From Reading to Writing to Speaking; Create your Business "First"

Since age five, I've been an avid reader. At least this is what my mom tells me. I remember graduating at the top of my class from kindergarten and being given a book of fairy tales from the teachers. This is my only vivid memory of kindergarten (well except for the time I got my finger chopped off by another kid while playing with the metal gate but that's a long story).

My friends had no idea how to even begin reading the book that was given to me, but I loved it. Apparently, my kindergarten teachers had given up on trying to get me to "nap" because I would always curl up with a book while everyone else slept. Thinking back, I always ponder, where did I get the books from?

Well if you are a reader, you naturally appreciate writing because you love words on paper. I've learned how to write after appreciating the brilliance of telling stories and giving information through words. Now I'm beginning to see a trend that goes like this; from reading, to writing, to speaking.


Of course, not everyone can be a speaker but can writers become speakers? I was reading a book by Craig Valentine, World Class Speaking. Here's Craig's take on speaking, "the essence of public speaking is to tell a story and sell a point." That's it!

So think about it, when you write, you tell a story and most times sell a point. Writers are the most interesting debaters and the best handymen of words. Writers can become great speakers.

If you are a writer, why hide behind your words? Most natural speakers will tell you that they're not great writers. Yet they author books.

So, start preparing for your big speech with these resources:

• Get the book, World Class Speaking by Craig Valentine. I'm so in awe of this book because of the detailed steps he leads you through to create your world class speech. Craig is the 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking for Toast Masters, so he's had his share of practice.
• Read How to Get a Standing Ovation by Guy Kawasaki. This is one of my favorite outlines of a great speech. I love this piece so much, I have it saved to my favorites. This short post is a great way to prepare for your next speech.
• Work on a speech outline. Figure out what you have to say and the best way to have a conversation with your audience.
• Practice, Practice, Practice. I'll be practicing too because I have a book coming up soon and I'm hosting a big event for it. I use a tape recorder now to listen and critique myself. I also host smaller seminars to give myself more practice. Think about what you can do to practice.

I'm no expert at speaking and don't pretend to be. However, I am an expert at reading and I can learn anything through comparing a few resources. If you are a reader, don't hesitate to become a writer because most likely, you've learned a lot than the average non-reader. And if you are a writer, go for speaking. You have already mastered the art of telling a story, now just work on "selling your point"!
Cheryl Isaac, is a Start-up Business Planner & Owner of the Business Startup Company; Isaac Business Services. This tip on public speaking is one of her many tips for start-ups mentioned in her Creating Firsts for your Business e-guide. Look out for it soon at her business club; A Different Business club.