Steps
to a Job as a Motivational Speaker
Since
public speaking is many people’s greatest fear, if
you enjoyed the experience, you might have what it
takes to become a motivational speaker.
From the storyteller
around the campfire to great spiritual and political
leaders, speakers have motivated people throughout
history. Today’s motivational speakers inspire students
to stay in school, say no to drugs and gangs, and
prepare for life after graduation. Adults are motivated
by speakers to follow their dreams and achieve greater
success in business and in life.
Here are 10 steps
to breaking into this fab job, based on the fabjob.com
How to Become a Motivational Speaker:
1.
Do an inventory of your life experience
The first place to
look for what to speak about is your own life. Make
a list of the goals you have achieved, such as: graduating
from college, landing your first job, finding someone
to love, overcoming a bad habit, starting a business,
raising children, or achieving a lifelong dream.
Of course, it’s even
better if you have achieved something extraordinary,
such as winning an Olympic medal, publishing a bestselling
book, or giving birth to septuplets! But even accomplishments
that seem “ordinary” can provide material for speeches.
People find it inspiring
to hear about how others have overcome obstacles to
achieve their dreams. If you have ever had to deal
with fear, rejection, financial hardship, or loss
along the way to achieving your goals, chances are
you have the basic material to give a motivational
speech.
2.
Identify what you have to offer
Unfortunately, unless
you’re already famous, audiences won’t pay just to
hear about your life. (Many people are happy to talk
about themselves for free!) To be successful,
you should identify how your speeches can help people
solve their problems, achieve their goals, or otherwise
improve their lives.
3.
Choose a “niche”
People are unlikely
to take you seriously if you promise that your speeches
will solve all their problems and help them:
get rich, lose weight, find the love of their life,
become great leaders, get healthy, make more sales,
be happy, etc., etc. Instead, pick one specialty or
“niche” such as leadership. It’s important to have
a niche because people like to hire experts. After
all, if you needed surgery, wouldn’t you want your
doctor to be “an expert”?
4.
Know your target audience
It can be tempting
to say “I want everyone to hear what I have to say!”
The reality is that if you develop a speech bank executives
love, chances are it won’t go over as well at the
local elementary school.
Depending on your
niche, you could define your audience by characteristics
such as: age, gender, geographic location, industry,
interests, or any other traits that distinguish one
group from another. Once you have identified your
audience, you can target your efforts directly to
that group.
5.
Write your speech
If this is the part
of becoming a speaker you fear most, the good news
is there are people who can write a speech for you.
You could check the Yellow Pages and hire a speechwriter,
public relations firm, or speech coach. Prices can
vary widely, so ask for a flat fee quote.
If you want to write
it yourself you can find numerous online resources
to help you. There are numerous excellent speechwriting
websites including sites offered by communication
departments of several universities.
6.
Polish your speaking skills
It’s fine to feel
nervous when you first start speaking. But as a professional
speaker, it’s your job not to let it show. Among the
traits that can help you succeed as a speaker are
confidence, credibility (a combination of likeability
and expertise), and enthusiasm. Most colleges and
universities offer evening classes in public speaking
to help you develop these traits.
Another idea is to
join Toastmasters, an international non-profit organization
that helps people to practice speaking skills at weekly
meetings.
7.
Prepare promotional materials
Once you have written
your speech and are confident in your speaking skills,
you’re ready to start marketing yourself to the people
who can hire you. Your promotional materials include
a “demo” tape and an information package.
While professional
speakers spend thousands of dollars on a demo tape,
as a beginner, your demo tape can be as simple as
a video recording of one of your speeches. (Set the
camera up on a tripod at the back of the room.)
Your information package
can be a two pocket folder available from any stationery
store. It includes such items as: a letter of introduction,
a business card, your resume, a color photograph,
a page summarizing your experience and the benefits
of your speech, and testimonial (reference) letters
from people who have heard you speak. To make my package
stand out, I also like to include a small gift related
to my speech, such as a postcard with an inspiring
message.
8.
Approach potential employers
Potential employers
of speakers include: seminar companies, conventions,
conferences, trade shows, corporations, non-profit
associations, government agencies, continuing education
departments, schools, colleges, and cruise ships.
One of the best ways
to approach potential employers is by phoning, faxing,
or emailing them an invitation to see you speak. If
they can’t come to see you in person, the next best
thing is to send them your materials so they can see
you on tape.
9.
Get employers to approach you
Imagine if employers
approached you, instead of the other way around. You
can make it happen by becoming well known in your
community.
The most effective
ways to become well known as a speaker include: get
interviewed on radio and TV, write articles for publication
in local newspapers and magazines, put up a website,
attend networking events, give free speeches to community
groups, and present your own seminars.
10.
Get represented by speakers’ bureaus
Speakers bureaus are
companies that can find work for you. Once you have
some experience as a speaker, you can start approaching
bureaus in your community to represent you.
FabJob.com publishes
e-books that can help you break into a "fab" job.
Visit www.fabjob.com
for information.
