ASK JOHN: How Do I Become an Inspirational Speaker?

“How do I become an inspirational speaker?” [Tweet this.]

This is a question that I get asked a lot. My friends, first if you are asking this question, thank you for your interest in positively impacting others’ lives as a speaker! Second, I want to say that there is no perfect “yellow brick road” to becoming a speaker.

You must create your own path. Third, remember that we all absolutely have the ability to impact, encourage and shape others on their journey. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way that may help you along yours:

1. The best speakers must first listen, discern. What is your real message? For what purpose are you sharing it? How will your audience be better afterwards? How can you make YOUR story and YOUR speaking about THEIR story and THEIR lives?
2. Great speakers spend a lot of time writing and reflecting. The main event is when we have a chance to speak somewhere live…but there is so much effort, thought, prayer, reflection, honing that goes into those rare moments with a microphone.
3. Speak to the audience as if they are dear friends...the more vulnerable, the more honest, the more real we are, the more we step off of the proverbial stage, into their lives and connect with their hearts….and the more they’ll take our message and live it afterwards.
4. Keep it light. Whether speaking on your life story, the economy or any niche topic: remember to add humor to keep it engaging.
5. Don’t be afraid to use some of your time for the audience to share with one another.  I try to have my audiences share/reflect/write every 15 minutes of speaking.
6. Less is more. We all have a lifetime of stories to much to share…so we try to cram 18 stories into 45 minutes…focus instead on hammering home just a few take aways (and maybe only one)! (I learned this lessen from my dear friend and speaker Brian Buffini.)
7. Start small…dream big. Now that you have your talking points, and are ready to impact, what’s the best way to actually share your message?! Tell your network, friends, family, etc. what you’re trying to do and see if they can help spread the word. Consider speaking groups that use speakers all the time, even if they don’t pay. Schools, Rotary clubs, Kiwanis clubs, chambers of commerce, libraries…all of these host meetings, need speakers, and would benefit from you! In time, as you hone your message and grow your platform, this will serve as a mighty way to propel you forward. Once I spoke in front of three girl scouts…but I treated them as if they were the most important I’ve ever been in front of…and meant it. Start small. But dream big
8. Ask for feedback every time and from every attendee. It can be as simple as putting a small piece of paper at every seat with a few questions: Name, email, phone, what was the best part of the message, what areas could improve, and who else do you think may benefit from this message? You’ll get feedback (and repeat feedback so you really know what to focus on on improving / celebrating) and you’ll grow your email list so you can stay connected with people who have heard you speak and appreciate your message.
9. Keep a journal after every presentation on what you felt worked…and what didn’t. Most of the jokes I use today began as ad-libbed line that caught great laughter. Many of the key quotable notes I share began first as just off the cuff comments…and now are part of every program.
10. Remember that all great leaders long to be better today than they were yesterday. YOU are a great leader…and someday (maybe even right now!) a great speaker. Work like crazy to be a little better in every area of the speaking business today than you were yesterday. Keep practicing, trying new content, and risking leaving good to strive for great.

I hope this gives you a running start as you join the world of inspirational speaking. It’s a great place to spend your day.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.

John O’Leary

John answers one question on “how to live an inspired life” in his ASK JOHN post here on Parade every Tuesday. Ask your questions in the comments or email: info@JohnOLearyInspires.com.

When John O’Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now the author of #1 National Bestselling book ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life and an inspirational speaker teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Visit www.JohnOLearyInspires.com for more info.