You just finished delivering an engaging and informative presentation to a room full of eager listeners at a speaking engagement. Now that the event is over, you may be wondering about the best strategies to follow up and make the most of the connections you formed. In this article, we will explore some top strategies for effective follow-up that will help you solidify relationships, expand your network, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can build on the success of your speaking engagement!
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Thank the Audience
Send a personalized thank-you email
One of the most effective ways to follow up after a speaking engagement is to send a personalized thank-you email to the audience. This shows your gratitude for their time and attention, and it helps to create a lasting impression. In the email, express your appreciation for their presence and acknowledge their engagement during your presentation. Make it personal by mentioning specific points from the event that you found particularly inspiring or insightful. This will make the audience feel valued and appreciated.
Write a handwritten thank-you note
In this digital age, receiving a handwritten note has become increasingly rare and therefore more special. Take the time to write a thoughtful and heartfelt thank-you note to the audience members. This personal touch will leave a lasting impression and show that you genuinely care about their experience. In the note, mention specific examples of moments or insights from your presentation that made an impact on you. This will demonstrate your sincere appreciation and make the recipients feel valued.
Express gratitude on social media
Social media is a powerful tool for expressing gratitude and connecting with your audience on a larger scale. Take the time to post a thank-you message on your social media platforms, such as Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook. In this message, express your gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the event and thank the audience for their engagement and participation. Tag any relevant individuals, organizations, or companies that were involved in the event to extend your appreciation. This public display of gratitude not only acknowledges the audience’s presence but also helps to build your personal brand and strengthens your professional relationships.
Share Presentation Materials
Send a follow-up email with presentation slides or handouts
To provide additional value to the audience and reinforce your message, send a follow-up email with the presentation slides or handouts. This allows attendees to review the content at their own pace and share it with others who may have missed the event. In the email, express your gratitude for their attendance and include a brief summary of the key takeaways from your presentation. Attach the presentation slides or handouts in a format that is easily accessible and user-friendly, such as PDF or PowerPoint.
Provide a link to a downloadable version of the presentation
In addition to sending the presentation materials directly, provide a link to a downloadable version of the presentation. This allows attendees to access the materials easily and share them with others. Create a dedicated landing page on your website or a file-sharing platform where attendees can access the presentation anytime. Include a brief description of the content and capture their email addresses by requiring a simple opt-in process. This not only ensures that attendees have easy access to the materials but also allows you to build your email list for future engagements.
Offer to answer any questions or provide further resources
To further engage with the audience and provide value, offer to answer any questions they may have or provide additional resources related to the topic of your presentation. In your follow-up email, encourage attendees to reach out to you with any questions or concerns they may have. Assure them that you are available to provide further clarification or guidance. Additionally, offer to share relevant articles, books, or podcasts that expand on the concepts discussed during your presentation. This shows your dedication to their learning and further establishes yourself as a knowledgeable authority in your field.
Request Feedback
Send a survey or feedback form to attendees
Gathering feedback from the attendees is crucial for the continuous improvement of your speaking engagements. Send a survey or feedback form to the attendees after the event to gather their thoughts and insights. This allows you to gather quantitative and qualitative data that can help you evaluate the success of your presentation. In the survey, ask specific questions about the content, delivery, and overall experience of the event. Encourage attendees to provide honest feedback and assure them that their opinions and suggestions are valued and will be used to enhance future presentations.
Ask for testimonials or reviews
Testimonials and reviews are powerful tools for establishing credibility and attracting future speaking engagements. Reach out to attendees and request testimonials or reviews about their experience at the event. Ask them to share their thoughts on the impact of your presentation and how it benefited them personally or professionally. When showcasing these testimonials, ensure that you have the permission of the individuals involved and consider featuring them on your website, social media, or promotional materials. Testimonials and reviews provide social proof and help you build a positive reputation in your industry.
Invite constructive criticism to improve future presentations
Constructive criticism is a valuable asset in your journey to become an exceptional speaker. Encourage attendees to share their constructive feedback regarding your presentation. Allow them to feel comfortable expressing their observations, suggestions, or areas for improvement. Emphasize that you value their opinions and are committed to enhancing your skills as a speaker. Remember, constructive criticism is not meant to be personal but rather an opportunity to grow and refine your presentation style. By inviting and embracing this feedback, you demonstrate your dedication to continuous improvement.
Offer Additional Resources
Provide a list of recommended books or articles
To further support the audience’s learning and extend the value of your presentation, provide a curated list of recommended books or articles related to the topic you discussed. These resources can help the audience dive deeper into the subject matter and provide them with valuable insights beyond the scope of your presentation. Include a brief summary of each resource and why you believe it is relevant or beneficial for further exploration. This demonstrates your commitment to their ongoing education and showcases your knowledge and expertise in the field.
