Being an approved cruise enrichment presenter is the greatest gig on the seven seas. The deal is simple: Furnish the cruise lines three or four 1-hour talks on subjects you love and receive a free cruise for you and a companion. The best part is the presentations are usually scheduled on sea days, so you'll have every port day totally free to explore. Additionally, you'll cruise as a passenger (not a crew member) so you'll get every other passenger perk, too.

Although it is relatively easy, there are some pitfalls to becoming an approved cruise presenter. Don't let these common mistakes sink your chances of becoming a cruise enrichment presenter before you even leave the port:

1. Not Doing Your Homework:

Learn which cruise lines have enrichment speaker programs and what topics they generally seek. The cruise line contacts will know if you aren't asking intelligent questions. And you'll only be able to sound intelligent about their programs if you've done your homework. Being labeled as an amateur because you have not done the required up-front work will be the kiss of death to your application.

2. Not Selecting "Good Fit" Topics:

The speaking topics you pick must succeed on two fronts. First, they must fit what the cruise lines seek. Second, you must be passionate and knowledgeable about them. This is really easier than it sounds. From your homework you'll learn the types of lecture programs the cruise lines like to have onboard. Once you have an understanding, find topics within your personal knowledge base that match what's popular on the cruise lines. You may have to make a list, but everyone has at least two or three topic areas in which they have proficiency, if not expertise. However, if your topics are all wrong, you'll fail before you start.

3. Not Making a Professional and Cogent Presentation:

You'll need to sell yourself and your talks to the cruise line contacts, so take the time to do it right. Be prepared to talk about how the presentation (s) fit within the cruise line's format, why passengers will like the programs, and why you're qualified to talk about it. And get to the point. If you botch this initial communication, the cruise line contact won't have much faith that you can communicate in front of their passengers. Consequently, you may not get the chance.

4. Sending an Unpersuasive Lecture Packet:

If you've done a good job with the initial contact, the cruise line will want you to follow-up with more information about yourself and your programs. Think of this information as a mini-press kit that may contain a video or audio of your lecture. Your lecture packet must continue the sale that you started with the initial contact, and if it doesn't, you're in trouble.

5. Not Being Flexible:

You're trying to get your foot in the door. It will pay to be as flexible as possible about when you can cruise. Remember, you are there to help the cruise line management entertain/ educate their guests. If you limit the time you can cruise to a specific week of the year, you may never set sail. Show as much flexibility as your schedule will allow and you'll dramatically increase yours odds of getting approved.

6. Not Educating Yourself On the Approval Process:

Learn all you can about how to be approved as a speaker. It will stream line the process, take the guesswork out, and will also significantly increase the likelihood of success.

Mix business and pleasure while adding to your speaking portfolio. Get started on making a name for yourself as a cruise enhancement presenter today.

Daniel Hall is the world's foremost expert in how to trade your talents as a speaker for free luxury cruises. He has a one-of-a-kind training program at www. speakerscruisefree.com.

Daniel, along with Bryan Caplovitz, CEO of SpeakerMatch.com recently launched the only cruise speaker directory in the world. www.cruisespeaking.com is the place cruise lines go to find speakers just like you. Go to www.cruisespeaking.com to claim your listing if you would like an opportunity to get selected to speak and cruise free.