A good talk or public speech is like a good play, movie, or song.

It opens by arresting the listener’s attention, develops point by point, and then ends strongly, ensuring that the audience’s attention is maintained throughout.

The truth is, if you don’t know how to end a speech, the overall message won’t be persuasive and your key points may get lost.

The words you say at the beginning, and especially at the end of your talk, are usually the most persuasive parts of the speech and will be remembered longer than almost any other part of your speech. It’s crucial to leave a lasting impression with a powerful conclusion.

Some of the great speeches in history and some of the most memorable Ted talks have ended with powerful, stirring words that live on in memory.

How do you end a speech and get the standing ovation that you deserve?

Keep reading to discover how…

Here are 9 tips and examples for concluding a speech.

To ensure that your conclusion is as powerful as it can be, you must plan it word for word, including a strong closing statement.

Ask yourself, “What is the purpose of this talk?”

Your answer should involve the actions that you want your listeners to take after hearing you speak on this subject.

When you are clear about the end result you desire, it becomes much easier to design a conclusion that asks your listeners to take that action. It is also crucial to restate a key idea to reinforce your message and leave a lasting impression.

The best strategy for ending with a BANG is to plan your close before you plan the rest of your speech.

You then go back and design your opening so that it sets the stage for your conclusion.

The body of your talk is where you present your ideas and make your case for what you want the audience to think, remember, and do after hearing you speak.

2) Always End A Speech With A Call To Action

It is especially important to tell the audience what you want it to do as a result of hearing you speak.

A call to action is the best way to wrap up your talk with strength and power. Reinforce your key points by summarizing the main message, ensuring it leaves a lasting impression. Closing the speech effectively can evoke emotions and make a significant impact on the audience.

Here’s a Speech Call To Action Example

“We have great challenges and great opportunities, and with your help, we will meet them and make this next year the best year in our history!”

Consider ending with a thought-provoking question to challenge the audience to think differently and inspire them to take action.

Whatever you say, imagine an exclamation point at the end. As you approach the conclusion, pick up your energy and tempo.  This is even more important if the presentation you are giving is virtual.

Speak with strength and emphasis.

Drive the final point home.

Regardless of whether the audience participants agree with you or are willing to do what you ask, it should be perfectly clear to them what you are requesting.

3) End a Speech With a Summary

There is a simple formula for any talk:

1. Tell them what you are going to tell them.
2. Tell them.
3. Then, tell them what you told them.

As you approach the end of your talk, say something like,

“Let me briefly restate these main points…”

You then list your key points, one by one, and repeat them to the audience, showing how each of them links to the other points.

Audiences appreciate a linear repetition of what they have just heard. This repetition helps make your message memorable and ensures that your key points leave a lasting impression.

This makes it clear that you are coming to the end of your talk.

4) Close with a Story

As you reach the end of your talk, you can say,

“Let me tell you a story that illustrates what I have been talking about…”

You then tell a brief story with a moral and then tell the audience what the moral is. Using effective body language, such as maintaining eye contact, smiling, and using open gestures, can make your story more impactful and leave a lasting impression.

Don’t leave it to them to figure out for themselves.

Often you can close with a story that illustrates your key points and then clearly links to the key message that you are making with your speech.

To learn more about storytelling in speaking, you can read my previous blog post “8 Public Speaking Tips to Wow Your Audience.”

5) Make Them Laugh

You can close with humor.

You can tell a joke that loops back into your subject and repeats the lesson or main point you are making with a story that makes everyone laugh.

During my talks on planning and persistence, I discuss the biggest enemy that we have, which is the tendency to follow the path of least resistance. I then tell this story.

Ole and Sven are out hunting in Minnesota and they shoot a deer. They begin dragging the deer back to the truck by the tail, but they keep slipping and losing both their grip and their balance.

A farmer comes along and asks them, “What are you boys doing?”

They reply, “We’re dragging the deer back to the truck.”

The farmer tells them, “You are not supposed to drag a deer by the tail. You’re supposed to drag the deer by the handles. They’re called antlers. You’re supposed to drag a deer by the antlers.”

Ole and Sven say, “Thank you very much for the idea.”

They begin pulling the deer by the antlers. After about five minutes, they are making rapid progress. Ole says to Sven, “Sven, the farmer was right. It goes a lot easier by the antlers.”

Sven replies, “Yeah, but we’re getting farther and farther from the truck.”

After the laughter dies down, I say…

“The majority of people in life are pulling the easy way, but they are getting further and further from the ‘truck’ or their real goals and objectives.”

A memorable statement like this can make the humor more effective by condensing the core message into a crisp and authentic sound bite.

That’s just one example of closing using humor.

6) Make It Rhyme

You can close with a poem.

There are many fine poems that contain messages that summarize the key points you want to make. Here are some practical tips for selecting and delivering a poem: choose a poem that resonates with your message, practice your delivery to ensure it flows naturally, and use appropriate pauses to emphasize key lines.

You can select a poem that is moving, dramatic, or emotional.

For years I ended seminars with the poem, “Don’t Quit,” or “Carry On!” by Robert W. Service. It was always well received by the audience.

7) Close With Inspiration for A Lasting Impression

You can end a speech with something inspirational as well.

If you have given an uplifting talk, remember that hope is, and has always been, the main religion of mankind.

People love to be motivated and inspired to be or do something different and better in the future.

Here are a few of my favorite inspirational quotes that can be tied into most speeches.  You can also read this collection of leadership quotes for further inspiration.

Remember, everyone in your audience is dealing with problems, difficulties, challenges, disappointments, setbacks, and temporary failures.

For this reason, everyone appreciates a poem, quote, or story of encouragement that gives them strength and courage.

Here are 7 Tips to Tell an Inspiring Poem or Story to End Your Speech

• You have to slow down and add emotion and drama to your words.
• Raise your voice on a key line of the poem, and then drop it when you’re saying something that is intimate and emotional.
• Pick up the tempo occasionally as you go through the story or poem, but then slow down on the most memorable parts.
• Especially, double the number of pauses you normally use in a conversation.
• Use dramatic pauses at the end of a line to allow the audience to digest the words and catch up with you.
• Smile if the line is funny, and be serious if the line is more thought-provoking or emotional.
• When you come to the end of your talk, be sure to bring your voice up on the last line, rather than letting it drop. Remember the “exclamation point” at the end to reinforce your main message and leave a lasting impression.

Try practicing on this poem that I referenced above…

Read through “Carry On!” by Robert Service

Identify the key lines, intimate parts, and memorable parts, and recite it.

8) Make it Clear That You’re Done

When you say your final words, it should be clear to everyone that you have ended. A strong closing statement is crucial in signaling the end of your speech, leaving a lasting impression, and ensuring that the audience remembers the key points. There should be no ambiguity or confusion in the mind of your audience. The audience members should know that this is the end.

Many speakers just allow their talks to wind down.

They say something with filler words like, “Well, that just about covers it. Thank you.”

This isn’t a good idea…

It’s not powerful…

It’s not an authoritative ending and thus detracts from your credibility and influence.

When you have concluded, discipline yourself to stand perfectly still. Select a friendly face in the audience and look straight at that person.

If it is appropriate, smile warmly at that person to signal that your speech has come to an end.

Resist the temptation to:

• Shuffle papers.
• Fidget with your clothes or microphone.
• Move forward, backward, or sideways.
• Do anything else except stand solidly, like a tree.

9) Let Them Applaud

When you have finished your talk, the audience members will want to applaud. Using effective body language, such as maintaining eye contact, smiling, and using open gestures, can signal to the audience that it is time to begin clapping.

What they need from you is a clear signal that now is the time to begin clapping.

How do you signal this?

Some people will recognize sooner than others that you have concluded your remarks.

In many cases, when you make your concluding comments and stop talking, the audience members will be completely silent.

They may be unsure whether you are finished.

They may be processing your final remarks and thinking them over. They may not know what to do until someone else does something.

In a few seconds, which will often feel like several minutes, people will applaud.

First one…

Then another…

Then the entire audience will begin clapping.

When someone begins to applaud, look directly at that person, smile, and mouth the words thank you.

As more and more people applaud, sweep slowly from person to person, nodding, smiling and saying, “Thank You.”

Eventually, the whole room will be clapping.

There’s no better reward for overcoming your fear of public speaking than enjoying a round of applause.

BONUS TIP: How to Handle a Standing Ovation

If you’ve given a moving talk and really connected with your audience, someone will stand up and applaud. To encourage a standing ovation, make your message memorable by using repetition of your keyword or phrase and incorporating relevant visuals or metaphors to leave a lasting impression on the audience. When this happens, encourage others by looking directly at the clapper and saying, “Thank you.”

This will often prompt other members of the audience to stand.

As people see others standing, they will stand as well, applauding the whole time.

It is not uncommon for a speaker to conclude his or her remarks, stand silently, and have the entire audience sit silently in response.

Stand Comfortably And Shake Hands

But as the speaker stands there comfortably, waiting for the audience to realize the talk is over, one by one people will begin to applaud and often stand up one by one. Using positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, smiling, and using open gestures, can leave a lasting impression on the audience.

If the first row of audience members is close in front of you, step or lean forward and shake that person’s hand when one of them stands up to applaud.

When you shake hands with one person in the audience, many other people in the audience feel that you are shaking their hands and congratulating them as well.

They will then stand up and applaud.

Soon the whole room will be standing and applauding.

Whether you receive a standing ovation or not, if your introducer comes back on to thank you on behalf of the audience, smile and shake their hand warmly.

If it’s appropriate, give the introducer a hug of thanks, wave in a friendly way to the audience, and then move aside and give the introducer the stage.

Follow these tips to get that standing ovation every time.

You’ve heard the saying, “First impressions are lasting; you never get a second chance to create a good first impression” — right?

The same is true when talking about how to start a speech…

The truth is, when you start your speech, you must focus everything on making a positive first impression on your audience members (especially if you are doing the presentation virtually). Capturing the audience’s attention from the very beginning is crucial to prevent them from being distracted, losing interest, or forming negative opinions.

The introduction is the formal greeting for speeches, so let’s be sure to get this right to hook the audience. Understanding the importance of speech openings can significantly impact making a strong first impression. Planning and delivering the first words with confidence and relevance is essential, as they set the tone for the entire presentation and ensure you deliver a professional start, free from hesitation or irrelevance.

Here are 15 different ways to start a speech as well as 2 extra BONUS tips at the end.

1) Thank the Organizers and Audience

You can start by thanking the audience for coming and thanking the organization for inviting you to speak.

Refer to the person who introduced you or to one or more of the senior people in the organization in the audience.

This compliments them, makes them feel proud and happy about your presence, and connects you to the audience like an electrical plug in a socket.

2) Start With a Positive Statement

A presentation tip at the start is to tell the audience members how much they will like and enjoy what you have to say.

For example, you might say:

“You’re really going to enjoy the time we spend together this evening. I’m going to share with you some of the most important ideas that have ever been discovered in this area.”

Remember that speaking is an art, so be an artist and take complete control of your performance,

3) Compliment the Audience

You can begin by complimenting the audience members sincerely and with great respect.

