🔥Yes, Drew!

I always immediately think of my very first paid speaking gig when I'm asked a question like this. (And thanks for asking us, @Sharyn Abbott!) The EPA offices in Cincinnati had reached out after someone there had read an article of mine in Toastmasters International Magazine. I traveled to do a lunch & learn presentation there, where I got to share my then-newly developed The 3 Keys to Communication© framework for the first time outside of my own Advanced Communicator TM group where I'd just been developing it. Not only was it rewarding to see it land, it was my very first experience having people take thorough notes & ask me questions about content I'd created all on my own. 16 years later, I'm still loving teaching the same stuff! I see a real thread here in that the best parts of our speaking experiences seem to be about connecting to the audience as people. Beautiful.

@Lori Allen great content & beautiful look, too!

I’ve personally been surprised to discover a niche audience in church congregations, especially New Thought or more progressive traditional church communities. Local word of mouth has landed me opportunities to speak about emotions as a spiritual super-power as pulpit supply for ministers who need a day out of pulpit. Toastmasters & NSA groups were amazing first-tier spots to gain speaking traction & recommendations for me 16 years ago when I was starting out. I’d love to hear if people in this group still use those groups strategically…