Something to take away from these talks

Tuesday 18 September was pretty busy. In the morning I made some changes to the 'Twelve Tips for Terrified Speakers!' leaflet that I give out free at all my speaking engagements by adding that additional tips can now be found at this website/blog and also updating the details of my speechwriting and presentation skills training services and the ever-growing list of my talks.

This leaflet started out as 'Ten Tips...!' in 2002 but I expanded it when I was booked to give a presentation for the Central Management Unit of the Home Office three years later. I have given out  thousands of copies, not just at talks which are specifically about public speaking skills but everywhere I am booked, whatever my subject. Of course, it does contain the aforementioned advertising and contact details as well but the important thing is that it gives people useful free advice - any resulting bookings to write speeches, coach speakers or give further talks are a bonus. It's like distributing a really handy business card, in fact, one unsolicited testimonial from that Home Office training day even stated:

"I also have the feeling that some of your 12 Tips will be useful in scenarios other than public speaking".

This is not the only leaflet I give away, for example, when I deliver my talk about the late Irish humorous writer Patrick Campbell, I also offer a free list of his many books.

It also helps where merchandising is concerned in that a giveaway item brings people along to the table who may then decide to buy a booklet from me as well.

Public Speaking Tip #29: It is a good idea to have something to give away to audience members after you have spoken, for example, a leaflet which is full of useful information but inexpensive for you to produce. This can also contain contact details and advertising for you, such as a list of your talks for anyone who wants to recommend you.

Another advantage is that if you are selling anything, such as a booklet, it brings people up who may look at that as well and possibly buy - just be sure to make it clear which items are freebies and which have to be paid for!

The new copy was then emailed to the ever-helpful Helen at Copy King in Bournemouth and shortly afterwards, I collected the leaflets, along with yet another run of my booklet 'Nick R's in a Twist!' ready to sell at my next engagements.

If you live in the Bournemouth area (or further afield as they take long-distance orders) and you are looking for a copy shop which gives excellent service at a competitive price then I really cannot recommend Copy King in Winton highly enough. Their website can be found in the Favourites list on this site.