Ask an Expert: Public Speaking for Catholic Authors: A Practical Three-Part Series
Series Overview
In this practical three-part series for the Catholic Writers Guild, Scott Hammerle draws from his decades of experience, from Disney stage performances in front of thousands to corporate leadership and retreat speaking, to help writers move their stories from the page to the platform. You’ll learn how to craft compelling talks that connect with live audiences, command the stage with confidence, and how Scott built a sustainable speaking business based on his book, “Lessons from the Castle.”
Key topics include:
• Products and Packaging - The pros and cons of off-the-shelf versus custom offerings, plus smart ways to organize and sell your content.
• Pre-Event Meetings - What to expect and accomplish in each one for better sales, preparation, and on-site execution.
• Getting Started - Finding practice opportunities, responding to calls for speakers, building strong video assets, and the practical steps that take you from beginner to in-demand.
These sessions are designed to be immediately actionable for Catholic writers who feel called to share their stories more widely, whether in parishes, conferences, retreats, or the broader marketplace.
Part 2: Managing the Stage
Great content alone isn’t enough, you also need to master the physical space and your presence within it. In the second session of this series, Scott discusses how to use the stage itself as a powerful storytelling partner.
You’ll learn:
• 4D Stories – The dynamic interplay between your written words, your stage persona, the physical environment, and the audience’s experience.
• Getting On and Off Stage Effectively – Smooth, professional transitions that build rather than break momentum.
• Body Language, Gestures, and Movement – How to use your full presence to reinforce your message without distraction.
