For the past few months one question I hear so often in my speaking travels, on the telephone and by emails, is ‘Dayo, how can I become a motivational speaker?’ Last week, I received an email from a guy living in Bulawayo, Zimbabawe asking the same question and I would like to share my response for the benefit of those who have asked me the same question and those aspiring to be a motivational speaker.
A motivation speaker aims to motivate audience members to overcome challenges, achieve their dreams and improve their lives. Motivational speakers come from different background and anybody who is passionate about public speaking and has a story that can motivate people can be one. There are many ways to get started and some of them are:
• You must really like and be passionate about public speaking with a view to motivate others with your knowledge and real-life stories. • Be determined that you are going to succeed as a motivational speaker as you have succeeded in other areas of your life • Go on the Internet to read articles about public speaking by typing it at search engines • As a messenger, you must have a message. • Develop topics that you are most passionate about. For me, it is leadership, relationship/marriage, motivation/inspiration, balancing work/family life and youth empowerment • Write articles or columns for newspapers and magazines. That way you get to be known as an expert in an area so that people call and ask you to come speak • If possible, write a book in your area of expertise • Have a one-sheet biography about yourself, which explains why you are an expert on a particular topic. • Before you go out there, prepare very well because proper planning prevents poor performance • Start by speaking anywhere for free and, in time, you will start charging a fee • If you speak anywhere, get a testimonial letter • Record your speech and listen to it, whether you like your voice or not. • Be patient. For Zig Ziglar, the turning point in his career came some 20 years after he had decided to become a speaker. • Take a course in public speaking • Join Toastmasters to improve your public speaking skills as this will help you develop confidence and overcome stage fright • Be successful. Whatever you are doing now, succeed at it. Network. Get to know lots of people who can help you get speaking engagements. Incorporate how you ‘overcome adversity’ to achieve your dreams into your speech • Know your target audience –those who will hire you and those who will hear you speak • Have a website. A website can help position you as an expert and enhance your credibility. • You can put together a seminar yourself and invite people to come and listen to you. • Get a speaking coach like • Subscribe to ezines. These ezines will help to develop you as a speaker. • Read books about public speaking such as Secret of Successful Speakers: How You Can Motivate, Captivate, and Persuade by Lilly Walter; Success Secrets of the Motivational Superstars: America’s Greatest Speakers Reveal Their Secrets by Michael Jeffreys and Money Talks: How to Make a Million as a Speaker by Alan Weiss • Be credible. A speaker's credibility depends on trustworthiness, competence and goodwill, which are very important. • After you have established yourself, then join the National Speakers Association. Join or start a mastermind alliance group of people of like mind
If you can tick most of the points listed above, you are on you way to becoming a motivational speaker and also to earning good money as a speaker!
Dayo Olomu is a UK-based motivational Speaker, Human Potential Developer, Business/Life Coach, Writer, Trainer, Infopreneur, a Competent Leader and an Advance Toastmaster. His core belief is that we are all endowed with seeds of greatness, and his mission is to inspire and empower individuals and organisations to higher levels of achievement and peak performance. He is the author of best selling "4 Indispensable Strategies for Success" and the charter President of Croydon Communicators Toastmasters. Visit his website at www.dayoolomu.com or send an e-mail to info@dayoolomu.com | |
