By Dr. Chrissy Whiting-Madison @joyfulgurly

Have you ever sent a text to someone who totally misunderstood what you were trying to say?  Perhaps you were being sarcastic, and the recipient read it as rude. Maybe you were being sincere, and the recipient read it as mocking. We have all been in the position where the context of our written words has been misconstrued. As an author, this is a fear I battle nearly constantly.  Do I sound self-righteous? Do I sound superior or judgmental? Or do I sound as I feel-compassionate and kind?

One of the ways, I discovered to make sure that my written words are always understood exactly as I intended themes to become a motivational speaker. In this way, workshop and conference participants get to hear my words BEFORE they read them. They come to feel happier and leave not only with the message delivered by me for them, but then they also receive a copy of my book, Choosing Happiness, to delve deeper into the world of positivity. They have already met me and have experienced my sincerity firsthand; now get to read my words and hear them spoken in my voice in their head as they jump off the page.

This has been a game-changer for me, and I encourage my fellow authors, especially those of us who write in the self-help, nonfiction genre to secure opportunities to speak your words to your future readers and supporters. Sign up to deliver a lecture series at your local library or university. Volunteer to do a Zoom conference for a college community.

The best part is that all you need to do is seek out one opportunity, subsequent opportunities will tend to fall in your lap from the participants of previous workshops or seminars. For example, last year I did a happiness workshop in Hot Springs, Arkansas. From there, I was approached to attend and speak at various other conferences across the United States, including conferences in Cincinnati, Ohio, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Lincoln, Nebraska. My goal is to present internationally, and reach a whole new audience of happiness seekers, who will hear the words spoken from my own lips before they ever read them on a page.

Ready to dive right in?  Start by doing some research. Find some conferences that cater to your audience and contact the coordinators. Send emails to your local libraries, colleges, universities, and churches (youth groups, men’s groups and women’s group absolutely love this kind of thing). Let them know that you are an author looking to bless the lives of others. Not only will you have a ton of fun, but you will sell more books and make new friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Start talking! Let the world hear your words and bless each and every one of those who choose to listen.

Dr. Chrissy Whiting-Madison obtained her BA in Psychology from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, her MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from Langston University and her PhD in Rehabilitation & Research from the University of Arkansas. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Rogers State University where she avidly researches positive psychology, happiness, humor and joy. Dr. Chrissy published her first book this past year, called Choosing Happiness. She has presented all over the United States, and is currently working on her second book, Even Happier. You can connect with her on her website.

When Dr. Chrissy is not teaching, reading or traveling, she loves scary movies and spending time with her friends and family. She is also a proud mom of one daughter and 6 cats.