The Ultimate Speaker's Guide: Practical Tips, Tools & Takeaways

Wow! This is the book I was looking for  years ago when my speaking ministry started to grow and I wanted to blossom as a speaker. Not knowing how to get to the next level, I trusted God, and I prayed as He provided speaking opportunities across the United States and then to Europe. I was blessed, but, honestly, the speaking life would have been easier had I been guided spiritually by God and professionally by Kathy Carlton Willis, author of The Ultimate Speaker's Guide: Practical Tips, Tools & Takeaways. Or, as Kathy says, The Grin Gal's Guide to Public Speaking.

If you've asked yourself the following questions, this book is for you:

 Has God called you to speak, but you don't know where to begin? 

Are you speaking now and you'd like to expand your audience? 

Or, like me, did God make you an author, 

and all of a sudden, you are considered a speaker, 

and you want to do your best for the glory of God, 

but you don't know how?

Do you struggle with the business end of speaking?

Do you want to glorify God with your speaking ministry?

"Packed cover-to-cover with invaluable information, The Ultimate Speaker's Guide is the new bible for communicators. With almost two decades of industry knowledge under her belt, Kathy Carlton Willis has coached hundreds of speakers to help them develop successful speaking businesses. This book covers all the tips, tools, and takeaways you'll need to ensure that your audience increases and your message is heard, including: 

Setting up your business

Finding a brand that fits

Getting more bookings

Polishing your style

Discovering God's plan for your business

An extensive resource section containing a sample contract, media interviewing tips, fee schedules, checklists, and much more, makes The Ultimate Speaker's Guide an essential toolkit you'll use time and again." ~ from the back cover, The Ultimate Speaker's Guide

Kathy Carlton Willis is God's Grin Gal. She writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Over a thousand of Kathy's articles have been published in books, magazines, newspapers and online publications. Her most current book is Grin and Grace. Kathy is active as a book industry pro, and her coaching group, WordGirls, propels women toward their writing goals. She graduated with honors from Bible College and has served for 30+ years in full-time ministry.

Kathy will fill your speaking ministry with splashes of serenity! 

Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Eighty percent of people suffer from stage fright. Why? Well, perhaps because "We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths..." James 3:2 (The Message). I laugh when I read that verse. God knows us so well.

I was one of those 80 percent. Going to a PTA meeting where I might be asked my opinion brought on anxiety attacks. I physically could not open my mouth. Those who know me now, find that hard to believe!

When my husband entered the ministry, all of that changed. Our first church asked me to speak at their Mother/Daughter banquet. I had never spoken in public--ever. 330 women were in the audience. That is 660 eyes looking at me and 660 ears listening to me. Panic!

My sweet mother-in-law settled me down with the words, "Remember, every person out there loves you." I calmed my nerves with her words and my thoughts that every person out there is thanking God they aren't the person holding this microphone.

My mother-in-law was correct. They laughed at my jokes and wiped their tears right on cue. The night was life-changing for me. I've been speaking ever since and loving it!

This week at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference I have the joy of teaching, "A Writer Speaks." My seminar handouts and a CD of "A Writer Speaks" is available to purchase. If interested, please e-mail me at SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com. Cost is $5 plus $2.50 S&H.

If you are asked to speak (and most of us will be), remember that every person out there loves you. And if they don't; well, God loves you, and He already knows we get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. LOL! He can help us get over those jitters as we trust Him to get it right in people's hearts.

Thanks for your prayers for me this week. I'll be meeting with publishers and editors and hoping for a bite on my next book.

You are a splash of serenity and a huge encouragement in my life,

Elaine