As a speaker, is there a book in you?

You probably have thought about it. Have you written one?

If you haven’t, here are possibly some of the reasons you have not written your book.

“Writing a book takes a lot of time.” “No one would pay to read my words.” “I don’t have the discipline to outline my book and regularly create book content.”

So, you know, as a speaker, there are many reasons not to write your book. But there are also many good reasons for a speaker to write your book. Below are some of them.

Establishing Authority

A book serves as a tangible manifestation of expertise. People respect, look up to, and want to listen to people who have written a book.

I’ll prove it to you.

When you were in college, did you register for the class with the professor who “wrote the book” on the subject you are fascinated with?

When you want to know about a subject quickly, you probably search the Internet. Say you searched the Internet and found a book on your research topic. Would you go to Amazon.com and buy it? You probably would.

Have you ever received a book recommendation from a friend and then bought the book?

You bought these books because you wanted further information from an authority. Writing a book makes you an “instant” authority whether you look at yourself this way. The critical point is that other people view you as an authority figure.

Writing a book solidifies your speaker’s authority on your subject matter, enhancing credibility and trust among the audience.

Also, when potential clients or event organizers see you’ve authored a book on your topic, they’re more likely to perceive you as an authority in your field.

One reason to write a book is that it establishes your authority to speak on your topic.

Another reason is that it expands your reach to others many times.

Expanding Reach

While public speaking allows direct interaction with an audience, a book extends your message to a broader audience, potentially reaching individuals who couldn’t attend your presentations.

It is a law of numbers. You can’t speak to all people interested in your topic in all places at all times.

The majority of people just want to know about your subject and would never be able to attend one of your in-person or virtual speaking events.

Reading your book allows these people interested in your subject to access the information you would say in your in-person or virtual speaking events at a relatively low price. In fact, readers of your book would get more information from your book than listening to you speak. A book is much longer and more detailed on your subject than you could ever say in your presentations.

It is a lasting resource that can be shared, referenced, and distributed globally, broadening your impact and influence.

Your book can also be shared with other readers so they can benefit from your written knowledge.

It can also be referenced by your readers again and again. This very value of a book gave rise to libraries thousands of years ago.

Maybe the best example for writing a book is your knowledge will be spread to thousands, maybe millions more than you can reach with your speaking.

So, two reasons to write a book are that it establishes your authority to speak on your topic and dramatically expands your reach to others.

The final reason in this article as to why you should write a book is because it diversifies revenue streams for your speaking business.

Diversifying Revenue Streams

The key to becoming wealthy as a speaker is to break the rule of trading your time for money.

Public speaking engagements can be lucrative, but they’re limited by your time and availability.

A book provides an additional revenue stream through sales royalties, speaking engagements tied to book promotions, and other opportunities such as consulting, workshops, or online courses based on the book’s content.

Diversifying income sources strengthens your financial stability and sustainability as a speaker.

Writing a book establishes you as an authority in the subject in which you speak. It dramatically expands your ability to reach others. It diversifies your speaking business revenue streams.

Are you convinced now that writing a book is advantageous to you?

If not, reread this article and see what the Internet says about writing your book.

Fortune favors the bold!

Write your book!

Call to Action

• Create your book to establish your authority in the area in which you speak

• Expand your reach so your greater audience can know your thoughts on your subject and not wait to hear you speak

• Create a separate and possibly lucrative revenue stream by writing a book

Frank DiBartolomeo is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and award-winning speaker, presentation and interview skills coach, and Professional Member of the National Speakers Association. He was awarded Toastmasters International’s highest individual award, Distinguished Toastmaster because of his outstanding work in public speaking and leadership.

Frank formed DiBartolomeo Consulting International (DCI), LLC (www.speakleadandsucceed.com) in 2007. The mission of DCI is to help technical professionals to inspire, motivate, and influence their colleagues and other technical professionals by improving their presentation skills, communication, and personal presence. Reach Frank at frank@speakleadandsucceed.com and (703) 509-4424.

Don’t miss Frank DiBartolomeo’s latest book!

“Speak Well and Prosper: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Better Presentations”

Available now at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com