I was a university instructor for 15 years, and during that time, nobody ever tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Hey! You’re a professional speaker.”

We tend to think of speakers as keynoters who perform on big stages in auditoriums and stadiums

But as a teacher, I was speaking many more hours each week than almost any keynote speaker.

I wish I’d known then what I know now about speaking

And my students probably do, too

Are you a teacher, a trainer, a courtroom lawyer, a team manager, a sales professional, a customer service rep, a leader, a politician?

Guess what.

You’re a professional speaker!

If you make even part of your money with your mouth—even if you only speak to one person at a time—you’re literally a professional speaker.

And as a professional speaker, doesn’t it make sense to master the art of engagement?