Senator
Barack Obama is known for his motivational speeches
Are you an engaging speaker who has had many interesting,
rewarding experiences? Motivate yourself to motivate others and get
paid for doing so.
Steps
- Evaluate your special message. Consider what
it is that you have to say that would be of value to others--have
you experienced great adversity, or received some special
education? In order to succeed as a motivational speaker, you must
have something special to deliver.
- Carve out your niche. Motivational speaking
is, in many ways, a product that must be sold. Why should someone
pay to hear you impart your message? Be able to articulate your
unique experiences and explain exactly how you can inspire
others.
- Create an outline of your presentation. This
will be used not only to provide a framework for your talk but also
as a marketing piece for potential clients. Furthermore, many
people are visual learners and can gain more from a visual
representation than a spoken one.
- Contact large, not-for-profit corporations and
professional groups and make it clear you are available.
While there is nothing wrong with directly asking for a gig,
announcing your availability will let them feel privileged to work
with you.
- Contact speakers' bureaus and notify them of
your availability. Some speakers' bureaus charge you to list your
services, others charge nothing. Most bureaus take a percentage for
acting as your agent. Search for "speakers' bureaus" on the
Internet.
- Be willing to work for free to get your name
out. Once others hear your interesting story or experience, they
may want to hire you. Inform everyone you know that you are looking
for organizations who want a good motivational speaker. Volunteer
to speak at service clubs in your area.
- Write and publish articles or books if
possible, in order to establish yourself as an authority in your
subject. You do not need to publish a book people will find in the
local bookstore. Post to websites like wikiHow and submit to
on-line magazines and blogs.
- Draw up a written agreement, or contract, for
all engagements. The written agreement should contain, among other
matters, how the fees will be paid (e.g., cash, check, over time),
how long you are expected to speak, whether you will be reimbursed
for travel expenses, and the time and date. This will help to avoid
any disputes at a later time.
Tips
- Join a local Toastmasters Club. You will learn and practice
everything you need to know when presenting a Motivational Speech,
as well as any other type of speech.
- Dress consistent with the perception you wish to convey. If you
want to convey professionalism and success, business attire is
probably best. Some motivational speakers use clothing to make a
point in their presentation.
- Speak clearly and repeat your main messages at least three
times.
- Keep it fun and lively. Audience participation is a great way
for adults to learn, and you can do this in any number of ways. For
example, one speaker handed out raisins and slowly took the
audience through the life of that raisin and all that had to happen
for that raisin to be in their hands. This kind of activity makes
the audience feel part of the speech and facilitates learning.
Remember that any activities must be relevant to the topic you are
speaking on.
Warnings
- If you forget what to say or begin to get nervous in front of a
large crowd, stop, take a deep breath, and speak from the heart.
Your audienc
