Be the Authority, Expert, and Thought Leader

When you think of famous people, whether it's King Henry VIII, Mother Teresa, or Justin Bieber, you instinctively recognize them for their unique qualities and contributions to the world. Each of them had a distinct brand that set them apart. Surprisingly, all famous people are presenters in some way, whether through acting, policymaking, advocacy, or performing.

"The stage is the platform for experts."

As a public speaking coach, I unintentionally became an authority, expert, and thought leader in my field. I embarked on a journey of teaching and training others to become confident public speakers. Through consistent effort, including workshops, a website, and regular blogging, I began to receive speaking requests. Even in the age of social media dominance, public speaking remains one of the most effective ways to establish your name and brand. Why? Because the more you speak, the more you and your audience can promote your brand on social media.

With the rise of virtual events, public speaking is not limited to in-person gatherings. It has become a powerful platform for experts, trainers, and educators. After all, speakers are, in essence, educators themselves.

In this blog post, I'll share a 4-step process for both novice and experienced speakers to position themselves as authorities, experts, and thought leaders. By following these steps, you'll enhance your brand, build trust, and attract more clients.

Step 1: Develop Your Signature Talk

First and foremost, every expert must have a signature talk. If you don't already have one, create it! It's normal to refine it over time through practice and experience. My journey involved multiple iterations before my signature talk reached its current state. Failures along the way are valuable lessons that can help you improve and fine-tune your content.

So, get out there and start speaking as soon as possible. Don't be afraid to stumble a bit; it's all part of the learning process (see step 3).

Step 2: Establish Your Online Presence as an Authority

Your online presence speaks volumes about your expertise. Maintain a website where you can regularly share your knowledge through blogging, podcasting, and/or vlogging which not only showcases your expertise but also positions you as an authority and thought leader.

Here are three ways to maximize the reach of your blog, podcast, and videos:

• Share a link to your content on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.
• Transform your content into engaging videos where you can share them on different platforms
• Publish your blog posts directly on LinkedIn and share them in relevant groups.

There are numerous social media management tools. I like the ones from App Sumo because they have the best deals. 

Step 3: Start Speaking, Even if You're Unknown

How do you start speaking when nobody knows you? Begin by hosting your own in person or virtual events with a small group of trusted friends who can provide feedback. This approach worked for me, and it can work for you too.

Kickstart your journey with a workshop attended by about 10 friends. Their positive feedback will boost your confidence and motivate you to continue. While it might seem ambitious to hold frequent events, it's worth it. Consistency can quickly establish you as an authority, expert, and thought leader.

Step 4: Effectively Market Your Events

When organizing your own events, you need a strategy for capturing contact information and promoting them. Whether it's through your website or platforms like Eventbrite, make registration easy.

Here are some marketing tips:

• Begin by inviting friends to your first event for valuable feedback.
• Use this opportunity as a test run.
• Collect written feedback and testimonials for future promotions.
• Promote your events across various social media platforms.
• Cultivate your email list and utilize email marketing tools for promotion.
• Embrace repetition in promoting your events; it reinforces your authority.

Remember that it's not just about the number of attendees. It's about consistently promoting your events, which establishes your reputation as an authority, expert, and thought leader.

In your journey, expect to make mistakes and learn from them. Keep this in mind for inspiration:

"Commitment is stronger than expectations."

Set your goals, but focus on your commitment rather than fixating on outcomes. This approach will bring you a higher level of satisfaction on your path to becoming an authority, expert, and thought leader. Now, it's your turn to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! How has public speaking helped you position yourself as an authority and expert in your field?