So we've been discussing how offering free classes to groups in your community can help your school grow.

Yesterday I talked about the importance of developing expertise before you start delivering these talks.

Today, I'm going to talk about the importance of your delivery.

From Wallflower to Public Speaker

If you've ever watched TED talks on YouTube, you've probably seen some really great public speakers. And if you've watched a number of TED talks, you've also probably seen some really horrible public speakers.

I'm here to tell you, the difference between a great public speaker and someone who is horrible is all in the preparation and practice.

Despite what you may think, entertaining and engaging public speakers typically aren't born with an excess of charisma and personality.

I'll use myself for an example. While I'm certainly not the most dynamic public speaker, I can hold an audience's attention for a 45-minute talk.

But the thing is, I am terrified of speaking in front of people. Moreover, I have always been an introvert, I often have bouts of social anxiety, and I can't eat before I speak because I'll probably get sick if I do.

So how did I overcome my natural inclination to sit in the corner and people-watch, in order to market my school through public speaking?

One word.

Practice.

Becoming An Expert Speaker

The bottom line is that if you're boring, your results from public speaking engagements are going to be dismal. But if you are entertaining and engaging, you will likely get quite a few inquiries after your presentation, and people will remember your name long after you're gone.

The ability to engage an audience is a learned skill. It is not something that happens overnight, or that you're just born with. It's something you have to pick up through study, practice, and repetition.

It starts with knowing your presentation forwards and backwards, and being intimately familiar with your subject matter. This helps build your confidence, because when you know exactly what you're going to say, half the battle is won.

Then, you need to learn the art of public speaking. One readily available resource for this is your local Toastmasters group. Nearly every city has one, and in large cities you'll find several groups meeting weekly. I strongly suggest that you join one and spend some time learning how to deliver a good presentation.

I never joined Toastmasters, nor did I seek out any formal training in public speaking. And to this day, I still make a ton of mistakes when I speak. I have tics, both verbal and physical, that make my presentations less effective.

However, I am able to make up for this with my God-given voice. Thankfully, I was gifted with a voice for radio and a face for television (I am joking here. As a teen I tried out for a job as a catalog model. The talent scout told me that I should look into character acting. True story.)

Since my voice carries and I know how to pace and peak the volume and timbre of my voice, it makes up for the many mistakes that I make when I speak. However, you might not have the same advantages I do, so I suggest that you get some training in public speaking.

How Long Does This Take?

I'd say, that depends. But if you've been teaching for a while, you probably already have much of the skills and confidence you need to do public speaking. All you probably need at this point is a little spit and polish on your presentation.

If you're new, it might take longer. Figure a few months invested in some Toastmaster meetings to get your delivery down pat and boost your confidence.

But you really don't have to wait until you're absolutely ready to start delivering public presentations and community classes. Tomorrow I'll tell you how I got started, and why now is really the best time to get going using this marketing strategy.