In the past years, there has been a sudden rise of motivational speakers. They appear in television and in magazines as well as sold out seminars that are just brimming with people who are just craving to get some direction with their lives.
A motivational speaker, instead of focusing on the financial gains that he or she will most probably get from these seemingly “needy” people, should focus his or her attention to actually motivating people to actually be the best that they can be through their sheer motivation to change their lives for the better that is actually inspired by such a speaker.
A motivational speaker is, most often rather should be seen as, an expert, the one person who “normal people” can rely on when it comes to instilling positive thinking in them as well as providing them not just the answers that they want to hear but the answers that they would actually need and eventually help them with their lives. Speakers are actually regarded quite highly by the people who depend on them for the “answers.”
A good motivational speaker should exude confidence (not cockiness!) by being extremely knowledgeable as compared to most people, even one’s own colleagues about a specific topic. This is what makes speakers highly in-demand especially when organizers are trying to set-up an event or a seminar that aims to educate people about a certain topic. However, a motivational speaker shouldn’t just rely on book smarts to be able to help him or her throughout his or her motivational speaker career. Various experiences can actually help enrich a speaker’s expertise and knowledge about a certain topic. This is actually that will serve the speaker on a positive note considering that the audience during seminars actually want real affirmations of what the speaker is trying to teach them. People who are in doubt need the actual proof for them to be able to motivate themselves to believe.
For those who are aspiring to become a motivational speaker, here are a few reminders from public speaking experts that you should know before actually pursuing your dream as a motivational speaker as well as being able to get the attention of the people and companies who might want to get your services :
*First and foremost, for you to be able to motivate other people and get them out of the rut that they’re in, you must have a pleasant-sounding, clear and well-modulated voice. The type of voice that a speaker should have so as to be able to command attention. This is incredibly important because as a motivational speaker, or any kind of public speaker for that matter, you must be able to get a hold of your audience’s attention and make them believe in what they’re saying (this is NOT to say that you should “brainwash” your audience into doing something that are already against their will and moral standards based on what non believers of adhering to a public speakers advice). Still, having a good voice cannot assure you of a career as a motivational speaker.
You must also have the added charisma, charm, intellect, wit and sense of humor that can make people irresistibly drawn to you. Also try to brush up on current events or whatever new information that you may see as “relevant’ to your speeches. Relating your talk to present events or things that of interest to your audience would help capture your audience’s interests more.
*As a responsible motivational speaker, you must always keep in mind that you should value your audience because these are the people who actually took the time (and money) to be able to hear out on what you’ve got to say with regards to the topic on hand. This should actually motivate you to actually showing up on the venue on time, properly dressed and groomed as well as very much prepared for your talk. A good motivational speaker should know that people actually come to these seminars to learn new things from you and not just hear about rehashed material. They expect you, the motivational speaker, to be able to supply them with the information that they’re looking for, so always be prepared.
These are just a few tips to help you get started on being a motivational speaker. Remember, when it comes to holding your audience attention you must always be yourself. Be natural in your gestures. Absolutely no pretensions because people are incredibly smart and they can actually see through those who are just putting up a front.
