SPEAKERS SELL BOOKS
You wrote a book. Great job; that is quite an accomplishment. However, if you don’t promote your book, you’ll be lucky if you sell a couple of hundred copies. One of the best ways to market your manuscript is to get out there, in front of people, and talk about the story you have written. It is a proven fact that speakers sell books, and this should be your mantra as you embark on your promotion journey.
If public speaking is a challenge for you or if you're looking to enhance this skill, joining Toastmasters International can be a transformative experience. It's not just about promoting your book; it's about the opportunity to inspire others with your story.
As I prepare to discuss the valuable skills you will gain from participating in Toastmasters, I want to emphasize the respect you should have for your audience's time. Remember that the people in your audience have dedicated a portion of their lives to listening to you, whether five or forty-five minutes. They will never get those moments back. It's crucial to show your respect for their time by being well-prepared, trained, and passionate about your topic. This demonstrates that you value and appreciate their commitment to giving you a piece of their lives.
What is Toastmasters:
Toastmasters is a non-profit international organization that provides a supportive setting for people to gain confidence and improve their public speaking skills. Members give speeches, answer impromptu questions, and receive constructive criticism to achieve their communication goals. You can find a club near you by visiting the Toastmasters International website at www.toastmasters.org.
Engagement:
Understanding how to connect with your audience is crucial to successfully promoting your books. A powerful way to do this is through eye contact, as taught by Toastmasters. While some advise you to look out at the audience without engaging with them, this can create a disconnection. Instead, follow Toastmasters' strategy of maintaining eye contact for a few seconds with individual audience members. This technique has a profound impact, making the audience feel like you are speaking directly to them, not at them, and actively involving them in your speech.
Delivery:
Imagine listening to a monotone speaker. Their words may have been informative, but it felt like a lullaby putting you to sleep. That's why Toastmasters teaches its members the power of vocal variety. Expertly using changes in volume and tone, you can inject energy into your presentation and bring your audience along for an exhilarating ride. Think about the most crucial parts of your book and use this technique to transport your listeners directly into the story. Suddenly, they're no longer just hearing about it - they're living it. Not only will this captivate your audience, but it will also leave a lasting impression they will remember.
Plan B:
Picture this: you're in the middle of a crucial presentation, relying on technology to impress your audience. Suddenly, the screen goes black, and the speaker fumbles with computers and cords, leaving the room in awkward silence. Don't let this be you. At Toastmasters, you'll learn how to use technology effectively and have a backup plan in case it fails. Instead of scrambling last minute, have printed copies of your slides or practice giving your speech without any tech at all. Remember, a smooth presentation sells books, not a clumsy display of technical difficulties.
You’re an Expert:
Becoming a published author positions you as an authority in your chosen subject matter. However, it's important to back that up with effective communication skills to maintain credibility. Filler words such as "ahh" and "umm" can detract from a speaker's message and make them appear less knowledgeable. Toastmasters offer a solution by helping individuals become aware of their use of filler words and learning to replace them with powerful pauses. As your speaking skills improve, so will your perceived expertise, leading to increased book sales and potentially even opportunities to collaborate with corporate sponsors as keynote speakers.
Caught off Guard:
We've all been in situations where someone asks us a question, and we struggle to come up with an answer that doesn't make us look foolish. As a writer, people often ask, "What is your book about?" Toastmasters teaches its members how to handle unexpected questions with poise and professionalism. The table topics method, used by Toastmasters, is designed to teach how to stay calm and composed in any situation - whether you are caught off guard by a radio station reporter or being interviewed on TV about breaking news. During the table topics portion of a Toastmasters meeting, one member is assigned to bring prepared questions for others to answer. The best part? The members have no idea what the questions will be. The table topics master randomly calls on someone to come up and speak for one to two minutes on the topic. It may sound nerve-wracking, but seeing what responses members come up with is always entertaining. Of course, it takes practice to get comfortable with this type of impromptu speaking. But after practicing in the safe environment of Toastmasters, even those who struggle to talk for thirty seconds become confident and convincing speakers on various topics, inspiring and motivating the audience. For example, you could be asked, "In the next ten years, how do you believe artificial intelligence will impact our lives?"
Can you give a coherent answer in under two minutes? Come to Toastmasters to master this challenge.
