Own the Microphone
Professional speaking is not just for those who are extroverts, who have the gift of gab, or who love being in the spotlight. Whether you are an accountant, a coach, an entrepreneur, an educator, an engineer, a marketer, a sales expert, or a medical professional, if you are in any industry and you know you are an expert, then you need to have professional speaking in your sights.
Professional speaking is not just for those who are extroverts, who have the gift of gab, or who love being in the spotlight. Whether you are an accountant, a coach, an entrepreneur, an educator, an engineer, a marketer, a sales expert, or a medical professional, if you are in any industry and you know you are an expert, then you need to have professional speaking in your sights.
Professional speaking is not just for those who are extroverts, who have the gift of gab, or who love being in the spotlight. Whether you are an accountant, a coach, an entrepreneur, an educator, an engineer, a marketer, a sales expert, or a medical professional, if you are in any industry and you know you are an expert, then you need to have professional speaking in your sights.
In Own the Microphone: How 50 of the World's Best Professional Speakers Launched Their Careers (And How You Can, Too!), award-winning international professional speaker Bridgett McGowen brought together the voices of 50 professional speakers who tell you exactly how they launched their professional speaking careers, and they each give you brilliant advice for how you can launch your own speaking career either as a side gig or full-time.
But before you get their stories and advice, Bridgett gives you the 25 steps she took to launch her career. This one is a must-read, even if you have no interest in getting paid to speak. The stories of resiliency, pressing through when it feels like you cannot take another step, and embracing your unique power will move anyone.
PARTIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Difference Between a Good Speaker and a GREAT Speaker by Brian Biro
Just Take Action: Do Not Allow Fear to Stop You by Brian Bogert
LOVE Your Subject by Debbie Boone
You Are an Expert by Katrina Brittingham, JCDC, JCTC
If It Is Your Passion, Then Do It by Lori Bruhns
Speak for Impact, Not Applause by Isha Cogborn
Done is Better Than Perfect…Start with the "Why" by Glynis Devine
Market Yourself: Do Not Keep Yourself a Secret by Mona Dixon
You Already Have What It Takes to Be Successful by Klyn Elsbury
Find the Topics That Really Make Your Heart Sing by Kiala Givehand, MFA, Ed.S
What You Have to Say Matters by Clinton Harris
Find What Makes You Unique and Lean into It by Alana M. Hill
Be Strategically Audacious by Crystal Kadakia
Level-Up a Few More Notches by Ganes Kesari
Your Message is Someone Else's Medicine by Artesian D. Kirksey
Do Not Let All of the "No's" Discourage You by Tori Kruse
Allow Yourself Space to Fail, Learn, and Grow … Fall in Love With the Process by Claudia S. Lovato
Create Your Power Story by Dr. Will Moreland
Learn From the Best by Monica Neubauer
Sing While You Are Here by Chevara Orrin
Make the Material Come Alive by Jessica M. Pierce
Be Open to Change by Kelly Radi
Surround Yourself With Titans, Not Titanics by Dr. Jim Smith, Jr. CSP
Do The Work and Don't Go It Alone by Tish Times
Tell a Story, Be Comfortable, and Be Confident by Terri Broussard Williams
PLUS 25 additional professional speakers' stories.
Paperback: 340 pages
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0-9998901-3-4
ABOUT THE COMPILER
Bridgett McGowen is an award-winning international professional speaker, a Forbes contributor, and the founder and owner of BMcTALKS Academy, where she helps professional women be the most engaging, dynamic, incredible communicators ever!
Bridgett has spoken on programs alongside prominent figures such as former President Barack Obama, Deepak Chopra, Major League Baseball sensation Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod), Oprah Winfrey, and Shonda Rhimes. The prestigious University of Texas at Austin has presented her with a Master Presenter Award, Canada-based One Woman has presented her with two Fearless Woman Awards, and she has facilitated hundreds of presentations and webinars to thousands of students and professionals positioned all around the globe.
Bridgett's presentations have been sought after by companies and organizations such as Vanguard Investments, LifeLock, Symantec, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McGraw-Hill Education, LinkedIn Local, and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She has been quoted by Transizion, has contributed to Up Journey, and has appeared as a guest on The Training and Learning Development Company's TLDCast as well as Phoenix Business Radio to showcase her expertise in the professional speaking industry. Her work in professional speaking and public speaking coaching has been highlighted by VoyagePhoenix Magazine; award-winning branding and consulting agency, Catalyst; The Startup Growth; and her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, the second oldest institution of higher education in the state of Texas. Bridgett has also taught for the Texas A&M University System, Lone Star College System, and University of Phoenix. She has earned a bachelor's degree in Communication and a master's degree, and she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Bridgett's mission now is to help as many professional women as possible get the tools and skills they need to master their messages so that they can turn their voices into powerhouses, inspire millions, and build serious skillsets and mindsets that will lead to more and more opportunities. Bridgett lives with her family in the Phoenix, Arizona, area and loves beautiful sunsets.