriter.

Freebies for clips
Check out websites, poetry publications, writing contests, church bulletins, community publications, newsstands and group newsletters. Look everywhere to start those initial clips rolling. Be creative and widen your vision. LOOK for opportunities. PURSUE excellence. SUCCESS will follow!

Posted by Tama Westman at 12:51 PM