Smile as if you are really glad to see them as if they are all old friends of yours that you have not seen for quite a while.

You can tell them that it is a great honor for you to be here, that they are some of the most important people in this business or industry, and that you are looking forward to sharing some key ideas with them.

You could say something like:

“It is an honor to be here with you today. You are the elite, the top 10 percent of people in this industry. Only the very best people in any field will take the time and make the sacrifice to come so far for a conference like this.”

4) Start Your Speech With the First Sentence Referring to Current Events

Use a current event front-page news story to transition into your subject and to illustrate or prove your point. You can bring a copy of the newspaper and hold it up as you refer to it in your introduction.

This visual image of you holding the paper and reciting or reading a key point rivets the audience’s attention and causes more people to lean forward to hear what you have to say.

5) Refer to a Historical Event

For many years, I studied military history…

Especially the lives and campaigns of the great generals and the decisive battles they won. One of my favorites was Alexander the Great. Standing in the symbolic shadow of such historical figures can provide a powerful and engaging start to any speech, especially when drawing parallels to contemporary challenges.

One day, I was asked to give a talk on leadership principles to a roomful of managers for a Fortune 500 company.

I decided that the campaign of Alexander the Great against Darius of Persia would make an excellent story that would illustrate the leadership qualities of one of the great commanders in history.

I opened my talk with these words:

“Once upon a time there was a young man named Alex who grew up in a poor country. But Alex was a little bit ambitious. From an early age, he decided that he wanted to conquer the entire known world. But there was a small problem.

Most of the known world was under the control of a huge multinational called the Persian Empire, headed by King Darius II. To fulfill his ambition, Alex was going to have to take the market share away from the market leader, who was very determined to hold on to it.

This is the same situation that exists between you and your major competitors in the market today. You are going to have to use all your leadership skills to win the great marketing battles of the future.”

6) Refer to a Well Known Person

You can start by quoting a well-known person or publication that recently made an interesting or important statement.

One of the subjects I touch upon regularly is the importance of continual personal development.

I will say something like:

“In the twenty-first century, knowledge and know-how are the keys to success. As basketball coach Pat Riley said, ‘If you are not getting better, you are getting worse.’”

7) Refer to a Recent Conversation

Start by telling a story about a recent conversation with someone in attendance.

For instance, I might say:

“A few minutes ago, I was talking with Tom Robinson in the lobby. He told me that this is one of the very best times to be working in this industry, and I agree.”

8) Make a Shocking Statement With a Startling Fact

You can start your talk by making a shocking statement of some kind.

For example, you might say something like:

“Here’s a startling fact: According to a recent study, there will be more change, more competition, and more opportunities in this industry in the next year than ever before. And 72 percent of the people in this room will be doing something different within two years if they do not rapidly adapt to these changes.”

Click here If you want to learn more techniques to wow your audience.

9) Quote From Recent Research

You can start by quoting a relevant, recent research report.

One example is:

“According to a story in a recent issue of Businessweek, there were almost 11 million millionaires in America in 2018, most of them self-made.”

10) Start Your Speech With a Strong Opening By Giving Them Hope

The French philosopher Gustav Le Bon once wrote, “The only religion of mankind is, and always has been hope.”

When you speak effectively, you give people hope of some kind.

Remember, the ultimate purpose of public speaking, is to inspire people to do things that they would not have done in the absence of your comments.

Everything you say should relate to the actions you want people to take and the reasons that they should take those actions.

11) Be Entertaining

Bill Gove used to walk onto the stage after his introduction if he had just finished talking to someone on the side and was breaking off to give his talk to the group.

The audience got the feeling that his entire talk was one continuous conversation, devoid of meaningless filler words.

Bill would often go to the edge of the stage and then drop his voice in a conspiratorial way, open his arms, and beckon the audience members to come a little closer.

He would say, “Come here, let me tell you something,” and then he would wave them forward as though he was about to tell a secret to the entire room.

The amazing thing was that everyone in the room would lean forward to hear this “secret” that he was about to share. People would all suddenly realize what they were doing and break out in laughter. It was a wonderful device to get the audience into the palm of his hands.

12) Ask a Question

You can open by making a positive statement and then pose a rhetorical question to engage your audience and set the stage for your presentation.

Try something like this:

“This is a great time to be alive and in business in America. But let me ask you, what does it truly mean to be self-employed in today’s economy?”

Raise your hand to indicate what you want people to do. I have used this line, and after a moment of thought, I then say to someone who looks intrigued in the front, “How many people here feel truly self-employed?”

Invariably, someone will say, “We all do!”

I then compliment and affirm the answer: “You’re right! We are all self-employed, from the time we take our first jobs to the day that we retire; we all work for ourselves, no matter who signs our paychecks.”

Similarly, a 17-year-old science fair winner effectively engaged their audience with a question at the beginning of their TED Talk, showcasing the power of this technique.

13) Open With a Problem

You can start with a problem that must be solved. If it is a problem that almost everyone has in common, you will immediately have the audience’s complete and undivided attention.

For example, you could say:

“Fully 63 percent of baby boomers are moving toward retirement without enough money put aside to provide for themselves for as long as they are going to live. We must address this problem and take action immediately to ensure that each person who retires will be able to live comfortably for the rest of his or her natural life.”

Introducing a new idea at this point can be a powerful way to engage your audience further, by promising a solution that is both innovative and beneficial.

14) Make a Strong Statement, Then Ask a Question

You can start by making a strong and powerful statement and then ask a question. You then follow with an answer and ask another question. This gets people immediately involved and listening to your every word.

Here’s an example:

“Twenty percent of the people in our society make 80 percent of the money. Are you a member of the top 20 percent? If not, would you like to join the top 20 percent or even the top 10 percent? Well, in the next few minutes, I am going to give you some ideas to help you become some of the highest-paid people in our society. Would that be a good goal for our time together today?”

15) Tell a Personal Story

You can start your talk with a personal story. Some of the most powerful words to capture the complete attention of the audience and make a personal connection are, “Once upon a time…”

From infancy and early childhood, people love stories of any kind. When you start off a presentation with a personal anecdote using the words, “Once upon a time…” you tell the audience that a relatable story is coming. People immediately settle down, become quiet, and lean forward, eager to hear how your experience might mirror their own or offer them new insights.

When I conduct full-day seminars and I want to bring people back to their seats after a break, I will say loudly, “Once upon a time there was a man, right here in this city…”

As soon as I say these words, people hurry back to their seats and begin to listen attentively, connecting with the story on a personal level.

Incorporating a personal story is very effective.

In fact, it’s probably one of the best public speaking tips I’ve learned to this day.

Bonus Tip: Tell Them About Yourself

Very often, I will start a serious speech or presentation to a business, sales, or entrepreneurial group by saying:

“I started off without graduating from high school. My family had no money. Everything I accomplished in life I had to do on my own with very little help from anyone else.”

It is amazing how many people come up to me after a talk that began with those words and tells me that was their experience as well.

They tell me that they could immediately identify with me because they too had started with poor grades and limited funds, as most people do. As a result, they were open to the rest of my talk, even a full-day seminar, and felt that everything I said was more valid and authentic than if I had been a person who started off with a successful background.

Building a bridge like this is very helpful in bringing the audience onto your side.

Bonus Tip: Get Them Talking to One Another

You can ask people to turn to the person next to them to discuss a particular point.

For instance, you could say:

“Tell the person next to you what you would like to learn from this seminar.”

Whatever you ask your audience members to do, within reason, they will do it for you. Your commands and your thought leadership will easily influence them, as long as you ask them with confidence.

By following any one of these tips for starting your speech, you are sure to grab your audience’s attention every time. How do you start a speech? Let me know in the comments.

Bonus Tip: Get Them Talking to One Another

You can ask people to turn to the person next to them to discuss a particular point.

For instance, you could say:

“Tell the person next to you what you would like to learn from this seminar.”

Whatever you ask your audience members to do, within reason, they will do it for you. Your commands and your thought leadership will easily influence them, as long as you ask them with confidence.

By following any one of these tips for starting your speech, you are sure to grab your audience’s attention every time. How do you start a speech? Let me know in the comments.

Did you know that anyone can learn how to become a professional speaker?

I’ve spoken in 75 countries around the world over the past 40+ years. And I’ve been translated into different languages by 50 professional interpreters.

But believe it or not, there was a time when I didn’t know how to speak to large crowds. In fact, I used to be nervous when I spoke to the smallest of groups!

You wouldn’t know that today. And that’s because I learned how to become a public speaker. I worked hard to perfect the art of public speaking; I got the experience I needed to feel confident as a public speaker and to speak around the world.

Now I’m ready to pass the reins to you and teach you how to become a motivational speaker or a public speaker who can earn profits for any event. Let’s get started.

How To Start Your Public Speaking Career

Breaking into professional public speaking might seem like a daunting task. But by following a few key strategies, you can both start and sustain your public speaking business.

Here’s how to become a public speaker.

1. Define Your Area Of Expertise

What are you good at? What are you passionate about? What unique perspective do you have to offer? These are the questions you need to answer to figure out so you can zero in on what you’ll talk about as a motivational speaker.

For example, maybe you studied marketing in school. That would give you the knowledge and expertise needed to speak about marketing.

If you want to niche down even further, think about other areas where you have experience. Maybe you’ve worked in the fitness industry — could you speak about marketing for gyms and fitness brands?

Give it a shot! If that topic ends up being too narrow, you can always broaden the lens later.

2. Identify Your Target Audience

Once you figure out what you want to say, you’ll be able to pinpoint who would benefit from hearing your speech. What age are the people who need to hear your message? What’s their career? Where do they live?

Defining your target audience will also help you determine what examples you should use to communicate your points most effectively. And when you know your audience, you’ll also be able to figure out where to find them — such as a marketing conference or another industry event.

3. Gain Public Speaking Skills

Knowing what to say in your speech is important. But knowing how to communicate effectively is essential, too.

Invest some serious time and energy into improving your public speaking skills. Learning from talented public speakers is always beneficial because those speakers have firsthand experience to share.

You might consider taking public speaking classes, too. A course is an excellent way to improve your communication skills and help overcome any nerves you might be feeling. This is an important step in developing your unique public speaking voice.

However you decide to brush up on these skills, don’t forget to practice, practice, practice! This is the best way to ensure your public speaking skills will grab your audience’s attention.

4. Learn The Art Of Speech Writing

Now that you know who your audience is and have established strong public speaking skills, it’s time to perfect the art of writing your speech so you can wow your crowd.

You can generally think of speeches as having three sections — the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Start with a strong introduction. You might choose to start your speech by thanking the people who organized the event, quoting well-known industry leaders, asking a question, telling a story, or doing something else entirely.

Once you’ve covered all of your key points, it’s time to end your speech with a bang. Again, there are several ways you can go here based on your particular speech and the audience you’re giving it to. It’s always a good idea to summarize your key points and include a call to action.

Whatever that looks like for you, make sure to leave your audience with something to remember. This will make your speeches effective as you learn how to become a public speaker.

5. Create A Professional Presence Online

When it comes to becoming a motivational speaker, a strong online presence is essential. As soon as people receive your pitch, they’re going to open their computer and check you out online. So give them something good to find!

