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Use any of the above methods for companies, which can be done in good taste or without seeming pushy.

Print a one- or two-page biography listing your expertise and/or accomplishments. Have a friend or anyone with a different address and phone number send your bio to organizations you wish to address with a short cover letter. Your friend may say that he or she thought the group might be interested in you as a program at some future date.

Have business cards printed and available to give to those who ask for them after your speech. I think you’ll find that after you have given a few speeches, your reputation will grow and program chairpersons will be seeking you, provided of course that you have a good speech. You may also wish to consider creating a webpage for yourself listing your expertise — be sure to include the web address on your business card.

Now that you are convinced that speeches are more than just something to fill up time in the local service club’s weekly meeting — that some of the greatest thoughts in history were first expressed in a speech, that there are millions of people out there who are listening to speeches every day, that speeches are a vital tool for getting your message to the public (the best way for specific publics), and that you know how to get speaking engagements — the next step is to learn how to give a speech with the least possible effort and the most enjoyment for both you and your audience.

1. Books may have given birth to Ralph Nader and Rachel Carson, but speeches kept their causes alive. 2. The term “company” in this case can apply just as well to special interest groups, foundations, labor unions, and organizations.