As an engineer, speaking at an industry conference or seminar can be a great way to raise your profile and advance your career. Demonstrating subject knowledge and articulating ideas to an audience of fellow engineers can help enhance your reputation in the industry. But sometimes getting started and finding the right opportunities for you for an engineering-related speaking gig isn’t easy. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Polish your speaking skills
Some people are more natural communicators than others, but we are all capable of improving and developing our speaking skills. Whether it’s discussing ideas with our own team or giving formal presentations, we are regularly presented with opportunities to speak in front of people. Use such occasions to improve your verbal dexterity and to build your confidence. Also, be sure to explore opportunities within your own company for workshops or training sessions that might help you learn and fine-tune your speaking skills.
Build your portfolio
The main asset an event organizer is looking for in a speaker is industry experience, so an easy first step is compiling your own portfolio, both in a Word document and integrated into your social media profiles. Be sure to list any speaking achievements and events they were associated with in your LinkedIn profile. If more speaking opportunities is what you’re after, consider adding the word “speaker” in your LinkedIn headline. Also, video is the holy grail of portfolio assets, so if you have any video of you in action, make sure it’s integrated into both your LinkedIn profile and any other documents you have showcasing your abilities.
Do your research
Speaking gigs rarely just land in your lap. You’ve got to do some homework to find them. Identify upcoming events relevant to your industry and your expertise that you think would be suitable. Think about the industry trade shows you might be planning to attend and review the call for speakers’ requirements. Be sure to submit speaker pitches and communicate with event organizers to let them know of your interest. Plan well in advance as the lead in time for the bigger events can be months rather than weeks. And if you don’t want to jump right into huge events, start small by seeking out local or regional events and speaking opportunities, which will help build up your confidence, credibility and portfolio.
Find the organizers
It’s important to correctly identify who the event organizers are so you know you’re pitching to the right person. Find out if they have a presence for the event in social media channels, and if so, connect and engage with them there. Share their content and make it obvious that you’re a supporter of their event and engaged in the industry. Reach out and connect with event organizers on LinkedIn, Twitter and other social networks, and start building relationships with them. Network building doesn’t happen overnight, so start building your networks before you need them and they’ll deliver great value for you. Also, after you submit a speaker submission, personalize an email to the organizers and let them know you’re interested and also ask for other ways that you might help with their efforts.
Make your pitch
Your first contact should be professional, concise and informative. It should contain:
- A summary of your topic.
- The main points you will cover.
- Why attendees will be interested.
- What they’ll walk away with.
- Why you are the right person for the job.
- Your contact details.
- Links to your social media networks, if applicable —especially your LinkedIn profile or YouTube channel if you’ve been savvy enough to produce video of your speaking engagements.
Remember that first impressions are important. Make sure yours is a good one that demonstrates your skills and experience.
Practice and rehearse
After securing a speaking opportunity, make sure you make a good impression on the host and the attendees. After all, this is your opportunity to showcase yourself and lay the foundations for future gigs. Fully prepare yourself and make sure you have mastered your subject. Rehearse and practice in front of a small group to gather constructive feedback before the main event. Think about potential questions and how you should respond.
Participate
If you’re invited to speak at an event, don’t make the mistake of just showing up for your own session and not participating in the event as a whole. Speakers do this all the time. It’s not only inconsiderate, it’s something event organizers take note of. Make an effort to be an active, engaged participant in the event. Attend other speakers’ sessions, get to know the other speakers, the event organizers and the other attendees and maximize your involvement. If you’re active on social media channels, live tweet during the event and if you’re a blogger and/or if your company has a corporate blog, write a follow-up post about the key takeaways from the event. Those efforts will most definitely pay off and benefit you as much as they benefit the other attendees and organizers.
Follow up
Send a thank you note or message to the event organizer and ask to be kept in mind if any future speaking opportunities present themselves.
Be persistent
However good you might be, or think you are, learning to be a good public speaker doesn’t happen overnight. Make sure you are always open to feedback. Be patient and persistent as you work to refine your presentation skills and presentation materials. Great speakers are usually great because they’ve had lots of experience in front of groups, so focus on getting as much experience as possible and you’ll be on your way.
What about you? Are you a regular speaker at industry events or are you just getting started? What tips do you have for landing an engineering speaking gig?