A Guide to Inspirational Speaking
Posted: Friday, July 29, 2011
by Jessie I Snyder
TRUE INSPIRATIONS
Are you an articulate speaker? Have you surpassed many adversities? Do you have a story to tell that will motivate or inspire others? Then you might want to consider becoming an inspirational speaker.
An inspirational speaker is someone who gives speeches intended to motivate and/or inspire others. They most likely see life with a positive outlook and attitude. They usually have overcome great adversities and deliver a warm, encouraging, and inspirational message, sometimes based on a story of overcoming extraordinary obstacles.
First: Do an inventory of your life’s experiences. Look at extraordinary obstacles that you have overcome. List any bad habits that you may have surpassed. Also, make a list of goals that you have achieved. This will help you decide what you want to speak about.
Second: Identify what you have to offer. Will telling the story of your accomplishments or obstacles that you have overcome be an inspiration to others. Do you think that by telling your story that you can help somebody else who may be going through what you have already overcome.
Third: Choose a “niche” or audience. Pick one or two particular adversities that you have overcome and speak only about those obstacles that you have succeeded to surpass. This will make you a stronger speaker and you will be helping others who have or are facing what you have already overcome.
Fourth: Know your audience. For example, if you have overcome an abusive marriage, you would want your target audience to be women who have been in or are presently in an abusive marriage. On the other hand, if you have overcome a bad habit like drugs or alcohol abuse, then you may want your target audience to be teens or young adults.
Fifth: Outline and write your speech. This will help you to include all the important information that you want to express to others. Plus, it will help you NOT to ramble about insignificant details. You can take basic writing classes or workshops to help you complete this step.
Sixth: Polish your speaking skills. It is fine to be a little nervous when you first start speaking; however, the trick is not to let it show. Practice and practice your speech. Stand in front of a mirror and recite your speech out-loud. Practice saying your speech in front of friends or family. This will help to build your confidence.
Seventh: Prepare promotional materials. Make a video taping of yourself reciting your speech. Make some business cards with your name and contact information. Write a letter of introduction, explaining who you are and why your speech is of importance to be heard. Develop a resume of any qualifications you may have. Make a color picture of yourself available. Write a page summarizing your experience and the benefits of your speech. Also, include a testimonial or reference letter from people who have heard you speak. You can also include a small gift such as, a postcard or bookmark with an inspirational message.
Eighth: Approach potential employers. This could be: seminar companies, conventions, conferences, non-profit organizations, schools, colleges, and churches. Anyone that might be interested in having you speak.
Ninth: Get employees to approach you. You can do this by: getting interviewed by radio or television stations, writing articles for publication in local newspaper or magazines, develop a website, deliver free speeches to community groups or organizations. Any of these will get your name and message out there.
Finally: Get represented by a speaker’s bureau. They can find work for you and set you up with places and opportunities to deliver your speech. Then as an added bonus allow a question and answer segment in your speech. This allows the audience feel like they are a part of what is being said.
Good luck and happy speaking and always keep a positive attitude.
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