How to be an awesome and charismatic motivational speaker

“Everybody wants to be a cat, because a cat’s the only cat who knows where it’s at” (The Aristocats, 1970. Walt Disney)

That was way back in the years gone by. In more recent times, everybody wants to be a motivational speaker. Well, almost everybody, or at least, those who have a gift for public speaking.The reason for choosing this profession is that there is a huge demand for it. Why? For many reasons.

The economic crisis, wars, bombings, terrorism, instability, insecurity, etc. Watch the news on TV and you see disasters, read the newspapers and you will be  bombarded with even more disasters. This will make anyone gloomy and depressed. Where does one go, what does one do, who does one turn to? Well, to someone who will provide comfort, advice and inspiration.

That someone is a motivational speaker.

A motivational speaker is a life coach, a person who has a lot of experience and who has a story to tell. Usually a story about overcoming an obstacle, a difficulty and surviving. He wants to share his story with others so that they can learn from his experience, sort of, well, if he can do it, so can we. True, but not everyone has the willpower, the ability, the knowledge to face hardship and come out stronger than ever.

Knowledge. One of the most important characteristics of a motivational speaker. He has to know a LOT. In order to inspire others, he obviously needs to be an expert in something. He can’t just go in front of people and talk about random subjects. No one will take him seriously. But if he specializes in a particular topic he will become known as an authoritative speaker on this subject. But his knowledge should not be limited to one field only. The more he knows the more he will be in demant. The way to knowledge is through reading. Endless reading. A coach must be a fountain of knowledge. He must be able to advise his followers on practically everything. They will turn to him for inspiration and motivation. He has to have answers. Experience is the best way to get answers. So if the coach is not so young, he can easily use his past experience, as example but if he is a newcomer or younger person, maybe there is less experience. So reading will provide the answers.

The above is a brief description of a normal, ordinary, motivational speaker. There are many such speakers . There are also many amazing world class motivational speakers but to be an unforgettable, sensational motivational speaker, you have to stand out. Besides the standard characteristics excellent communication skills, expertise, stage presence and charisma, you need to have something outstanding. Something that will make people remember you. That certain something is generosity. Most speakers charge a fortune for their services. All well and good if it’s directed to business people, but if it’s for the common people, poor unemployed people there should be no fees, or if anything, the event should  be at cost. Otherwise the only one getting rich will be the speaker.