Sometimes The Secret To Success For Motivational Speakers Isn’t In The HOW But In The WHY
Motivational speakers struggle with crafting their message, communicating it, and then getting hired for it. And I hear them ask over and over, “How do I become a motivational speaker?” While this is a valid question, I think there is a more important question to ask first and that’s “Why do you want to become a motivational speaker?” Sometimes that will help you get more clarity than jumping directly to the how.
For example…I recently spoke to a chapter of NSA (National Speakers Association) and one man came up with just that question: “How do I become a motivational speaker?” Usually that prompts me to launch into a conversation that really has no end. Talking with me is like turning on a faucet full speed – you just wanted a drink, and instead you get blasted with water. But in this case, I stopped myself from giving him one hundred ways to get started, and simply stopped and asked him why he wanted to be a speaker. Without hesitation, he said that he wanted to help people who had been through the same sort of pain that he had been through – and show them a way out.
Bingo. I knew that this one question would guide him down the right path to figuring out his core message – which is the first thing you need to do if you want to become a motivational speaker.
So today, for all you aspiring speakers out there who have no idea where to start – I suggest you start with that one question – the question that in truth is far more important than the how. And even if you are a seasoned speaker, maybe it’s time to ask yourself why you’re doing this. Who knows, you might find the clarity to which you seek. There is no right answer or wrong answer. There is only your answer.
So, I’m listening – Why do you want to be a motivational speaker?
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Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, motivational speaker, Huffington Post Contributor, and cast member of The Fashion Hero television show airing on Amazon Prime. She is also the author of Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale, The Land of If Only, The Story Formula, and The Affirmation Journal for Positive Thinking. She was a featured entertainer for Holland America Cruise Lines, keynote speaker for the International Toastmasters Convention, and has keynoted major conferences and corporate events from coast to coast. She just launched her one-woman show Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale in theaters, and it is being booked all over the country. In July of 2022, she was inducted into the National Speakers Association Speaker Hall of Fame.
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