Make sure you have a nice website that showcases your personal brand and clearly explains what you do. You’ll also want to be active on multiple social media platforms, such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok.

If you really want to prove the value you have to bring, start creating content that showcases your expertise or even your public speaking skills. Educational blog posts or videos are a great way to show that you know what you’re talking about. Producing high-quality content for the web can sway people into deciding to work with you.

Those blog posts and videos serve as tangible proof that you’re one of the best motivational speakers out there, helping you along the way as you work toward becoming a public speaker.

How To Book Your First Public Speaking Gig

Booking your first speaking gig can seem like a difficult task. But, the good news? Once you get this one under your belt, you’ll feel much more confident and capable of moving forward.

For your first speaking engagement, you might need to be willing to speak for free or at a reduced cost. But as you gain experience with subsequent engagements, your rate can (and should) rise. Here are a few key tips for that all-important first gig.

Avoid Cold Calling

Cold calling is a waste of time when you’re just starting out. Strangers aren’t going to hire you, especially if you don’t have any experience yet. It’s more important to focus on building your network and creating personal connections with people who might hire you in the future. Plus you will be much more nervous speaking to people during a cold call, versus the connections you make.

Simply talking about your new career as a public speaker can be hugely helpful both now and down the road. You never know who has connections and who might need a speaker. Share with your friends, family, and coworkers that you’re looking for a speaking gig.

You can also attend industry-specific events to focus on networking. And if you take a public speaking course, connecting with the teacher and your fellow students is a smart idea, too.

Start With Local Events

Chances are, there are dozens of speaking opportunities available in your town or the surrounding area. Local events might not seem glamorous or exciting. But they’ll help you gain the credibility you need to slowly grow your career.

Try looking for local events or conferences and pitching your speaking services to them. You won’t be able to jump into nationwide events right away. But if you start building now with small local venues, you’ll be able to speak at larger and larger events over time as you learn how to become a public speaker.

Attend Networking Engagements

Meeting new people in person opens up huge opportunities for collaboration. How can you find these opportunities as you learn how to become a motivational speaker?

Run a quick Google search for “networking events near me” and see what comes up. You can also ask around in industry Facebook or LinkedIn groups to see what sort of events your peers frequent.

Sites such as Eventbrite have helpful search functions where you can find even more events in your area.

After you find an event to attend, remember to follow up with anyone you spoke to. This is a good way to sustain the relationship and potentially get motivational speaking engagements down the road.

Have Realistic Expectations

You might have to reach out to multiple places regarding a speaking engagement before you get a yes. And that’s okay! Don’t lose your motivation. Have perseverance and keep pursuing speaking gigs, contacting anyone who seems like a good fit.

It’s also important to keep in mind that your first speaking engagement might not be a paid engagement. And that’s okay, too.

You may have to speak for free several times before you land a paid gig. Remember, doing small, unpaid engagements is okay for now because these small engagements will lead to more opportunities down the road.

You’re building the blocks of your speaking career, and once you nail down your first speaking gig, things will get easier and easier from then on.

How To Make A Career As A Public Speaker

Once you gain confidence after a few successful speaking engagements under your belt, you’ll find more and more doors opening up. The key is to keep seeking out opportunities, doing the best job you can, and then asking what comes next. Don’t stay stagnant — the best motivational speakers always keep moving forward!

Learn How To Negotiate Your Speaking Fee

The process of negotiating your speaking fee might seem intimidating. Here’s what I suggest. First, do some research; talk to other talented public speakers to figure out what they earn. This can help you fix a specific number in your mind.

Don’t accept the first number you’re offered for a motivational speaking gig. Ask for some time to think it over. Most people actually have a range in mind when they offer you a certain fee. Whereas they probably want to pay you the lowest amount in that range, however, your goal is to get the highest!

Use a technique called bracketing to ask for a rate that’s slightly higher, requesting a rate that’s between 110% and 130% of the amount you’re offered. This increases the chance you’ll get paid the amount you want.

Never Stop Promoting Your Speaking Services

If you want to become a successful motivational speaker, you aren’t going to automatically achieve that goal overnight. It’s essential to continue strategically marketing yourself — just like you would do for any other business.

What does that look like? Networking and word-of-mouth referrals will continue to play a huge part long term. Social media is very effective, too.

And remember to create a professionally-designed website where you can direct your social media followers so they can learn more about the public speaking services you offer.

Master The Art Of Selling From The Stage

To learn how to become a motivational speaker, you need to know how to promote yourself. Your self-promotion should be relevant to the event, your audience, and what you’re talking about. Whatever you’re promoting should also be something that brings real value to your audience.

For example, if you wrote a book that your audience would like, take a copy up on stage with you and find a moment to show it to the audience. If you’ve created a tool that solves a problem you’re talking about in your speech, mention that tool. At the end of your speech, briefly talk about your company and tell people how they can get in touch with you.

These are a few ways you can promote yourself and boost your overall income without coming across as someone who’s only interested in making a sale.

Find Ways To Monetize After The Speech

To come home with as much revenue as possible, think past the event itself (such as a Ted Talk) and find ways to monetize after your speech. How can you upsell your audience? Find ways to bring more value to your audience, and you’ll walk away with more money.

For example, if you have permission from the event organizers, maybe you can sell a recording of the event. Motivational speakers on YouTube are also popular; try uploading your speech there.

You might also want to create a workbook or course that gives audience members strategies they can use as they put your advice into practice. In addition, consider diving deeper and offering a workshop or some type of extended training based on the topic of your speech.

Continue Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

Always keep improving your skills and learning new techniques. There will never be a time when you’ve learned everything there is to know about how to become a motivational speaker. You can always learn more! Focusing on continued education is the best thing you can do for your career.

Unlock the power of persuasion and master the art of public speaking with my exclusive 5-Minute Speech Formula. Start captivating your audience today.

Editor’s Note: This post was updated for 2023 to include additional advice on how to book speaking engagements, how to negotiate a public speaking fee, and how to make money as a professional speaker. 

I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say the ability to engage, entertain, and inform an audience through public speaking is a skill that offers immense value in several different aspects.

But did you know:

It’s a skill that can serve as the cornerstone for an incredibly successful career. Many accomplished public speakers are paid thousands of dollars or more for a single speaking engagement.

In fact:

Learning how to become a better public speaker is a valuable pursuit, whether you want to establish a career in public speaking or enhance your public speaking and verbal communication skills to excel in your current profession.

The best way, by far, to learn these skills is to take a public speaking course designed to teach you how to overcome your fears of public speaking and engage, entertain, and inform an audience all at the same time.

Below, we’ll take a look at what public speaking courses are, the benefits that they offer, and talk about how you can use these resources to become a better public speaker.

What Is A Public Speaking Course?

Contrary to the misconception of many, public speaking is a skill that can be learned. And, to learn public speaking, like any other skill, is the most effective way to learn how to become a better public speaker is to learn from a seasoned teacher.

Public speaking classes offer you guidance and insights gathered by experts who have already achieved success as public speakers.

These courses encompass everything you need to know to become a better public speaker. From conquering the fear of public speaking to crafting persuasive speeches that captivate your audience, and even advice on how to find speaking engagements and monetize your skills.

What You’ll Learn in Public Speaking Classes

Public speaking is a multifaceted art, and high-quality courses should cover a comprehensive range of topics. In my online public speaking course “The 6-Figure Speaker”, these fundamentals form the basis to provide public speakers with a solid foundation to build upon as the course goes on.

Some fundamental covers in my “6-Figure Speaker” course include:

• Mastering the Fundamentals: Before getting into the nuances, it’s important to establish a strong foundation. Fundamentals include preparing speeches that truly resonate with your audience, overcoming stage fright, and harnessing the power of body language.
• Persuasion and Inspiration: A successful public speaker knows how to persuade and inspire their audience with both words and stage presence.
• The Power of Eye Contact: Learn how to use eye contact to engage your audience and build trust.
• The Art of Storytelling: Compelling narratives are at the heart of effective public speaking. Discover how to craft stories that leave a lasting impact.

Once you’ve mastered these fundamentals, you’ll be ready to explore the finer intricacies and techniques of becoming a top-performing public speaker.

How To Become A Public Speaker

Knowing how to deliver a compelling speech is only the first step on the path to becoming a successful public speaker.

On top of teaching you how to be a great public speaker, “The 6-Figure Speaker” goes beyond teaching you the art of your public speaking ability and skills. It also equips you with insights on finding speaking opportunities, negotiating speaking fees, leveraging public speaking to expand your reach, and more.

How To Start A Public Speaking Career

Many dream of utilizing public speaking as a means to supercharge their existing careers, while others aim to make public speaking their primary profession. Regardless of your motivation, one thing is certain: the world of public speaking is a realm teeming with opportunities.

In fact, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of public speaking was poised to grow by a staggering 44% from 2010 to 2020, outstripping the growth rate of nearly all other professions combined.

1. Perfecting Your Craft

Before you can even dream of earning a substantial income as a public speaker, you must first master the art of public speaking itself. Your ability to captivate and inspire your audience will be the linchpin of your success.

“6-Figure Speaker” will give you the skills needed to elevate your public speaking prowess to near perfection. From conquering stage fright to project confidence to crafting compelling narratives, this course is your guide to becoming a charismatic and effective communicator.

2. Strategies for Building Your Public Speaking Empire

Beyond honing your public speaking skills, “The 6-Figure Speaker” course takes you on a journey into the strategic realm of building a flourishing career in public speaking. I’ve laid out a blueprint for establishing and nurturing your public speaking business.

Discover the secrets to diversifying your income streams by leveraging your speaking engagements. Uncover the lucrative opportunities that await you in the world of high-paying speaking engagements.

3. Embracing the Perks of a Public Speaking Career

A career in public speaking promises an array of benefits that extend far beyond monetary rewards. As a successful public speaker, you have the potential to command substantial fees, travel the globe, and be your own boss.

The freedom and flexibility to share your message with the world while reaping the financial rewards can be incredibly gratifying.

4. Your Gateway to Success

If you’re truly committed to launching a gratifying career as a public speaker, “The 6-Figure Speaker” is the ideal course for you. This comprehensive program offers a wealth of knowledge, strategies, and insights.

Overcoming Your Fear of Public Speaking

Fear and public speaking anxiety is often the biggest obstacle preventing people from pursuing public speaking. In fact, one survey shows that 54% of adults fear public speaking more than death itself!

When it comes to public speaking, though, the words of Franklin Roosevelt ring true:

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

There is no risk or danger in public speaking – only the potential for reward.

Once you overcome your fear of public speaking, you’ll be amazed at how much of a better public speaker you become.

Even if you fight back your fear and get on stage regardless of it, a fear of public speaking can still make you appear nervous to your audience and keep you from reaching your full potential.

This is why I cover in-depth how to completely overcome a fear of public speaking in “The 6-Figure Speaker”.

Tips to Get You Started

If you’re ready to start your journey toward becoming a better public speaker right away, there are plenty of great tips that you can put into practice right now.

