How to build thought leadership through speaking

- I've spoken at more than 50 high-level industry events. Here's my cheat sheet on how you can get started with public speaking. Step one, identify your specialization and topics. Find three to five things that only you can talk about with a very specific angle. Step two, find industry events happening near you. Start small or medium; don't just jump to the big leagues. Step three, pitch to these events. Most events, start looking for speakers three to five months in advance. Get to know the organizers and don't be disappointed if you don't hear back from 80% of the events. Once you're in, find out the details. Is it paid or unpaid? How long should the talk be? How should you dress? Do you need to travel? And a pro tip is that if an event wants you to pay to speak, it's not legit. Step five, this is the exciting part. Now you get to prep for your talk. Of course, work on your content but don't forget to work on your delivery. Make rehearsals a part of your writing process. Take the feedback from the rehearsal and put it back to make your writing stronger. Rehearse with people you know, people you don't know. Rehearse on camera. Record yourself and analyze yourself on your posture, your energy, and your body language. The idea is to become the most impactful version of yourself for that stage.