What do you have to do to become a motivational speaker?

Question

What I mean is the steps one needs to take. There are no job listings for them? Do you get lucky or is there a way to become a motivational speaker? Any ideas on how to do this?

Answer 1

I think that the first step is to live in a van down by the river!

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist.

Most motivational speakers have excelled in something or have done something noteworthy before they embarked on the whole "motivational speaker thing". I mean, take Jared from Subway...he's now a motivational speaker...so, I think that you would have to do something first and then get to verbally motivate others to follow your example.  

Answer 2

Usually people who have been successful are asked to be speakers and not the other way around.

Answer 3

you can start by calling colleges, high schools, middle schools, and children out reach programs and ask them could you come and speak at their next assembly or program.. and if your good.. . they will recommend you to other places, and even call you back to speak again..  

Answer 4

You have to have a subject people are interested in that you can motivate people. The GREATEST motivational speaker I've ever heard is John Maxwell. He speaks on leadership. He writes on leadership. I have 75 percent of his books in my personal collection.

Sometimes, motivational speakers are created. Something that just bugs you and you start and you write and you perfect and then, you find that niche.

If you really want to be one, then Speech and Debate are where you would start. Speech in order to speak to large groups. Debate in order to have the thought of how to argue logically with those that have a different point of view.