Public speaking is one of the best ways to market your book, business, or non-profit organization. No other promotional activity offers the opportunity to directly meet people, build emotional connections, generate word of mouth, sell products, and get paid to do so - all at the same time! But, how do you know if you're a good speaker or a great speaker?

For example, let's assume you've just come off the speaking stage to a standing ovation. You're feeling pretty good about your speech. Later, as you stand around shaking hands, several people mention how much they enjoyed your presentation. Their feedback makes you think you gave a good speech. But, is that really the case?

The fact is that everyone gets told they're a good speaker. That's because most audience members aren't going to share negative feedback. Nobody wants to be a kill-joy or make you feel bad. Therefore, you can't really judge a speech based on audience feedback. Instead, here are three ways to know if your speech was actually great:

1. The leader who booked you invites you back.

Most leaders are looking for effective, results-based speakers they can trust. If your speech is great, then leaders know they can count on you. This belief increases the desire to invite you back, because they know good things happen when you're there. Giving a great presentation causes leaders to want you back. Sure, some leaders may want to skip a year to keep things fresh, but great speakers stay in a leaders mind on a consistent basis - which helps create consistent bookings.

2. The leader who booked you refers you to another leader.

Your speech is great if the person who booked you tells their influential friends how good you are. Leaders talk to their peers and swap stories about speakers. This referral process alone can fill up half of a great speaker's calendar. Word of mouth starts to spread and the phone starts to ring with requests. Is your phone ringing?

3. Another leader in the audience invites you to speak.

You have a great speech if a different leader in the audience comes up and says, "Here's my card, I'd like to book you for an event with my organization." Anyone can compliment you on your presentation, but it's a different story when a leader wants you to present your speech again to their group. When you can motivate someone to immediately want you, then you've got a great speech.

Enjoy audience compliments when you speak. But, keep your primary goal on satisfying the leaders in the room. Only they have the authority, budget, and circle of peers to say your good speech was really great.