The question I’m most often asked is “How do I become a motivational speaker?” Often followed by, “Could you mentor me?” In this month’s blog I will attempt to answer these questions to the best of my ability. You know me-- I get to the point-- so please forgive me in advance for being astringent as iodine. It’ll hurt before it will help.
Here we go, Step One: Don’t do it for the money-- because in all reality you will never make your living as a speaker. I know that doesn’t sound like a highly motivational thing to start off with, but I’m just keepin’ it real. Do it because you want to add value to others. Let that be your sole objective.
Years ago a dear friend of mine came to me for advice about how to start a second career as a motivational speaker. He brought along a detailed business plan—and trust me, the man is a genius. If anyone could hammer out a successful system, it’s this guy. Now, five years later, my friend reminded me of the meeting and said, “You told me to be prepared to lose $25,000. I didn’t believe it at the time,” he said, “But you were right. I actually lost $30,000.”
If you have illusions of fame and fortune in the speaking business, I want to save you a boatload of disappointment. There are MUCH easier ways to get rich and famous! But, if you want to help others, inspire them, share your expertise, add value to their lives and have a lot of fun doing it— by all means, come join us! There’s always room for another motivator!
Step Two: Learn the Skill of Public Speaking. It is a sin to bore people with a presentation. Hone your skill at Toastmasters or by joining a professional public speaker’s organization. Add humor to your presentations. Use vocal variety. Study stand-up comedy. Move around on stage—but don’t pace back and forth like a caged animal. Memorize your speech. Don’t talk too fast. Use pauses for effect. Practice, practice, practice. Videotape yourself and critique it. Get the audience involved. Be passionate. Add stories and illustrations. Work on your delivery. And most important of all: Stick to time! It’s the mark of a professional.
Step Three: Volunteer for Everything. The paying gigs will only happen after you’ve paid your dues (or perhaps won a few Olympic gold medals, earned a Nobel Prize or successfully landed a plane on the Hudson)! In the meantime, volunteer to speak for free everywhere you can.
Although I’d like to take on more protégés, in this season of my life I can only mentor a few handpicked teens and young adults. My plate is full. However, you can have experts from every field of occupation mentor you from afar through their books, DVDs, and seminars. I’ve never met many of my mentors, but they’ve had a profound influence on me through their speeches and written works.
There you have it! If you’ve got the chips to ante up, this is the game for you!