These include public speaking tips such as:

1. Focus on a Single Subject

Ideally, there’s at least one subject that you consider yourself an expert on, and feel confident that you have a lot of valuable info on that subject to share.

Once you’ve identified the subject you’d like to speak on, focus only on it and avoid the temptation to try and be a “Jack of all trades” speaker.

In public speaking, it’s much better to become known as an expert in a single area than to be known as adequate in many areas.

2. Help Others

If you can make helping others your genuine goal in public speaking, you’ll go far. Identify the needs and pain points of your audience and figure out how to address them.

If all you do is provide people with a solution that they have been looking for through the words you speak, the rest will fall into place.

3. Embrace Every Opportunity

In the beginning, you should capitalize on every speaking opportunity that comes your way regardless of the size of the audience or how much it pays.

Taking on every speaking engagement that you can enable you to both hone your skills and grow your recognition – two things that are highly important in a public speaking career.

4. Show Your Passion

Passion is contagious. If you can speak on a subject that you are truly passionate about and convey that passion in your speech, your audience will be likely to share your passion and walk away feeling inspired by your speech.

There are plenty of great tips such as these that you can use to start becoming a better public speaker today.

Ultimately, though, the best way to learn everything you need to know to succeed as a public speaker – including guidance that goes far deeper than the public speaking tips you find for free on the internet – is to take a high-quality public speaking course.

How To Get Into Public Speaking

There are a lot of different roads that all lead to a successful public speaking career.

For me, there was a time when I had no idea how to speak in front of large crowds.

Once I realized that public speaking was the best way to promote my books and grow my brand, though, I began speaking at events across North America.

Soon, I decided to start speaking at international events, starting with Germany.

As of today, I’ve spoken in over 75 different countries.

Everyone’s path to a successful public speaking career is different, and there is no right or wrong way to get into public speaking.

No matter what path you take, though, the first step is always going to be building your public speaking and presentation skills up.

Best Public Speaking Courses

If at this point you’ve decided that attending a public speaking course is the best way to begin your public speaking career, you’ve got plenty of great options to choose from.

In addition to “The 6-Figure Speaker”, I also offer plenty of free resources on public speaking such as videos and articles that you can use to begin building your public speaking skills.

If you would like hands-on training in public speaking, you may want to attend my “Speaking Academy” in-person, 3-day course.

This intimate workshop-style training takes place in San Diego, CA, and is limited to just twelve attendees – all of whom will receive my full attention while we work on intensive training and practical exercises designed to let you walk away a better public speaker than you would have ever thought possible.

Other options for public speaking courses that you have available to choose from include:

Online Public Speaking Courses

If you want to learn how to become a better public speaker without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck; “The 6-Figure Speaker” is an entirely online course that is packed full of tips and wisdom that I have learned over a lifetime of public speaking.

While succeeding as a public speaker will require you to venture out into the world, learning the knowledge necessary to succeed as a public speaker does not require you to ever leave your home thanks to online public speaking courses such as “The 6-Figure Speaker”.

Public Speaking Workshops

Nothing beats hands-on training with a live audience when it comes to learning how to become a better public speaker.

If you want to best of the best training available today to start out in your public speaking career, my “Speaking Academy” workshop is the perfect solution.

This workshop is the top-of-the-line public speaking training that I have to offer, and it’s meant for individuals who are serious about building a highly successful public speaking career.

If you’re looking for the best training that money can buy, “Speaking Academy” is the event to attend.

Other options for public speaking courses that you have available to choose from include:

Online Public Speaking Courses

If you want to learn how to become a better public speaker without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck; “The 6-Figure Speaker” is an entirely-online course that is packed full of tips and wisdom that I have learned over a lifetime of public speaking.

While succeeding as a public speaker will require you to venture out into the world, learning the knowledge necessary to succeed as a public speaker does not require you to ever leave your home thanks to online public speaking courses such as “The 6-Figure Speaker”.

Fear of Public Speaking Courses

Is fear the only obstacle that is preventing you from becoming a successful public speaker?

If so, you may benefit from a public speaking course that focuses heavily on overcoming the fear of public speaking.

In “The 6-Figure Speaker”, overcoming fears is thoroughly covered, making this course great for anyone who wants to get past their fear of public speaking.

Public Speaking Workshops

Nothing beats hands-on training when it comes to learning how to become a better public speaker.

If you want to best of the best training available today to start you out in your public speaking career, my “Speaking Academy” workshop is the perfect solution.

This workshop is the top-of-the-line public speaking training that I have to offer, and it’s meant for individuals who are serious about building a highly successful public speaking career.

If you’re looking for the best training that money can buy, “Speaking Academy” is the event to attend.

And download my free 5-Minute Speech Formula to get you started on the right track of your speaking career today.

Are you struggling to book speaking engagements as a both professional speaker or a public speaker?

In today’s competitive professional landscape, securing speaking engagements has become a transformative avenue to expand your influence, establish yourself as an expert, and make a profound impact on your audience.

After over 40 years of public speaking experience I’ve found that sharing your message is very important, for your business for example, but so is having an idea of the right audience to share it with.

A central focus of the speech of any professional speaker should be:

How many bookings do they have on their schedule and how many speeches do they have planned and paid for?

I’ve discovered effective strategies to speak out that have helped me with my personal and business brand, secure countless speaking gigs, build relationships, and connect with diverse audiences. And today, I’ll share these insights so you know how to grow your personal brand and how to get speaking engagements done with confidence and success.

So, let’s uncover the secrets to captivating audiences, leaving a lasting impression on most people, building relationships, and igniting positive change.

Building a Compelling Speaker Profile

Crafting an influential speaker profile is the foundation for attracting speaking gigs. A compelling profile showcases your expertise, experience, and unique value, leaving a lasting impression on event organizers and decision-makers.

Let’s explore the key elements that will make your speaker profile irresistible.

Researching and Identifying Speaking Opportunities

To embark on your journey to securing speaking engagements at local conferences, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and identify the most suitable opportunities. Start by defining your target audience and understanding their pain points, aspirations, and interests.

Research industry-specific conferences, events, and organizations that attract your desired audience and align with your expertise. Explore online platforms, industry publications, and professional networks to discover other speakers and potential venues for speaking gigs. As you delve into this research, consider the following factors:

Event Relevance

Ensure that the event’s theme and audience align with your expertise, personal brand, and your speaking career goals. Look for events that address the challenges your audience faces and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Event Size and Format

Consider the size and format of the conference organizer and the event. Larger conferences may attract a broader audience, while smaller workshops or niche events, or local conferences may provide a more intimate setting for deeper connections.

Speaker Requirements

Pay attention to the conference organizer or other event planner’s speaker requirements, contact details such as session length, format (keynote, panel discussion, workshop), and specific topics they are seeking. Tailor your proposals to a good speaker, accordingly to meet their expectations.

Event Reputation

Assess the reputation and credibility of the event, its organizers, and previous keynote speakers. Look for testimonials, reviews, and feedback to gauge the event’s quality and the audience’s satisfaction.

By conducting thorough research, you gain a comprehensive understanding of the speaking landscape within the local area of your industry and position yourself strategically to approach relevant opportunities that will maximize your impact.

Crafting an Effective Speaker Proposal

Crafting an effective speaker proposal is a vital step in securing speaking engagements. Your proposal serves as a compelling sales pitch, showcasing your unique value and capturing the attention of event organizers. Let’s explore the essential elements that will make your proposal stand out from the competition:

Captivating Title

Create a title that sparks curiosity and immediately conveys the value and relevance of your talk demo video, or presentation. A captivating title grabs your audience’s attention and entices event organizers to hire speakers to learn more about your topic.

Engaging Description

Craft a compelling description that highlights the key benefits and takeaways for the audience. Clearly communicate how your presentation will address their pain points, provide actionable insights, and inspire positive change. Use engaging language and vivid examples to paint a picture of the transformation attendees will experience.

Tailored Approach

Customize each proposal to a good fit for the specific event planner and its audience. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the other event planner’s theme, objectives, and target audience. Align your proposal with their goals and position yourself as the ideal speaker to deliver the desired outcomes.

Unique Value Proposition

Clearly articulate what sets you apart from other speakers. Highlight your expertise, achievements, and unique perspective. Share success stories of individuals or organizations who have benefited from your insights.

Showcase your credibility and expertise by mentioning relevant credentials, awards, or media appearances. Emphasize how your presentation will offer a fresh perspective and provide tangible value to the audience.

Outline of Key Takeaways

Provide a structured outline of the key takeaways attendees can expect from your presentation. Break down your content into logical sections or modules, clearly highlighting the main points, actionable steps, and insights that attendees will gain. This demonstrates your organization and ensures event organizers understand the value you bring to their audience.

Engaging Visuals

Incorporate visually appealing elements into your proposal. Include professional headshots, images, or graphics that align with your topic and enhance the overall presentation. Visuals can create a lasting impression and make your proposal more memorable.

Remember, the goal of your speaker proposal is to pique the interest of event organizers and convince them that your idea and you are the perfect fit for their event. Tailor each proposal to the specific opportunity, highlighting the relevance of your idea, your topic, and the value you will bring to their audience.

Leveraging Online Platforms and Social Media

In today’s digital age, online platforms and social media play a pivotal role in establishing your presence, expanding your network, and attracting paid speaking opportunities and engagements. These powerful tools enable you to showcase your expertise, engage with event organizers, and promote your availability as a paid speaker anywhere.

Here are effective strategies for leveraging online platforms and social media to unlock paid speaking opportunities and engagements.

Professional Speaking Website

Create a polished and informative website that serves as your online hub. Feature your speaking experience, testimonials, past and booked speaking engagements below, and a captivating bio. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Regularly update your content to reflect your latest achievements and upcoming speaking engagements.

LinkedIn Engagement

LinkedIn is a goldmine for professional networking and connecting with event organizers. Optimize your LinkedIn profile by highlighting your speaking experience, areas of expertise, and relevant achievements. Engage with industry-specific groups, share valuable content, and participate in discussions to expand your network and establish yourself as an authority in your field.

Thought Leadership Content

Create valuable thought leadership content through blog posts, articles, videos, or podcasts. Share your expertise, insights, and actionable tips that resonate with your target audience. Consistently publish high-quality content on your website, LinkedIn, or other relevant platforms. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and fostering meaningful conversations.

Engaging Social Media Presence

Leverage social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to amplify your message and attract more speaking engagements. Share bite-sized insights, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your speaking engagements, and engaging visuals. Actively engage with your audience, respond to messages, and participate in industry-related conversations.

Collaborate with Other Leaders

Identify influential individuals or organizations within your industry and explore opportunities for collaboration. Guest blog on their platforms, participate in joint webinars or podcasts, or co-create content. Collaborations can significantly expand your reach and expose you to new audiences, leading to potential speaking invitations.

Online Speaking Engagements

In addition to physical events, explore the possibility of online speaking engagements, webinars, or virtual conferences. Expand your network by connecting with organizers who host online events and offer your expertise as a virtual speaker. Embrace the flexibility and global reach that online platforms provide.

By strategically leveraging online platforms and social media, you can amplify your message, reach a wider audience, and build valuable relationships with event organizers and industry influencers. Consistent and authentic engagement will position you as a go-to speaker in your field and increase your chances of securing more speaking gigs and opportunities.

