Is Motivational Speaking a Viable Career Option?

Motivational speaking can be an excellent profession if you have a strong message to send and feel comfortable in front of large groups of people. Learn more about how to become a motivational speaker.

Is Motivational Speaking a Viable Career Option?

Motivational speaking can be a great profession if you have a strong message to send and feel comfortable in front of large groups of people. Working as a motivational speaker allows you to reach large groups of people and offer them help and inspiration. Many people have asked me how to become a motivating speaker, so I'm here to provide some insight. Once you start booking paid events, you'll have more confidence in your new career as a motivational speaker.

As you gain experience, you'll learn how to measure the interest of your audience and adapt to the feedback you receive. Even with the title of expert in customer service and experience, I am still referred to as a motivating speaker. Those who build a strong reputation can demand higher rates for their talks and get places to speak at more prestigious conferences and events. The most in-demand speakers can earn tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars per appearance, but in most cases, these speakers were well known for other reasons before entering the field of public speaking.

In addition to strong speaking skills, motivating speakers must have strong marketing and business skills in order to make a living from their work. The best motivating speakers have a story that has an emotional impact and stays with the listener long after they hear it. The National Speakers Association offers Certified Speech Professional designation to speakers who meet experience and earnings standards and can provide recommendations to clients. Motivational speakers are paid to travel to different places and make their presentation to groups of people. These websites and books can be good resources for you when you start thinking about becoming a motivating speaker.

Many motivating speakers begin to manage the business side of their career on their own, handling tasks such as marketing, booking, drafting contracts, and collecting payments. There will never be a time when you've learned everything there is to know about becoming a motivating speaker. Two of the most prominent organizations are the National Speakers Association and the National Speakers Office. Motivational speakers don't have to complete a specific degree or training program to prepare for their careers, but they must have a unique perspective to share and a talent for communicating and interacting with the audience.