Episode 254 - From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker - Part 1 with Michael La Ronn
September 3, 2024
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Michael La Ronn discusses moving FROM PAGE TO PLATFORM: HOW TO SUCCEED AS AN AUTHOR SPEAKER. This is a two-part series, and in this first part, we discuss types of talks ... not just the usual suspects. Even if you don’t have a goal of making paid speaking engagements part of your repertoire, you are an author speaker if you participate in interviews, including podcasts, panels, or author readings, and we share best practices for those types of events. We discuss the pros and cons of in-person and virtual events. And we discuss defining your goals as a speaker and establishing yourself as a true professional.
Michael La Ronn is the author of over forty science fiction & fantasy novels and self-help books for writers. He runs the popular YouTube channel Author Level Up and serves on the staff of the Alliance of Independent Authors as a US Ambassador, and he also co-hosts the AskALLi Member Q&A Podcast.
Links
Michael's Links:
www.youtube.com/authorlevelup
Referenced Episodes:
Episode 148 - Making the Most of In-person Events with Michael La Ronn
Episode 153 - The Importance of a Professional Photo and Video Presence with Wade Walton
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
www.youtube.com/authorlevelup
Referenced Episodes:
Episode 148 - Making the Most of In-person Events with Michael La Ronn
Episode 153 - The Importance of a Professional Photo and Video Presence with Wade Walton
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Michael! If you’re already doing speaking engagements, did it give you any ideas for new best practices you might incorporate? If you’re not already doing speaking engagements, did it encourage you to give them a try?
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Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Michael La Ronn about the various speaking opportunities available to authors, focusing on ways to maximize their impact and build a successful speaking career.
Introduction
At the outset, Matty and Michael discuss Michael’s experience in the indie author world and his numerous appearances on the podcast. They emphasize the importance of professionalism and the valuable resources authors can access on Michael's platforms, including AuthorLevelUp.com and his YouTube channel.
From Page to Platform
The primary theme of this episode is centered on Matty and Michael's recent book, "From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker." The book explores how authors can make the transition from writing to public speaking and how this can help elevate their visibility and credibility.
How Did the Book Come About?
Their collaboration began at a Writer’s Digest annual conference in New York City, where both were speaking on different topics. Over drinks, they discussed their shared experiences in public speaking, which led to the idea of writing a book together. This spontaneous conversation blossomed into a fruitful partnership, resulting in the book.
Speaker Opportunities: Not Just the Usual Suspects
Matty and Michael delve into various speaking opportunities beyond the standard author talks, such as interviews, podcasts, panels, and author readings.
Interviews as Speaking Engagements
Matty and Michael stress the importance of interviews and podcasts as a starting point for building a speaking career. Michael advises starting small and working with the equipment you already have, eventually investing in better gear as you grow. He emphasizes the critical nature of making a good first impression in these interviews to engage the audience and potentially promote your book or platform.
The Importance of Making It a Conversation
Both speakers agree that maintaining a conversational tone during interviews is essential. They caution against being overly scripted or rigid in interviews, advocating for a balance between preparation and flexibility. This approach, they argue, is not only effective for interviews but also for other speaking engagements such as public talks where adaptability and interaction with the audience are crucial.
Participation on Panels
Panel discussions come with their own set of challenges and opportunities. Michael recommends following basic manners reminiscent of lessons from "Sesame Street"—sharing your speaking time, being concise, and adding unique insights to the discussion. Matty adds that being a good panelist also means fulfilling your role adequately and respecting the time allotted to you.
Author Readings
Author readings present another underutilized opportunity for authors to engage with their audience. Matty suggests following the guidelines provided by organizers, especially regarding time limits, and practicing to ensure you can deliver your reading within the allotted time. Practicing allows you to give the audience time to absorb your words, rather than rushing through your material.
In-Person or Virtual? What Attracts You More?
The conversation transitions to the logistical and personal preferences that influence whether to pursue in-person or virtual events. Virtual events, widely adopted due to COVID-19, offer flexibility and reach but require the same level of professionalism as in-person events. Michael points out that virtual events have made it easier for speakers to start their careers and reach a global audience.
Treat Virtual Events as Professionally as In-Person Events
Despite the convenience of virtual events, Matty and Michael warn against treating them with less seriousness than in-person events. Ensuring high-quality presentations and mastering the platform’s functionalities are crucial for maintaining professionalism and creating a good impression.
Investing to Ensure an Excellent Experience
Michael suggests that for paid virtual engagements, hiring an assistant to help manage the technical aspects and audience interaction can be a wise investment. This not only enhances the audience's experience but also increases the likelihood of being invited back for future opportunities.
Building Long-Term Relationships
Matty highlights the importance of capitalizing on initial speaking opportunities by building lasting relationships with organizers and audiences. Professionalism and thorough preparation can lead to repeated invitations and new engagements.