Enhancing Speaking Skills and Visibility

From your first speaking gig to becoming a sought-after speaker happy with more speaking engagements, gigs, and more, continuous development of your speaking skills and increasing your visibility and speaking reel are paramount. Let’s delve into the strategies that will enhance your speaking abilities and make you more visible and want to speak more in the industry.

Continuous Professional Development

As an aspiring speaker, investing in continuous professional development is essential for honing your public speaking skills and staying ahead in your field. Consider the following avenues for growth:

Attend Workshops and Conferences

Attend public speaking, workshops, seminars, and conferences to learn new speech techniques, talk about, speak from, gain industry insights, and connect with fellow public speakers everywhere. These events offer opportunities to refine your delivery style, learn from seasoned speakers, and stay updated on top speech industry trends.

Seek Professional Coaching

Consider working with a speaking coach who can provide personalized guidance, help you identify areas for improvement, and offer strategies to enhance your stage presence, delivery, and storytelling abilities. Coaching can accelerate your progress and provide valuable insights from an experienced mentor.

Learn from Seasoned Speakers

Study the techniques and strategies of successful keynote speakers, who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Really pay attention to everything that a keynote speaker does during their speaking gig. Watch their TED Talks, attend their live presentations if possible, and analyze their delivery, storytelling, and engagement techniques.

These are paid speakers, so they have already mastered the skills most people now are looking for when they are hiring speakers. Adapt and incorporate these best practices into your own speaking style.

Practice Regularly

Practice is the key to mastery of any skill. For this reason, please plan on setting aside dedicated time to rehearse and refine your presentations. This is especially important if you are looking to get your first speaking gig as a paid speaker. Record yourself to assess your performance, identify areas for improvement, and fine-tune your delivery.

Practice in front of a mirror or with a supportive audience to gain confidence and receive valuable feedback.

Showcasing Speaking Expertise

To increase your visibility and establish yourself as a thought leader and an authority in your field, it’s crucial to showcase your speaking expertise through book-paid speaking engagements and other speaking engagements, on various channels. Consider the following strategies to find speaking engagements:

Publish Articles and Blog Posts

Share your knowledge and insights by writing articles or blog posts related to your speaking topics. Publish them on your speaking website here, industry-specific platforms, or LinkedIn Pulse. This positions you as a thought leader and provides valuable content that event organizers can reference when considering you as a speaker.

Deliver Webinars and Online Presentations

Host webinars or online presentations on platforms like Zoom or LinkedIn Live. This type of speaking engagement via virtual events allows you to reach a global audience, share your expertise, and engage with attendees in real-time.

Promote your webinars through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters to attract participants and demonstrate your speaking prowess.

Guest on Podcasts

Seek opportunities to be a guest on relevant podcasts in your industry. This exposes you to new audiences, allows you to share your expertise, and positions you as a go-to expert in your field. Be prepared with valuable insights, engaging stories, and actionable advice to make a lasting impression on the podcast host and listeners.

YouTube Channel

Consider creating a YouTube channel dedicated to your speaking topics. Record and share videos of your presentations, speaking tips, or short educational content. Optimize your channel with engaging titles, captivating thumbnails, and relevant keywords to attract viewers and increase your visibility.

Speak at Local Events and Conferences

Start by seeking conference organizers to speak at local events, other business conferences, or industry associations. These smaller-scale engagements provide a platform to refine your speaking skills, receive feedback, and expand your network within your business community. As you speak and gain experience and positive testimonials, you can leverage them to book paid speaking engagements.

Seeking Testimonials and Referrals

Testimonials and referrals are powerful tools that build trust and credibility in the speaking industry. Actively seek testimonials from attendees, event organizers, or clients who have benefited from your speaking engagements.

These testimonials serve as social proof and provide evidence of the impact you have made.

Additionally, referrals from satisfied clients and industry colleagues can open doors to new speaking gigs. Here’s how you can gather testimonials and leverage referrals:

Request Testimonials

Reach out to event organizers, speakers, attendees, or clients and kindly request a testimonial highlighting their experience with your presentation. Ask for specific feedback on the value they gained, the actionable insights they implemented, or the transformation they experienced. These testimonials can be displayed on your website, included in your speaker proposals, or shared on social media to enhance your credibility.

Showcase Testimonials Strategically

Display testimonials prominently on your website, creating a dedicated section or incorporating them on relevant pages. Highlight impactful statements that speak to the value you provide as a speaker. When pitching to new event organizers, include select testimonials that are most relevant to their audience and objectives to help showcase your previous experience.

Leverage Referrals

Cultivate relationships with clients, event organizers, and industry colleagues who have witnessed the impact of your speaking engagements. Ask them if they would be willing to refer you to other organizations or event planners who may be seeking a speaker with your expertise. Personal recommendations carry significant weight and can lead to valuable opportunities.

Offer to Provide Testimonials

In the spirit of reciprocity, offer to provide testimonials for colleagues or event organizers with whom you have collaborated or attended their events. This not only strengthens your professional relationships but also increases the likelihood of receiving testimonials or referrals in return for hard work.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Compile case studies or success stories that demonstrate the tangible results and positive outcomes that have occurred as a result of your speaking engagements. These narratives add depth and authenticity to your profile, illustrating the transformative power of your message.

By actively seeking testimonials more than most public speakers, and leveraging referrals, you amplify your credibility and expand your network of potential speaking gigs. The positive experiences video testimonial, and endorsements from others act as powerful endorsements of your speaking abilities and increase your chances of securing a first speaking gig, and future opportunities to find speaking engagements.

Conclusion

Building a compelling speaker profile, conducting thorough research, and crafting persuasive speech proposals are foundational steps in securing speaking engagements and conferences. Leveraging online platforms and social media, enhancing your speaking skills, and increasing your visibility is key to attracting event and conference organizers’ attention.

By implementing these strategies, staying committed to continuous professional development, and showcasing your expertise, you will establish yourself as a sought-after conference speaker.

Embrace the journey, embrace the power of your message, and embrace the opportunities that await you. The stage is set to speak up, want to speak up, and the conference world is eager not everyone to hear your voice.

To help you kickstart your speaking career, I have prepared a special resource for you. Download the free, “5-Minute Speech Formula” to turn almost any idea into a compelling speech.

If the idea of getting up in front of a group of people — a big or small audience, online or in-person — makes you sweat, you might suffer from the fear of public speaking.

Public speaking is a fantastic skill I believe most people should master, though. Whether you want to make a career out of it or just want to be able to feel comfortable speaking publicly on a personal level.

Regardless of the fears you may have right now, it is possible for you to become a successful motivational public speaker.

So how do you kick the public speaking anxiety? Learn some public speaking facts and try these tips to learn how to overcome your fear of public speaking and become a public speaking master.

Why Are People Afraid of Public Speaking?

It may help you to know that you are not alone in your fear of public speaking. In many, it can cause a fight or flight response. In fact, forty percent of Americans suffer from glossophobia. 

What is glossophobia really? It is an anxiety disorder and a common fear – and it goes beyond just being nervous or worrying about being in front of an audience.

Some of the physical symptoms you might feel include your heart racing and you may find it harder to breathe (hint it is always helpful to take a couple of deep breaths). You could feel sweaty, dizzy, or nauseous.

You might be shaking uncontrollably or even want to run out of the room. This can be from starting your speech, or even before when making direct eye contact with members of the audience.

Many people learn how to overcome their public speaking fears by learning relaxation techniques and also by taking public speaking classes.

Another method that has proven to work is to practice exposure therapy (more on that), however, it is very effective for people who may be suffering from various types of anxiety disorders such as social phobia.

Understanding the power of positive thinking can also help you overcome your fear of public speaking. 

Whether you have glossophobia or are just nervous about your speech, the right tools will give you the confidence you need to achieve your public speaking goals.

Here Are My Tips to Help You Overcome The Fear of Public Speaking

As someone who’s made a career out of speaking publicly, I’ve personally tested and tried each of these tips to help me grow as a speaker. This advice has also helped many people learn how to overcome their fear of public speaking.  Here are the key points that I’ve learned and want to share with you.

1. Choose a Topic You’re Passionate About

When you care about something, it becomes easier to speak about it and get others invested and passionate about what you’re talking about as well. 

So if you’re going to speak on a topic, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about.

Overcome nervous public speaking feelings by choosing a topic that:

• Has had an inordinate impact on you
• You want to share with others
• You intensely feel others could benefit from knowing 
• You can speak about it from the heart

Other people can benefit from the knowledge you have gained through your unique experiences. Combine your passions with your desire to improve others’ lives to calm your nerves and boost your confidence in front of an audience.

2. Get Organized

A big part of what causes fear of public speaking is not being prepared. 

One of the best things you can do to help you feel more prepared and confident in your speech is to stay organized.

Get your notes together and outline the main points of your speech. Plan how you are going to start your speech to grab the attention of your audience within the first 30 seconds.

Consider color-coding certain parts of your speech so they are easy to refer to.

If you plan to use visual aids, get them together and practice using them. Know where you will place them during your speech.

Make sure your technology is in working order as well. Be familiar with your laptop, tablet, or phone and how to cast your screen or run a projector if that is what you will be using.

Ask questions about the presentation area so you know what to expect. Will there be a podium? Will you have a microphone? Will you wait backstage before your speech or with the audience?

3. Practice Practice Practice

Nothing takes the place of practicing and preparing for your speech. Write out a script of your key points, but don’t read from the script word for word. 

One of my best fear of tips to combat a fear of public speaking is to prepare for your speech so well that you could answer any possible question thrown at you.

When someone asks me how he can build effective communication skills and improve his public speaking, I quote the words of Elbert Hubbard, who said, “The only way to learn to speak is to speak and speak, and speak and speak, and speak and speak and speak.”

4. Perform Your Speech in Front of a Mirror

Practice your speech in front of the mirror as if you were speaking directly to someone. If you really want to learn how to overcome stage fright, then pay attention to:

• Your facial expressions
• Your gestures
• Your body movements
• How welcoming you appear

When you have gentle expressions and a calm demeanor when you speak, you will be more welcoming to your audience.

5. Record Yourself and Learn

Think about how top athletes go back and watch tapes of their gameplay to see how to improve. To overcome your fear of public speaking, you would be essentially doing the same thing by recording your speech.

Set up your phone or a video camera to record your speech. Record yourself giving the talk from beginning to end. If you stumble over your words, forget something, or mess up, just keep recording.

Then listen to it or watch it, and make notes on how you could make it better. Some people do not like listening to the sound of their voice on tape, so it is important that you get used to your own voice and speaking style.

6. Work on Your Breath

Sometimes when speaking, we also tend to ramble. Working on your breathing will help you learn how to pace yourself in your speech so you don’t ramble or speed through at a pace your audience can’t keep up with.

When you focus on your breathing your voice will have more resonance and you will relax. 

Breathe calmly and focus on getting into a rhythm. Although this is an exercise to overcome public speaking anxiety, breathwork will help reduce stress and improve clarity in all areas of life.

