Note to reader: This series is derived from the program notes for a video production intended for my current Med cruise. The article assumes that you are already approved with cruise line enrichment programs and are in the process of developing at least one new destination-oriented program. Such is my experience on this cruise. Be sure to check out Parts 2 and 3 of this article series.
Speaking on cruise ships is enormously rewarding. Not only can you get free luxury travel, but it’s also a great way to promote yourself and your business on land. To really do well and be successful, there are a few things that need to be done beforehand. This article covers some of those details you’ll need to prepare before your cruise.
If you are sailing to a new destination and need to develop a new destination-driven program specifically for the new itinerary, consider:
1. Before you get down to business in earnest, make sure your cruise line contact has pitched your new program idea. There is no point in putting any effort into the subject if it is a flop before you start. Important note: If you want to know why destination programs are so important and how you can organize them, even if you are not a destination expert, check out my Speak on Cruise Ships: 8 Easy Steps to a Lifelife of FREE Luxury program. Cruises in the resource box below.
2. Make sure you give yourself plenty of preparation time. To introduce the cruise lines to the theme of your new destination, all you need is a catchy title and bullet points written in the specific way I describe in Speak on Cruise Ships. But once you’ve got the go-ahead with your theme, you’ll need to finish any research you may need to make your destination theme really shine. There is no substitute for good preparation which can take some time. Give it to yourself.
3. Now research to your heart’s content. When I started, it usually took me two to three days to complete the research for a talk on a whole new destination; now it takes me about 90 minutes.
4. Once I have completed my research, I build my presentation into the finished product that I deliver on board. If the presentation lends itself, I generally use PowerPoint for my presentations, but only by following these guidelines.
A. The words only appear in the title (maximum three words).
b. There is an appropriate image on each page that conveys the message of the main points I wish to communicate.
vs. I don’t read from PowerPoint, I just use it to augment what I’m doing from the stage and keep the focus on me as a speaker.
d. Generally speaking, 22-24 PowerPoint slides give me enough material to cover 45 minutes. Note: There is usually an additional 15 minute question and answer period after your show.
5. On every new program I do, I practice at least once before I deliver it on board. Even if I am very familiar with the content, I will gather my family members together and do the presentation for them. This is a good way to work out any bugs and also test the time it takes you to make the program. Timing on board (or with any speaking gig) is crucial. If they give you an hour, you take a maximum of 60 minutes and not one more minute.
Using these tips will make your pre-cruise activities more effective and dramatically increase your chances of success once you step on board.