Public speaking is a difficult art to master. If you have previously achieved success with a presentation, a speech or even a wedding toast and are passionate about it then you may have the potential to become a great motivational speaker.

The job of a life coach has recently gained a lot of popularity and many people are considering a profession in this industry, potentially earning $1,000’s – $100,000’s per seminar.

A number of efficient tips and strategies will help you achieve this goal. Today we’ll share these 11 tips with you:

1. Do You have a Special Message to Deliver?

The greatest life coaches have something special to say, something that is derived from personal experiences. These people are successful because they speak on the basis of personal stories. Personal stories are convincing and easy to relate to.

If you are interested in a life coach career, you should determine the specifics that you want to get across. What does your audience want to hear and can you deliver that kind of message? Being too general or vague will simply minimize your chances of success before you have even gotten started.

2. You May Need a Mentor

You have always been a good public speaker and you believe that a motivational speaking career is right for you. The bad news is that it seems to be much easier said than done. Motivational speakers are a very specific group of orators. They influence the lives of others and as such, they hold tremendous responsibility. Learning from the best life coaches is a good idea.

See what others are doing. Establish connections. Talk to highly professional speakers and find the right mentor who will show you the tricks of this profession. Having a mentor will help you refine your skills.

3. The Target Audience

Decide what your target audience is before you start writing the motivational speeches. Each group of people will have to be approached in a specific way. If you have no idea who will be receiving your speeches, you will fail making those highly specific and relevant.

4. Work on Your Public Speaking Skills

Even if you have the best personal stories and lessons to share, you will fail due to poor speaking skills. Work hard on mastering your public speaking. The best way to see what you are doing is to videotape your speeches. Once you do it, watch the records very carefully. Pay attention to your intonation, your body languages and the eye contact you establish with the audience. Learn how to sound natural and reassuring. If you need to, enroll in a public speaking course that will help you polish your skills. 

5. Find the Best Venue

A good motivational speaker uses the right venue. It will help you establish a better connection and it will make your audience feel comfortable. The venue should correspond to the number of people you expect to show up. The surroundings should feel intimate enough, yet letting individuals enjoy some personal space. Good acoustics will be helpful, as well.

6. Advertise!

Advertising is crucial for success in today’s world. As a life coach, you will have to deal with fierce competition. Numerous others are already successful in the niche. Marketing can take place easily and free of charge. Internet and word of mouth promotion are two of the best channels for your marketing needs.

7. Sell Your Skills

In the beginning of your career, you may have to make some sacrifices. You will probably have to deliver motivational speeches for free. This will be an important part of your marketing efforts. People need to know how good you are in order to start paying for your motivational speeches.

Contact speakers’ bureaus and NGOs that may need the services of a speaker. Let these organizations know that you are available. The more opportunities you get, the sooner you will be gaining the popularity that you deserve.

8. Understand Your Audience’s Feedback

Good life coaches listen to their audience. Learn how to ask for feedback and how to listen to the things that people have to say. The easiest way to receive some information is through the creation of a simple poll. Be ready to modify anything that seems to be failing.

9. A Good Speaker is a Good Writer

Publish articles and informative pieces in blogs, websites and specialized magazines. Apart from being a good form of publicity, it will help you master your motivational speaking skills. A good speaker is a good writer, as well. Learn how to master both.

10. Be Flexible!

The most important rule for any professional is to maintain a degree of flexibility. Be ready to change parts of your speech at any time. The things you considered successful may fail influencing your audience. Next time, try a different approach. Weave in some humor or rely on your emotions. It all depends on your preferences.

11. Practice your breathing

I cannot stress enough the importance of practicing your breathing while speaking. This will allow you to not only calm your nerves, but be even-keeled during your speech. So many speakers who speak too fast during their speech could’ve preventing that by simply breathing. Remember to breathe. 

Conclusion:

Being a good motivational speaker involves some talent and a lot of experience. Once you get started, you will discover all the specifics of being a life coach. Learning through the communication with your audience will help you perfect your skills and become highly successful.

Also if you haven’t already, please checkout our article: 9 Ways To Deliver An Award Winning Speech

(Video) The Perfect Example Of A Motivational Speech by Tony Robbins: