Effectively working with public speaking bureaus and organizations is essential if you are embarking on a career that involves public speaking or planning a speech for your next event. Public speaking associations can give you the resources you need to give quality presentations on your own or find a professional speaker.

To reap the rewards of working with public speaking bureaus and organizations, learn to use their resources to their full advantage. Here are some ways to work with public speaking agencies:

1. Use the right search methods to find a professional through a speakers association.

2. Get tools for speaking effectively and giving a presentation that will wow your audience.

3. Find resources about growing a career that involves public speaking.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the right speaker with help from public speaking organizations

Many speakers associations can help you connect with a professional speaker for your next event or presentation. Before searching for a speaker, make sure you narrow down the topic to find the right speaker for the job. Make sure the organization screens its speakers and stands behind its recommendations. Once you've found some speakers to choose from, check out their backgrounds and get references from previous clients.

I recommend: The National Speakers Association has a search feature to find an expert speaker in your area to speak on topics you select. The Walters International Speakers Bureau allows you to search by topic, industry or speaker to find the perfect speaker for your event.

Get help with your next presentation from an organization for public speaking

When you choose to give a speech or presentation yourself -- or have an employee do it -- speakers associations can provide assistance. They have tips for preparation and technical advice to make the presentation a hit.

I recommend: Tech4Speakers provides information and tutorials on spicing up PowerPoint presentations. Toastmasters International is a leading organization that helps businesses and individuals give effective speeches. They provide techniques and resources to help with speeches and presentations.

Join a professional speakers association

Professional speakers associations offer membership services that include articles, newsletters, classes and events. To get the most out of a professional association, sign up for literature and make sure you can attend some events.

I recommend: The International Association of Speakers Bureaus and the Connected International Meeting Planners Association are trade associations that offer resources for public speaking professionals who sign up for membership. The Advanced Public Speaking Institute offers an ezine that gives tips for speeches and marketing your services. The American Speakers Bureau provides a free newsletter with ideas, trends and news.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do some research before joining speaking groups. Make sure the group offers relevant information and holds events that you are able to attend.

Public speaking associations are a group of passionate professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. They are a source of support, networking and solutions for public speaking. Bureaus help members build referral systems so you can expand your client service list. You also reach a wider audience and generate more revenue.

Public speaking bureaus and organizations link you to workshops and seminars. You exchange thoughts about the industry, gain ideas, advice and inspiration. You open yourself up to new job opportunities and build lifelong friendships. As a result of member benefits, your professional development and public speaking skills are fine-tuned. Consider:

1. Using public speaking organizations to grow as a professional in the industry.

2. Reviewing various membership levels.

3. Taking advantage of educational, networking and job opportunities offered by speaking groups.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join speaking bureaus to meet and collaborate with peers while growing professionally

Speaking bureaus range from international groups to statewide or local organizations, all with one goal in mind: to advance the public speaking industry.

I recommend: Advanced Public Speaking Institute links you to public speaking organizations, bureaus and services. The Connected International Meeting Professionals Association (CIMPA) connects public speakers through meetings and events. Register for a conference or event online. American Seminar Leaders Association (ASLA) strives for the highest standards of ethics and quality in the seminar business. It's open to anyone entering or already in the public speaking industry. Become a seminar leader online.

Pay annual dues to belong to speaking bureaus

Public speaking agencies' dues usually range depending on the membership level. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment you are willing to give.

I recommend: International Group of Agencies and Bureaus (IGAB) is a speakers association made up of speaker bureaus and agencies. Members come from all over the world and participate in continued professional development. They also stick to the highest level of professional standards. Print the membership form, complete it and return to IGAB. National Speakers Association, Northern California Chapter (NSA/NC) is a group of trainers, professional speakers and educators who speak to audiences of all levels. NSA/NC inspires people through education, example and community. Contact NSA/NC for membership information.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining public speaking agencies

When you join speaking organizations, you gain access to industry information, presentation skills training, marketing training, certification and business management training.

I recommend: The National Speakers Association (NSA) is the top association for professional speakers. NSA provides resources and education to promote the integrity, skills and value of members. Members include people from a variety of industries. Members can attend a variety of seminars and conventions to further their professional growth. Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) has 11 chapters throughout Canada. The group's goal is to promote the professionalism and profile of its members. Member benefits include numerous video conferences and events. Buy books on hosting a successful webinar through the CAPS website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make use of all the resources available at your professional speakers association to advance your career.

Vibrant speakers motivate, persuade and inform audiences on a daily basis, but their words of wisdom last long after the leader adjourns the meeting only if you’ve selected the right organization for public speaking. There are numerous public speaking agencies representing thousands of speakers, so an informative source with ratings, advice and testimonials can help you focus on the best available. These sources will also assist those who would like to start a career in public speaking.

