John Sayles and Sheree Clark shake things up—for a talk that pondered such issues as "Whatever happened to the three-martini lunch?" this poster was sent to Advertising Club of Deleware members.

One of the ways established designers get more recognition and advance their careers is to do public speaking. Whether the presentation is before a student organization, a local AIGA chapter, or a large design conference audience, an invitation to give a public appearance is both an honor and an obligation. There are several benefits you can gain by accepting—or even pursuing—the chance to be seen before a group.

CREDIBILITY. When you are asked to give a presentation on a particular topic, it means that someone thinks you know enough about it to share your knowledge. You can leverage that authority long after the presentation: in new business pitches, self-promos, or even in public relations efforts about the presentation itself. Send media releases to your local newspaper and to the trade press—both before and after the presentation. The increased publicity will add to your credibility, and to the probability that you’ll be invited for future speaking engagements.

NETWORKING. There is no way to predict who will be in your audience— potential clients, business contacts, new vendors. The beginning of any new liaison can occur when you’re at the podium. I have often been invited back to a city where I’ve given a presentation to subsequently judge a local design or advertising competition, which is another chance for personal and professional development. In any case, very often the networking occasions you get during your talk can transform into other opportunities.

RECRUITING. One time I spoke to an undergraduate group, and afterward hired one of the students in the class as an intern. I consequently enjoyed the service of a valued employee for seven years. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for designers, marketers, account service, or administrative types, entry level or senior staff—speaking to groups can pay big dividends in the recruiting arena.

GETTING YOUR NAME OUT THERE
There are always plenty of groups looking for a good program or workshop. From professional associations to civic groups, from student organizations to corporate annual meetings, you will find a ready audience if you can establish yourself as interesting and engaging.

• If you’re new to the idea of giving speeches, start small. Pick a few topics that you know you can speak about for 15 minutes or a half hour. Make sure to have the visuals to back up your comments.
• Contact associations you belong to, find out how they select speakers, and ask if they’d consider you. Offer yourself as an emergency replacement when there’s a need (be careful, though, to make sure you’ve got a few presentations ready to go at a moment’s notice).
• When you’re ready, you can kick it up a notch by submitting your name to the national associations: Most have a “speaker bank” that they offer to local chapters looking for suggestions.
• Tell your clients that you’re doing some public speaking, and let them know you’re available to talk to a group of their colleagues in an informal corporate setting or a more formal meeting or seminar. Don’t discount the opportunities provided by an event, such as an in-service workshop or a “lunch and learn,” where you are the featured presenter.
• Develop your own workshop, where attendees can learn things about a particular field or discipline.