7. Have Someone Review Your Presentation 

Sometimes we get in our own heads about our presentations, and it can be helpful to have someone we are close with who can still remain objective review the speech to provide feedback before presenting in front of the audience.

If you can, have someone else you trust to listen to your speech for personalized public speaking help. Choose someone that would be considered close to the audience you’re planning to present to in order to get the best feedback.

This tip follows the principle of exposure therapy, which have you confront your fear of speaking in front of someone by speaking in front of someone. 

Starting small with an audience of one who can give you positive feedback will help you visualize just speaking to that one person when it is time to give your speech — from your introductory statement to the end of your speech if needed.

8. Take a Public Speaking Class

One of the best ways to improve public speaking and your comfort with it — and leave the fear of public speaking in your past — is to take public speaking courses.

There are many options out there — whether you take them at the university level or online in your spare time.

Invest in yourself as a public speaker as you would by going to school to earn a degree or certification for a better-paying job. While many speakers start out by giving speeches for free, the typical compensation for a public speaking event is $4,500 to $7,500.

The right training tools can help you become a six-figure speaker too. 

9. Exercise Before You Speak

One of my tips for public speaking anxiety that you may not think of is to exercise before you speak. 

Exercise is a key factor to success. It sparks creativity, gets the blood flowing, and helps get pent-up energy out.

Exercising before you speak could help tame the nerves and make you feel more relaxed before your speech. 

10. Include a Visual Aid to Help You Remember Talking Points

Visual aids like PowerPoint presentations could be a fantastic addition to your speech.

They can also help provide visual cues for you as the speaker about what you wanted to speak on next so you can feel more prepared and your public speaking anxiety will not creep in. 

Just make sure you’re not reading directly from the slides or the visual aid isn’t too overcrowded or small for your audience.

Keep it simple when it comes to visual aids. Rely on your speaking more than props.

11. Take a Pause

The powerful speech pause might be the most important speaking technique you will ever learn. Not only will it help you overcome your fear of public speaking, but it will help you master your control over the emotional impact of your speeches.

This secret is something that I’ve used for many years as a salesman and as a public speaker.

In music, all of the beauty is contained in the silence between the notes. In speaking, the drama and power of the speech are contained in the silences that you create as you move from point to point.

This is an art that you can learn with practice. As you practice your speech, pause for three to five seconds after asking a question, making one of your main points, or finishing a story.

The pause will give the audience time to ponder your message and connect with you. It will also help you slow down so that you are not speaking too quickly or rambling off-topic.

12. Drink Water and Have It Available

Consider keeping a glass of water next to you while you speak in case you need it.

Sometimes squeezing some lemon into your water helps as well. It helps lubricate your throat. 

Try to avoid sugary beverages before speaking. These can dry out your mouth and make it harder to talk.

Also, remember to drink water throughout your day to stay hydrated and keep your mind sharp and body ready to present … especially if you exercised before!

13. Read More

The stories we consume help shape the stories we share.

To become a better speaker with a proficient vocabulary and a cohesive message, reading more can help you develop your speaking skills.

Take time each day to read inspirational motivational quotes and other material from speaking professionals to help you overcome your fear of public speaking.

Consider reading Eloquence in Public Speaking by Dr. Kenneth McFarland. McFarland, who passed away in 1985, is also known as the “Dean of American Public Speakers.” In his book, he didn’t talk about methodology or technique at all.

His central message, which influenced me very strongly when I began speaking publicly, was that the key to eloquence is the emotional component that the speaker brings to the subject.

To put it another way, the starting point of being an excellent speaker is for you to really care about your subject.

Get to know your audience so you can speak their language, know their pain points, and help solve their problems. Use the motivational and leadership quotes you learn to inject some passion into your speeches and touch people’s emotions.

Remember that your speech is about them, it’s not about you. You are giving a speech to offer valuable information to others and improve their lives.

14. Focus on the Story You’re Telling, Not Your Audience’s Thoughts

When you’ve already done your research on your audience prior to your speech, you know what they want or need to hear from your speech.

Because of this, you should rest well knowing your message will resonate. 

There is always going to be someone in the audience on their phone or yawning. Remember that there will always be people who are bored or tired. None of these audience reactions have anything to do with you personally.

So then just focus on conveying that message or telling that story instead of what you think the audience is thinking while giving your speech.

Some of the most important public speaking help I can give you is to be yourself. Let your personality come through as you are talking to your audience and they will connect with you on a human level — and want to hear more from you. 

So get out of your head, focus on your story and wait for the applause at the end.

15. Relax, Meditate, and Use Positive Affirmations

In addition to breathwork, make sure you find ways to relax throughout your day and during your speech. 

Consider meditating or repeating positive affirmations to yourself to help you focus and build confidence in yourself and your ability to speak confidently in public.

Learn to channel your nervous energy into positive energy. Being nervous is a form of adrenaline. You can use it in a positive way to help give an impassioned presentation during public speaking events.

Practice breathing exercises for anxiety. Shallow breathing makes anxiety worse, deep breathing relaxes your body and brain. Shallow breathing comes from your chest; deep breathing comes from your abdomen.

Find a quiet place to sit or lie down and practice belly breathing. With one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest, breathe in through your nose and let your belly expand. Breathe out slowly through pursed lips, noting that your chest should be fairly still.

Another popular breathing exercise to calm nerves is the 4-7-8 exercise. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, then exhale by forcibly pushing your breath out for a count of eight.

Practicing these breathing exercises, meditation, and positive affirmations will reduce your public speaking anxiety as well as your anxiety in everyday life. 

16. Always Seek to Improve

No one ever stops growing. Even if you gave the best speech possible, there are always ways to improve.

Stop focusing on perfection and focus on delivering the best you can at this point in time, then go back, review, and learn to improve for your next amazing speech.

If there is a video of your speech, watch it and make notes on how you can improve on it for next time.

• How do you think you did?
• Are there areas you think you could have improved?
• Did you seem stiff or make any weird facial expressions?
• Did you use a PowerPoint presentation to your advantage? Did it help?
• Did you use “um” often?
• How was your rhythm?

Write everything down and keep practicing to improve. In time, you will banish all of your fears of public speaking.

Turn Your Fear of Public Speaking Into Confidence

Now that you have actionable ways to manage and eliminate your fear of public speaking with these tips for public speaking anxiety, it’s time to get speaking!

And remember, only you are responsible for your success.

Do you have a speech coming up soon, but don’t know where to start when it comes to writing it? 

Don’t worry. 

The best way to start writing your speech is to first write an outline.

While to some, an outline may seem like an unnecessary extra step — after giving hundreds of speeches in my own career, I can assure you that first creating a speech outline is truly the best way to design a strong presentation that your audience will remember.

Should I Write A Speech Outline?

You might be wondering if you should really bother with a preparation outline. Is a speaking outline worth your time, or can you get through by just keeping your supporting points in mind?

Again, I highly recommend that all speakers create an outline as part of their speechwriting process. This step is an extremely important way to organize your main ideas and all the various elements of your speech in a way that will command your audience’s attention.

Good public speaking teachers will agree that an outline—even if it’s a rough outline—is the easiest way to propel you forward to a final draft of an organized speech that audience members will love.

Here are a few of the biggest benefits of creating an outline before diving straight into your speech.

Gain More Focus

By writing an outline, you’ll be able to center the focus of your speech where it belongs—on your thesis statement and main idea.

Remember, every illustration, example, or piece of information you share in your speech should be relevant to the key message you’re trying to deliver. And by creating an outline, you can ensure that everything relates back to your main point.

Keep Things Organized

Your speech should have an overall organizational pattern so that listeners will be able to follow your thoughts. You want your ideas to be laid out in a logical order that’s easy to track, and for all of the speech elements to correspond.

An outline serves as a structure or foundation for your speech, allowing you to see all of your main points laid out so you can easily rearrange them into an order that makes sense for easy listening.

Create Smoother Transitions

A speaking outline helps you create smoother transitions between the different parts of your speech.

When you know what’s happening before and after a certain section, it will be easy to accurately deliver transitional statements that make sense in context. Instead of seeming like several disjointed ideas, the parts of your speech will naturally flow into each other.

Save Yourself Time

An outline is an organization tool that will save you time and effort when you get ready to write the final draft of your speech. When you’re working off of an outline to write your draft, you can overcome “blank page syndrome.”

It will be much easier to finish the entire speech because the main points and sub-points are already clearly laid out for you.

Your only job is to finish filling everything in.

Preparing to Write A Speech Outline

Now that you know how helpful even the most basic of speech outlines can be in helping you write the best speech, here’s how to write the best outline for your next public speaking project.

How Long Should A Speech Outline Be?

The length of your speech outline will depend on the length of your speech. Are you giving a quick two-minute talk or a longer thirty-minute presentation? The length of your outline will reflect the length of your final speech.

Another factor that will determine the length of your outline is how much information you actually want to include in the outline. For some speakers, bullet points of your main points might be enough. In other cases, you may feel more comfortable with a full-sentence outline that offers a more comprehensive view of your speech topic.

The length of your outline will also depend on the type of outline you’re using at any given moment.

Types of Outlines

Did you know there are several outline types? Each type of outline is intended for a different stage of the speechwriting process. Here, we’re going to walk through:

• Working outlines
• Full-sentence outlines
• Speaking outlines

Working Outline

Think of your working outline as the bare bones of your speech—the scaffolding you’re using as you just start to build your presentation. To create a working outline, you will need:

• A speech topic
• An idea for the “hook” in your introduction
• A thesis statement
• 3-5 main points (each one should make a primary claim that you support with references)
• A conclusion

Each of your main points will also have sub-points, but we’ll get to those in a later step.

The benefit of a working outline is that it’s easy to move things around. If you think your main points don’t make sense in a certain order—or that one point needs to be scrapped entirely—it’s no problem to make the needed changes. You won’t be deleting any of your prior hard work because you haven’t really done any work yet.

Once you are confident in this “skeleton outline,” you can move on to the next, where you’ll start filling in more detailed information.

Full-sentence outline

As the name implies, your full-sentence outline contains full sentences. No bullet points or scribbled, “talk about x, y, z here.” Instead, research everything you want to include and write out the information in full sentences.

Why is this important? A full-sentence outline helps ensure that you are:

• Including all of the information your audience needs to know
• Organizing the material well
• Staying within any time constraints you’ve been given

Don’t skip this important step as you plan your speech.

Speaking outline

The final type of outline you’ll need is a speaking outline. When it comes to the level of detail, this outline is somewhere in between your working outline and a full-sentence outline. 

You’ll include the main parts of your speech—the introduction, main points, and conclusion. But you’ll add a little extra detail about each one, too. This might be a quote that you don’t want to misremember or just a few words to jog your memory of an anecdote to share.

When you actually give your speech, this is the outline you will use. It might seem like it makes more sense to use your detailed full-sentence outline up on stage. However, if you use this outline, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of reading your speech—which is not what you want to do. You’ll likely sound much more natural if you use your speaking outline.

How to Write A Speech Outline

We’ve covered the types of outlines you’ll work through as you write your speech. Now, let’s talk more about how you’ll come up with the information to add to each outline type.

