How to Become a Youth Motivational Speaker

According to a collection of surveys referenced by Victoria Cunningham in her article "Eliminating Fears" in the May/June 2006 issue of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, speaking in public is one of the top fears for most Americans. But for others, speaking in public is their greatest dream. Being a motivational speaker to youth is an important and rewarding career. A speaker who can capture the attention of youth in his audience can have a profound impact on their lives. There is no sure path to becoming a motivational youth speaker, but there are steps that can move you toward this goal.

Instructions

1. Define your story. Great motivational youth speakers talk out of their experiences. They help youth rise above circumstances because they have themselves risen above similar circumstances. Examine your life to determine what motivational story you can share as a speaker.

2. Define your market. This will be shaped by your story as a speaker. Will your story inspire at-risk kids to avoid gangs and drugs, or will it encourage future leaders to become entrepreneurs?

3. Plan your marketing strategy. Event planners and youth leaders will want you as a speaker when they understand that you have an important and inspiring story to tell. Use marketing materials that tell your story: a website, articles, blog, or even a published book.

4. Develop your speaking ability. Practice speaking as often as you can, even at non-paying jobs. Join Toastmasters and offer to speak for youth events at schools, churches and community youth groups. Take classes on public speaking.

5. Collect testimonials and add them to your promotional materials.

References

• "Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy;" Eliminating Fears: An Intervention that Permanently Eliminates the Fear of Public Speaking; Victoria Cunningham, Morty Lefkoe and Lee Sechrest; May/June 2006
• Al Duncan: How to Become a Motivational Speaker

Resources

• National Speakers Association
• Toastmasters International