- Choose your topic
You must choose a subject that you know well that you are an expert in, preferably or at least one that you are most passionate about.
- Know your message
Reduce your subject to clear points that are easy to present and share.
- Know your audience and their purpose
Who are you talking to exactly? It really depends on your subject. Identifying your audience, their belief, or their value system? How are they going to be better people because they heard your talk? Finally, what do you want the audience to do or believe because of your speech?
- Make sure you give relevant and timely content to your audience
Valuable content is the basis of a strong message, it then generates the commitment of your audience to your brand image and contributes to bringing you a well-targeted similar audience.
- Watch yourself on videotape
Obviously, no one can get out of their body and see what it looks like to others. This is where the video comes in.
If you want to improve your public speaking skills, you first need to know what you look like. Once you see yourself talking on video, you’ll know what you need to improve.
- Incorporate visual aids, props, or equipment as appropriate.
People are visual, so it’s a good idea to have some sort of visual aid or prop. It’s harder for people to follow your speech if they have nothing to see but you. Also, visual aids help explain what you’re talking about and hold the audience’s attention, but while being reasonable, don’t overuse them.
- Network
It is not what you know, it is who you know. So, start networking as much as possible.
Take your business cards everywhere and craft an “elevator speech” so you can tell people exactly what you’re talking about. The more you publicize your keynote speech, the more people are interested in you.
- Do Free Gigs Early
You may need to do free gigs at first. Once you have a reputation, people will want to pay you for your services.
- Sign up for conventions that offer speakers
There are many conventions that are looking for speakers. So, try to discover some that are related to your topic and apply them to become a keynote speaker.
Again, you may have to do this for free, but at least you’ll likely speak to your target audience.
- Register with a Speakers Bureau
You can join many speakers’ bureaus. Just go online and google the ones closest to you.
Start locally, then you can expand into other geographies once you get big.
- Develop a marketing plan
Once you become a great inspirational speaker, you can’t achieve your goals if you don’t have a marketing plan. Make sure to include both long-term and short-term goals.
- Ask for Feedback
Once you’ve started your speaking career, ask the audience for feedback. This will permit you to develop faster.
Create your own evaluation form to hand out after the speech.
- Use social media
Nowadays, social media marketing is indispensable for any business or public figure. You can spread the word through your own personal accounts, and you can also set up accounts to use professionally.
YouTube is the right channel where you can broadcast your seminars and speeches, not forgetting Instagram too.
Conclusion
Becoming a motivational speaker needs many efforts and it doesn’t happen overnight.
Most importantly, you will help many people who need to hear your message. What the best way to leave your mark on this world! Remember, a good motivational speaker is also an effective brand strategist who can help you promote your brand to the targeted audience.