How to Use Speaking Engagements to Expand Your Book’s Reach and Credibility - BM511

What if your book wasn’t the end of the journey, but the doorway to the stage?

If you’re a nonfiction author who wants more credibility, influence, and real-world impact, speaking may be the missing link.

This week’s guest is Jim Johnson—legendary high school basketball coach, sought-after inspirational speaker, and author of A Coach and a Miracle: Life Lessons from a Man Who Believed in an Autistic Boy. Jim brings a rare blend of coaching discipline, lived experience, and platform wisdom to the conversation.

In this episode, Jim breaks down how authors can turn their books into powerful speaking platforms—without being born a “natural speaker” or waiting for perfect conditions. He shares how he transitioned from coach to speaker, the systems he relies on, and why the stage is one of the fastest ways to build authority and expand your reach.

Key takeaways:

Why great speakers aren’t born—and what that means for you
The mindset shift that turns speaking from a fear into a skill you can intentionally build.

A simple framework that makes talks land every time
The SPEAC system Jim relies on to open strong, keep attention, and close with purpose—without sounding scripted.

How your book quietly holds multiple speeches inside it
A practical way to extract talks, workshops, and keynotes from what you’ve already written.

The subtle shift that makes audiences lean in
How to stop presenting to an audience and start creating an experience they feel part of.

The overlooked conversations that lead to repeat invitations
Why what happens before and after the talk often matters more than the presentation itself.

Listen to this episode if you want to see how your book can move beyond the page, and start opening doors on the stage.

Here's how to connect with Coach Jim:

Website

FaceBook
LinkedIn
Instagram 

X (formerly Twitter) 

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Transcript

Susan Friedmann [00:00:00]:
Welcome to Book Marketing Mentors, the weekly podcast where you learn proven strategies, tools, ideas and tips from the masters. Every week I introduce you to a marketing master who will share their expertise to help you market and sell more books. Today, my special guest is my dear friend, colleague, and mastermind, buddy coach Jim Johnson. Jim is a legendary high school basketball coach with 428 victories, multiple coach of the year awards, and a knack for turning struggling teams into champions. After more than 30 years on the court, he now helps leaders, educators, and students learn how to win in life and work. He's the author of "A Coach and a Life: Lessons from a Man who Believed in an Autistic Boy." Jim's work gained global attention when JMac, a student on the autism spectrum, stunned the world by scoring 20 points in the last four minutes of a game. His performance in 2006 captivated CBS, ESPN, CNN, and millions worldwide.

Susan Friedmann [00:01:17]:
Jim's experience helps audiences think bigger, lead better, and achieve their dreams. Jim, it's an absolute pleasure to welcome you to the show and thank you for being this week's guest, expert and mentor.

Jim Johnson [00:01:33]:
Well, thank you, Susan. You know, we've developed a great friendship and with that kind of introduction, I may bring you along for my speaking engagements because you did a really good job. So thank you.

Susan Friedmann [00:01:43]:
Well, thank you. I feel I know you so well and yet putting it into words. Yes. Because you're so accomplished and obviously your signature story with J. Mac and that's stunning the world. And this is where I wish we did this on video because that video is sensational. And listeners, I know you can go to Jim's website and Jim will give all that information later and see that incredible victory, which I said it stunned the world and I'm not a basketball person and yet I knew about this. Jim, what you've done so brilliantly is to tie your book into speaking engagements.

Susan Friedmann [00:02:32]:
Talk to us about how that happened.

Jim Johnson [00:02:35]:
I was a little bit of the reverse. I know listen to your podcast a lot and I'm a fan of it. And I know you do a lot of work with nonfiction authors and using their book to use in other ways. And speaking is a pretty obvious one. Well, because of the JMAC story, I got thrust in the speaking world right away before I had a book. So it's a little bit different than maybe some people as far as they use a book to then launch into speaking. But the one thing is, when I started to speak and I had people reach out and I co authored the book, you said a coach and a Miracle with actually a high school friend that's a newspaper writer. One of the things we talked about is I was already doing a keynote called Dreams Really Do Come True.