Share relevant blog posts or podcasts
In addition to books and articles, share relevant blog posts or podcasts that tackle the topic of your presentation. This form of multimedia content allows attendees to engage with the material in different ways and fits into their preferred learning styles. Create a blog post or podcast episode that expands on the ideas discussed during your presentation and share it with the audience. Ensure that the content is easily accessible, user-friendly, and provides valuable insights or practical tips. By offering additional content through different mediums, you cater to a wider range of learning preferences and make a lasting impact on the audience.
Connect attendees with relevant industry contacts or networks
Networking is a crucial aspect of professional growth, and as a speaker, you have the opportunity to facilitate these connections. After your presentation, offer to connect attendees with relevant industry contacts or networks. This can be done through personal introductions, LinkedIn connections, or email introductions. Identify individuals within your network who may be valuable contacts for attendees and facilitate these connections. By doing so, you create a long-term value for the audience members and position yourself as a connector and resource within your industry.
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Follow-Up with Questions
Ask attendees if they have any unanswered questions
After your presentation, it’s important to ensure that the audience has had all their questions answered. Follow up with attendees and ask if they have any unanswered questions from your presentation. Provide them with a direct email address or a contact form where they can reach out to you. Assure them that you are available and ready to provide clarification or additional information. By addressing any lingering questions, you solidify your expertise and make the audience feel supported and valued.
Offer to provide clarification on specific topics
Sometimes, attendees may have specific questions or seek further clarification on certain topics discussed during your presentation. In your follow-up communication, offer to provide clarification on these specific topics. This demonstrates your commitment to their understanding and reinforces your expertise. Encourage them to reach out to you with any specific questions or concerns they may have and assure them that you are available to provide the necessary explanations. By going the extra mile to address their individual queries, you show that you genuinely care about their learning experience.
Encourage an open dialogue for further discussion
Following a speaking engagement, it’s essential to encourage an open dialogue with the audience for further discussion and engagement. Invite attendees to share their thoughts, insights, or additional questions in a public forum or on social media. Create a dedicated hashtag or online group where attendees can connect with one another and with you. Encourage active participation and ensure that you are actively engaging with the audience’s comments and inquiries. By fostering an ongoing conversation, you deepen your relationship with the audience and create a community around your content.
Stay Connected on Social Media
Invite attendees to connect on professional networks like LinkedIn
Maintaining connections with the audience beyond the speaking engagement is vital for building a strong professional network. Invite attendees to connect with you on professional networks like LinkedIn. In your follow-up communication, provide a personalized invitation to connect and mention the event as a point of reference. This allows you to stay updated on their professional endeavors and enables you to continue sharing valuable content with them. By fostering these connections, you position yourself as a valuable resource and establish long-term relationships with the audience.
Share relevant content on social media platforms
To stay engaged with the audience even after the speaking engagement is over, share relevant content on your social media platforms. This content could include articles, videos, infographics, or quotes that expand on the topic you discussed during your presentation. By sharing valuable content consistently, you position yourself as a thought leader and trusted source of information in your field. This helps to maintain your connection with the audience and keeps them engaged with your expertise.
Engage with audience members through comments and messages
Social media is a two-way communication channel, and it’s important to engage with your audience members beyond just sharing content. Take the time to actively respond to comments, messages, and mentions from the audience. Show your appreciation for their engagement by liking, sharing, or commenting on their posts. When a member of the audience reaches out to you directly, respond promptly and thoughtfully. Engaging with your audience in this way helps to build a sense of community and fosters a deeper connection between you and your audience.
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Arrange One-on-One Meetings
Reach out to key individuals for personalized discussions
After a speaking engagement, identify key individuals who you believe would benefit from a more personalized discussion. Reach out to these individuals and offer to have a one-on-one meeting with them to dive deeper into the topic or address their specific concerns. This personalized approach demonstrates your commitment to their growth and allows you to provide individualized guidance or support. By offering your time and expertise on an intimate level, you establish yourself as a trusted advisor and strengthen your professional relationships.
Schedule follow-up calls or video conferences
To arrange one-on-one meetings beyond a face-to-face speaking engagement, consider scheduling follow-up calls or video conferences. This allows you to connect with attendees who may be geographically distant or unable to meet in person. Set a mutually convenient time and use video conferencing tools to have a virtual meeting. During this meeting, continue the conversation from your presentation, address specific questions or concerns, and offer tailored advice or guidance. The personal interaction and individual attention demonstrate your investment in their success and foster a deeper connection with your audience.
Use the opportunity to build deeper relationships
One-on-one meetings are not just about addressing specific questions or concerns. They also present an opportunity to build deeper relationships with individuals who have shown interest in your presentation. During these meetings, take the time to truly listen to their challenges, offer valuable insights, and provide actionable advice or recommendations. By positioning yourself as a trusted advisor, you foster trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships with your audience. These deeper connections can lead to future collaborations, referrals, or even repeat speaking engagements.
