POSTED: November 2, 2020, by Towan Isom
Which motivational speaker do you admire most?
Perhaps you're touched by the story of Nick Vujicic, the Australian man born without arms or legs. Maybe you're inspired by Chris Gardner's rags-to-riches story of fatherhood and homelessness. Of course, names like Tony Robbins or Oprah Winfrey need no introduction.
What do all of these motivational speakers have in common? A unique story and the ability to inspire others.
Have you made it your goal to share your story with the world and become a motivational speaker yourself? Here are five expert public speaking tools and motivational speaking tips.
You can't be all things to everyone, so you need to focus on your target audience. Who will your message most appeal to? Who will benefit the most from what you have to say?
Is it college students? Young entrepreneurs? Women of color? Established businessmen? Aspiring artists?
You don't need to be the same age, gender, or ethnicity as your target audience. What you do need is the ability to connect with and relate to them.
Open your speech with an attention-grabbing fact, funny story, or personal experience. Find areas throughout your speech to refer back to your opening statement and weave a theme throughout your presentation.
Keep your speech flowing like a story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Inject witty humor or personal anecdotes when appropriate. Prepare relevant graphics, such as photos, cartoons, or diagrams, to keep your audience engaged.
If you're stumped, listen to great public speakers (past and present) and study what made them so effective.
Just because you want to be a motivational speaker doesn't mean you're immune to glossophobia — the fear of public speaking. Most speakers (even very experienced ones) feel some anxiety before they get on stage.
Experience is the best teacher, but there are other steps you can take to feel more confident on stage. Sign up for courses in public speaking, leadership, psychology, or communication skill enhancement.
Now that you've prepared your speech and gained confidence as a speaker, it's time to focus on the little aspects of public speaking that make a big difference.
Here are a few important areas to consider:
These elements combined will help you appear relaxed, focused, and confident during your presentation.
No one will listen to your message if they don't know you exist. If you haven't already done so, it's time to start building your brand and getting your name out there.
Start a website or blog about yourself and your speaking goals. Share the site on social media channels and relevant online groups. Reach out to schools or organizations in your area and let them know you're available for public speaking engagements.
Remember: It's okay to start small! With enough dedication and hard work, your visibility will grow.
So, do you have what it takes to become a motivational speaker?
With the right public speaking tools, anything is possible. Refer back to the tips listed above as you hone your skills and work your way towards public speaking success.
Do you need help with building your brand or finding speaker leads? Click here to learn how Book Speaker Leads makes it easy to create a profile and be discovered.