An organization for public speaking displays biographies of their clients and a list of possible topics. The fees for professional speakers start at a few hundred dollars while the famous charge thousands of dollars for a presentation. A good website will narrow your choices to fit an available budget.

1. Start with a motivational speakers bureau if your audience needs some inspiration to improve the bottom line.

2. A professional speaker bureau can book a worldwide expert on banking or a comedian depending on your goals for each presentation.

3. Schedule a dynamic speaker and the enthusiasm for the next employee conference will increase exponentially.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research the ratings published in reputable periodicals on public speaking organizations

Individuals with experience in the government, the military, business or a comfortable home share their knowledge with audiences to earn millions by contracting with the best public speaking agencies. Others in charge of producing effective programs for an organization will also find many resources through the best public speaking associations. Clients represented by the big bureaus present fascinating talks on the Amazon jungle or selling books on Amazon.com.

I recommend: American Speaker's Bureau represents many clients who can talk on many topics at a wide range of prices for various purposes. Get tips and advice on booking professional speakers from their blog. See what clients have to say about Bigspeak,an agency that handles speakers from The Blue Man Group to Jay Leno.

Hire speakers from public speaking associations with solid credentials in their field

Eloquent and enthusiastic speakers motivate audiences with their words and presentations. One of the stars from an elite speakers association is an expert available to speak about the current problems and trends in almost every field. Great speakers can inform your audience about the latest trends, provide information on the future in any field or warn them of possible problems.

I recommend: Advice and ratings on public speaking bureaus and organizations will lead you to the most eloquent and expert speakers for all occasions. The National Speakers Association has important information on finding and hiring an appropriate presenter. Speakers.com has a stable of speakers on many different topics. Consider comments, advice and recommendations on hiring a certified speaking professional.

Consult experts for advice on the best from a professional speakers association

Organizations with a big budget for special events will have hundreds of choices. There are numerous bureaus with speakers available for hire. Retired military people, celebrated educators, government officials and business leaders speak on the topic of your choice. Advice and ratings on public speaking bureaus and organizations should help you narrow the resources to the best speakers bureaus in the business.

I recommend: AnneBruce.com gives advice on choosing a valuable speaker for motivating and educating the people in any organization. The International Association of Business Communicators in San Francisco advises on choosing a speaker and provides notes on available speakers and a range of costs. The website also lists awards and honors earned by their organization and members.

Make it your business to know words related to the business of public speaking. Regardless of whether your role means presenting a speech or preparing the stage for the speaker, understanding public speaking bureaus and organizations key terms is imperative. Many words commonly associated with the field include autograph table, booking, emcee, keynote, podium and honorarium. Review the following words to gain a broader understanding of public speaking terminology.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Market exclusivity and exclusivity

Market exclusivity means a presenter or the organization representing the presenter limits her services to a particular market, markets or geographic area. Additionally, exclusivity can refer to the bureau that accepts holds for the presenter's calendar, the agency that establishes the commission rate for co-brokering bureaus, the agent representing a specific presenter, and other concepts related to a particular speaker.

I recommend: Find more information about market exclusivity and exclusivity at the International Association of Speakers Bureaus and also at Eileen McDargh Communications.

Holding room

Some industry professionals call the holding room a 'ready room' or 'hold out room.' Whatever the term used, the holding room allows speakers to review their slides, presentations or other materials, check their audio/visual equipment, practice their speech, and relax before they begin. Speakers bureaus, the convention industry and presenters organizations use the words holding room, ready room and hold out room interchangeably.

I recommend: Learn more about holding rooms at The Speakers Group, a site that features articles for speakers, meeting planners and other industry professionals.

Spin off

Spin off occurs when someone, usually an individual in the audience, hires the presenter to speak at another function. Spin off business may determine how often a speakers bureau books engagements for a presenter. Some industry professionals use the term spin off and repeat business interchangeably.

I recommend: Gain a better understanding of spin off from the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. Additionally, you can contact the Baltimore Worldwide Speakers Bureau, an organization that prides itself in helping speakers generate spin off business.

Dais

The word 'dais' refers to an elevated platform, riser or stage on which the speaker stands. Additionally, dais, pronounced day-iss, refers to the elevated area that seats the head table at an event.

I recommend: See the word "dais" used in sentences at Premiere Speakers Bureau, All American Speakers, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association’s Outdoor Speakers Bureau.

Rider

'Rider' refers to a presenter's list of extras needed, such as audio/visual equipment, stage props or other items for the presentation. An organization may pair the word 'rider' with 'conference' or 'assembly' to indicate a list of necessary items.

I recommend: Contact Don Keady for more information about rider requirements.

Trade out

'Trade out' refers to swapping goods or services in exchange for the cost of a presentation. A trade out could represent all or a portion of the speaker's fees.

I recommend: Learn more about trade outs and other industry terms at AEI Speakers Bureau.