Jim Johnson [00:03:17]:
So I wanted to shape that book with some of the keys. I talked about that. And so the first six chapters are really the keys that I talk about in my keynote. So there's something for your listeners to think about with their book is depending on how long the book is and how many different directions, you could turn your book into multiple keynotes or you could base it on one keynote, depending on the size of the book. But something to really think about because the book can be a great asset as a speaker, as you always are great about talking about having bulk sales where the fact that you maybe everyone gets a book at the conference or certainly at the end of your presentation, you could do the back end sale. That's a great way to meet people afterwards is by having a book and signing and get to know people.

Susan Friedmann [00:04:04]:
Yeah, I mean, a book gives you so much credibility. And it's interesting that you did the reverse of what most authors do because they have a book and then they say, oh, well, I'd like to get into speaking or coaching training because as you and I know, we don't get rich on selling books. However, you know, the money making pillars are definitely speaking, training, coaching and consulting. Yes, I mean, that's the way to do it. So it's interesting that you did it the other way around, which is fun. And I think you bring up a really good point, is the fact that each one of your chapters could be a keynote presentation or a workshop. Talk to us more about the speaking business, Jim. Because I know that many authors, as much as they would like to be speakers in theory, they're sort of this scared.

Susan Friedmann [00:05:02]:
I want to use a word, but I won't say it on the air. But they're scared out of their wits about getting on the platform and actually speaking. What are some tips that you might be able to share with our listeners about the speaking business or producing a speech?

Jim Johnson [00:05:21]:
Right. You know, I think we've brought up a little bit about the studies that I saw. One study where the fear of death was seventh and fear of speaking was number one. So it is a real fear for many people. And I gotta say, when I started speaking, I certainly had fear. I mean, you get very nervous and you're trying to make an impact with your message. So one of the things I think I can help your audience with is I wanted to give back because I've Been speaking now for almost 20 years. And so I do presentations, various adult groups, but also I do a lot for college students.

Jim Johnson [00:05:54]:
I have what I call the SPEAK acronym, although I changed the K to a C, so it's S, P, E, a C. And we can talk some about some of the things that I learned. But the one thing I really want to encourage the people listening is the fact that speaking, like anything else, is a skill. And with getting some knowledge and putting the reps in, in practice, you can be a really good speaker. You know, I started, I was not very good early and now I feel like I'm pretty confident. But as you always know, you can always get better. But having some foundation in how to be a better speaker and then going out and then getting the reps is really important.

Susan Friedmann [00:06:35]:
This aligns so well with your background. I mean, you talk about reps, I mean, all about any sport is it's practice or like musicians. I mean, it's all about practice, practice to get good. And there's never the ultimate. You're always practicing. I'm sure the Michael Jordans of this world, they practice like crazy. Talk to us about this practice. What does it take?

Jim Johnson [00:07:03]:
Being a longtime coach and now doing a lot of speaking, is that a great little statement? I used to tell my players, practice doesn't make perfect, it makes permanent. One thing that's a key, and that's why I'll give you some tips to the audience about speaking is you got to practice the right things. You got to understand the fundamentals of what in our case we're talking about speaking. I think it's really important that you get the reps in, but you get an understanding of practicing the right things to be make you effective. So I'll start with the S of the SPEAK acronym and that's how you start your presentation. And too many people that I've seen speak will come in and they'll kind of ramble the audience like, isn't it a beautiful day out? Or those kinds of things. And people don't care that you got to capture their attention right away. So I have a few ideas.

Jim Johnson [00:07:59]:
Number one is find a way to capture their attention. I have a global video that's something I use often to capture attention. Video is something, but if it's a video that you are part of, I think that's the most powerful. Another way, because speaking is so important in storytelling, is start right with a story that'll be pertinent to your message. Another way is to just start with a question like I combine that when I do one of my leadership presentations after I show the JMAC video, I say, isn't that the essence of leadership? When you shine the light on your team members like the team members did for jmac, getting the audience to think about leadership, That's a way. By asking a question. And one more. And there's certainly other ways.

