How do you become a motivational speaker? A look behind the scenes

“How do you become a motivational speaker?” I get this question after my Keynote Speeches and keynote speeches at conferences, congresses and corporate events. And if the answer is also of interest to you, then in this article I would like to discuss the various aspects of what a motivational speaker is and how to become one. Have fun!

 

If you have been following my work for a while or have one of my of my books (by the way, “The Mindset Revolution” has just been published), then you can probably already guess that my answer to the question “How to become a motivational coach” is somewhat more nuanced. 

 

Even though many of my listeners often return to their everyday lives with a large portion of motivation after one of my talks, workshops or seminars, I don't see myself as a motivational speaker at all. This is simply because my work has nothing to do with the whipping, balloon-flinging, chakka chakka-roaring, loud-music-playing gurus who preach from a big stage to a hypnotized audience that anyone can really do anything. If, yes, if you only believed it enough. And, of course, only if you book a completely overpriced motivational coach seminar.

 

Yes, the profession of motivational trainer does not have the best reputation in the public eye. No wonder, because anyone who has seen the NDR documentary called “The motivation trainer” will know that a lot of dubious means and sometimes extremely dubious methods are used in the industry.

 

Does this mean that every Motivational speaker automatically belongs in the dubious dirty corner? Of course not. There are countless examples of really successful motivational coaches whose focus is not exclusively on growing their own wallets, but instead on growing their clients' wallets. The main reason for this is that these experts (m/f/d) have a completely different approach to their work. What do I mean by that? 

 

Good and professional motivational coaches work with individuals or teams to achieve their individual and/or collective goals better, faster or more efficiently. This involves developing strategies and implementation plans, developing the mindset and, of course, the right Motivation in the implementation. And it is precisely at this point that the wheat is separated from the chaff.

 

The Tschakka Gurus try to impose motivation on their audience from the outside. This is done through loud music, an emotionally heated atmosphere in the room, simple suggestions and pushing self-esteem. And of course, such methods are not without effect, and motivation often rises to unprecedented heights within a few hours. However, this motivational hammer method has the same effects that drug addicts are familiar with.

 

An intense and fast high is soon followed by the corresponding low. Or in the context of motivation: the air from the bulging balloon escapes just as quickly as it came in. The result: withdrawal symptoms after the feeling of motivation that was just so present. And unfortunately, these are often alleviated by booking an even more advanced seminar, even more expensive coaching and even more exclusive advice from a motivational trainer. 

 

And just so we understand each other correctly, there is nothing wrong with that at all, because investing in your own personality and personal development will certainly generate better interest than all DAX shares put together. But if people's emotional needs are used to sell your own services, then that is morally and ethically more than questionable, at least in my world.

 

The good (and reputable) motivational trainers stand out because they have understood how sustainable motivation really arises and that it always works from the inside out. It requires a strong intrinsic drive, which is always based on one's own values, needs and wishes, Targets and dreams. And with the right communication, congruent passion for their own topic and a great deal of empathy, a good motivational trainer succeeds in making this intrinsic motivation visible so that it can be translated into appropriate action on the surface.

 

It should have become clear by now that being a motivational speaker is not a profession that you can learn at school or university. Nor is it enough just to talk about motivation, play loud music and run back and forth like a Duracell bunny. Because Sustainable motivation simply works differently.

 

Good motivational coaches tend to emerge by chance. Simply because they are able to support other people in awakening intrinsic motivation. They are usually experts in their respective fields and manage to speak passionately, emotionally and captivatingly about this topic. At some point, the moment comes when the spark is ignited and the audience is motivated. 

 

However, in these cases it is not about a short-term motivational boost (which wears off again shortly afterwards), but about sustainable motivation that continues to have an effect even after the lecture, seminar or event has ended. Coaching are long gone. And that's exactly the point, isn't it?

 

What experiences have you had with the topic of “motivational coaches”? I look forward to your comment.