The Launch of Speaking with a Smile by Wendy O’Hanlon

Launching my regular contributions in Holistic Bliss magazine as a Very Important Contributor is very exciting! I have followed Vanessa Finnigan and her magazine probably since the print launch some 17 years ago.

I’m looking forward to meeting contributors and readers this year through my monthly live videos and columns and growing this network of amazing people.

A little bit about myself. I am a journalist, editor, author, book editor and reviewer, broadcaster, podcaster, MC, festival founder, and workshop host. My greatest love is connecting people – growing networks to support each other and others.

And… project travel, voluntourism, saving animals… But most of all, the very proud Mum of two young men.

This year, I am launching my Speaking with a Smile public speaking workshops – both in person (Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia) and online. These workshops have evolved over the years – a passion of mine in helping creatives have fun in getting out there and selling their products (books, workshops, courses, classes, art works…).

As a journalist and book reviewer, I interviewed many amazing regional, national and international authors over the decades. I was surprised by how shy of public speaking many of these creatives were – the proverbial quiet, little mouse writer shut away in their creative cave.

My favourite statement to authors (I also had a PR business called Creative Media Services) was: “You have just written and published your book. Do you think the hard work is done? No. The hard work has just begun to sell your book. Get out there in public and sell.”

Of course, this applies to any creative product, not just books. You have the talent to have written this book, launched this innovative product… but are daunted by the prospect of standing up in public and talking about your work… or going live on a video link. It’s hard to sell your product when you are not communicating with your audience effectively – even if your product is the best thing since sliced bread.

My Speaking with a Smile workshops will encourage your passion to shine on stage and on screen. I will share with you the skills to be a passionate and persuasive speaker – in an open, honest, and warm way.

I have evolved my workshops to include various modalities – not just the vocal projection and confidence aspects of public speaking.

My six-hour workshops are fun and very hands-on, with a maximum number of students capped at 10. This is to enable much one-on-one work throughout the day. And, I offer initial follow-up mentoring and support. I’m confident you will be Speaking with a Smile very soon! My online workshops will be packaged as 5 x 30-minute sessions with follow-up and mentoring.

And, of course, connecting and networking with fellow students is very important.

I look forward to sharing a lot of tips, techniques, and information through my columns and videos this year. My website, www.girlwithwords.com has lots of information – and a page detailing my Creative Collaborators. You are welcome to join this list (it’s free).

I look forward to chatting with you all. Cheers, Wendyoh

Register for Wendy’s first Speaking with a Smile Workshop in Peregian Beach on the 14^th March by emailing: girlwithwords@hotmail.com

Connect on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/girlwithwords

Facebook: www.facebook.com/girlwithwords