Jim Johnson [00:08:47]:
But is having a startling statistic, for example, and I don't know the accuracy is. I'm just making this up. But let's say you were talking about the ills of smoking and you start your presentation by saying, did you know that 80% of lung cancer is caused by smoking? Now, again, that's not an accurate fact. I should have looked that up. My point is get the audience attention right away. And a startling statistic is another way to do that.

Susan Friedmann [00:09:12]:
Yeah, the sort of. Did you know? Or just even starting off with the word imagine, imagine that obviously you can't beat the J Mac story. And then obviously seeing the video, it brings you to tears because it is so sensational. And one of the things that you say here, shining the light on the team or the other person, rather than looking to take all the kudos for yourself, I think how important that is in anything that you do. I mean, your audience, your customer, your client is the hero, as Don Miller and his story brand talks about. Excellent. What's the P stand for?

Jim Johnson [00:10:00]:
So the P is preparation. And I also add PowerPoint. Preparation is how do you prepare for your presentation? And what I do is most of my presentations have a PowerPoint. I'll talk a little bit more about that in just a moment. But with the PowerPoint then I do bullet points for things that I want to say with the slides. And also I want to put in stories that are going to capture the more important points that I want to make. And you'll be a more effective storyteller is certainly very important. But one thing I encourage the listeners is to find stories that you're involved in that you can share with the audience because the stories you're involved in make the most impact because you're emotionally involved.

Jim Johnson [00:10:45]:
Now, it's not to say you can't use other stories, but I think that's a really important point, is discover your stories. In fact, I have a story journal where I keep track of. Of stories that I might be able to use in various presentations. And then practicing the preparation is I. I usually go through my presentation multiple times. But the other thing I also do is I always practice the opening and the close even more and those are a little bit more memorized. Where the other points or the other, you know, the main body is more a bullet point, you know, and I certainly practice it, but I don't memorize that. Where the opening and the close is more.

Jim Johnson [00:11:23]:
The words mean a lot. So I make sure that I got those pretty much verbatim. But those are some things you really want to do in getting preparation and doing that. And the last thing I'll say with the other P is PowerPoint is the PowerPoint should enhance your presentation, not be your presentation. Let me give you a quick story. A few years ago, I was speaking to a construction company and the CEO spoke before me. And I kid you not, Susan, he read every slide verbatim. And I'm thinking to myself, I can't be a better speaker than him.

Jim Johnson [00:12:00]:
I'm in trouble. The PowerPoint should be a lot of pictures, just a few words, because you're there as the speaker to share the message, the PowerPoint. But I see too many people think that the PowerPoint's the message. No, you're the person sharing the message. And the PowerPoint should enhance because it's a visual piece that people can remember. But that's why the power of pictures on PowerPoints and fewer words I think is very significant. Another idea I learned from another speaker that I implemented just a couple of years ago is if you have a quote, and it's kind of a long quote, break that up in segments because they'll keep the audience's attention. Like, for example, one of my favorite quotes is attitudes are contagious.

Jim Johnson [00:12:45]:
So that's what I might share on the slide and then pause, and then I'll say, is yours worth catching? And then I pop it on and that's the second piece. So that's another way to capture your audience attention with sharing a quote by breaking it up. Especially if it's a little bit longer quote.

Susan Friedmann [00:13:02]:
I love that one. I've not heard that one before, but it's perfect. And you're right, less is more. And it's not about reading the slides. The slides are just there. It's a picture. And we're visual for the most part. People are visual.

