What do you do if you need guidance to overcome challenges in motivational speaking?

When facing challenges in motivational speaking, finding a mentor isn't just a step—it's a game changer. Opt for a mentor who’s not just knowledgeable, but actively engaging and demonstrably successful. These mentors provide more than advice; they offer a roadmap drawn from real successes and failures. With their guidance, you’ll navigate the speaking circuit with confidence, transform your apprehensions into articulate expressions, and turn every stage into a stepping stone towards your goals. In my mentorship, I embody this principle—I don’t just tell you, I show you. I add unexpected value, equipping my students not only with skills but also with opportunities to earn even before they invest a dollar. Raise the standards in your niche.

??Mentorship can be a game-changer in the world of motivational speaking! A seasoned mentor offers invaluable wisdom, tailored guidance, and a steady hand to navigate the ups and downs of the industry. They've walked the path you're on and can offer pearls of wisdom that textbooks can't. And don't forget, mentorship is a collaborative journey—your fresh ideas and perspectives can inspire them just as much as their expertise fuels your growth.

Having a mentor in the field of motivational speaking can indeed be invaluable. Here's why: -Personalized guidance -Industry insights -Emotional support -Mutual inspiration -Developing authenticity Overall, having a mentor can accelerate your growth as a motivational speaker and provide invaluable guidance as you navigate the complexities of the industry.

Find a mentor whom you can resonate with. While different mentors have different unique approaches, find those who resonates with your values. When we have mentors operating from the similar values, it creates a strong bond and chemistry. Hence, it eases open communication and transparency.

Public speaking is one of people's greatest fears. However, it is one of the most powerful ways to utilize your personal brand to break through the noise, create influence, and scale whatever you are promoting at the moment. Even though our personal branding agency coaches people to develop a show stopping speech, I had to have coaching myself. But I didn't just get a coach, I got the RIGHT coach. Since then I have spoken on over 300 stages and have judged Grant Cardone's "Great American Speakoff" for the past 2 seasons. The RIGHT coach can be the pivotal factor between failure and success, between falling flat and making a real impact, or determining whether you inspire people to take action or not. Get the RIGHT coach!

Seek a mentor, join professional networks, and invest in coaching to gain valuable insights. Analyze performances, stay open to learning, and set realistic goals. Practice self-care for balance and resilience. These strategies will help you overcome challenges and succeed!

??Crafting your story is a cornerstone of motivational speaking. Your personal narrative is what gives your message authenticity and resonance. Take the time to delve into your experiences, both triumphs and challenges, and weave them into a narrative that speaks to the hearts of your audience. Sharing your journey, vulnerabilities and all, not only fosters connection but also empowers others to embrace their own stories and find inspiration in adversity.

Your story is your superpower in motivational speaking. It's the unique spark that sets you apart and connects deeply with your audience. When you bring your personal journey to the stage, craft it into a masterpiece. Why? Because your life is a work of art from a grand design. If you’re struggling to shape this narrative or face hurdles in your speaking career, seek guidance from a mentor who excels in transforming raw experiences into compelling stories. They help you polish your narrative until it shines, ensuring your voice isn't just heard—it resonates.

Personal stories evoke emotions, making your message more memorable and impactful. When you share vulnerable moments from your life, you invite your audience to empathize with you, creating a powerful emotional bond.

I used to tell this: My hardship now will be my story on stage in the future. Reaffirm yourself that it will all be okay some day and do your best with what options readily available to you now. It shall all make sense some day.

??Audience engagement is paramount in motivational speaking. Before taking the stage, delve into your audience's interests, challenges, and dreams. During your speech, employ techniques like thought-provoking questions and relatable anecdotes to keep them engaged. By making your audience feel heard and valued, you forge a connection that amplifies the impact of your message, leaving a lasting impression on their hearts and minds.

Making your audience feel seen and understood fosters a sense of connection and trust between you and them. This rapport creates a receptive environment where your message is more likely to be received positively and acted upon.

For every information we provide, the audience loses energy. To keep them captivated to your presentation, be purposeful in creating engagement opportunities. Vary between rhetorical question, enrolling question, multimedia, poll, quiz, analogy and activity throughout your presentation.

After judging Grant Cardone's "Great American Speakoff" for the past 2 years, the biggest mistakes people make are: 1. Overwhelming the audience: Sharing too many traumatic stories at once. Choose one story and take people on a journey. 2. Self-serving: Making their story about themselves and not about the audience. Your story is about inspiring and empowering others...it's not about you boo! 3. Doing the Pee Pee Dance: Moving too much on the stage does not equal energy and engagement. It creates chaos and too much noise. Stop, breathe, and be intentional with your movements and actions. 4. Dead Panning: No facial expressions equals no life. Stop, smile, and really look at your audience. See them and realize you are there to serve them.

During a speech on the importance of perseverance, you could ask your audience to think of a time when they had to persevere through a difficult situation. You could then invite a few volunteers to share their stories.

Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your preparation and expertise, and focus on the value you're providing to your audience.

Turn stage fright into excitement. One of the ways that would work is mental rehearsal. Paint a clear picture of the positive outcome. Imagine how your audience will applaud your presentation, smile, nod their heads and compliment your presentation.

?? Rock the Stage ?? Here are 4 steps to overcoming fear. 1. Clarity- The first thing we do is get clarity on WHY you are speaking and WHAT you want the outcome to be. 2. Content- Once your objectives are clear, craft your speech with engaging storytelling, 3-4 key points, and a compelling closing that motivates action. 3. Preparation- Research your audience to tailor your message to their needs. Outline your speech and then diligently prepare, even writing it out if necessary. 4. Practice?— Rehearse your speech aloud, over and over, focusing on delivery and staging. If using visual aids or a microphone, practice using them seamlessly. With clarity, preparation, and practice, you will have confidence no matter how scared you are.

If you’re nervous about speaking in front of a large audience, you could start by giving speeches to smaller groups, like a local Toastmasters club or a community group. As you gain confidence, you can gradually start speaking to larger audiences.

I know, super easy right? ??Stage fright is a hurdle many motivational speakers face, but it's one you can overcome with practice and perseverance. Rehearse your speech extensively, in different environments and even in front of a small audience if possible. Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing and visualization to calm nerves. And always remember, each speaking opportunity is a chance to grow and build confidence. Embrace them with enthusiasm, and watch your fears diminish in the face of your passion for motivating others.

Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, and audience members after your own speaking engagements. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your skills. And don't be afraid to try new approaches and techniques in your speeches. Experiment with storytelling, visual aids, and interactive elements to keep your presentations fresh and engaging.

Aim high. Demand high standards from yourself. Only then, you strive towards excellence. I've read this recently- it's always to aim for perfection and miss it, rather than aim for imperfection and strike it.

You might decide to read a book about public speaking, like “Talk Like TED” by Carmine Gallo. You could also attend a public speaking workshop or course to learn new techniques and strategies.

??Continuous learning is the cornerstone of growth in the field of motivational speaking. Embrace opportunities to attend workshops, read books, and listen to speeches by other speakers. Not only will this expand your repertoire of material, but it will also inspire you to refine and enhance your own style. Stay curious and open-minded; the journey of learning is endless and essential for your ongoing development as a motivational speaker.

After giving a speech, you could ask a few audience members for their feedback. Did they find your speech engaging and inspiring? Was there anything they didn’t understand or found uninteresting? You could use this feedback to improve your future speeches.