5 Ways to Become a True Motivational Speaker

I wrote a funny article on Motivational Speakers recently. (Read it here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/21-truths-motivational-speakers-sivakumar-palaniappan)

Many loved it, but some of my speaker friends took it seriously and got apprehensive about my perspective of motivational speakers in the article. Look at the comments and discussions happening there in the link. 

A sensible friend said, "if you think these are the funny things motivational speakers do, then tell us what makes one a real good motivational speaker?".

As a Speaker, my belief is "every speaker must also be motivational in nature". They should be uplifting not only the energy levels of listeners but also the positive beliefs and their aspirations. 

Here are some of the key points not related to speech preparation and delivery techniques. These are mainly about your intention, attitude and behaviour as a speaker. I've learned these phenomenal lessons in my journey of speaking from some of the inspiring speakers, role models and mentors.

 1. Be humble and polite

(Whenever I speak, I remind myself with these words from one of my role model, a very well know name in Tamil Speaking, Thiru.Sukhi Sivam. He told me once, "Every speaking opportunity you get is a divine opportunity bestowed upon you. You are getting to influence 100s of people at one go. Have a sense of gratitude and give your best in the interest of your listeners. Always be humble and polite."

2. It's not about you; it's all about them

You might have written lots of books, worked in leading companies with a great depth of experience, but what matters the most is the value you are adding to your listeners. Stop bragging about yourself and your achievements. Focus on the people who are listening to you. Bring stories of ordinary men and women around to inspire your listeners. Never use your own rags to riches story all the time. 

3. Don't belittle your listeners

Never belittle your listeners or put them down to make them feel miserable and guilty in the name of pushing them from their comfort zone. Always pull them out with inspiration and positive hope about the future. Don't say, "I know most people don't have reading habits and I am sure most of you here aren't reading books". Instead ask, "how many of you read books?" and build on it positively to make your point. 

4. Practice what you say 

As a speaker, it's essential to practice your speech content and delivery. But what's more important is to practice (do) what you are saying. Never advice without personally experiencing it yourself. Before asking your listeners to become a "risk-taker" ask yourself what risk have you taken in life?. Be an exemplary speaker; don't just preach. 

5. Don't tell fake stories and data

Never cook up fake stories and data points favourable for you to make a point. Bring real-life stories and case studies with actual research that support your position. Do the due homework while writing your speech. Don't bring some random newspaper story and try to relate it to the topic of your speech.

As a speaker, you are also a change maker. Change happens only with motivation and do it with sensible deep thinking and truly noble intentions.

Happy speaking, Happy Motivation, Happy Inspiring and Happy Change Making.