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Do You Want To Become A Motivational Speaker?

How to Become a Motivational Speaker

Are you an engaging speaker who has had many interesting, rewarding experiences?  Do you want to be a motivational speaker?  Are you looking to motivate yourself to motivate others and get paid for doing so?  Then perhaps you will find these tips helpful.

To begin, you need to evaluate your special message.

What is it 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.

The next step would be to 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? You must be able to articulate your unique experiences and explain exactly how you can inspire others.

It is important to 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, a part of your press release and perhaps a quick video advertisement. Visual learners can gain more from a visual representation than a spoken one.

When you are ready, it is time to begin contacting organizations and speaker’s groups to let them know you are available.

Contact large, not-for-profit corporations and professional groups and make it clear you are available. Ensure you have set your price and your fees for educational materials.  For more information on what you need to build your business, click here.  Tom Antion is a professional and has loads of tips to help you.  Remember also to 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.

In the beginning, you may have 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, however, check out Tom’s tips on how to monetize your speech by providing handouts or books that people can buy

Another tip is to write and publish articles or books  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. You can self-publish a Kindle book and sell it on Amazon.  Or you can publish a book you bring to meetings.

Ensure that you 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. Also get 50% non refundable up front (thanks Tom) and get the balance 2 weeks before your speaking date. This will help to avoid any disputes at a later time.

More 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 audience will be happy to hear your honest experiences.
* One of the best ways to overcome nervousness is to focus on how you can serve your audience instead of worrying about what they are thinking about you.

To your Speaking Success

Fran Watson

#publicspeaking
Motivational Speaker

P.S.  Remember, for even more success, check out Tom Antion’s Wake Em Up Video Professional Speaking System… Click here

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