Dana VanDen Heuvel: The Public Speaking Opportunity as a Strategic Marketing Tool

December 5, 2003

The Public Speaking Opportunity as a Strategic Marketing Tool

PR Insight: Converting Public Speaking Opportunities into Strategic Communications Tools
There are no lack of issues in any professional's work that lend themselves to a talk at one of many available venues.

Speaking engagements are a uniquely effective strategic marketing and PR tool, IF the following criteria are met. The are usually not instant win, quick hit tools, but rather they build your credibility and confidence in an area and exude compentence and conviction to prospective customers.

Invitations to speak should be evaluated based on the opportunities they offer the organization to communicate with key audiences. Invitations, then, are prioritized and assigned to appropriate individuals in your organization, or declined if they appear to offer little value.

Speaking opportunities are solicited before audiences upon whom the success of your organization depends.

You recognize that every speaking opportunity is different.

You recognize that every audience is different.

You commit to prepare and practice all presentations.

Additional Resources:
Software Association of Oregon (SAO): Use Public Speaking to Reach New Customers
The Business Journal: Public speaking can help your technology business
Tech Republic: Be prepared to practice to make it on the public speaking circuit
Tech Republic: The right way to get into the tech public speaking circuit
Masonry Magazine: Your 2004 Marketing Plan