How to Become a Motivational Speaker

As a motivational speaker, you face the challenge not just of educating your listeners but spurring them to action. A combination of education, experience and business savvy can jumpstart your career. Give speeches that last from 45 minutes to 2 hours. Move on to workshops and seminars as you gain experience.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Examine your education. Topics in business and the social sciences are best for motivational speaking but your creativity can open doors no one else has thought of.

2. Assess your experience including employment, volunteer work and hobbies. Make a list of the skills and knowledge you've got.

3. Get creative in finding a niche. Brainstorm ideas based on combinations of your education and experience. You'll gain success as a motivational speaker quicker if you offer people something they can't get from someone else.

4. Learn about the psychology of motivation. Expertise and enthusiasm isn't enough. Psychologists have studied motivating students, but this is just as relevant to a motivational speaker.

5. Work on your communication skills. Join a local Toastmaster's club to practice your public speaking.

6. Make a plan to promote yourself as a motivational speaker. Rent a room in a library, school or community center and advertise in local papers and bulletin boards. Create a website, write articles and author a book.

7. Get endorsements from prominent experts in your field after you've done some motivational speaking. They can help take you to the next level of your career.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember your primary goal is to motivate someone to action, not flaunt your expertise.

• Make sure your website has valuable content updated often like articles and a blog, so search engines can find you.

• Consider hiring a ghost writer if you find it difficult produce articles, reports and books. They can help you with your speeches too.

Resources

• Learn about motivation psychology here.
• Join Toastmasters to practice your public speaking skills.