How Public Speaking Can Boost Your PR Efforts

Public speaking is a powerful way for thought leaders to stand out from the crowd.

How can PR pros and communicators leverage speaking opportunities to help clients get more visibility for themselves and their brands? In this episode of PR Explored I talked with guest Tricia Richards-Service, founder of I Need a Speaker, which helps organizations and event planners find the right speaker for their events.

Overview: 

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes Tricia Richard Service, founder of I Need a Speaker, to discuss how public speaking can enhance public relations efforts.

The conversation delves into the creation and benefits of I Need a Speaker, guidelines for effective public speaking, and how organizations can strategically utilize speakers to boost their PR programs.

Tricia offers practical tips for potential speakers, including the importance of practice, clear messaging, and working closely with communications teams. The episode also covers advice for organizations seeking speakers and the value of compensating speakers appropriately.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:31 The Birth of ‘I Need a Speaker’

01:16 How ‘I Need a Speaker’ Works

02:19 The Value of Diverse Speakers

04:12 Public Speaking and PR Programs

07:06 Maximizing Speaking Opportunities

11:37 Choosing the Right Events

23:32 The Importance of Practice and Feedback

29:05 Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

29:49 The Importance of Preparation

30:12 Avoiding Off-the-Cuff Remarks

33:22 Handling Media Interviews

36:13 Engaging with Your Comms Team

40:05 Advice for Event Planners

46:11 Speaker Compensation and Expectations

49:46 Final Thoughts and Resources

Show notes:

I Need a Speaker: https://www.ineedaspeaker.com/

Tricia Richard-Service on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciarichardsservicephd/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.