Judith Bron of Spring Valley, N.Y. writes:
” It is no secret that anti-Semitism is at its highest pinnacle since the end of World War II.
“Jews are the longest surviving civilization on the face of the earth. I’d like to get onto the paid speaking circuit and speak about this topic: “In spite of universal hatred, Jews survived. Why?”
“My audiences would be Jewish youth and adult organizations and non-Jewish organizations that are puzzled about the issue of anti-Semitism. How do I start marketing myself as a paid speaker on this topic?”
Judith, you don’t say what qualifies you to speak on this subject. I would attend such a talk if a) the speaker had written a book about the topic b) the speaker had credentials that wowed me before I bought a ticket, or c) something about the speaker’s background was really impressive. I think that’s exactly what the people who book you will want too.
Call your local papers or research its bloggers and get reporters and columnists to interview you with your juicy facts. Then send the booking agent the resulting articles. Get on talk radio (Have yourself recorded) and keep spouting your impressive facts. Lead some heated debates on the subject in your community. (Divide an audience into those who think the Jewish struggle was worth it and those that disagree. Record this too. In other words, do whatever it takes to create a buzz around you. It’s a fascinating subject whether you’re talking about what made the Jews at Masada throw themselves to their death rather than let the Romans conquer them or why Jews who survived Hitler’s death camps remained religious. But you need to bring the booking agency proof that you’re known and wanted as a speaker.
I hope that helps.
Roberta, I’ll bet National Public Radio has several programs that have dealt with this topic.
Judith can go to the NPR website at NPR.org ande use the search box at the top of the home page to find programs that have featured guests on anti-Semitism.
First I would open with your credentials, so as to establish credibility. They don’t have to be academic, especially with the subject of racism. Personal experience throws a lot of weight.
Another hurdle is getting to the ones who need to hear it. Unfortunately, your paying audiences are mostly members of the choir.
Have you published on the subject? Not hard to do. createspace gets your book on amazon.com. gwextra.com does trailers at a reasonable price.
You need to put a bizz plan together with marketing as the main project. Presenting a message in a lecture or a novel is the easy part. Once you get into promoting it you’ll find that’s not even the half of it.
good luck. If I can help, give me a shout. And if the Hound here gives you a tip, take it. She’s usually spot on. Usually (lol)
j guevara (my site is listed above)
I would start right with Jewish organizations and groups. If you are good, they will start referring you. It’s a small network with a huge reach. Once that happens, other non-Jewish organizations will hear about you and the phone calls will start. I would also start submitting articles on the subject to appropriate pubs and that will get your name out as well.
Offering articles for a group’s publication is often an excellent way to get your foot in the door. Editors are usually an easier sell than meeting planners.
Hi Judith,
I don’t know if you have a book to promote, but that would help. It acts as your calling card and gives you credibility.
If you haven’t already, write and submit articles to the media on your topic to give you credibility and to get your name around. You have to position yourself as an expert, if you aren’t one already.
If you haven’t spoken before on this topic, you might begin by booking free lectures at your local libraries, associations, organizations and temples. Doing promotion for these lectures is essential. You might consider offering free handouts with your website address and contact info on the handout.
You can also contact a speakers bureau such as The American Program Bureau and list yourself, your background, and the topics you want to speak about.
A very worthwhile topic! Good luck.
Speaking in front of small community groups is a fabulous way to get onto the speaking circuit. You can make your mistakes in front of small audiences, and then correct them.
Martine, great ideas. Many of these community groups have their metings listed in local newspapers, or on sites like MeetUp.com.
As a first step, you might want to align yourself with organizations that promote peace. Rotary International, Kiwanis International, The Lions Club, etc. Service clubs are always looking for speakers…and while these initial opportunities aren’t paid, they will give you exposure to other like-minded business owners–who may have a rolodex of colleagues who could benefit from your knowledge. And this might lead to paid opportunities.
Juith, I’m going to offer advice on what you need to do BEFORE you start marketing yourself as a speaker.
You sound like you’re passionate about your topic, but if you’re a beginning speaker, you might not be ready for prime time or for paid speaking engagements.
Join your local Toastmasters, where they’ll help you learn the finer points of speaking and offer constructive criticism, and keep attending. Speakers who are serious about making money from speaking engagements will also join their local chapter of the National Speakers Association (NSASpeakers.org) and the national group as well.
The Tri-State Chapter serves speakers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
One more tip. Many of the Publicity Hounds who were kind enough to comment here mentioned a very important caveat. You must show your expertise in your topic.
Several years ago, a special committee of The National Speakers Association wrote an excellent White Paper on exactly what you need to do to be considered an expert in your topic, particularly if you want paid speaking engagement. You can find it here.
Judith, I think you need to begin your search for paid speaking engagements by thinking from a marketing perspective. For example, I would suggest you search to find those states and communities within these states that have a heavy Jewish population. This will help to narrow the focus of your search. Another thing you need to research is finding Holocaust museums throughout the U.S. We have one here in St. Petersburg, Florida, but many other large cities have such museums. This might be one marketing segment that would be open to having you come speak and paying you for your speaking engagement. I hope this helps. Dale Hutchings, St. Petersburg, Florida
Dale, I love the idea of Holocaust museums. A perfect fit! Thanks for commenting.
Judith, It would be helpful if not crucial to tell us what credentials you have that would get you in the door. For the Jewish audiences, there’s huge numbers of possibilities, between Sisterhoods, Men’s clubs, youth groups, Jewish service organizations, Jewish Community Centers, Jewish clergy organizations, interfaith groups, Jewish day schools, additional world affairs/special event committees at the various synagogues at each Jewish denomination, and on and on. It would probably take you several lifetimes to exhaust just those possibilities. But the starting point is who are you and why would they care, in spite of what anyone is saying about the professional/paid speaking industry.
Great points, Paulette. I’ve given Judith a link below where she can find a White paper about the various levels of expertise among professional speakers.
In this difficult speaker’s climate, you want to highlight your credentials for this topic almost as diligently as your ability to capture an audience. Are you a Holocaust Survivor…college professor who’s knowledgeable and has spoken about World War II and anti-Semitism? Why you and not someone else from academia (if you’re not)? Were you a target of anti-Semitism?
You will also want to record a video or two and post on your website (or a link from YouTube) to demonstrate your special speaking skills and ability to capture an audience’s attention on the subject.
It is timely, but you’ll have to be equipped with the latest statistics, studies and real-life insights to discuss this personal and community challenge.
Marilyn E. Kemp emailed me and passed along this week and asked that it be posted here:
“I just wanted to pass on this tip, and it’s simple: ASK for it! Ask to have your expenses covered; time, travel and gas should be reimbursed. It’s not easy for some people, including me, to ask to be paid for speaking to a group, but I’ve learned to ask for travel expenses, at least!”
I can relate to wanting to promote the Jews as the longest surviving civilization. Daily my mother sends me more information regarding the Anti-Semitism that is out there and some of it is appalling. Keep it up.
Rowena
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