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Developing an interactive approach keen to build programmes that benefit
their participants.
to presentations or delivering your pitch or submission are the takeaways,”
“The most important aspects about any
message in a way that invites Gavin said. “There should be at least two
key ideas or strategies the audience can
audience participation will set you implement in their own careers.”
Submitting a video of yourself
delivering a speech can be an effective way
apart from those who simply stand to pitch your skills and topic.
“Videos will allow you to demonstrate
and lecture. your stage presence and showcase your
unique speaking style,” Gavin said. “They
help event organisers determine if you
would be a good fit for their audience.”
Build confidence
be more involved in continuing education Upgrade your CV Even the most polished and confident
sessions,” she said. Establishing your authority as a subject speakers were at one time nervous in front
Developing an interactive approach to matter expert is crucial for anyone wishing of people. Confidence radiates authority
presentations or delivering your message to speak before audiences, and Stevenson and raises your value as a speaker.
in a way that invites audience participation admits it’s not easy to do. One way to build confidence is through
will set you apart from those who simply “I sometimes struggle with highlighting leadership.
stand and lecture. my qualifications,” she said. “But I have “Look for leadership positions within
Another strategy is to tie your found that instead of listing aspects of my your professional circles, community-
presentation to current events and real job experience, I describe my expertise and based organisations, and even charities,
challenges that impact people’s lives. This accomplishments over the years.” where you may be required to deliver
will help your audiences identify with the For example, if you have led projects or reports, lead discussions, or appear in
topic at hand, Gavin said. taken on tasks for your organisation that front of people,” Gavin said.
“Look to emerging technology, the state have yielded impressive results, be sure to Many of these organisations look
of the economy, and even the recent list them on your CV. within their membership for potential
pandemic for ideas on topics to address “These are going to be the career speakers and panellists, so getting
within your niche,” she added. “When you highlights that make an impact and build involved could provide both leadership
present your ideas in ways that people can your credibility,” she said. and speaking opportunities.
relate to, you’ll be in high demand as a In addition to compiling an impressive “At AICPA & CIMA, we leverage the
speaker.” CV, it helps to keep a written biography impact of our volunteer leaders for
available to share with potential conferences because we know they are
Find an audience audiences. Start by creating a core subject matter experts and are the best at
Stevenson started her speaking career in narrative that includes everything you what they do,” Gavin said. “For anyone
front of client groups, but there are many want audiences to know. You can tailor it interested in speaking at finance
ways to find audiences. She recommends for different audiences. conferences, serving in a leadership
seeking out organisations of professionals “If you’re speaking on a specific topic or capacity is the perfect way to build your
that could learn from your expertise and to a specific audience, you can always add reputation and find opportunities to get
glean knowledge from information you’ll a sentence or paragraph that really grabs your voice heard.” n
share. their attention,” she said. “And keep an
“Target groups and organisations you up-to-date photo of yourself ready to share
feel you could impact, and contact their when asked.” Resource
leadership to discuss potential topics of
interest for their members and Craft the perfect pitch Article
constituents,” she said. “If they provide At the core of pitching a topic for a “How to Secure a Conference
positive feedback, offer your services as a presentation is an impactful writing style. Speaking Slot”, FM magazine, 28
speaker.” “When I read a course description or October 2019
Networking with presenters at abstract and find it well written or even
conferences is also a good place to start. captivating, it always makes me want to
“Consult with speakers you admire,” learn more,” Gavin said. Teri Saylor is a freelance writer based
Stevenson said. “Ask for advice and invite When pitching a conference topic, be in the US. To comment on this article
them to connect on LinkedIn or by email thorough but concise and highlight the or to suggest an idea for another
to discuss their speaking careers, lessons main points of your proposed talk. article, contact Oliver Rowe at
they’ve learned, and how they began Providing specific learning objectives will Oliver.Rowe@aicpa-cima.com.
building their own audiences.” appeal to conference organisers who are

14 I FM MAGAZINE I April 2023