Susan Friedmann [00:13:16]:
They remember pictures. And if you've got a story that you can attach to that picture or a moral or a lesson, that's even more powerful. Just those one, two, three maximum bullet points. And not a sentence, just a phrase or even one word. It's just so that it helps make it more powerful. And again, for memory's sake, we remember Things in small chunks. I love that. And preparation, yes, I read my presentations beforehand, I go through the slides and I talk through it to myself.

Susan Friedmann [00:13:57]:
And for me that works really well. I know other people are there with the stopwatch and everything and no, I just, I'm a little bit more free flowing. However, I'm very cognizant of time. And obviously through practice, like all of us, we know, you know, if we've got half an hour, we know when that half hour is about up.

Jim Johnson [00:14:22]:
Right. And that's where the preparation comes in. Because I will put a stopwatch like you do, I will go through with my PowerPoint and I practice and sometimes I do it in front of a mirror, sometimes just in my office. But the big thing is getting a feel of how long it's going to take is important. And you're right. Through reps, you're going to get that feel.

Susan Friedmann [00:14:41]:
Yeah, it's all about practicing. I mean, you said this over and over again. Speaking like any sport is something that you have to practice because you can't just read a book about it. Well, you can read a book about it. There are tons of books on presentation skills. But the fact is, until you get up there and do it and do it and do it over and over again, that's when it starts becoming more sort of muscle memory gets in. Cellular memory. That helps make a good presentation and you a good presenter.

Jim Johnson [00:15:17]:
Yeah.

Susan Friedmann [00:15:17]:
So the E. What does the E stand is again?

Jim Johnson [00:15:20]:
It's kind of a double edge. It's eye contact and engagement. And so I'll give you a couple of quick examples. Eye contact is. Is that as you kind of peruse the room. And I've spoke, you know, to small groups, like 10, and I've spoke to groups over a thousand. So it's a little bit different. But the idea is to just gently kind of move and making sure that you're making eye contact with various people.

Jim Johnson [00:15:44]:
The people that have smiles on their face, I think are always nicer. You can make them a little bit longer eye contact. But the one caveat I give people is you're not a Martian. You don't want to look at somebody for like 45 seconds. They'll think you're crazy. You just want to comfortably look at people in the eyes for five to six seconds and then just kind of great. You know, it takes a little practice, but you're really thinking about, I'm talking to one person, even though you might be talking to a thousand people. That's a key of the eye contact.

Jim Johnson [00:16:12]:
And I know early on I didn't do a very good job. Now I'm very cognizant of making sure I'm looking at people's eyes. In fact, you know, I've heard like, do you know the color of somebody's eyes? Those are just little tips that you can do as you're trying to make eye contact. Engagement. Well, there's a lot of ways to do engagement. I'll give you a couple ideas. One is just the power of the pause and giving. Especially when you ask a rhetorical question, give a little time to have them embrace the question and think through a little bit.

Jim Johnson [00:16:46]:
So using the power of the pause with questions, there's also many ways you can get the audience involved. I'll give you just three things to think about. One is just doing an individual activity. Quick. Like, one of the things I'll do is in one of my presentations about goal setting, I'll say in 45 seconds, I want you to write down your three most important goals. That's something you can just get every individual to do. Get them to think. When you're doing engagement, one of the things, like I brand myself obviously as a coach, so I come on stage with a whistle.

Jim Johnson [00:17:18]:
But the whistle also is a nice thing because I can start and stop any activities I do. And it's a pretty easy way to make a transition. So you do have to find ways. When you have audience engagement, whether it's partner activities, group activities or individual, there's ways you can start and stop the audience. A partner activity could be like, I do a bunch of different things with communication, with leadership. I have a couple different partner communication activities. That's another way you can do it, you know, and flip. And again, having a way that you can do that partner exercise for 30 to 60 seconds and then flip flop.

Jim Johnson [00:17:56]:
I also have in couple of my presentation a group activity where I get the whole group to go up. And it's one about team culture and trying to build that. So those are some of the things but you really got to think about as you speak and especially the longer, because my keynotes usually are anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. If they're 90 minutes, you got is get more audience participation. With 45, I still have some audience participation, but not quite as much so. But those are things you want to think about with the engaging your audience.

