Where are Public Speakers Needed?
Being comfortable with the act of public speaking is a huge asset in both social and corporate settings. Because most individuals have an innate (if often unfounded) fear of being in front of a crowd those who excel at speech making are much sought-after and can actually make a living off their abilities to inform, entertain, challenge, and/or “move” an audience.Though there are plenty of places where effective public speakers are highly prized, a few of the more common areas are listed below:
Communications Departments – Larger corporations often have the need for public speakers to give lengthy or detailed talks to employees or the media. What they look for in public speaking candidates are individuals who can naturally engage a crowd, answer questions (including tough ones) with ease, and succinctly make points.
Media Consultants – Some companies do not have the budget for communications departments (noted above), but still need someone to act as a conduit between them and the press/public. Thus, media consultants with expertise (and publication contacts) can handle this task on behalf of clientele.
Educational Institutions – Many schools and universities relish hiring educators who are also outstanding public speakers. Why? The hiring personnel at these institutions know that holding a teaching degree doesn’t necessarily mean the educator has the ability to publicly speak.
Event Planning Organisations – When individuals and companies require a public speaker for a corporate or social celebration or meeting, the first place they turn is often an event planning organisation. Many such places keep a list of strong public speakers (all of whom have expertise in different “topic areas”) and consequently operate as “brokers”, placing speech makers into speaking situations for a fee.
Training Departments/Organisations – Exceptional public speakers are frequently plucked up by training departments or professional training organisations, even if the speakers don’t have the background or credentials to instruct the information they’ll eventually teach! This is due to the fact that many companies believe data can be learned, but being good “on stage” is an innate talent.
Television and Radio Stations – TV and radio stations are awash with public speaking professionals. After all, most of these folks spend a good deal of time addressing others. (Even though radio personnel aren’t always “behind the scenes”, many are expected to be visible to publicise their stations or programmes.)
Non-profit Agencies – Some nonprofits hire public speakers to help them emcee fundraising events or simply be the “voice” for their organisation. They know that even if the public speaker isn’t a member of their group, he or she can still be a huge asset as a positive “mouthpiece” or activist.
Sales Departments/Agencies – A good salesperson who is a phenomenal public speaker is bound to get more clients than one who cannot address a crowd. Hence, selling professionals who also promote themselves as expert speech makers (and can back up those claims), can command first-rate salaries.
Religious Organisations – There are quite a number of great public speakers associated with religious organisations throughout the world. Chances are they have become leaders in their spiritual fields because they have the intrinsic ability to connect with others on a meaningful level.
Political Organisations – Finally, let us not forget to mention that politics and public speaking go hand-in-hand. Most well-known politicians have (or had) the ability to rouse an audience.
