A motivational speaker inspires and empowers an audience to achieve their goals by telling stories of personal experiences. They also offer a unique perspective, and often use humor to make their point.
Identify your audience’s needs and interests to tailor your message. A successful motivational speaker has a clear understanding of their audience and their purpose, while maintaining a relaxed, friendly and engaging tone.
Start looking for paid speaking gigs. Write, practice and rehearse your speeches in front of audiences as often as possible. Keep doing this until you have a strong enough portfolio to support yourself as a full-time motivational speaker.
Establish a professional speaker’s website, blog and social media accounts to network with event organizers and influencers, and promote yourself as an inspiring voice in the industry. Post relevant content, inspirational quotes and behind-the-scenes glimpses to build an impressive presence and a solid following.
Develop other streams of revenue through e-books, online courses and hard copy books. Promote these products in your speeches as a natural extension of your expertise and the solutions you can provide for your audience.
Invest in a coach to hone your skills and give you the confidence you need as a speaker. Find a reputable coach with references from previous clients, and ask for a sample of their work. It is important to find a coach who understands the unique challenges of being a motivational speaker, and can help you hone your craft to overcome them.