Susan Friedmann [00:18:29]:
And that takes real skill because you've got to be able to. It's like herding sheep sometimes, especially if you've got a large audience, because they all get excited, especially if they're talking together and then trying to bring them back to get some feedback. And it takes skill. It does for me. I love training programs. Give me three hours, three days, rather than 45 minutes or even 30 minutes. 30 minutes for me is like, oh, my goodness. But then it's like, well, you don't cover everything.

Susan Friedmann [00:19:07]:
That's a mistake that I've made in the past. And maybe you have too, is that. Try and give them as much information as you can in as short a period of time as possible. It's like drinking from a fire hose. And that's exhausting. Yes, that's exhausting for everybody because they're not taking anything in because it's just too much information. So less is more. A.

Susan Friedmann [00:19:31]:
What does the A stand?

Jim Johnson [00:19:33]:
So the A, I'm just going to say, because you hit the, you know, less is more is a great point. Is the agenda. And so when I talk about the agenda is really number one. And the other is knowing your audience. And so that what do you want the audience to know at the end and be able to take action? Because obviously, as a speaker, you want to entertain, but you want to also transform. You're trying to get people to make a choice, to change their life for the positive. And so in doing that, a basic thing I do break this rule sometime with some of my presentations, but is that if you can have three keys. But you know, you mentioned, like, if it's 30 minutes, you may just have one key or two keys that you're really going to focus in because you had a great point.

Jim Johnson [00:20:19]:
You don't want to jam so much content that you're speaking so fast. I got caught up early in my career. Oh, I got to get everything in. So that means I just talk faster. No, that's not a good way. Because they won't comprehend what you're trying to do. So really understand how you're going to plan it. What are your keys that people.

Jim Johnson [00:20:39]:
How can you help transfer their life? And then the other thing that I think is so important, I've said it before, being someone that's been an author of a book, you know, this is. You got to become a good storyteller. So you should have really good stories that illustrate your points.

Susan Friedmann [00:20:54]:
That's one of my weaknesses. I have to admit, listeners, you've heard it. I do admit that that's probably one of my biggest challenges is finding the right story, too with a point. I mean, there was one point in my life where I was doing presentation skills workshop and the trainer said, you've all got stories. And I said, no, I don't have any stories. And she was like, of course you do. And then all of a sudden I was like, of course I do. You know, I've traveled the world.

Susan Friedmann [00:21:26]:
I've had experiences that been airlifted up by the National Guard. I mean, crazy stuff. Of course I've got stories. We've all got stories. Some of them are more mind blowing than others. We've all got stories. Yes, the audience, I think that's so important. And I know listeners have heard that from me so many times.

Susan Friedmann [00:21:50]:
Is your audience knowing your audience knowing who they are, what are their challenges? What's keeping them up at night? This is where some homework too, before. And that's part of your preparation, I'm sure Jim is finding this out, not going in there cold and thinking, you know, oh, I'm just going to give my presentation. Because the more that you make it about them again, remembering that they're the heroes, the more that they are going to love you as well. Because it is about them. And that's what people are interested in. They come and listen, they're listening to this. It's like, what's in it for me? Why should I take the time to listen to this? I'm always cognizant of that. Or most of the time, I won't say always, but most of the time cognizant of that.

Susan Friedmann [00:22:41]:
And those takeaways, what do you want the audience to take away? And it might only just be one thing.

Jim Johnson [00:22:48]:
Exactly.

Susan Friedmann [00:22:49]:
The C. Round us up with the.

Jim Johnson [00:22:52]:
C. You had so many powerful things. I just want to share one thing because I've had speakers ask for advice from me and they'll say, I don't have a signature story like the J Mac story. And I said, you don't have to just start thinking about stories and capture them, put them in a journal so you have stories that will illustrate your points. Because you had a great point, you've traveled the world, you got a lot of good stories, but people don't think they do. That's a really important thing. And then the last thing I'll say before I talk about the C is knowing your audience. What I highly recommend.

