Career Options
Does speaking motivate you?Every week we receive heartfelt questions from people about how to break into the career of their dreams. One of the careers we are asked about most frequently – from office workers to Navy SEALs – is motivational speaking. Tag and Catherine Goulet |
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 [ 2007-02-25 ] |
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Even accomplishments that seem “ordinary” can provide material for speeches.
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The people who ask us about this career often have overcome challenges in their own lives and now have a burning desire to help others. Here’s one example:
Dear Tag and Catherine, I am 25 years old and a stand-up comedian ... well not really, I am a 'sit-down' comedian. I was born with Arthrogryposis, which is a disease that affects the arms and legs. I am confined to a wheelchair but have never let that stop me. Having a disability can cause you to look at life in two ways, either as a road block or a speed bump. I've chosen the latter and realize that I can use it to my advantage in reaching people. I have won numerous comedy contests and have always been able to grasp people's attention with my disability. Comedy is fun but I want to help change lives. My question is how can someone like me get started in motivational speaking? This is something I want to do, and I really desire to help others.
From the storyteller around the campfire to great spiritual and political leaders, speakers have motivated people throughout history. Today’s motivational speakers inspire students to stay in school, say no to drugs and gangs, and prepare for life after graduation. Adults are motivated by speakers to follow their dreams and achieve greater success in business and in life.
Here are a few steps professional speakers take that can help you identify whether or not this career is for you.
Do an inventory of your life experience
The first place to look for what to speak about is your own life. Make a list of the goals you have achieved, such as: graduating from college, landing your first job, finding someone to love, overcoming a bad habit, starting a business, raising children, or achieving a lifelong dream.
Of course, it’s even better if you have achieved something extraordinary, such as winning an Olympic medal, publishing a best-selling book, or giving birth to septuplets! But even accomplishments that seem “ordinary” can provide material for speeches.
People find it inspiring to hear about how others have overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams. If you have ever had to deal with fear, rejection, financial hardship, or loss along the way to achieving your goals, chances are you have the basic material to give a motivational speech.
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