From Speaker to Writer or Writer to Speaker?

by Crystal Bowman
Like peanut butter and jelly, writing and speaking just go together. Though each can stand on its own, they are better together. But what comes first—writing or speaking? Well, that depends. 
From Speaker to WriterPopular pastors, teachers, and motivational speakers who gain a sizable following often receive publishing offers because their books compliment their messages and reach an even broader audience. Because of the popularity of the speakers, their books typically sell thousands if not millions. Rick Warren, James Dobson, and Louie Giglio are prime examples. For most of these types of speakers, their speaking/teaching platforms came first, followed by a writing career to expand their reach.
From Writer to SpeakerMany writers, like myself, dreamed of being an author, but would break out in hives at the thought of speaking. I can remember many details of my high school speech class, not because it was fun or exciting, but because I was terrified every time it was my turn to speak in front of my peers. When I began writing for publication, speaking was not on my aspiration list.
Then a friend shared some wise words that changed the course of my life. Just as Mark Twain said, “Write what you know,” my friend told me, “Speak what you know.”
As a former school teacher and children’s writer, I was comfortable speaking in schools. I shared my stories and humorous poetry in author assemblies and taught writing workshops in the classroom. When a teacher asked me to speak at their church’s mother-daughter banquet, I accepted. Although I had a case of the nerves, I enjoyed being part of their program, and to my surprise I sold some books. My speaking opportunities grew rapidly as did my confidence. But just like writing is a learning experience, so is speaking. I attended conferences for speakers and read books on speaking to improve my speaking skills. 
Find Your PlaceJust like writers need to find their “sweet-spot” genre, speakers need to find their place in the world of speaking. My favorite places to speak are writers’ conferences, schools, churches, and MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups. It’s where I fit, and I am no longer terrified to speak because I speak what I know. Not every writer needs to be a keynote speaker or travel the globe to have a successful speaking career. 
Writing has always been my passion, but over the years, speaking has also become my passion. I have found my place and ask God to use me where He chooses to lead me. Just like writing, speaking has its highs and lows and not every event will be a mountain-top experience. We need to go through the doors God opens for us, and trust that God will bless someone with our words. 
I have come to enjoy speaking almost as much as writing and am thankful that God has given me some wonderful opportunities. However, if I am ever asked to be a key-note speaker at a national conference, I would definitely break out in hives! 
TWEETABLEFrom Speaker to Writer or Writer to Speaker? Insight from Crystal Bowman on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Crystal Bowman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and four nonfiction books for women. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music and is a monthly contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine. She loves going to schools to teach kids about poetry. She also speaks at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups and teaches workshops at writers’ conferences. When she is not writing or speaking, she enjoys going for walks, working out at the gym, and eating ice cream. She and her husband live in Michigan and have seven huggable grandkids. 
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Featured Image: Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash