I see these labels all of the time. I especially see them a lot on LinkedIn. There are groups which are called one or the other, or a mix! How would you label yourself? (Perhaps you’re a mutt!!)
There are a lot of opinions on this question. I see speakers referred to as one or the other all of the time. What led me to write about it is this: I don’t think they are interchangeable terms. Now, you may disagree with me, but let me share how I define each. Then let me know how you define them and if you think there is a difference.
I consider a public speaker as someone who speaks occasionally and typically does not receive a fee. Perhaps an honorarium, but not a fee. I don’t consider an honorarium a fee. Another point you may argue. An honorarium is something that is usually a small payment made on occasion. I think politicians are public speakers. Some executives are public speakers. Chairpersons of foundations, executives of all shapes and sizes may be public speakers.
I consider a professional speaker as someone who speaks for a fee and does so as part of the way they make a living. The key here to me – speaking is a fee-based activity – received on a consistent basis.
Someone may be a public speaker who seeks out training through a group like Toastmasters. Toastmasters is a terrific resource for speakers at any level in their career. I love them! I consider it the “Off Broadway” of speaking. Many professionals like to go to meetings to try out new material. It is a great place to get thoughtful, well-considered feedback.
Toastmasters is a real mix. You find professionals, people who are there just to learn to upgrade presentation skills. Perhaps they speak within their company for work. You’ll find company executives, politicians (who really need it!), people who speak professionally, lawyers, butchers, bakers and candlestick makers!
Regardless of how you label yourself, you need to be in the business of continual improvement. I encourage young people to take communications, debate or public speaking in school if they can. I wish it was a requirement. It will serve them well regardless of career.
Next question – how to go from public to professional speaker? One word answer … SPEAK! Speak anywhere and everywhere you can. Get testimonials each time you do. I don’t even care if you get paid at first. You need the practice and exposure.
Then your job is to leverage those testimonials into paid engagements. People who read your testimonials don’t know whether you got paid or not. After you have been paid a consistent fee over an amount of time I think you have transitioned into a professional speaker. Congratulations! Welcome to the hardest job you’ll ever love.
So, public or professional. Which are you? Do you think there is a difference in the way we define each?
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Copyright 2012, Lois Creamer. Lois Creamer works with professional speakers who want to book more business, make more money and avoid costly mistakes! She can be reached in the following ways:
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