Marketing Your Best Seller 117 Speak! Every author has to learn how to speak and do to it well. My approach to speaking is unique. Toastmasters Inter- national, for instance, is a long- running organization that’s been helpful to many people. But Toastmasters advises, “Write a great speech and then book a speaking engagement.” I say, “Book the speaking engagement 昀椀rst and then 昀椀gure out what you’re going to say.” Admiral William H. McRaven is a perfect example. He gave a speech called “Make Your Own Bed.” It was fun to read and think about. It became popular as a best- selling little book. Many parents gave it as gifts to their millennials. It worked so well that he is now chancellor of the University of Texas system. Stay up late, get up early, and practice every para- graph on your friends. Keep this up until it’s time for your presentation. You will be amazed how fast and e昀케ciently your mind will start working. Do this whether you’ll be speaking to 昀椀ve people at a small bookstore or to an audience of 3,000. Either way, be aware that you’ve got to show up and deliver a talk. For me, the secret is to come up with three key points and then link them together to deliver a grand slam home run. Please check my website for my audio products on mastering the 昀椀ne art of speak- ing and prospering on the platform.