Presenting yourself well

May 21, 6:05 PMWriting ExaminerTiffany Colter

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Presentations are more than lectures

This is part three of the article series on getting readers to pick you. Article one laid the foundation for the importance of platform and article two taught how readers decide what book they'll read and what they'll ignore on the shelf. Understanding these foundational principles can help you build a marketing strategy. In this article we're going to move a step further and look at how we can proactively get the readers attention and lead them to our website or book.

When  a writer hears the word “presentation” it is likely one of two images come to mind: editor/agent appointments or public speaking. While it is true that these are the times when a writer might feel the most pressure to perform well, the reality is presentation opportunities are everywhere.

In reality we have an opportunity to present ourselves whenever we are out. Assuming you have a website you should have business cards made and offer them to people at every opportunity. If you’ve been a writer for any length of time you’ve had a conversation that went like this:

“So, what do you do?”

“I’m a writer.”

“Oh really! I’ve always thought I’d like to write a book about…”

This is when you have the chance to find out more about the person and offer them a business card. Remember, websites are there to help you build credibility and exposure [more on that in a future post] but having something that is no more than a week old at all times shows you’re serious. When you give that business card to someone you are making a direct contact. A chance to build relationship with the other person.

This has huge implications. It means you should always try to leave the house looking professional. That doesn’t mean 3 piece suits to the gym, but try to always wear something that you wouldn’t be embarrassed by later.

According to Timothy Koegel in his book, The Exceptional Presenter, only 5% of people could be classified as exceptional presenters. [pg 19] Your response might be to point out that you are an author. While that is true, a large part of being an author is being able to sell your writing: first to editors/agents and next to readers. You must be able to use skills that present you well. In fact, Koegel goes on to say that “Most presenters never tap their full potential.” He cites many reasons for this but top on his list is that people don’t seriously commit to improving. [pg 19]

So consider this. Publishing is becoming increasingly competitive. Once you’ve overcome the hurdle and sold a book you must compete against hundreds of other books that are released that same month. Writers need to have an edge over the competition if you’re going to stick out ahead of the pack and get noticed. You need to get the reader to give you the benefit of the doubt and then wow them with your craft.

Koegel sums up the stakes with this quote:

“If you don’t think these skills are critical, keep your fingers crossed that you competition has the same attitude. [page 21]

*Quotes taken from Koegel, Timothy. The Exceptional Presenter: A Proven Formula to Open Up and Own the Room. Austin. Greenleaf Book Group Press, 2007.