Jim Johnson [00:23:25]:
If people you know that are listening are getting and speaking, you should always do a pre call. And in the pre call, you're really trying to find out what is the message that the person that's bringing you in wants for their audience. So you're so right. And that's why it's so important to have a pre call so that you got everything organized. And then the other thing I'll say about that is during the pre call. This is something I learned later in my speaking career. I wish I had done it sooner is also ask if you can get on a date on a calendar to do either a phone call or a zoom call on a post call because I think that is so important where you can get feedback and stay connected and that's really important. So having that pre and post call and going to the last thing the C.

Jim Johnson [00:24:12]:
The C is simply the close is so important because I was talking to a speaker the other day. He was trying to sell he wanted to do keynotes, but it's basically for his coaching and consulting, which some of the listeners may want to do some presentations, but the bottom line is they're making most of it right on you with coaching and consulting, which is fine. I'm mainly a keynote speaker, so I don't do as much with that. But whatever your business model is to close, I'll share a couple ideas. One is that you should close with something that's compelling. I have a couple different stories that I close in my keynotes and then a call to action which you mentioned. You know, to help them transform them to life. I'll give you a quick illustration.

Jim Johnson [00:24:56]:
When I close, my dreams really do come true. I'll share with them that what I learned from JMAC is the best way that you can make your dreams come true is to help others make their dreams come true. Your call to action is today. Go out and find somebody you can help. That's just a little brief illustration of the close. And the other thing I talk about is Q&As often. In fact, I went to a conference a few years ago with a bunch of entrepreneurs and some of the speakers were quite good, some were not so good. But the one thing the organizer I thought did a poor job is he let everyone have a Q and A as the last thing.

Jim Johnson [00:25:38]:
And some of the people had a pretty good presentation and then no one asked a question. They simply walked off the stage. So they didn't end with what I call a bang. So when I talk going back to our pre call, I asked them, do you want a Q and A? And many do. And I say, well, to have the most effectiveness with the Q and A is one I want to make sure I'm going to do it towards the end, but it's not going to be the last thing. I want to end with a compelling story And a call to action. Secondly, if it's a bigger group with a Q and A, make sure you have a microphone for the audience so that everybody can hear the question. Although I will give you one other bit of advice in the Q and A, I think it's a really good idea, especially when it's a tricky question, is to repeat the question to the audience because it gives you a little bit more time to think of what your answer is going to be.

Jim Johnson [00:26:30]:
Those are just some ideas, but make sure the close is something that's memorable and compels them to take some action to. To transform their life.

Susan Friedmann [00:26:39]:
Those are great points, by the way. And sometimes even getting people to explain what they want because they ask the question in such a roundabout way that sometimes you're like, what are they trying to ask me? I don't even know. I don't understand. But you don't want to belittle that so delicately. Well, what exactly do you mean by that? Or what exactly would you like to know? Because again, sometimes it's harder for people to verbalize what it is that they really want to know. They've got it in their head, but it doesn't always come out the right way when they actually say it. But that is, I mean, just ending with a bang. And not just, oh, well, let it fizzle out.

Susan Friedmann [00:27:25]:
Because again, you want to make an impact. Calls to action are often like, do you want to hire me? Do you want me to be speaking at your event or at another event? Yeah, I mean, the more that you can do that, and what you said with that post call, too, is how can you be of further assistance?

Jim Johnson [00:27:46]:
Right, exactly.

Susan Friedmann [00:27:48]:
And now I think even more, if you're a keynote speaker, can you offer maybe a breakout session as well to the show organizer? And you're doing it for the same amount of money and they're getting more bang for their buck, which they also love. And that also gives you more opportunity to be exposed to the audience and getting them to love you. These are great points, Jim. Oh, my goodness. We could go on for a long, long time.

