Finding the career that’s a fit for you is no longer just about what you can do. Make no mistake, proving yourself is important. But if you really want to take the reins of your career, then establishing a personal brand can be a big part of that. Whether you want to start a business or you want to work a flexible career with plenty of opportunities, making an impact as an individual can make a big difference. Nowadays, people are finding that speaking opportunities are one of the best ways to do that. So, how do you say what you need to say that will make a difference?

Finding events

Of course, spotting those opportunities is the most important part of the whole process. Nowadays, there are many different ways to do it. If you have some clout or experience in your field, then a trade show or expo could be the place to try and find a spot. Online opportunities like webinars are more accessible, too, but not always as visible. You can set up your own event, too, if you have a large enough network. It takes a lot of organizing though. You need more than the right venue and audio equipment setup. You need to think about where you’re going to host the information online, how you’re going to get invites out, any other speakers to invite, and a whole social media campaign. However, if there’s a gap in your industry for some real talk on issues that matter to consumers or other business owners, setting up such an event could be a major claim to fame for you.

Have something to say

Naturally, there’s no context without content. Finding speaking opportunities only works so long as you have something to say. If that’s not true of you, then you might want to take out the time to be more mindful of your career and your environments. Could you find insights on how cooperation and company culture works in your industry? Could you make a case study out of past experiences to shed some light on truths that aren’t being confronted? Do you have some ideas on how you could improve the business you own or work in that could apply to the industry at large? If you have put the hours in, you probably have the right ideas somewhere in your mind. You just need to format them and make sure they appeal to your audience.

Say it the right way

The delivery matters as much as the material, of course. Practising public speaking is crucial. You might feel like you just naturally exude charisma and confidence but even the most unshakeable of individuals have a wobble on stage. You are never truly safe from them, especially if you make speaking opportunities a big part of your personal brand. But joining groups like Toastmasters gives you more than the opportunity to practice your skills. It gives you the chance to get used to things like flubs and moments of selective amnesia on stage. It takes a very specific form of confidence to get used to delivering talks and most people aren’t born with that talent, they develop it.

Again, finding and creating speaking opportunities to connect with an interested audience has all kinds of benefits. It establishes you as an expert, builds your network, and helps you control your personal brand. Just make sure you actually know what you’re talking about. In today’s ever-connected society, going out of your depth can blow up in your face in the space of 140 characters, the time it takes to launch a tweet.