Pick A Topic

Before you can begin writing an outline, you have to know what you’re going to be speaking about. In some situations, you may have a topic given to you—especially if you are in a public speaking class and must follow the instructor’s requirements. But in many cases, speakers must come up with their own topic for a speech.

Consider your audience and what kind of educational, humorous, or otherwise valuable information they need to hear. Your topic and message should of course be highly relevant to them. If you don’t know your audience well enough to choose a topic, that’s a problem.

Your audience is your first priority. If possible, however, it’s also helpful to choose a topic that appeals to you. What’s something you’re interested in and/or knowledgeable about? 

It will be much easier to write a speech on a topic you care about rather than one you don’t. If you can come up with a speech topic that appeals to your audience and is interesting to you, that’s the sweet spot for writing and delivering an unforgettable speech.

Write A Thesis Statement

The next step is to ask yourself two important questions:

1. What do you want your audience to take away from your speech?
2. How will you communicate this main message?

The key message of your speech can also be called your “thesis statement.”

Essentially, this is your main point—the most important thing you hope to get across.

You’ll most likely actually say your thesis statement verbatim during your speech. It should come at the end of your introduction. Then, you’ll spend the rest of your talk expanding on this statement, sharing more information that will prove the statement is true.

Consider writing your thesis statement right now—before you begin researching or outlining your speech. If you can refer back to this statement as you get to work, it will be much easier to make sure all of the elements correspond with each other throughout your speech.

An example of a good thesis statement might read like this:

• Going for a run every day is good for your health.
• It’s important to start saving for retirement early.
• The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on many small businesses.

The second part of this step is to know how you will communicate your main message. For example, if your key point is that running improves physical health, you might get this across by:

• Citing scientific studies that proved running is good for your health
• Sharing your personal experience of going for a run every day

Your goal is for all of your sub-points and supporting material to reflect and support your main point. At the end of the speech, your audience should be appropriately motivated, educated, or convinced that your thesis statement is true.

Hook

Once you have a topic for your presentation and a good thesis statement, you can move on to the bulk of the outline.

The first part of your speech is the introduction, which should include a strong “hook” to grab the attention of your audience. There are endless directions you can go to create this hook. Don’t be afraid to get creative! You might try:

• Telling a joke
• Sharing an anecdote
• Using a prop or visual aid
• Asking a question (rhetorical or otherwise)

These are just a few examples of hooks that can make your audience sit up and take notice.

The rest of your introduction shouldn’t be too long—as a general rule of thumb, you want your introduction to take up about 10% of your entire speech. But there are a few other things you need to say.

Briefly introduce yourself and who you are to communicate why the audience should trust you. Mention why you’re giving this speech. 

Explain that you’re going to cover X main points—you can quickly list them—and include your thesis statement. 

You could also mention how long your speech will be and say what your audience will take away from it (“At the end of our 15 minutes together today, you’ll understand how to write a resume”).

Then smoothly transition into the body of your speech.

Body

Next, you’ll write the body of your speech. This is the bulk of your presentation. It will include your main points and their sub-points. Here’s how this should look:

• Main point #1
  • Sub point
  • Sub point
  • Sub point
• Main point #2
  • Sub point
  • Sub point
  • Sub point
• Main point #3
  • Sub point
  • Sub point
  • Sub point

Your subpoints might be anecdotes, visual aids, or studies. However you decide to support your main points, make them memorable and engaging. Nobody wants to sit and listen to you recite a dry list of facts.

Remember, the amount of detail you include right now will depend on which outline you’re on. Your first outline, or working outline, doesn’t have to include every last little detail. Your goal is to briefly encapsulate all of the most important elements in your speech. 

But beyond that, you don’t need to write down every last detail or example right now. You don’t even have to write full sentences at this point. That will come in your second outline and other future drafts.

Conclusion

Your conclusion should concisely summarize the main points of your speech. You could do this by saying, “To recap as I finish up, today we learned…” and reiterate those primary points.

It’s also good to leave the audience with something to think about and/or discuss. Consider asking them a question that expands on your speech—something they can turn over in their minds the rest of the day. 

Or share one final story or quote that will leave them with lasting inspiration. Bonus points if your conclusion circles back around to your introduction or hook.

In other cases, you may want to end with a call to action. Are you promoting something? Make sure your audience knows what it is, how it will benefit them, and where they can find it. Or, your CTA might be as simple as plugging your Twitter handle and asking listeners to follow you.

Finally, don’t forget to say thank you to your audience for taking the time to listen.

Additional Helpful Speechwriting Tips

Your speech outline is important, but it’s not the only thing that goes into preparing to give a presentation. Take a look at these additional tips I recommend to help your speech succeed.

Use Visual Aids

Visual aids are a good way to make sure your audience stays engaged—that they listen closely, and remember what you said. Visual aids serve as an attention-getter for people who may not be listening closely. These aids also ensure that your points are sufficiently supported.

You might choose to incorporate any of the following in your talk:

• A PowerPoint presentation
• A chart or graph
• A whiteboard or blackboard
• A flip chart
• A prop that you hold or interact with
• A handout
• A video

Don’t overdo it. Remember, your speech is the main thing you’re presenting. Any visual aids are just that—aids. They’re a side dish, not the main entrée. Select one primary type of aid for your speech.

If you decide to include visual aids, use your speaking outline to make a note of which items you will incorporate where. You may want to place these items on your working outline. They should definitely be on your full-sentence outline.

Keep Your Audience Engaged

As you write and practice your speech, make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your audience engaged the entire time. We’ve already talked about including stories and jokes, using visual aids, or asking questions to vary your talk and make it more interesting.

Your body language is another important component of audience engagement. Your posture should be straight yet relaxed, with shoulders back and feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your body open to the audience.

Make eye contact with different people in the audience. Incorporate hand gestures that emphasize certain points or draw attention to your visual aids.

Don’t be afraid to move around whatever space you have. Movement is especially helpful to indicate a clearer transition from one part of your speech to another. And smile! A simple smile goes a long way to help your audience relax.

Practice Your Speech

When you’re done with speechwriting, it’s time to get in front of the mirror and practice. Pay attention to your body language, gestures, and eye contact. 

Practice working with any visual aids or props you will be using. It’s also helpful to make a plan B—for instance, what will you do if the projector isn’t working and you can’t use your slides?

Ask a friend or family member if you can rehearse your speech for them. When you’re through, ask them questions about which parts held their attention and which ones didn’t.

You should also use your speaking outline and whatever other notes you’ll be using in your speech itself. Get used to referring to this outline as you go. But remember, don’t read anything verbatim (except maybe a quote). Your speaking outline is simply a guide to remind you where you’re going.

Learn to Speak Like A Leader

There’s a lot of work that goes into writing a speech outline. That’s undeniable. But an outline is the best way to organize and plan your presentation. When your speech outline is ready, it will be a breeze to write and then present your actual speech.

If you’re looking for more help learning how to become a strong public speaker, I recommend my free 5 Minute Speech Formula. This will help you start writing your speech and turn any idea into a powerful message.

Do you have a big goal that you want to achieve?

Maybe it’s a new idea. Or maybe it’s something you’ve been working toward for years.

Whatever the case, sometimes it’s easy to get stuck working toward success. And, you need someone to come alongside us to energize us, motivate us, and send us off to put in the work.

That’s when an inspirational talk can help, like a TED Talk.

TED Talks are widely known for providing valuable information and advice. But these talks are more than informative. They can also be highly inspirational, offering a much-needed dose of motivation to light a fire and send you in the direction of your goals.

Are you looking for the best inspirational TED Talks that will help you succeed?

Take a look at this list of the 20 best TED Talks out there.

But first, let’s discuss why inspirational speaking is so valuable and important.

The Importance of Inspirational Speaking

If you’re looking for a source of motivation, inspiring TED Talks or any other kind of inspirational talk can be a great way to get it. Inspirational or motivational speeches are designed to help us take action. 

The speaker strategically uses persuasive speaking strategies to encourage their listeners to act on a goal. Most motivational speakers also provide insider information on how you can achieve a certain goal. 

These talks can change our perspective and help us think about an issue in a new way, developing better problem-solving skills. Our brains will start turning—helping us come up with new ideas or solutions to improve our creativity.

When you listen to inspirational TED Talks or other motivational speeches, you’ll start to feel more confident. You will get a burst of energy needed to start moving forward.

Motivational talks can foster creativity, spur you on to success, and enrich your life. In many cases, this is how great leaders stay motivated to succeed.

What Is A TED Talk?

Chances are, you’ve probably listened to TED Talks before. 

TED is a nonprofit dedicated to researching and sharing knowledge that matters through short talks and presentations. TED’s goal is to inform and educate global audiences in an accessible way.

Scientists, researchers, technologists, business leaders, artists, designers, and other world experts present TED Talks. These talks are filmed at flagship TED conferences, independent TEDx events, partner events, and salons held in the NYC World Theater. TED Talks are short and powerful–18 minutes or less.

Established in 1984, TED aims to highlight the convergence of technology, entertainment, and design. TED Talks have continued to grow and expand as they continue to inspire people across the world.

Inspirational talks are a great way to find the motivation to make a change in your life. They offer hundreds of inspirational talks directly on their site, but today, I’m going to share this list of 20 TED Talks known to motivate people.

20 Inspirational TED Talks to Motivate You to Take Action in Your Life

Here are the top 20 inspiring TED Talks that will inspire you to take action on that big idea, adopt a whole new way of living, or make significant changes for the better in your life.

#1. The Power of Vulnerability, Brene Brown

In this inspiring talk, research professor and speaker Brené Brown (who studies human connection) shares her findings on human connection and interpersonal relationships. She breaks down the fundamental steps of human connection in a simple, humorous, and easy-to-understand manner.

Brown also touches on the things that lead to a rift in that connection. Finally, she shares her own journey in becoming more in tune with the power of connection. 

#2. Success, Failure, and the Drive to Keep Creating, Elizabeth Gilbert

You might know Elizabeth Gilbert as the author of the bestselling novel Eat, Pray, Love. But before her success, Gilbert was an unpublished diner waitress. In this motivational talk, she reflects on the steps she is taking to alleviate the paralysis caused by success. Gilbert also muses on the similarities between herself before Eat, Pray, Love and after.

#3. Mosquitos, Malaria, and Education, Bill Gates

Get inspired by Bill Gates, one of the world’s most influential individuals, and how he hopes to solve some of the world’s most devastating problems. Here, Gates outlines solutions for these problems that society as a whole should consider and implement.

#4. The Surprising Science of Happiness, Dan Gilbert

Through a series of anecdotes and psychological research, psychologist Dan Gilbert discusses the concept of happiness, how it’s obtained, and how you can maintain it. He argues that happiness can be synthesized. Happiness, he says, is less a predictor of a situation and more about how you think about your circumstances.

His idea of a “psychological immune system” emphasizes the psychological aspect of happiness and the importance of maintaining the psyche rather than the situational aspect.

#5. How Great Leaders Inspire Action, Simon Sinek

Many people or businesses have noble ideas. But very few have successfully executed their goal. The difference: whether they can inspire others to stand behind that goal and support them. People do this by attaching values to their brand that they want their consumer base to believe in.

