Because AI has put a major crimp in my earning capacity as a professional wordsmith, I’m segueing from copy, content, and features writing and editing to one-to-one virtual-teaching of public speaking to panicky presenters. In the future, I may turn it into a Udemy course so I can teach more than one-on-one, but for now, I’m starting one-to-one. Doing so will help me iron out any rough patches and let me know where I need to add to, or massage, my teaching.
AI is still in its infancy when it comes to the written word — especially (sales) copywriting — but early adopters (most new startups) are apparently going that route to see if it can gain them any traction. It will take them a while to figure out that only a human soul can convince other souls to invest in their companies by trying their products and services, and I can’t wait around for that to happen. My savings account is shrinking and I want to keep contributing to the greater good of entrepreneurs and others whose products, services or ideas help make the world a better place.
And I’ve noticed lots of people reaching out on LinkedIn looking for public speaking coaches/teachers since I wrote STAGE COACH a couple months ago. The positive response from beta readers (nervous presenters all) that my book did indeed help them (Jo Essensa recently won a Certificate of Participation for a speech she gave after reading my book), so I feel confident that I can use the book as an introduction to my one-to-one public speaking coaching option.
Two years ago I, too, was a panicky presenter (although I was such a good actor that very few people could tell). That’s the main reason I started the EVER NEW podcast and ran it for a year and a half: to get past the anxiety of being “front and center” in a public way. Of course, the other (public) reason was to share my many interactions with my friend and mentor, actor DeForest Kelley, with a legion of his fans. But the chief (personal) reason is that I wanted to get over being voiceless except on paper/in writing. (“Writing is show business for shy people.”)
EVER NEW helped me do that. Now I enjoy public speaking immensely.
And I want to help others get where I am: confident and happy to share what they feel compelled to share.
So, that’s my new mission. Lisa is putting the final touches on the STAGE COACH: My Prescription for Panicky Presenters cover as I type this. The book will be my official “intro” to folks who are looking for someone to help them become confident public speakers.
Wish me well! And if you know of anyone who’s looking for a virtual coach to become a better speaker, please let them know about me!
Thank you!