Jim Johnson [00:28:18]:
As you know.

Susan Friedmann [00:28:20]:
Jim, if our listeners want to get hold of you and find out more, and especially to watch that movie.

Jim Johnson [00:28:27]:
Yeah, yeah. How can they do that? One last thing is you had such great points, Susan, about the fact that I think because I'm predominantly a keynote speaker, but I have developed breakout sessions because the big conferences, they often will ask the keynote. And you're absolutely right. It's another way you could expose some of your content and get to Meet people, because usually your breakouts are smaller than the keynote sessions. You're absolutely right on that. I share three things. I'm very open right now. My website is coachjimjohnson.com we have a free newsletter.

Jim Johnson [00:28:59]:
We do a free weekly blog, as you mentioned. I am part of a podcast called the Limitless Leadership Lounge, where we help young and emerging leaders. I also have a YouTube channel, both for the podcast and for myself. So those are both possibilities. And certainly if people are looking for inspiration, I brand myself as an inspirational leader. I do a lot of presentations around the country, and basically, there are three things. I have an inspirational keynote, I have a leadership keynote, and I have a team culture. How to build a championship and team culture are the main things that I do.

Jim Johnson [00:29:34]:
I do a few other things, and I have a few breakouts like goal setting and leadership. Those are the main things. My email is coachjimjohnsonmail.com I've opened up, Susan. So if anybody wants to contact me by text or phone, we do have a phone number, but that goes to my manager on the website. But my personal cell phone, if anybody wants to reach out, is 585-764-0220.

Susan Friedmann [00:30:02]:
Wow. That's very generous, Jim. And daring. Yeah, you took a risk. I remember when I heard that for the first time when somebody gave their phone number out, and I was like, oh, my goodness. This is an audience of 500 people. Are you going to get 500 phone calls? And the interesting thing is that sometimes you might only get one or two, but that's okay. But it's still being willing to be open and helpful to people.

Susan Friedmann [00:30:31]:
And I know that that's something you're really good at. And having been a coach for over 30 years, you know all about coaching and what it takes to be successful as a team. Not just you, it's the team that's successful. That's brilliant. And, Jim, as you know, we always have our guests leave our listeners with a golden nugget. What's yours?

Jim Johnson [00:30:55]:
Because I'm an inspirational leader, Susan, I got to give a little inspiration. And so the inspiration is that I just want to challenge all the listeners that have written books that speaking is a really powerful way to continue to share your message. And you can do that. We gave you some nice tips. But the thing I'll encourage you is to like anything else. Writing a book is a challenge. Make speaking a study. As I started to learn more and more about this, I'm like, I may not be the best speaker in the world.

Jim Johnson [00:31:28]:
But, boy, I'm a lot better than I used to be because I've become a student of it. I've hired coaches, I've listened to a lot of different speeches. And then you pick up little things that you can add or subtract from your presentation. But the bottom line is you can do it, be a student, be a learner, and go after it because it's a great way to share your message.

Susan Friedmann [00:31:50]:
I love that. By the way, I think that might make a great book title. Make Speaking a Study. Yeah, that's beautiful. Yes, you absolutely have shared so beautifully the wisdom of speaking and how you've done it and how you've been successful and are successful at it. We're not talking in past tense. We're talking present and future, hopefully. Thank you so much, Jim.

Susan Friedmann [00:32:16]:
It's been a pleasure having you and should have had you on a long time ago, but somehow this was the right time. Perfect. 

And listeners, if your book isn't selling the way you want it or expect it to, let's you and I jump on a quick call together to brainstorm ways to ramp up those sales. Because you've invested a whole lot of time, money, and energy, and it's time you got the return you were hoping for. Go to bookmarketingbrainstorm.com to schedule your free call. And in the meantime, I hope this powerful interview sparks some ideas you can use to sell more books. Until next week, here's wishing you much book and author marketing success.

Here's how to connect with Coach Jim:

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