Words:
Do you ever find yourself struggling to find a unique word to use in your writing? Whether it's for speaking or writing, Toastmasters can help expand your vocabulary through their daily word challenge. At each meeting, a member is assigned the task of introducing a new word to the group, along with its meaning and how to use it in a sentence. From there, members are encouraged to incorporate the word into their discussions throughout the meeting. For instance, one possible word of the day could be "Transformative": life-changing, impactful, thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression. By joining Toastmasters, you can enhance your everyday speech and turn it into a powerful and transformative presentation. Will you take on this challenge?
Time:
When given the honor to speak at an event, adhering to the allotted time frame is crucial. Toastmasters instill the importance of respecting this rule. I recall attending an event where an author disregarded the assigned time and rambled on despite being asked by the moderator to wrap up. The audience grew agitated and perceived her as disrespectful. As a result, she didn't sell a single book that evening. This incident underscores the urgency of respecting time limits, as it directly impacts your audience's perception and, consequently, your book sales. In Toastmasters, specific times are assigned for each speech with a timer and light to keep you on track. Going over your designated time not only displays unprofessionalism but also undermines the effectiveness of your message. So, when granted the opportunity to speak about your book, inquire about the allotted time and practice until you can deliver your speech seamlessly within that timeframe. Remember, good manners can be just as powerful in selling books as speeches.
Imposter Syndrome:
Toastmasters will help you discover and embrace your authentic voice when speaking to an audience. Imitating a speaker you admire can be tempting, but remember, they are not you. An audience can sense when someone is genuine or putting on a facade. As a Toastmaster, you will observe and learn from your fellow speakers in the club. You will glean valuable insights on what resonates with listeners and what falls flat. But at the end of the day, your unique personality, your quirks, and everything that makes you who you are, should shine through in your speeches. Your audience wants to hear from the real you, not a copycat version. So let go of any fear or doubt and trust in your authentic voice as you become a more confident and compelling speaker.
Speakers Sell Books:
With your book written and your speaking skills honed through Toastmasters, the final piece of advice is crucial: understand and serve your audience. You can effectively generate more sales by tailoring your presentation to their specific needs, challenges, and interests. For my book, I have crafted three different speeches - one for the Christian audience, one for women battling cancer, and a general overview for all readers. By connecting with my audiences and addressing their interests, I can make a powerful impact and entice them to purchase my book. Remember to always be prepared, use the skills you have learned from Toastmasters, and, most importantly, serve the needs of your audience. Success is sure to follow.
About Shelley Malicote Stutchman:
Shelley Malicote-Stutchman triumphed over breast cancer and emerged as a dedicated patient advocate. Her journey as a retired nurse and former community liaison for home health and hospice has endowed her with invaluable firsthand experience in the medical field. Her passion for research is not just a mere sentiment but a commitment she demonstrated by becoming a test subject for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.
Shelley has owned a mental health program for low-income women, founded a support group for women over forty, and received recognition from the governor for her work with Workforce Oklahoma.
She also excels in public speaking, winning multiple awards through Toastmasters International. Shelley is a featured writer for CAREGIVER MAGAZINE and has won awards in writing contests.
Shelley's love for writing and storytelling is a testament to her creative spirit. She inherited this passion from her great uncle, Maurice Kelley, a renowned author and English professor at Princeton University. Today, she shares her stories through various platforms, including creating daily videos on TikTok and being a Facebook Digital Creator.
When she's not writing or advocating, Shelley enjoys the simple pleasures of life—like watching hummingbirds on her front porch with her husband Neil Johnson, aka Cameraman. Shelley offers speaking engagements on breast cancer to spread awareness and inspire others to keep fighting.
If you or someone you know has ever received a breast cancer diagnosis, you understand how overwhelming and scary it can be. In "PEEK-A-BOOB," the author offers a helping hand to those navigating the difficult journey from diagnosis to survivorship. Drawing from personal experience and thorough research, this book provides a roadmap through the maze of treatment protocols and medical jargon while also serving as a source of comfort and inspiration. With heartwarming quotes and uplifting encouragement, the author helps readers find solace when grappling with doubts and despair. "PEEK-A-BOOB" is a companion, guide, and testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This is the book the author wishes she had when she heard her doctor say, "You have breast cancer."
PEEK-A-BOOB: Uncovering Breast Cancer by Shelley Malicote Stutcham is coming in October 2024 from Quill Hawk Publishing.
