Gave the Public Speaking for Shy Writers for My Chapter Saguaro Romance Writers today. A friend and I are submitting a longer version of this to present at the Romance Writers of America conference next June in New York City.
This is not public speaking in the sense of giving a speech. This is more the sense of selling your book. You meet someone in the grocery line. They ask what do you do? Be proud of it. It is not a speech, but a conversation that could lead to something. Use virus marketing to meet and speak with people. This is the public speaking we are discussing here. At the most a book talk with questions and answers.
When I read Rich Dad Poor Dad this week, the author told a story about Ray Kroc, the man who built McDonald's speaking to a group of MBA students. He asked them what business am I in? They thought he was pulling their leg, until one student said, "Everyone in the world knows you sell the most hamburgers!" His response? "That's what I thought you would say. Ladies and gentlemen, I am in the real estate business. He made his money NOT because he made a better hamburger, but because he could sell land to have businesses and franchises.
As authors we know how to write. The 17th Century French playwright Moliere said, I wrote first for me, then for my friends, then for pay. Well, if you want to get to step three, it is time to market. There will be more detail down the road about how to do it and please ask any questions you have.