Kristin Arnold is a professional facilitator, the author of a new book, Boring to Bravo:  Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve, and Inspire your Audience to Action, and the current President of the National Speakers Association (NSA).  I’ve taken a few shots at the NSA over the years, so I was particularly appreciative of Kristin’s willingness to chat with me about speaking, the NSA, and what’s in her new book. 

Reading Boring to Bravo, I found myself agreeing with something on just about every page.  The book is packed with tips for making speeches more interactive and memorable.  I recommend it highly if you want to improve your speaking game.  Kristin and I talk about very similar ways to approach an audience in our books and blogs. 

Nick:  I’m going to ask you all the questions that people usually ask me.  So, what inspired you to write Boring to Bravo? 

Kristin:  I’ve been a professional meeting facilitator for 2 decades, and I’ve often been a fly on the wall, hearing other speakers.  I was never happy with people just doing their shtick.  What worked for me was an approach that got the audience involved.  I started noting what worked and what didn’t, and this book is the result. 

Nick:  What’s changed in the years you’ve been in the business? 

Kristin:   I think the current generation wants a more engaging, conversational approach.  People today expect to be talked with, not at – and they expect interaction.  Of course, every speaker has to balance the need to be conversational on the one hand with the need to hold forth on your subject of expertise on the other.  After all, you’ve been brought in to speak because of your expertise.  It’s always a balance, and it depends on the audience and on your style. 

Nick:  For the professional speakers reading this blog, how do you create and build your business?

Kristin:   I do all the things that professionals have to do; I have the web site, the marketing materials, the DVD.  But most of my business comes from word of mouth.  It’s someone in the audience saying to a friend, “you really should get that speaker I just heard.”

Nick:  We always say that an audience is hundreds – or thousands – of potential references, so you’d better pay attention to them.  Tell me about the NSA.  Why should I join it if I’m a professional speaker?

Kristin:  Belonging to the NSA means you can shorten your learning curve.  It’s all about community and education – as well as helping speakers deal with the entrepreneurial side of the business. 

Nick:  What is your year as President going to be about? 

Kristin:  We’ve done some strategic planning, and I’m looking forward to implementing that.  How is the NSA best situated to be supportive to its members as the professional society for speakers?  That’s what we’re focused on. 

Nick:  What are your top 3 to-dos and don’t-dos for successful speaking?

Kristin:  Don’t make it about you instead of the audience.  Don’t abuse Power Point.  And don’t hide behind the lectern.  Do engage the audience early.  Do use inclusive language with the audience.  And do be deliberate – know your objective.  Then relax and enjoy yourself!

Nick:  Kristin, thank you very much.