Peg Stomierowski Gould is a writer and editor, focusing on executive leadership, health and wellness, financial services and other business topics. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Her first post in this series “Pitching your projects” can be read here.

We’re still basking in the lessons from the American Independent Writers annual conference –“New Realities, the (R)evolution of Writing and Publishing.” AIW is expanding and changing with the times, raising a collective voice in behalf of writers. Now the organization is unveiling plans to found its own publishing arm, AIW Press. Its first book, using self-publishing technologies, will chronicle lessons about the writing field from its membership.

Last week I discussed how writers waited in line at the recent AIW conference to briefly pitch writing project ideas to publishing agents.  I also recalled a reflection from broadcast journalist Barbara Walters, whose wrote in her memoir Audition about how often in life she felt she was trying out for one thing or another — with the vulnerability that entails.

Many of you can relate to her observation. Outside of work, you audition for relationships of all kinds, trying not to lose yourself along the way. You will audition repeatedly during the course of your career, alongside others of various ages, backgrounds and talents, for jobs, projects and other opportunities.  And if you’ve been around for awhile, you may be identified with projects that have run their course and that can help or hurt, so it’s critical to stay ahead of change.

How well do you know how to express to your group or audience the essence of who you are today, what you want, and where you intend to go and take others? Consider it a matter of coming up with your own special brand. At the same time, part of the challenge is being coachable – able to improve your skills — while preserving your authenticity: knowing who you are and what you want to convey.  Audiences respond to that as well as to creative content, so be attentive in selecting coaching systems for yourselves and others.

And if effective presentation isn’t a strength of yours, some business coaching may help.  Use whatever tools are available that can help you stay ahead of developments in your field — SmartBrief newsletters are a good start. Learn to deliver your pitch with presence and flare.

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