How to Develop Your Signature Speaking Presentation

Key takeaways:

How do I develop my topic for speaking?
Title tips: How to create a winning title
Captivate the audience with your content
Tips for speakers

This is part of a series focusing on a key element of your professional speaker’s kit: the one-sheet. To read other articles in the series, check out the links at the end of this blog.

As a professional speaker, you want your one-sheet – and specifically your signature presentations – to grab the attention of busy meeting planners and event organizers.

The challenge? Writing memorable copy so you stand out while fitting it into the limited, single-page space you have to work with.

Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned pro, try these tips to bring clarity and organization around your speaking topics.

How to Develop Your Signature Speaking Presentation

Developing your speaking topics is a lot like developing your business and service offerings. Your best presentations will come from identifying that ‘sweet spot’ where your expertise meets your passion.

Once you know what to talk about, it’s important know who you’re talking to. Begin by identifying your audience – get specific on the demographics:

Who are they?
What is their level of knowledge on the subject?
Which pain points do they struggle with?
What specifically do they need from you?

Now that you’ve gained clarity about your audience, there are two important words to remember: BE UNIQUE.

But how?

Precision: What makes your work stand out? When someone hears your name, what do you want them to remember?

Passion: You’ve built your brand with passion, determination and purpose. Express this so that others will feel it too.

Your signature topics should align to your core values, support your mission, and be clearly connected to your goals and initiatives. Combine your expertise with your passion and you’re well on your way to developing a great speech.

Give Your Speaking Presentation a Title

Capture your audience’s attention with a title that demands recognition. Here are some suggestions:

Titles are usually about 5-10 words. Long titles get lost in a sea of text.
Use relevant keywords in your title. (Hint: this helps with search engine optimization which is critical when someone searches the web for a topic that you cover)
Consider incorporating numbers, such as “10 Tips for Business Success.”

Hit a mental roadblock? Here are some simple exercise that might get your wheels turning again:

Consider common and recognizable terms that your key audience connects with, especially terms that align with the pain points or results you’ve identified.
Consider your own branding, is there a way to tie your business name or tag line into the title for added recognition?
Think of the short, catchy slogans used by successful companies. Use these as inspiration to create a memorable title… for instance, think of the infamous Nike slogan, “Just Do It.”

Captivate with Your Content: The Heart of Your Speaking Presentation

Your speaker’s one-sheet will be a brief summary of your key speaking presentations, which is why it’s super helpful to sketch out your speaking presentation so you can choose the key points to include on your one sheet.

Here are some tips to craft a winning speaking presentation:

Identify 3 pain points – and clearly identify how you can solve them. This isn’t the time to be vague. Your audience is counting on you to be the expert.
Capture the audience’s attention with storytelling. Audiences love being able to relate to a story. When they can relate, they remember. So, what’s your story?
Yes, you’re the expert – but remember to speak to the audience on their level, not yours.
Engage your audience! Relate with them by sharing your real-life struggles, dilemmas & other challenges you’ve faced.
Be actionable – leave your audience with tangible results and action steps that they can complete in order to experience a change.

Space is tight on your one sheet so it’s crucial to clearly relay your message to a busy event planner. Don’t waste anyone’s time on bland introductions or general fluff.

Tip: Ask friends or colleagues what makes you stand out. It’s surprisingly easy to overlook key details that can engage your audience.

More Speaker Tips from the Marketecs Marketing Experts

It’s common to have more than one signature presentation. We don’t recommend more than 5.
Have you have written a book or created an online course? This could be the topic of one of your signature presentations.
Consider how your speaking topic might become a profitable sales funnel opportunity.
If you’re at all concerned about your stage presence, we highly recommend you take a class, get a coach, or join toastmasters!

Your Turn: Download Your FREE DIY Speaker One Sheet Template

We’ve made it easy for you to get started! Download your free DIY one sheet template right here, and in no time, you’ll be ready to start promoting yourself as the professional speaker that you are! Free Speaker One Sheet Template

Need help? Our marketing experts can help you quickly develop a professional one sheet that will stand out from the crowd. Reach out to us today to see how we can help.

For more resources on creating your speaker one-sheet, see these articles: