Go the Extra Mile - Providing More Value as a Speaker.

Welcome to Public Speaking with Peter George. Do you want to be calm, confident, and credible every time you speak in public? Then stay tuned as we discuss public speaking tips, techniques, and tactics that help you increase your impact, influence, and income.

In this episode, you'll learn how to create more loyalty, more referrals, and more repeat bookings. And the great thing is anyone can do it.

Most speakers show up, deliver their talk, pack up, and leave. They're competent and professional, but are they helpful?

You see, exceptional speakers ask themselves: "What else can I do to serve this audience and this organization?" That question leads to opportunities that build one's reputation and business.

Here are some examples.

Offer a Bonus Session

Maybe the event organizer didn't budget for a second presentation, but you offer one anyway. "I'm already here. If it would be valuable, I'm happy to do a deeper dive for a smaller group." Sometimes this becomes a paid addition. Sometimes it's at no charge. Either way, you've added value.

Early in my career, I asked an event organizer if there was anything else I could do. That's how I became the auctioneer for their charity auction—and many events after that. I wasn't hired for it, but I offered, and it became a signature way I served organizations.

Create Pre-Event Engagement

Record a short video for the organizer to share before the event. Cover what your talk will address, why it matters, and what attendees will gain. This builds anticipation and helps people arrive ready to engage. Most speakers don't do this, so you stand out immediately.

Customize Beyond the Obvious

Most speakers tailor examples for each audience. Go further. Research recent news about the organization. Reference specific initiatives. Show that you've invested time in their world.

Be Available Afterward

Many speakers rush off after their presentations. Instead, stay as long as people want to talk. Answer questions thoroughly. Give your contact information freely and encourage follow-up.

Follow Up Personally

Send individual emails to people you connected with—not a mass email. Reference your specific conversation. "It was great talking with you about the challenge with your team. Here's the article I mentioned."

Offer Unexpected Resources

If someone asks a question you don't fully answer, send additional resources afterward. Perhaps you can create a one-page guide and offer it to attendees. These small extras create tremendous goodwill.

Here's what going the extra mile does: it creates raving fans. The event organizer becomes your advocate. They refer you to other organizations. They hire you again. Your reputation grows because people talk about how you exceeded expectations.

Going the extra mile doesn't require massive effort. It requires thoughtfulness—asking, "What else would be valuable?" and then doing that thing.

Your Action Step

For your next engagement, identify one way to go beyond what's expected. A pre-event video. Staying later to connect. Sending follow-up resources. Choose one and do it excellently.

Remember what Zig Ziglar said, "There are no traffic jams on the extra mile."

Thank you for listening to this episode of Public Speaking with Peter George. Are you ready to be calm, confident, and credible every time you speak in public? Then visit petergeorgepublicspeaking.com and let's make it happen. I'll see you next time.