Getting A Job As A Motivational Speaker 101
Think you're a great public speaker but are having trouble finding work? Here's some tips on getting a job as a motivational speaker.
First - Do an inventory of your life experiences
Even if you've lived a boring life, there are still ways to make any story sound interesting. Keep at it until you're able to do so. There are many resources on the internet geared at helping people become better writers (as well as motivational speakers), so don't forget that Google is your friend.
Now if you've actually been one of the few who have achieved something extraordinary, such as winning an Olympic medal, publishing a bestselling book, or building up a company from the ground up, then focus on the events leading up to your eventual success! 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.
Find Your Niche
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.
You need to distinguish yourself as being an expert on your niche and then find the demographic that suits it best. Things to look for include: 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.
Polish your speaking skills
You not only need to convey your key points when speaking to groups, but also the confidence that makes the crowd hang on your every word. Rehearsing your talk ahead of time until you have it down cold helps, but what helps even better is finding a friend or spouse to test it on. Ask the afterwards what they liked and didn't like about the speech. Then do it again.
If this is all new to you I'd suggest looking up your local Toastmasters. It is an international non-profit organization that helps people to practice speaking skills at weekly meetings. It's also an easy way to iron out any kinks in your speeches.
Always Have Something To Leave The Audience With
After you're done with the speech you'll need to leave behind something so that the audience can not only remember your key points, but also use it later as a guide to help them on their path to success. Even just an outline of your key points presented to them in the form of a outline or program guide will do the trick.
Go out and FIND people to speak to
Potential employers of motivational 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, then send them a video of you in action.
Join Motivational Speaking Organizations & Groups
There are many organizations associated with motivational speakers. By joining them and becoming an active member in their discussion groups you can help find jobs appropriate to your skill-set/expertise.
First - Do an inventory of your life experiences
Even if you've lived a boring life, there are still ways to make any story sound interesting. Keep at it until you're able to do so. There are many resources on the internet geared at helping people become better writers (as well as motivational speakers), so don't forget that Google is your friend.
Now if you've actually been one of the few who have achieved something extraordinary, such as winning an Olympic medal, publishing a bestselling book, or building up a company from the ground up, then focus on the events leading up to your eventual success! 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.
Find Your Niche
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.
You need to distinguish yourself as being an expert on your niche and then find the demographic that suits it best. Things to look for include: 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.
Polish your speaking skills
You not only need to convey your key points when speaking to groups, but also the confidence that makes the crowd hang on your every word. Rehearsing your talk ahead of time until you have it down cold helps, but what helps even better is finding a friend or spouse to test it on. Ask the afterwards what they liked and didn't like about the speech. Then do it again.
If this is all new to you I'd suggest looking up your local Toastmasters. It is an international non-profit organization that helps people to practice speaking skills at weekly meetings. It's also an easy way to iron out any kinks in your speeches.
Always Have Something To Leave The Audience With
After you're done with the speech you'll need to leave behind something so that the audience can not only remember your key points, but also use it later as a guide to help them on their path to success. Even just an outline of your key points presented to them in the form of a outline or program guide will do the trick.
Go out and FIND people to speak to
Potential employers of motivational 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, then send them a video of you in action.
Join Motivational Speaking Organizations & Groups
There are many organizations associated with motivational speakers. By joining them and becoming an active member in their discussion groups you can help find jobs appropriate to your skill-set/expertise.