Steps to Make Opportunities Available
Michael’s advice for aspiring speakers boils down to putting a hundred percent effort into every engagement, treating every audience with respect, and providing valuable content. By mastering the fundamentals of public speaking and providing unique "golden nuggets" of wisdom, speakers can stand out and create a memorable experience for their audiences.
Conclusion
This week’s episode offers valuable insights for authors looking to expand their speaking careers, covering a range of ways to engage audiences, whether through interviews, panels, or readings. Michael's practical tips and Matty’s shared experiences provide a well-rounded guide for authors aiming to succeed as public speakers.
Call to Action
For more resources and to learn more about Michael La Ronn’s work, check out AuthorLevelUp.com. Stay tuned for the next part of this conversation on standing on stage, both virtually and in-person, and making the most of those opportunities.
Introduction
At the outset, Matty and Michael discuss Michael’s experience in the indie author world and his numerous appearances on the podcast. They emphasize the importance of professionalism and the valuable resources authors can access on Michael's platforms, including AuthorLevelUp.com and his YouTube channel.
From Page to Platform
The primary theme of this episode is centered on Matty and Michael's recent book, "From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker." The book explores how authors can make the transition from writing to public speaking and how this can help elevate their visibility and credibility.
How Did the Book Come About?
Their collaboration began at a Writer’s Digest annual conference in New York City, where both were speaking on different topics. Over drinks, they discussed their shared experiences in public speaking, which led to the idea of writing a book together. This spontaneous conversation blossomed into a fruitful partnership, resulting in the book.
Speaker Opportunities: Not Just the Usual Suspects
Matty and Michael delve into various speaking opportunities beyond the standard author talks, such as interviews, podcasts, panels, and author readings.
Interviews as Speaking Engagements
Matty and Michael stress the importance of interviews and podcasts as a starting point for building a speaking career. Michael advises starting small and working with the equipment you already have, eventually investing in better gear as you grow. He emphasizes the critical nature of making a good first impression in these interviews to engage the audience and potentially promote your book or platform.
The Importance of Making It a Conversation
Both speakers agree that maintaining a conversational tone during interviews is essential. They caution against being overly scripted or rigid in interviews, advocating for a balance between preparation and flexibility. This approach, they argue, is not only effective for interviews but also for other speaking engagements such as public talks where adaptability and interaction with the audience are crucial.
Participation on Panels
Panel discussions come with their own set of challenges and opportunities. Michael recommends following basic manners reminiscent of lessons from "Sesame Street"—sharing your speaking time, being concise, and adding unique insights to the discussion. Matty adds that being a good panelist also means fulfilling your role adequately and respecting the time allotted to you.
Author Readings
Author readings present another underutilized opportunity for authors to engage with their audience. Matty suggests following the guidelines provided by organizers, especially regarding time limits, and practicing to ensure you can deliver your reading within the allotted time. Practicing allows you to give the audience time to absorb your words, rather than rushing through your material.
In-Person or Virtual? What Attracts You More?
The conversation transitions to the logistical and personal preferences that influence whether to pursue in-person or virtual events. Virtual events, widely adopted due to COVID-19, offer flexibility and reach but require the same level of professionalism as in-person events. Michael points out that virtual events have made it easier for speakers to start their careers and reach a global audience.
Treat Virtual Events as Professionally as In-Person Events
Despite the convenience of virtual events, Matty and Michael warn against treating them with less seriousness than in-person events. Ensuring high-quality presentations and mastering the platform’s functionalities are crucial for maintaining professionalism and creating a good impression.
Investing to Ensure an Excellent Experience
Michael suggests that for paid virtual engagements, hiring an assistant to help manage the technical aspects and audience interaction can be a wise investment. This not only enhances the audience's experience but also increases the likelihood of being invited back for future opportunities.
Building Long-Term Relationships
Matty highlights the importance of capitalizing on initial speaking opportunities by building lasting relationships with organizers and audiences. Professionalism and thorough preparation can lead to repeated invitations and new engagements.
Steps to Make Opportunities Available
Michael’s advice for aspiring speakers boils down to putting a hundred percent effort into every engagement, treating every audience with respect, and providing valuable content. By mastering the fundamentals of public speaking and providing unique "golden nuggets" of wisdom, speakers can stand out and create a memorable experience for their audiences.
Conclusion
This week’s episode offers valuable insights for authors looking to expand their speaking careers, covering a range of ways to engage audiences, whether through interviews, panels, or readings. Michael's practical tips and Matty’s shared experiences provide a well-rounded guide for authors aiming to succeed as public speakers.
Call to Action
For more resources and to learn more about Michael La Ronn’s work, check out AuthorLevelUp.com. Stay tuned for the next part of this conversation on standing on stage, both virtually and in-person, and making the most of those opportunities.
