Here's how you can effectively communicate your needs and aspirations to your boss in motivational speaking.

1 Know Yourself

Before approaching your boss, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. In motivational speaking, your personal brand is intertwined with your professional goals. Reflect on what drives you and what you aim to accomplish. Are you seeking more speaking engagements, leadership opportunities, or specific projects? By having a well-defined set of needs and aspirations, you're more likely to articulate them effectively and convince your boss of their importance. Remember, self-awareness is the first step to effective communication.

2 Timing Matters

Choosing the right moment to discuss your aspirations can significantly influence the outcome. For a motivational speaker, timing is as important as the message itself. Schedule a meeting when your boss is least likely to be distracted or stressed. Consider the company's current situation; it's best to have these conversations when the organization is stable or in a growth phase. This way, your boss is more receptive to discussing potential opportunities for your development and how it can benefit the team or company.

3 Articulate Clearly

When you sit down with your boss, be concise and articulate about your needs and aspirations. As a motivational speaker, use your communication skills to present your case persuasively. Explain how your goals align with the company's objectives and how achieving them can bring value. Avoid using jargon or being too vague. Instead, use clear examples and express enthusiasm for the opportunities you're seeking. Effective communication is about making it easy for your boss to understand and support your ambitions.

4 Listen Actively

In any conversation, listening is as important as speaking. Pay attention to your boss's feedback and be prepared to address any concerns they may have. As a motivational speaker, you know the power of empathy and understanding your audience. Apply these skills to understand your boss's perspective. They may offer valuable insights or alternative pathways to achieve your goals. By listening actively, you show respect for their position and open the door to collaborative problem-solving.

5 Follow Up

After your initial conversation, it's important to follow up. Send a thank-you email summarizing the key points discussed and expressing appreciation for their time. This not only shows professionalism but also reinforces your commitment to your aspirations. Keep the conversation going by checking in periodically on any agreed-upon action items. Persistence and consistency are key traits of a successful motivational speaker; apply them here to maintain momentum towards reaching your goals.

6 Adapt & Evolve

Finally, be prepared to adapt your approach based on the feedback you receive. Your boss's response may require you to refine your goals or develop new strategies. As in motivational speaking, flexibility and resilience are essential. If the path to your aspirations isn't straightforward, look for creative solutions or interim steps that move you closer to your objectives. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and continue to communicate your evolving goals with clarity and passion.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?