Yesterday I gave a talk called "An Introduction to True Aromatherapy" to a local Garden Club. What fun it was! The more I shared, the more enthusiastic they became. The more oils I passed around, the more questions they asked.
I've been doing the presentation/lecture circuit for about ten years. If you don't do this in your practice, you should. It's great fun, a good way to get the word out about aromatherapy and showcase your services and products. But the best part - it really gets you recharged about essential oils!
Here are 15 reasons I love doing aromatherapy presentations:
- It forces me to brush my hair, put on makeup and use the good shoes buried in the back of my closet.
- The audience enthusiasm reminds me of my first flush of romance with essential oils.
- It's a superb way to market yourself. One fun hour of letting people sniff essential oils, addressing their health concerns and answering questions, builds more trust and interest than a hundred advertisements.
- It keeps my "beginner mind" fresh. When your world consists of daily use of essential oils, years of studying their properties, chemistry and applications, it's easy to forget that many people have no idea what they are.
- It's a superb way to discover your community, it's organizations, neighborhoods and people.
- I get to use my GPS. I set the language selection to "Italian" and pretend I'm driving in Italy.
. - Live Q & A keeps me on my toes. I've learned to say "I don't know"when I really don't....then run home and research the answer!
- It gets me out of the house. Sad, I know.
- My inner "entertainer" gets nourished.
- It encourages me to keep my marketing material up-to-date.
- It's another avenue of income. In the early days I never charged for my talks. But I've come to understand that my time, the effort I put into preparing and giving the talks, the materials and oils I share all have a value and I ask for remuneration.
- It's an excuse to buy new oils, new clothes, new anything!
- It validates how much knowledge I have accumulated in twenty years.
- Every audience has the potential for something new to emerge: Will I be asked to come back? To hold a class? To speak to someone else's group? Will I meet a new client? Find a new student? Make a new friend?
- And last but not least, my Fragrant Muse comes to life when I see that spark of enthusiasm in their eyes, knowing that they've just "gotten it" i.e., discovered an amazing new healing modality for their lives. It makes me feel I'm living my passion and my purpose.
Do YOU give talks?
If so, what has been your experience?
If not, what is stopping you?
My living room floor with presentation materials layed out.
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9 comments:
Oh I love this! I don't give talks, but I've done a few soulcollage workshops and I'm always so happy that I've done them yet terrified to think of doing another. But reading your words reminds me of exactly why I want to do it. I would love to come to one of your talks sometime. It would be fun to do the aromatherapy and soulcollage together! Oh, and I completely get the hair, makeup and good shoes thing. lol
Oh we should definitely plan on doing a joint workshop sometime! Aromatic SoulCollage! I had fear in the early days but have mastered that through sheer desensitization. I'm writing an ebook on doing presentations. Do you know I finally got out my Flip and was going to use this as my first video...and the batteries didn't last! Grrrrrr What camera do you use?
Great list. I absolutely love giving talks and workshops. It is so energizing.
I love teaching too; and when I'm doing it, I'm always like "Why don't I do this more? It's FUN!" And it's a great way to make new friends too.
Nice pic! Love the fun blouse and your hair looks adorable. Can't see the good shoes in this shot though! Nice to see you in action. I know I would love your presentations. Are you on u-tube yet?
Liz, I love your list!!!! I'm going to print it out. It's funny because I've been wanting to do another manifesting abundance talk and for some reason, I am nervous all over again and I haven't done it. I really enjoyed it the first time. I guess I need to just do it! Thanks for the inspiration. I hope to be like you someday and "play for a living."
Love your lists.
I definitely will feel nervous when given talks. But wish to give a try if hav chance.
It's normal to feel nervous at first, but as you begin to talk about something you are are passionate about, your enthusiasm will take over and nerves relax!
oh god, but i couldn't stop laughing - forgive me - once i saw the chair/butt disclaimer. i know i read your list and i remember the words, but seriously, i was laughing so hard i can't quite remember. something about brushing your hair and pretending you're in italy? sounds pretty fabulous.
i love you!
:) Debi
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