How to Become a Motivational Speaker
When I first learned about motivational speaking, I was 22 years old.
I was transformed by a speaker on YouTube and it changed my life. I was never the same again. It had such an impact on me and I told myself, "I will do anything to be like that guy." Since that day, I have dedicated my entire life to learning how to become a motivational speaker.
When I first began my journey, I searched the internet and found different ideas on becoming a motivational speaker. Perhaps you have some ideas you want to share, but like myself, you didn't know how to start. If you're ready to empower people, get ready to learn these six easy steps about how YOU can become a motivational speaker!
1. Discover Your Purpose: Before you learn about becoming a motivational speaker, you must discover why you're doing it. Although the self-help industry is very lucrative, you must truly have a purpose to speak to your intended audiences. Without a purpose, you'll lose hope and give up on your dreams. You must be totally dedicated to sharing your message to the world.
Personally, I had a vision and I knew that I would be doing this for the rest of my life. If you believe that you have a similar calling, then you need to find out everything you can about speaking in public. Once you know why you're speaking, how to do it will become easier. What's your purpose for speaking? Why do you want to do it?
Your purpose is greater than you! -Daniel Ally
2. Study Endlessly: Once you gain clarity on your purpose, you must begin to study everything and anything you can find on the subject of motivation. It would be best to understand the history of the self-help industry and its first pioneers. By studying endlessly, you will be able to obtain valuable knowledge necessary to build inspirational speeches.
As you begin to study, be sure to pick up key books and watch the best speeches of other great speakers. You can even search for local conferences and attend them. I personally read over 100 books in my first year while attending dozens of conferences. It gave me the necessary inspiration and education I needed to be who I am today. You must constantly nurture your knowledge, take notes, and seek more wisdom.
3. Craft the Perfect Speech: Before you become a motivational speaker, you must develop, practice, and give speeches. This is how I create a speech: introduction, three main points, and a conclusion. These speeches can be anywhere from three minutes to three hours! Either way, focus on your message and think about what the audience needs from you the most. Sometimes, I ask myself, "What would I need if I were in this audience?" It helps me create the perfect speech every time!
I recommend giving hundreds of speeches before you get paid. Since I began speaking, I developed multiple speeches to give myself a challenge. It helped me to craft my signature stories and discover my niche. Eventually, as you continue giving speeches, you will gain the confidence and find the right opportunities to share your message.
4. Join Toastmasters: My first speaking endeavors began when I started talking with my family. Then, I began to speak to my college classmates, gym mates, fellow church-goers, and co-workers. Eventually, I said to myself, "I've got to reach more people." Thankfully, it led me to search for an organization named Toastmasters, which gave me a great opportunity to learn the basics and give hundreds of speeches.
I typed in my zip code on their website and visited every club in the area. After experimenting with a few clubs, I chose the most professional club and became president within the same year. Everyone was at least twice my age and far more experienced, but I quickly outgrew the club because I spoke so often! Soon enough, I began driving hours to exhaust every possible opportunity to speak at other clubs. Obviously, Toastmasters is a great way to start your motivational speaking journey!
Here are some other places to give free speeches:
Rotary International
Kiwanis International
Chamber of Commerce
5. Build Your Expertise: What makes you different? What kind of experiences do you bring to your potential audience? Why would anyone want to listen to your message? While it's not highly important to have job experience or academic credentials, it is important to know who you want to serve and why you want to serve them. Becoming an expert will help you to become successful as a motivational speaker.
Personally, I've produced countless articles, videos, quotes, and stories, which has reached millions of people. As you build your expertise and skills, people will begin to trust your teachings, causing your platforms to grow. You can build your brand by writing books, developing courses, and creating any product or service that can help you expand your expertise and render value to your audience.
You need the skills to pay the bills! -Daniel Ally
6. Learn The Business: The reason most people fail as a motivational speaker is because they don't understand the business. Truly, the majority of motivational speakers make their livelihood by giving speeches, selling books, and consulting contracts. By going to organizations like NSA, hiring a business coach, and/or joining a seminar company, you can develop the basic business skills to start charging a fee.
To be a successful motivational speaker, you must have a strong desire to serve people. However, you cannot continue to serve until you earn a reasonable amount of money. Developing and giving speeches takes a lot of time and a motivational speaker is usually best when they work as a full-time entrepreneur. If you believe you have what it takes to speak full-time, be sure to reach out to me and I will be happy to help you!
Summary:
Anyone can become a motivational speaker, but not everyone is successful. If you believe that it is in your heart to share your message to an audience, follow these six easy steps and it will guide you in the right direction. If this article has helped you, please reach out to me at info@danielally.com.
I look forward to watching your career blossom!
Daniel Ally
www.danielally.com
