Are You Motivational Speaker
Material?
By
Elizabeth Gough
Have you ever been to a meeting or conference where
there was a keynote speaker? When that speaker was
finished, did you feel enthusiastic, energized, and
confident--or--tired, bored and glad to get out of
there. You have just witnessed the difference between a
so-so speaker and one who gets paid big bucks for what
he does. O yes, I mean 'BIG BUCKS'. There are some
reports of $100,000 to $200,000 for 'in demand'
speakers, for one appearance.
Perhaps this occupation interests you and you think you
could be good at it. It's not a bad way to make a
living. You get expense paid travel, you get to meet
lots of interesting people and you get paid.
Think about the following things. Are you comfortable in
the limelight or do you experience stage fright? Do you
have a good command of the language you will be
presenting your speech in? Do you have a topic or niche
that you are particularly knowledgeable about? If your
answer is 'yes', you are well on your way to your goal.
If you answered 'no' to any of them, do not despair as
these obstacles can be overcome.
Let’s take stage fright first, as it is the biggest
hurdle for most people. Now I don't want to sound too
harsh here, but if you really think about it, stage
fright is self absorption, self importance and
selfishness. Now we have all suffered from stage fright
but it is important to look outside yourself and
consider your audience. They have probably paid good
money to hear you speak and they are there because they
want to hear what you have to say. If you start
considering what you must do for them, you will not be
concentrating on yourself and you will feel calmer, and
more interested in your surroundings.
A good command of the language. Practice with a tape or
video recorder and then critique the tape, or have
someone else critique it for you. If you need upgrading,
there are lots of courses you can take at night school
to improve your diction and delivery. You could also
consider joining Toastmasters International, [or POWERtalk
International –Ed.] if you can find a club near you.
There you will get to practice speaking in front of your
peers in a non judgmental atmosphere.
Are you knowledgeable about a particular topic or niche?
Perhaps you have spent many years in the same type of
occupation and know everything about it. Maybe you have
a hobby or interest that you are passionate about. All
of these can be translated into your own special niche.
If you think that maybe you don't know everything about
the subject, then research until you do. Experts in a
particular field are the ones that get hired.
I hope this has given you food for thought. Good
speakers are in high demand. The pay is great and it
actually sounds like fun.
Elizabeth Gough lives in Northern Canada and has always
had an interest in all topics of self improvement.
Elizabeth Gough owns and operates
http://www.speakingmotivational.com
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