by Communications Staff
Jeff Zimmerman, PhD, a clinical psychologist and organizational consultant in Avon, Conn., frequently speaks to corporate audiences about reducing conflict in the workplace. He also addresses executives on the topic of building leadership skills. And, he presents a niche practice program for high-conflict divorcing parents to the public and to divorce professionals, including psychologists, therapists, lawyers, judges and mediators.
As a paid public speaker, Zimmerman’s speaking engagements play an important role in his professional life. “Public speaking is invigorating,” he says. “It adds diversity to my practice and gives me a chance to apply my skills to a broader group of people than I can reach in my office.” In addition, says Zimmerman, the income he earns as a public speaker provides a source of non-insurance-based revenue for his practice.
Zimmerman and other experienced public speakers say that paid speaking opportunities for psychologists abound, but they caution that practitioners who want to tap into the benefits of the paid lecture circuit will need to:
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have interesting and relevant information to share
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present information in a professional and compelling manner
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recognize that cultivating paid speaking opportunities takes time and persistence and
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clearly define the goal of each presentation.
“The key is having something to offer, such as a unique program, topic or skill to train others or speak about, and providing a useful service that is valued by the community,” says Zimmerman.
For example, recognizing a demand among corporations for staff development resources, Zimmerman parleyed his knowledge of organizational consulting into workshops and retreats for business and industry. His presentations address such topics as the psychology of customer service, violence prevention and conflict resolution, and enhancing management team functioning.
Another psychologist who has translated his expertise into paid speaking opportunities is Alan R. Graham, PhD, of Park Ridge, Ill. Recognizing a demand among parents in the Chicago area for information about ADHD, Graham paired a parenting “Smart Discipline” seminar with specialized information for parents who have children with ADHD. These seminars are designed to help families cope with the organizational, behavioral and emotional issues associated with ADHD. The seminars and his other public speaking activities have earned Graham a reputation as an expert in ADHD and parenting issues.
In addition to presenting interesting information that meets a demonstrated interest, experienced paid speakers say it is important to present the information in an entertaining way. For Graham, the performance aspect of public speaking comes naturally. “I love getting up in front of audiences,” he says.
Those who are not as comfortable in the role of public speaker may need to develop speaking skills to become an effective speaker..
One way practitioners can hone their public speaking skills is by accepting unpaid speaking engagements. Local community organizations in particular are often looking for professionals to speak about a variety of topics.
In addition to helping practitioners polish their public speaking skills, unpaid public speaking opportunities can help practitioners establish their reputations as good speakers and can open the door to paid speaking opportunities.
“Many times, I find that one unpaid presentation produces interest that turns into a paid presentation in the future,” says Zimmerman.