Part of the writers gig is public speaking. You may aspire to this or you may shun it, but regardless, you the author will upon occasion be asked to make an oral presentation. When you do, be sure to record it.
Just as you need to save everything you write and keep all your edits, you should also record every speech and public presentation.
Here are the benefits:
- You can listen to yourself and gain ideas on how to improve.
- You might want to post your speech—or part of it—on your website, blog, or podcast sites.
- It would be a great reference tool if you ever need to give that presentation again.
- It might be the basis for a future work. Just transcribe it and your rough draft is done.
As a rough rule and depending on your rate of speaking, a one-hour recording contains 10,000 to 15,000 words. If you use a speech for a future book, that’s a lot of words!
If the venue is recording your speech, then it is easy to get a copy. If they aren’t set up for that, you can do it yourself. Just buy a digital recorder from an office supply store and a lapel microphone. Before you get up to speak turn the recorder on, and when you are done, turn it off. You now have a digital recording that you can use as needed.
Even if you are in the majority of writers who eschew public speaking, know that it will happen and that you will be better for the experience, so why not record your words—you never know when they might come in handy.
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.
