From Magician to Speaker Part 5
By Quentin Reynolds

Last issue we looked at becoming an expert in your field.  I showed you how simple it would be for a layman to become an apparent expert on magic - at least on an intellectual level.

However we're not talking about you becoming an 'expert' at something you know nothing about. Rather about you becoming a real expert on something you already have at least some expertise in.

But the real point I wanted to make is that you probably have more expertise in your potential topic than you realise.

The really good speakers walk their talk. Not only have they the intellectual knowledge but also the practical knowledge from real world - in the trenches - experience.

Professional speakers make their incomes from many sources.

The keynote speech tends to be the highest paid, generally 50 - 60 minutes. At an industry convention this would usually be the opening and closing spots. The first professional speaker I saw live was Rita Davenport at the Balloon Decorator's Convention back in 1991. She was the first event and got the convention off to a flying start. A keynote is given in the main auditorium
to all the attendees. The main purpose of a keynote is to set a tone and provide motivation and inspiration.

(Unfortunately keynote speakers are not booked for magic conventions. A pity because a really good speaker can literally shake you emotionally. Figuring out how to do this with your own
magic perfromances would be a worthwhile exercise).

Breakout sessions. A number of sessions talk place at the same time, usually each concentrating on a particlar skill or interest. At a magic convention you might have three breakout sessions
running concurrently, one on balloon twisting, one on ventriloquism and the third on performing in restaurants. The breakout session concentrates more on providing information.

Workshops to develop specific skills. These can vary from half-day to multi-day training.

Sales meetings. This is more like a mini-keynote to a specific group of people for a specific purpose.

Consulting and coaching with companies and individuals.

Product sales. Books, CDs, DVDs, manuals, courses.

After-dinner speaking. This is usually pure entertainment with about 95% humour and 5% message.

In a later part we'll look at how some speakers use their talks purely to get business and not as the business itself, and how you as a magician can use speaking to get you more shows.

© Quentin Reynolds. Quentin Reynolds works as both magician and speaker.
You can read about one of his programs at http://www.PsychicGameShow.com

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