How to Become a Motivational Speaker About Drugs & Prison

Motivational speakers share experiences or tell stories that encourage and move other people. There are a number of different topics available, with some speakers focusing on drugs and prison. The recidivism rate for drug-related offenders is fairly high, but that's only one topic they cover. If you have the experience and information, then you can become a motivational speaker about drugs and prison.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Gain experience with prisons and drugs. If you do not already have such experience, volunteer in a prison or help at a drug-rehabilitation center. Many people who work in this field served time in prison and/or had problems with drugs and those are the people you're competing against for jobs.

2. Write out a few sample speeches based on your experiences and practice speaking in front of a mirror. Watch your facial expressions as you speak and note any odd gestures you may make, such as twitching your foot or moving your hands frequently.

3. Take courses in public speaking. These courses force you to give speeches in front of a crowded classroom, but also give you the chance to get feedback from your peers. You can even test out a few speeches relating to drugs and prisons.

4. Give speeches in a larger setting, such as those offered by Toastmasters. Toastmasters is a nationwide club with local branches that hold meetings every week or month. You can give a speech at an event in your area and receive feedback about your writing and speaking abilities.

5. Establish your credibility as an expert on prisons and drugs by writing articles for the local newspaper, websites or other media. Even if you have to start at the lowest level and write free opinion or editorial pieces, you're on your way to becoming an expert.

6. Contact organizations that deal with prisons, drugs or both and offer to give free speeches on the topic. Narcotics Anonymous, Recovery Connection and the Prison Activist Group are all worthwhile choices. Eventually you'll build up a network of people who know who you are and want to hear you talk.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't expect to receive a paycheck when you first become a motivational speaker. You might spend several years working around the local circuit and publishing work before anyone pays to hear you talk.
• Be careful if you plan on speaking to the general population as your safety isn't always guaranteed.

References

• How to Become a Motivational Speaker
• Become a Motivational Speaker

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