Speaking for cash

Top notch public speakers are among the most revered professionals world over. When they speak, they hook you from the beginning and when they stop, you wish they could go on and on.

Although some people are afraid of giving speeches, there is a breed of people who have mastered this art and eventually get paid just to hold a microphone and speak.

One of the most anticipating things a mother waits for in the first 20 months after delivering a child is to hear them speak their maiden words.

As they grow up and master speech, some children eventually become introverts while others enjoy every bit about it.

Usually, school polishes them further, encouraging them to participate in debates. That is where you can easily identify those who are eloquent with a talent in public speaking. That is how some people are invited to host public events.

Talented public speakers will be consulted by family and friends to offer their oratory services. In most cases, they’ll do this without asking for any money.
But this is a talent you can bank on as a side gig. Yes, many are doing it and you too can earn an extra income.

Start
Ideally, public speaking (also called oratory or oration) is the process or act of performing a speech to a live audience. This type of speech is deliberately structured with three general purposes: to inform, to persuade and to entertain.
This is one of those income generating services that you can do without necessarily having money.

Mr Reagan Ssembatya, the manager operations at House of Wealth, says: “Public speaking is very lucrative if you identify your niche.

The niche could be in finances, politics, relationships or religious issues.”
Ideally, it is advisable for people to identify you through your niche so that whenever anyone wants your services, you are the preferred expert.

Secondly, look for your public channels where you will promote and market your skills. It could be through speaking on television, radio or social media.

“Hone your skills in the language of your choice that you will be using to communicate. If its English or any local language, your skills have to be the best. This will help you to attract clients,” Mr Ssembatya shared.

Public speaking is always going to be a business, so you need to find the right price segments for the different packages of your content.

Your appearance in this business is one of the biggest selling points. Make sure your suit is well-pressed and that your shoes are polished. Your car should be spotless clean.

Always prepare yourself by researching on the topics you are going to talk about.
Be the example of what you are preaching, you don’t want to be seen involved in fraud when your niche in public speaking is about finance or a marriage breaker when your niche is marriage and relations.

Money
Mr Joel Mukisa who has been in this business says public speaking is lucrative. You can earn Shs2 million per day by just talking to corporate employees of a company.
“I charge corporate companies Shs2 million per hour,” he shares.
If he is going to speak for two hours per week, for a month, his bank account will be Shs16 million bigger.

Tips
-Speak for free. Before you become an expert at anything, you need to spend some time as an amateur.
-Hone your craft
-Make a value addition on your skills
-Get your technology and marketing materials in order
-Speak for a small fee
-Set your timing expectations
-Make sure you negotiate well.