When I mentioned what topics I can discuss in a public setting, I wasn’t looking for people to rush right up and start booking me for speaking engagements. It was merely a casual conversation I was having with the readers of this blog. I was essentially saying, I can talk on a wide and diverse set of topics. That being said, I believe in the “speak what you know” mantra.

For example, I won’t ever become a public speaker on a topic like economics. I don’t know much about economics, so I wouldn’t be qualified, nor would I attempt to be qualified, to speak on this topic. While I’m sure there are groups of people who clamor for a great economic-based speaker, I am not one of them nor do I understand this audience. I can only speak on topics that I know about and those with which I have personal experience.

Within the broad list of topics I mentioned on my previous blog post, I understand that I would have to come up with specific discussion topics and a niche for each. I get I have to sell myself and what I am talking about, because I’ve been in the public speaking arena since I was 10 years old. I know that nobody is going to listen to you if they don’t find the topic worthwhile, engaging, and possibly even relatable. Nobody wants to hear a dry, boring speech that has no value or purpose. I get that. This is where the “Speak What they Want” part comes in.

If I’m speaking at a convention where the topic is child abuse, I’m not going to talk about being transgendered. It has no place in the speech unless it directly relates to being abused because I was transgendered. People don’t want to hear what you’re saying if it doesn’t relate to the topic that is to be discussed. Still, you can’t speak only what people want. If someone wanted me to talk about how I think child abuse is okay in some households because it really isn’t abuse, it’s corporal punishment, I would turn down the speaking engagement. I’m not so desperate to become a public speaker that I’m willing to talk about any old topic, especially those that I don’t believe are true or viable to my life or perspective.

So, I guess what I’m saying is that when you speak what you know and it relates to the topic on which you’re supposed to speak then you’re going to be speaking what they want. The audience will be receptive to you and your story. You can’t not speak what you know because then you look like you’re unprepared, uneducated and unqualified to truly speak on the topics your public speaking engagements cover.

That being said, this could also apply to blogging. How many guys/girls do you see out there writing a blog on a topic they don’t know anything about? Sure, plenty of bloggers write about what they think will be interesting to their audience. I wouldn’t blog or give a speech if I didn’t think the audience would be receptive to the message. That’s just common sense.

Technorati Tags: public speaking, Dominick Evans, blog post, speak what you know, what they want, audience, topics

I want to get back into public speaking. I feel I have a story to tell. I have plenty of experience in the following categories:

-disability
-inspiration
-the arts
-comedy
-GLBT issues/issues of gender identity
-overcoming abuse
-overcoming obstacles in general
-non-traditional religion

I’m not sure where exactly to start. Travel seems like it will be an issue for the time being, unless I have paid travel. It would be worth it though, to get some local experience and re-build up a portfolio.

So, if you’re in Michigan or anywhere else, and want me to speak at your event, gathering, etc. I’m the guy for you. Feel free to contact me. I know what I’m doing. I have years of experience to prove it!

Technorati Tags: public speaking, GLBT, inspiration, Michigan, disability, speaking, public experience, talk, event, schedule