IS THE SEMINAR BUSINESS FOR YOU?

by Gail Cassidy

BUTTERFLIES Experiencing butterflies before speaking is unrelated to whether or not you should hold seminars or give talks. Some outstanding speakers I know experience varying degrees of angst before  speaking, even though they appear very comfortable and confident.  Take a moment and picture yourself sitting in the front row of the conference room in a magnificent hotel. You are about to be introduced. As you sit in your chair awaiting to be announced as the next speaker, your stomach is filled with the flutter of butterflies and your knees feel a little weak, and you may even wonder why you ever agreed to do this presentation, but, from previous experiences, you know you will feel fantastic when it is over and when you hear the applause and accolades from the audience.   THE LOVE OF THE SPORT Criterion number one, "the love of the "sport," wanting to share your knowledge, hobby, or special product that will benefit the listeners. This desire to share information keeps speakers coming back time and again, in spite of the initial fluttering discomfort.  Consider nervousness an asset.  As long as it occurs, you know you will never not be totally prepared.   YUL BRENNER Yul Brenner who starred in 10,000 performances of "The King of Siam" got nervous all 10,000 times.  To alleviate the discomfort, he pushed up against the back stage wall--an isometric exercise.  With all of the muscles tensed, the relaxation released the tension from his muscles as well as his nervous tension.  YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE The second criterion relates to information or knowledge that you have that can be of benefit to someone else.  For what type of information do people come to you for advice?  For example, my friends or kids never ask me for advice about finances, fixing or buying a car, insurance or anything to do with money.  What do you know more about than most people?  Do you have a hobby or interest that you've read about and/or practiced?  Are you trained in an area that could benefit others?  Find your niche and work on developing it.