Launch Party...

[Shannon]

For some reason, I waited until my launch party was a few hours away to time my speech. It's only five minutes long. Now, I'm scared! Is that too short?? Would it be better to elongate the speech, or just keep it short and mingle the rest of the time. So nervous and I waited FAR too long to figure these things out!!

[[deleted user]]

I've never done a launch party, but it seems to me that with attention spans as short as they are today, 5 minutes is just about right. If it seems too short while you're doing it, can you conclude it with a short reading from your book?

[Danielle]

Don't worry! Just speak from the heart, and I'm sure they won't mind! They are there to support you and your work.

[Heidi]

Launch speeches should be short! Don't stress, it is more important for you to mingle and press the flesh. 5 minute speech on your book is just fine. I typically keep mine under 15 (I love to talk, so that is hard.) Key points to hit: 1. Why you wrote the book. 2. who the book is for. 3. Who you need to thank and why. If you covered those three points in 5 minutes, then you are good.

[Shannon]

Thank you guys! I feel less like I'm about to puke, so you rock! 8-)

[Zoltán]

5-10 minutes is fine for the frontal part of the launch. Let people approach you for additional talks ;)

[M.L.]

Sounds like fun! I haven't done one but I love public speaking. :) The adrenalin rush is good, it adds to the energy. Good luck, have fun! I'm late on this but let us know how it went. It would be great if someone filmed or recorded it for you!

[Missy]

The fact that such things as launch parties and launch party speeches exist...terrifies me.

[Heidi]

Shannon, how did it go?