Quiet months

The last five speaking engagements that I have posted about were in July and August. Many organisations that book speakers don't meet during the summer, or if they do, they have other activities, such as trips or an AGM. June, July and August can therefore be barren months unless you plan your speaking calendar carefully. If I get calls from clubs or societies which do meet all through the year and they offer me any month I want, I will often choose a summer date. The audiences may be a little depleted due to members being on holiday or looking after children but at least it guarantees that I have something in the diary. December can also be quiet because so many organisations book a cabaret act or put on their own entertainment instead of a speaker for their Christmas meeting.

Public Speaking Tip #20: Once you are getting regular requests to speak, try to spread your bookings throughout the year so that you keep in practice. The quieter months may also be a good time to speak to smaller organisations with a limited budget who perhaps could not afford your usual fee at busier times of the year.

So when does the phone ring with all these bookings? Well, it can be at any time, especially if you make yourself available at short notice, as I have advised, but there are are certain months of the year when Speaker Secretaries usually start preparing the programme for the year ahead (and sometimes way beyond - I have had bookings up to 26 months in advance!) These are January, March, July and around September time. For example,just  between August 31 and 3 September, I took 4 bookings for next year (one a return visit) plus a short notice booking for next month. I also received a request to mail details for a further possible booking next year.

Public Speaking Tip #21: Even if you have contacted a large number of organisations offering your services as a speaker, there are specific times of the year when calendars of events are usually prepared. You should also prepare for the possibility that someone may want to book you for the year after next so always check exactly which date they mean!