I remember being booked for my first author presentation over 4-years ago and how nervous I was. My knees literally were knocking, or rather I guess I should say, they felt like wobbly noodles. Butterflies flew about wildly in my stomach and the minute I approached the podium I felt this huge cotton ball invade my mouth. And yet, I was so excited to be there and tell my story. After I was done and driving home, I felt a high I have never felt before. I was on cloud nine and so proud I had done my first ever speaking gig.
One of the keys to doing a good presentation is being prepared. You also need to practice, practice, practice. When preparing for your presentation you want to think about your audience and ask yourself this question, “What’s in it for them?” Even though we all want to sell books and share our message, we have to first and foremost consider our audience.
When preparing your presentation you will want to break it down in the following way:
- Introduction/break the ice with the audience
- The “meat and potatoes” of your talk
- Summary and ending on a high note
- Q & A
Great advice!
Thanks.
Glad you found it helpful, Gwendolyn.
Excellent advice Barbara. I might add, that If you have a book of your own to sell and promote, I would also suggest you go in costume if at all possible. When I do school visits with my Aussie books, I walk in singing Waltzing Matilda. I also wear a cork adorned hobo hat, and I have my “swag’ on a pole over my shoulder. THAT sure gets their attention, mate.
Margot’s Magic Carpet
Books With a WOW Factor
http://perfectmagiccarpet.blogspot.com/
I do an excellent job when I do an excellent job! Thanks for reminding me to practice so I will always be excellent!
Love it, Karen- so true!
Barbara, great information, mate. Very helpful. And if you have a book of your own to sell or promote, try arriving in costume if at all possible. Or as one of your characters. When I do school visits for my Aussie books, I enter the class singing Waltzing Matilda. I wear a wide brimmed cork trimmed Aussie hobo hat (keeps the outback flies away), and carry my “swag” on a pole over my shoulder. Boy, does that get their attention ASAP.
They all want to know about the song, the hat and the swag. Sort of breaks the ice and gets the kids and teachers laughing. I usually add a few aboriginal artifacts as well, just for the fun of it.
Coming as a character from your book, or bringing things that relate to your characters or the plot, is a great way to HOOK kid interest.
Margot’s Magic Carpet
Books With a WOW Factor
http://perfectmagiccarpet.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing Margot- I’ll bet that gets their attention!! Very fun and that is what it is all about.