Making Nutrition Related Public Speaking Your Business

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       In the August 2014 issue of Today’s Dietitian, the article “Building a Career Through Public Speaking,” highlighted the benefits and what it takes to be successful in public speaking.  Various health professionals were interviewed on the importance of social media and promoting yourself and your business through public speaking.  Whether you own your own business, or want to simply promote yourself as a healthcare professional, being a great public speaker can get you where you want to be!

       It is important to first ask yourself, “What am I trying to accomplish?”  According to the CEO of the National Speakers Association Michelle May, it is important to ask the question, “Do you want more clients, diversify your revenue, or increase exposure?”  Start with why, and this will help you find your audience.  Next, discover what your passion is!  Whether you want to promote your business at a small community event or a nationwide nutrition conference, you must find, what the article refers to as, your “niche.”  Talking about what your expertise is in will help the audience realize you are knowledgeable and passionate about what you are saying.

       While speaking to others on topics you are most passionate about sounds awesome, for some of us public speaking does not come naturally (ME!).  The article offered great ways for nutrition professionals to develop their public speaking skills, even if it is not one of their strengths.  Training on public speaking is offered by a variety of organizations including Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org).  There are also websites that provide tips including Six Minutes: Speaking and Presentation Skills (http://sixminutes.dlugan.com) and TJ Walker (www.tjwalker.com).  Although these websites provide great insight, there is no better practice than getting experience in public speaking situations.  Michelle May states in the interview, “Dietitians have expertise that people are interested in.  Speaking is a great way to help people out, build your business, and help serve.”  Her statement definitely helped motivate me to conquer my fears!

Zanteson, L. (2014, August). Building a career through public speaking. Today’s Dietitian, 16, 38-41.

-DH
      

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