Being a speaker at a local event can be a fantastic opportunity for private practice doctors like you.
Not only can it elevate your reputation in the community, but it’s also a chance to connect with potential patients and establish yourself as a leader in your field. If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, don’t worry.
Here’s a simple guide to help you make the most of this experience.
Step 1: Should You Say Yes?
Before you accept the invitation, take a moment to consider a few things:
- Time Commitment: Do you have enough time to prepare, especially alongside managing your practice? Speaking engagements can take up more time than you might think.
- Relevance: Is the event a good fit for your expertise and your goals for your practice? For instance, a talk at a wellness fair might be a perfect match, while a tech conference may not be as relevant.
- Audience: Who will be attending? If it’s an audience of potential patients or professionals in your network, this is definitely worth considering.
Once you’ve weighed these factors and feel good about saying yes, it’s time to plan.
Step 2: Preparing Your Presentation
Okay, you’ve said yes. Here’s how to prepare:
- Choose Your Topic: Pick a subject that aligns with your expertise and interests the audience. For example, if you’re a dermatologist, a talk on skin cancer prevention might resonate. This should be a topic you can talk about without any, or just a small amount, of research.
- Structure Your Content: Time to plan out your speech. Start with a clear introduction, include 2–3 key points or takeaways, and end with a strong conclusion. Simple and concise works best.
- Create Visuals: Pair your talk with visuals that reinforce your message, like slides or infographics. Keep them clean and not overly text-heavy. Remember, visuals should support your speaking, not distract from it.
Step 3: Promoting the Event
Don’t wait for the event organizers to handle all the marketing. Here’s how you can spread the word:
- Social Media: Share details about the event on your practice’s Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn pages. A quick post like, “We’re excited to speak about [topic]! Join us on [date]!” can create buzz.
- Email Your Patients: Send a friendly email to your current patients letting them know about your talk. Include details like the topic, time, and how they can join.
- Partner Locally: Collaborate with local businesses or healthcare partners to get the word out to their audiences, too.
Step 4: Delivering Your Talk Like a Pro
Public speaking doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. Here are some tips to shine on stage:
- Practice: Rehearse your presentation in front of a friend, family member, or even a mirror. Getting comfortable with your material can calm your nerves.
- Engage the Audience: Start with a relatable question or story, encourage questions throughout, and make eye contact with the crowd.
- Speak Clearly and Confidently: Focus on speaking at a steady pace. Remember, you’re the expert in the room, and people genuinely want to hear what you have to say.
Step 5: Following Up After the Event
The event might be over, but your work isn’t done yet. Following up is key:
- Network: Take time to connect with attendees afterward. Hand out your business cards or invite them to connect on LinkedIn. Many will want to speak to you personally after your talk; be available.
- Gather Feedback: Ask the event organizers if they collected feedback, or survey the attendees yourself. This will help you improve for your next speaking opportunity.
- Recording: If your talk was recorded, you may want to get access to create snippets that promote your business.
- Track Results: Did you notice new patient inquiries or increased social media engagement after the event? Keep note of these outcomes to evaluate your return on investment.
Conclusion
Speaking at a local event is more than just an exciting opportunity to share your expertise. It’s a way to build trust with your community, grow your practice, and expand your professional network. By planning ahead, promoting your talk, and following up afterward, you’ll not only deliver a successful presentation but also open new doors for yourself and your private practice.
Go ahead, say yes to the opportunity, and show your community why they can trust you with their healthcare. You’ve got this!
