How to Become a Category of One in the Speaking World
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How to Become a Category of One in the Speaking World
With all the professional speakers out there today, it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. I discuss how to do that with my guest in this episode, Sylvie di Giusto.
Sylvie brings decades of corporate expertise from Europe to every presentation. Today, as the world’s first 3D immersive keynote speaker and a multi-award-winning presenter, Sylvie delivers groundbreaking presentations that captivate audiences and redefine how high-performing teams maximize their human impact in client and team interactions.
The market for keynote speakers is saturated. Consider this: In a 50-mile circle around Nashville there are thousands of people that consider themselves to be speakers. That creates a lot of noise in the marketplace. If you don’t stand out with a specific skill, a specific method of delivery, a specific thing that you are known for in the market your career will suffer. Ideally, you want to be one of the only speakers event planners can hire for your specific niche or it will be difficult to have long and sustainable success in the speaking industry.
Self-Awareness Leads to Self-Promotion
Sylvie believes that we can easily see unique traits in others and even be very good at selling others, but we usually don’t take the time to identify the unique traits that we bring to the table and sell ourselves to others. That requires a process of self-awareness which leads to self-promotion. You need to tell planners about you in a way that is unique and creative. Speakers who can differentiate themselves stand out in the minds of meeting planners and get more bookings.
A Negative Becomes a Positive
One of Sylvie’s unique traits that she always thought was holding her back is her accent. She learned that it’s actually a superpower. Years ago, she was invited to be on a television show as a co-host. She found herself between political experts on a weekly basis and they all spoke perfect, sophisticated English. She didn’t even publish clips of herself on social media because she was so insecure. Then, at a holiday party, she shared her insecurities with the show’s producer. The producer replied, “Your accent is why we invited you onto the show, you sound like an international expert”. That was when one of her biggest insecurities became one of her biggest superpowers.
As a speaker, you can also create something that stands out. Sylvie is the first 3D holographic immersive experience keynote speaker. She says when everybody is going right, you can choose to go left and stand out from the crowd.
Standing Out in the Speaking World
If you want to stand out, you must do things differently. You can stand out with small things like not having an introduction (Sylvie believes people aren’t really interested in hearing them). Sylvie believes your achievements must be shown on stage by “walking the walk” instead of just “talking the talk”. Some people send gifts after landing clients, Sylvie sends gifts to potential clients before she lands them.
To keep standing out is a constant process. Always be working on the next big thing. Ask yourself “What’s next?” and then answer the question. It’s a constant process of reimagining what you can do next. It’s a blend of the small things you can do and the big things you can do to innovate every single day.
About Sylvie di Guisto
International keynote speaker Sylvie di Giusto, CSP, brings decades of corporate expertise from Europe to every presentation. Today, as the world’s first 3D immersive keynote speaker and a multi-award-winning presenter, Sylvie delivers groundbreaking presentations that captivate audiences and redefine how high-performing teams maximize their human impact in client and team interactions. Through her signature framework, The Power of Choice, Sylvie transforms her audiences’ decision-making skills, empowering them to excel as leaders, drive sales success, and enhance their organization’s brand.
In addition to her remarkable achievements as a keynote speaker, Sylvie is a passionate volunteer leader within the speaking industry, and her impact extends far beyond the stage. As a dedicated advocate, she has served in a variety of roles, including as President of NSA NYC, Host of NSA’s Winter Conference and the annual NSA convention Influence, as well as a Board Member of the Global Speakers Federation, while contributing her expertise to numerous task forces and committees.
About Mark J. Carter
Mark has always been curious about how successful people got where they are in life. He has been interviewing and researching successful people since his senior year in college. He’s published over 100 podcasts and radio show interviews.
In 2022 Mark’s interviews culminated in his book, “Idea Climbing: How to Create a Support System for Your Next Big Idea”. In 2022 Mark’s interviews culminated in his book, “Idea Climbing: How to Create a Support System for Your Next Big Idea”.
Mark still enjoys interviewing people and posts many of the interviews on his YouTube channel.
About NSA Illinois
National Speakers Association Illinois is the recognized community for professional speakers and presenters. Our members have expertise in content, platform excellence and business knowledge. This allows them to connect with audiences on subjects that promote growth potential and inspiration for success. NSA Illinois was designated an “elite” chapter by the National Speakers Association for its level of participation, member support, and member achievements. Visit us at an upcoming event!
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