We’ve been working our way through a series on Making Money as a Writer. Today, we’re talking about a strategy that many writers want to avoid entirely… but it’s one that can lead to all sorts of interesting opportunities. I’m talking about speaking.

If you, like many writers, label yourself an introvert, you probably think of speaking as something you’d want to avoid. It involves interaction with groups or crowds, standing up in front to deliver a talk, engaging with strangers, and maybe traveling.

As an introvert myself, all of those things drain my energy. For years, I tried not to admit to myself that they do, but it’s true. There are certain activities that, no matter how valuable they might be, simply drain my emotional batteries.

However, that doesn’t mean you should avoid them. It just means you need to take advantage of those opportunities strategically and prepare for them accordingly.

Speaking can be a great way to get in front of groups to test out ideas. You can meet lots of new and interesting people that you otherwise might not connect with. And, of course, you can build new customers, clients, readers, or fans through those speaking opportunities.

I come from the worlds of church ministry and higher education, so I was regularly speaking in front of groups on a daily or weekly basis as part of the job. But as a ghostwriter and author, I haven’t spent nearly as much time speaking. And honestly, it’s not really part of my business strategy right now.

However, that doesn’t mean YOU shouldn’t consider it. Since the pandemic, the world has opened up a lot more and people are hungry for in-person events. If you’re just getting started with speaking, I recommend doing some local events for free. Try business groups, your library, or church events if you’re a person of faith. Or just invite some friends for coffee and do a short presentation. It doesn’t matter HOW you start… it just matters THAT you start.

You might be surprised at how much you enjoy speaking once you get into it. Even though this might not be your primary strategy right now, it can be a great addition to what you’re already offering.

Question: Do you like the idea of getting into speaking? Do you feel it’s something that would give you energy or drain your battery?