Spencer Smith ⋅ Madison, WI Spencer X Smith ⋅ 16 years experience

Hey John - I accidentally started a speaking business in 2015. I used to be a corporate salesman for a decade, and speaking/presenting was what I did for business development.

I discovered, though, that organizations, associations, and companies always need people to present ideas to their membership/employees.

How did I get started? I'd call and offer to speak for free. A LOT. Eventually, after speaking for free a substantial amount of times, people started offering me money to speak. I still speak for free today, and some of the best paid gigs I get come from these free speeches.

So, in sum - call places that already need speakers and offer to speak.

Hope this helps!
Spencer X Smith, Social Media Speaker
http://www.spencerxsmith.com/speaking

Joseph Hadida ⋅ Morrisville, PA Lockheed Martin ⋅ 25 years experience

Hello John,

Thank you for your service to our country.

A gift/talent can be developed significantly with proper training and guidance. Some critical assets are necessary to become a successful motivational speaker, below are some of the most critical:

Communications skills
Language skills (vocabulary and writing)
Critical Thinking (to help develop an approach to problems, issues)
Philosophy (to improve analytical skills)
Psychology
Marketing (to sell your services)

Serious training in these areas is the vehicle to success. I recommend a major in Communications if you do not have a degree.

Best of luck!

Joe

Michael Marshall ⋅ Chester, VA Transformational Leadership Coaching and Consulting, LLC ⋅ 20 years experience

Suggest you consider becoming involved with the NSA (National Speakers Association). It is a great option to grow in your ability to speak publicly and hone your skills. There are usually places within a reasonable distance of your home where the local NSA chapter hosts monthly meetings which have guest speakers and in some cases, offers participants an opportunity to have coaching opportunities to enhance your abilities. You could explore going as a guest to minimize costs and even attending select meetings vs. becoming a full time member.
best regards and hopes of success for you
michael marshall

Michael Francis Stretanski ⋅ Sunbury, OH Interventional Spine & Pain Rehabilitation Center ⋅ 14 years experience

just make sure you have something substantial to say. the world is full of "life coaches"

Ruben Gonzalez ⋅ Brownsville, TX Social Security Administration ⋅ 34 years experience

Toastmasters is a good place to start. networking thru your local city community leadership program is another way to go?Read "leaning in" and go to that web site for pointers on how to find opportunities in this area.
It appears that you have overcome the most common fear that keeps most people from being a success in this field, the fear of speaking in public.The rest is easy.Try to list some of your credentials and qualifications so that you can be guided in the right direction. Hope to hear from you as you progress in this endeavor.

Wayne Stuart ⋅ Keller, TX I. LeGrande Business Services ⋅ 10 years experience

First question, do you have any formal training speaking? I joined Toastmasters and received the practical training.

Second question: Have you read " Power Listening", Bernard Ferrari, It helps you to be a better listener, a must read. "Writing your way", by Don Fry, it helps you find your voice to develop your speeches. " Speak for a Living" Anne Bruce and "Money Talks" Alan Weiss. Talk about the profession.

Try this and let me how things workout.