Best of 2017: Top 10 most-read articles from SpeakerHub
2017 has been an exciting year for SpeakerHub, between launching SkillCamp, the World of Speakers podcast, and a handful of great new tools for speakers and event organizers, this has been an incredible year.
We couldn’t have done it without all of our speakers, collaborators, guests, and partners— we are so grateful.
There have been so many highlights, but instead of sharing a braggy-type post about how well we think we are doing, we’d like to share with you the articles from our blog and SkillCamp that were visited the most times in 2017 with the hopes you will also find them useful and interesting.
We hope they will help you continue to build your speaking business and reach some amazingly impactful stages in 2018!
Top 10 most-read articles from SpeakerHub
#10: 21 insightful questions to ask when moderating your next panel discussion (plus some great tips on creating your own)
Your questions can spark a great discussion that will leave audiences both informed and entertained, so make sure you know what you want to ask before you get on stage. Here are 21 questions you could ask just about any panel to get it started, or in case you run through all your questions quickly and the conversation grinds to a halt.
Link: 21 insightful questions to ask when moderating your next panel discussion (plus some great tips on creating your own)
#9: A guide to negotiating your speaking fee
This guide will break down why doing your research about the event and your needs is a pre-negotiation essential, setting your walkaway terms, how to make the event organizer want you before you even talk price, 5 effective negotiating tactics and how to walk away with extras. Basically, everything you need to know before walking into a speaking fee negotiation.
Link: A guide to negotiating your speaking fee
#8: 6 ideas for moderating engaging panel discussions
Discussion panels can go one of two ways: they are either enlightening and provocative, or they are really rather boring. The audience is there to learn and the moderator’s role is to engage both the audience and the panel, by creating an engaging and educational atmosphere. So, how do you keep your panel discussion bright and lively?
Link: 6 ideas for moderating engaging panel discussions
#7: 5 Ways to keep your speakers on time
Although most speakers love the freedom of a hands-off approach from the event organiser, it is important for the overall conference that the sessions are on schedule. Here are some foolproof ways to make sure your speakers stay on time.
Link: 5 Ways to keep your speakers on time
#6: 8 Storytelling techniques to use on stage
From scientists to social media gurus, the experts agree that storytelling is one of the very best ways for the human brain to process and store information. There is no one way to tell a story. In fact, there are dozens of ways to creatively spin a tale, and the different techniques can aid your talk in a variety of ways. Here are 8 techniques.
Link: 8 Storytelling techniques to use on stage
#5. 21 Smartphone apps for presenters
Whether you're getting up in front of a class at your child’s next “Bring-your-parent-to-school” day or giving a TED Talk, there's an app that will help you get ready to take the stage. Although none of the apps can get up on stage and do the presentation for you, the 21 tools we list in this article will help you practice and refine, getting you to the point where you can deliver great talks.
Link: 21 Smartphone apps for presenters
#4. Presenting around the world: Cross-cultural humour guide
Used skillfully, humour can help establish an instant rapport with your audience. It can help drive home key points or messages, and information relayed with humour is more likely to be remembered. But be careful. Humour can also confuse, befuddle, or even offend your audience, especially while presenting to people from a different culture. Although non-exhaustive, this quick culture guide should give you a good idea of what is a go and what is a no in some major cultures from around the world.
Link: Presenting around the world: Cross-cultural humour guide
#3: The Essential Speaker Checklist
Link: The Essential Speaker Checklist
#2. 101 Quotes to inspire speakers
Link: 101 Quotes to inspire speakers
#1: Speaker One Sheet Template
Link: Speaker One Sheet Template
Once again, thank you.
To all our readers, speakers, contributors, and to those who took a moment to share or like our articles—we again want to say a big thank you!
We are excited about the new projects, articles, interviews, and resources we have lined up for 2018, and are looking forward to sharing more about them with you soon. In the meantime, if you have ideas or comments, we would love to hear them, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Happy 2018!