What do you do if your public speaking consulting career hits a roadblock?

If your public speaking consulting career hits a roadblock, there are several steps you can take to overcome challenges and regain momentum: Assess the situation: Take a step back and evaluate the specific issues causing the roadblock. Identify any patterns, recurring challenges, or areas where you might be struggling. Understanding the root cause of the problem is crucial for developing effective solutions. Seek feedback: Reach out to clients, colleagues, or mentors for feedback on your performance and services. Honest feedback can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and help you understand how others perceive your work.

If your public speaking consulting career hits a roadblock, start by assessing the reality of your situation. Identify where you are currently - are there specific challenges holding you back? Seek feedback from clients & peers to understand their perspectives. Analyze market trends to see if there are new opportunities or unmet needs. Also ask yourself - do you need to update your skill set, exploring new niches, work on maybe your storytelling skills or improve your marketing efforts. Clearly identify what is working and ask yourself where are you lacking? Importantly put yourself out there through social media & let your voice and opinions be heard. If need be explore the best way in which you can grow your service offering.

It's very hard to assess our own careers realistically. Ask in public speaking groups what others think and how they are finding the market. Sometimes it's not you, it's the market, or sometimes you're not doing what your audience needs. Getting feedback from people who know what they're talking about (and are in the same industry) is invaluable.

I have received very little constructive criticism in my public speaking career. That's not because I'm perfect! It's because people don't tend to give negative feedback. You have to ask for it - through evaluation forms or practising your speech in front of your peers. Some organisations, like the Professional Speaking Association, have showcase events where peers will assess your talk critically and provide useful feedback. These are valuable because people will be honest, and because they know what they are talking about.

Enrolling in acting classes was THE transformative experience for me. I unlocked a deeper emotional range and gained new tools for connecting with an audience on a genuine level. In exploring various acting techniques--Meisner (my fave!), Practical Aesthetics, and improv among them -- I discovered how to channel and express emotions more authentically, enhancing my presence and engagement during presentations. My "upgraded" emotional depth not only enriched my performances but also fostered a more meaningful connection with my audience. Learning new skills will almost always allow for a more impactful and resonant communication style.

- Reflect on the obstacles and identify potential areas for improvement or new opportunities. - Reach out to your professional network for advice, feedback, and support—engage with mentors, peers, and industry leaders who can provide valuable insights and guidance. - Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to stay updated on the latest trends and expand your connections. - Utilize social media platforms to share your experiences, seek collaboration opportunities, and showcase your expertise. - Collaborate with other professionals on joint projects or workshops to broaden your reach and visibility.