how accounting pros own the stage in public speaking | accounting arc

from free speeches to paid engagements, thought leaders discuss breaking into the speaking circuit and what they’ve learned along the way.

click to subscribe anywhere: apple, google/youtube, spotify, iheart, deezer, amazon music and audible, player fm, audacy, gaana (india), boomplay (africa), or rss.

accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation

public speaking is not for the faint of heart, especially in the accounting world.

in a recent episode of accounting arc, hosts liz mason, cpa; byron patrick, cpa.citp, cgma; and donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma; share how their speaking careers transitioned from volunteer gigs to paid engagements. they delve into their varied approaches to preparation, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning from feedback, painting a picture of how they influence the profession from the stage.

more accounting arc: greg kyte: being a cpa is like being the marie kondo of numbers | rachel bashore: a lawyer’s case for reinventing accounting | beyond the basics in ethics eduction | bailey lenart: from ledger sheets to transformational change | election tax plans: what cpas need to know | leadership for the future: stakeholders, sustainability, and strategic vision | in-person conferences still essential | non-accountants in accounting: a game-changer for the profession | rubik yeriazarian: smaller firms offer big opportunities for rapid skill development in forensic accounting | accounting arc | ai will steal your job. and that’s a good thing | accounting arc | the right kind of lazy: innovative approaches to streamlining workflows | accounting arc

in their early speaking years, shimamoto, mason, and patrick often presented free of charge, primarily as a way to share knowledge and establish credibility. “when it’s a paid gig, there’s a different level of responsibility,” says patrick, ceo of verifyiq and vice president of client success at the b3 method institute®. today, these professionals are in high demand for keynotes and panels, representing a new, evolving face of the accounting profession.

each speaker has their unique approach to preparing for an event. mason, ceo and founder of high rock accounting, says her style includes rigorous research and personal storytelling aimed at making an emotional impact. “if i don’t over-prepare, i feel like i can’t deliver confidently,” she explains. patrick, meanwhile, approaches speaking as a “conversation with friends” and focuses less on precise data, more on offering perspectives that provoke thought.

a recurring theme throughout the discussion was imposter syndrome, a feeling each speaker admits to battling even after years of experience. “i think we’re always our worst critics,” reflects shimamoto,  founder and managing director of intraprisetechknowlogies llc and founder and inspiration architect for the center for accounting transformation. patrick echoes this sentiment, adding that receiving positive feedback—especially from audience members who feel inspired—is a reassuring reminder of the value they bring.

the speakers agree that constructive criticism is essential for growth, though it isn’t always easy to find. “one star said, ‘she spoke too much,’” mason jokes, underscoring the occasional absurdity of feedback. patrick stresses the importance of seeking feedback from those with public speaking experience, noting that they’re more likely to offer valuable insights.

mason, shimamoto, and patrick each bring diverse perspectives into their presentations, often drawing from their experiences outside the accounting industry. this cross-industry awareness not only helps to keep content fresh but also appeals to broader audiences, allowing them to connect beyond technical topics.

in an industry often perceived as conservative, the rise of paid speakers like shimamoto, mason, and patrick marks a notable shift. their journeys offer models for emerging accountants interested in public speaking: value your experiences, bring authenticity, and remember that every story has something to teach.

top takeaways

1. paid speaking changes the level of responsibility. compensation heightens the responsibility to prepare and deliver valuable content.
2. preparation style varies but is critical: while mason leans into detailed preparation, patrick prefers a conversational approach. both are valid but tailored to individual comfort.
3. imposter syndrome is real. even seasoned speakers feel self-doubt, which makes audience feedback invaluable.
4. constructive feedback matters. each speaker emphasizes the need for feedback from experienced individuals who understand public speaking.
5. find your unique value. presenters should focus on sharing perspectives and personal insights, not just data.
6. look outside your field. drawing insights from beyond accounting makes speakers more versatile and engaging.
7. diversity is a strength. authentic voices from varied backgrounds add value and relevance.
8. saying yes builds experience. early speaking gigs, even unpaid, open doors to future opportunities.
9. audience feedback drives impact. engaging the audience is key, as post-session feedback often reinforces the speaker’s purpose.
10. representation is essential. the industry benefits when diverse voices and experiences are shared, especially those that challenge norms.

posted on november 13, 2024