Offer Exclusive Content
Provide access to exclusive resources or webinars
As a follow-up to your speaking engagement, offer attendees access to exclusive resources or webinars that are not publicly available. Create valuable content that expands on the concepts discussed during your presentation and provide it exclusively to the audience members. This can be in the form of an ebook, a toolkit, or a webinar that delves deeper into the subject matter. By offering this exclusive content, you reinforce the value of attending your presentation and provide the audience with further insights and practical tips that are highly relevant to their needs.
Share additional insights or case studies
To provide ongoing value to the audience, share additional insights or case studies that complement your presentation. These insights could be based on recent industry research, real-life examples, or personal experiences. By sharing these additional resources, you demonstrate your subject matter expertise and showcase your ability to apply theoretical concepts in practical situations. This helps the audience apply the knowledge gained from your presentation to their own professional lives and reinforces your credibility as a speaker.
Create a private group or forum for ongoing discussions
To foster ongoing engagement and create a space for continued learning, create a private group or forum for the event attendees. This exclusive community can be hosted on a social media platform, an online discussion board, or through a dedicated group messaging app. Encourage attendees to join the group and actively participate in discussions related to the topic of your presentation. In this private setting, attendees can ask questions, share insights, and collaborate with one another. By facilitating ongoing discussions, you create a valuable resource for the audience and establish yourself as a knowledgeable and accessible expert.
Request Event Testimonials
Ask the event organizer for a testimonial or recommendation
To further establish your credibility and attract future speaking engagements, request a testimonial or recommendation from the event organizer. Reach out to the organizer and express your gratitude for the opportunity to speak at their event. Politely ask if they would be willing to provide a testimonial or recommendation that highlights your expertise, preparation, and impact on the audience. A testimonial from the event organizer carries significant weight and can serve as a powerful endorsement for your speaking career.
Request testimonials from attendees to showcase on your website
Testimonials from satisfied attendees are an excellent way to showcase the impact of your presentation on your website. Reach out to attendees and request testimonials about their experience at the event and the value they derived from your presentation. Ask them to highlight specific aspects they found most beneficial, such as key takeaways or actionable insights. When showcasing these testimonials on your website, ensure that you have the permission of the individuals involved and consider featuring their headshots or company logos alongside their testimonials. Testimonials add credibility to your profile and make a compelling case for booking you as a speaker.
Use positive feedback to establish credibility for future engagements
Positive feedback from attendees and event organizers is a powerful tool for establishing credibility and attracting future speaking engagements. Highlight the positive feedback you received in your promotional materials, such as your speaker bio, website, or social media profiles. Use impactful quotes from testimonials to emphasize the impact you have had on previous audiences. By showcasing this positive feedback, you build trust with potential clients and demonstrate your ability to deliver valuable content and engage with your audience effectively.
Plan for Future Engagements
Evaluate the success of the speaking engagement
To ensure continuous improvement, it’s essential to evaluate the success of your speaking engagement. Reflect on the event, the audience’s response, and the overall impact of your presentation. Consider factors such as audience engagement, feedback received, audience retention, and the achievement of your stated goals. Identify what worked well and areas where improvement is needed. By evaluating the success of each speaking engagement, you can refine your approach, tailor your content, and continually enhance your abilities as a persuasive and impactful speaker.
Identify areas for improvement in your presentation
Self-reflection is key to personal and professional growth. After evaluating the success of your speaking engagement, identify areas for improvement in your presentation. This may include aspects such as delivery, pacing, organization, or visual aids. Pay attention to audience feedback and identify any recurring themes or suggestions for improvement. Use this feedback as an opportunity to refine your content, strengthen your delivery, and enhance your overall speaking skills. By consistently seeking ways to improve, you will become a more effective and impactful speaker over time.
Start seeking out new speaking opportunities
After successfully following up with your audience, it’s time to start seeking out new speaking opportunities. Continuously look for conferences, events, or industry gatherings where your expertise would be valuable and your message well-received. Research relevant organizations or networks and reach out to event organizers, expressing your interest in speaking at their upcoming events. Leverage your network and personal connections to identify potential speaking engagements. By actively seeking out new opportunities, you can expand your reach, share your knowledge, and inspire more audiences with your presentations.
In conclusion, the most effective ways to follow up after a speaking engagement include expressing gratitude, sharing presentation materials, requesting feedback, offering additional resources, engaging on social media, arranging one-on-one meetings, offering exclusive content, requesting event testimonials, and planning for future engagements. By implementing these strategies, you can create lasting relationships with the audience, provide ongoing value, and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field. Remember, effective follow-up is essential for building a successful speaking career that leaves a lasting impact on your audiences.