In this inspirational talk, Simon Sinek draws on examples such as Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright brothers to explain how great leaders inspire action.

#6. A Powerful Way to Unleash Your Natural Creativity, Tim Harford

Are you in search of your own elusive creative genius? This is the TED talk for you. Today’s society focuses deeply on multitasking and constantly moving between different tasks–even though we’re constantly told that multitasking is bad.

Tim Harford examines the “slow multitasking” lifestyle that creatives and innovators embrace. This lifestyle, he argues, leads to higher outcomes and more engaged thinking–while still consistently achieving goals.

#7. Flow, The Secret to Happiness, Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi

What makes a life worth living? Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, one of the most inspirational speakers out there, discusses finding purpose and satisfaction in your life and personal work.

He defines a state of flow as a state that lets you feel connected, satisfied, and passionate about the work you achieve. He argues that the more of your daily life is in the state of flow, the happier you will be.

#8. Thriving in an Over-connected World, Leslie Perlow

In this TED talk by sociologist Leslie Perlow, you’ll learn about the “always-on” mentality and how it often hurts more than it helps. The constant need for people to be constantly connected to their work-life is unhealthy but inarguably effective for business growth and upward movement.

Pernow shares her findings on how to help companies deconstruct this mindset and find ways to improve work-life balance, while still hitting benchmarks and accelerating their business. This comes in the form of not just a mindset shift from the employees, but an overall shift in the mindset of the group or corporation.

#9. How to Make Hard Choices, Ruth Chang

Life is full of choices. The bigger they are, the harder they can be to make. In one of the most inspiring TED Talks out there, University of Oxford professor Ruth Chang presents new ways to think about hard choices, both large and small.

Chang gives listeners a tool to decide between two choices that otherwise seem to add equal value to your life. She talks about how being bound by reason limits your choices between difficult options. Breaking down each choice into smaller, more abstract segments makes hard choices easier–and easier to stand behind.

#10. The Cost of Work Stress and How to Reduce It, Rob Cooke

In this inspirational and surprisingly funny talk, Rob Cooke talks about the devastating effects of stress on individuals and as a society. He covers the impacts that stress has on mental, physical, and societal well-being. He also emphasizes the importance of alleviating stress and mastering self-regulation to optimize productivity and minimize stress.

#11. How to Make Stress Your Friend, Kelly McGonigal

Another TED Talk about stress encourages us to view stress as a positive. According to Kelly McGonigal’s innovative talk, by harnessing the physical attributes of stress, you can actually use stress to improve your performance.

#12. On Masculinity and Mental Health, Rob Wang

Rob Wang’s TED Talk covers a topic that isn’t discussed often enough–suicide in men. Wang talks about his own experience with suicide and depression, breaking it down into the root causes of the high suicide rates in men.

He talks about the societal factors that cause the type of depression which lead to the idea of suicide. Wang also shares what everyone can do to alleviate these factors and prevent suicides.

#13. This Could Be Why You’re Depressed or Anxious, Johann Hari

As someone who has struggled with mental health issues himself, Johann Hari shares the results of his research into depression and anxiety in people all over the world. His TED Talk also covers the idea that the increasing burden of mental health is due to an increased burden of unmet human needs, rather than being completely based off of chemical imbalances.

Hari’s two main findings for falling into depression are 1) being unconnected with a large group or larger meaning, and 2) a lack of meaningful and purposeful moments in one’s life. “Depression is not a malfunction, it’s a signal,” he says.

#14. The Happy Secret to Better Work, Shawn Achor

Author Shawn Achor, who is well-known for speaking about positive psychology, presented an eye-opening talk on how to live the good life and accomplish your great ideas.

Meeting goals and achieving benchmarks should be a time to feel accomplishment, but too often, positive results only lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction. The rapid pace of goal setting and “bigger and better” causes dissatisfaction, lack of motivation, and a feeling of stagnancy. Achor argues that just thinking about achievement differently can lead to an overall happier and more productive life.

#15. Smash Fear, Learn Anything, Tim Ferriss

Entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and thought leader Tim Ferriss recounts his experience in learning new skills. Contrary to the standard way of learning–with slow, gradual, paced exercises–he shares how he learns by breaking each task down and focusing on each constituent part. The crux of his TED Talk speaks to how harnessing fear achieves big things. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

#16. Smart Failure For A Fast-Changing World, Eddie Obeng

Technology has made work and learning happen exponentially faster than at any other point in time. In this TED Talk, Eddie Obeng proposes trying new things and networking more vigorously than ever before. Send that risky email, reach out online, and collaborate more aggressively–because our range of opportunities is so much larger than ever before.

#17. How to Stop Languishing and Start Finding Flow, Adam Grant

In another TED Talk on the topic of creativity and flow, bestselling author Adam Grant discusses some lessons that he learned over the course of the pandemic. He discusses his lack of inspiration and motivation after days of the same. Finally, Grant suggests ways to overcome the feeling of stagnancy.

#18. The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers, Adam Grant

In this second TED Talk from Adam Grant, Grant uses a series of case studies to break down what makes an original idea. He covers the habits and personalities of innovators and traits of people or companies who have great ideas. Grant also explains the different forms of procrastination and evaluates their efficacy for creativity and productive output. “The greatest originals are the ones who fail the most, because they’re the ones who try the most.”

#19. Try Something New For 30 Days, Matt Cutts

This short yet motivating TED Talk details a strategy that Matt Cutts (former administrator at the U.S. Digital Service) used to improve his life, increase his motivation, and get out of a rut. By trying something for 30 days, he says, you get a sense of the task and whether you’re interested in continuing to do it. The time limit makes the goal seem more achievable and palatable. This TED Talk is good for someone who feels stuck in their life but doesn’t know what to do about it.

#20. A Simple Way to Break A Bad Habit, Judson Brewer

Psychiatrist Judson Brewer uses this TED Talk to argue that increasing mindfulness and being more aware of the trigger and impact of a bad habit makes that habit easier to break. By critically thinking about the impulse, the experience, and the impact, bad habits will seem less appealing and good habits more appealing.

Learn How to Motivate Others

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Learn how to communicate more effectively and start your speech from just about any idea with my free 5-Minute Speech Formula Checklist.

Has someone ever persuaded you to do something?

Maybe a commercial on TV convinced you that you had to have this certain type of shampoo. Perhaps a guidance counselor talked you into pursuing a certain degree path in college.

Or maybe you heard a speech that persuaded you to shift your viewpoint on an important subject.

We all have had moments where we’ve been persuaded to do something. But what would it look like if you flipped the script?

Imagine yourself in front of an audience. They’re hanging on your every word as you speak confidently and passionately about a key topic.

And by the time your speech is over, the majority of the audience has been persuaded to adopt your point of view.

Persuasive speaking is powerful. It gives you a way to achieve greater personal power and faster success — but only if you know how to do it correctly.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write persuasive speeches that will actually make people come over to your point of view, this blog post will walk you through the steps needed to create and deliver a powerful persuasive speech.

The Power of Persuasive Speaking

Persuasive speaking has a variety of applications. Persuasive speech is used in the workplace to help you accomplish a goal or prove your point.

It’s used in your personal life with family or your kids — you might make a persuasive speech before dinner if you’re trying to convince your partner to go to the restaurant you’re craving.

And it’s used in relationships to help you see eye-to-eye with another person.

Chances are, you’re probably already doing a lot of persuasive speaking in your everyday life, even if you don’t realize it. And honing your persuasive speaking skills can go a long way in helping you be successful. 

If you can persuade and influence people, you will be able to achieve greater personal power. You’ll become more successful, at a faster rate. And you will be an important person in your community.

How to Write A Persuasive Speech in Seven Steps

Sometimes, persuasive speaking is used in your everyday life and the natural interactions you have throughout the day.

Other times, you may need to give a more formal persuasive speech. In these cases, you might feel at a loss when it comes to how to write a persuasive speech.

As you begin working on your persuasive speech outline and the speech itself, think about what you want to persuade others to do and why you want them to do this. This is the best place to start. Don’t try to cram your “why” in later — your speech should naturally grow out of your end goal.

You can also work on your presentation skills, helping you come across more confidently. Practice using visual aids to help get your message across.

Remember to speak slowly and to keep a glass of water nearby in case your throat dries up. You should also tailor your presentation to your target audience, being personable and relatable to keep them engaged.

Finally, using an outline as you craft your talk is a great way to stay organized. If you’re going to persuade someone to do something, you need to sound like you know what you’re talking about. Writing your speech based on an outline will help you follow a logical sequence of thoughts and arrive at an impactful conclusion. 

After you graft your persuasive speech outline, follow these other persuasive speech tips to start getting your audience to see your side!

#1. Identify the Motivation

The key to becoming a master of persuasion? Motivation. 

If you want to persuade someone to do something, or even to simply believe what you’re saying, you need to find out what would motivate them to take that action or adopt that belief. Every human action is motivated by something.

Your job is to find out what motivates other people and then to provide that motivation.

People have two major motivations: the desire for gain, and the fear of loss. The desire for gain motivates people to want more of the things they value in life.

They want more money, more success, more health, more influence, more respect, more love, and more happiness. The fear of loss is often even stronger than the desire for gain as people are afraid of change, risk, and uncertainty. 

You can take these underlying motivations and define them more specifically for your target audience. For example, maybe you’re trying to convince someone to sign up for your diet program.

To accomplish this goal, you need to think about their motivations. Why does your target audience want to go on a diet? Do they want to feel healthier, lose weight, or build muscle? 

If you’re speaking to an audience of moms, talk about how your diet would give them more energy to play with their active kids. For an audience of athletes, you might focus on the results they’ll see on the field or on the court by following your diet.

If your goal is to write a successful persuasive speech, make sure you know your target audience well enough to identify their motivations. Then use those motivations as much as possible in your speech, thinking about what your audience wants and telling them how you can help them get it.

#2. Establish Credibility

If you want to persuade somebody to do something, you need to convince them that you know what you’re talking about and that you won’t lead them astray.

Demonstrate to your audience that you have their best interests at heart — and show them your knowledge and evidence to prove your point.

One way to establish credibility is to explain your education, your experience, or anything else that proves why you’re qualified to hold your viewpoint. Talk about your personal experience or any relevant research you’ve done.

You should also work on establishing common ground with your audience. Show them that you can identify and relate with them. At the end of the day, you and your audience want the same thing.

Finally, speaking with confidence is another way to help you seem more authoritative. People will automatically perceive you as successful and knowledgeable if you speak about your topic with confidence. 

Sharing these things will help establish your authority. And that will help you persuade others to think or do what you want them to do.

#3. Explain Your Stance

Make your stance extremely clear from the beginning of your speech.

Whether you work it into your thesis statement or the opening paragraphs, when you’re trying to convince people to believe in what you believe, you need to be strong in your stance.

And this also means you need to believe in yourself first. 

If you’re struggling to feel self-confident, focus on changing your mindset. Believing in yourself starts with thinking positively and vocalizing positive statements to yourself to build your self-esteem.

Each morning in the mirror, look at yourself and confidently say, “I believe in myself.” Over time, this will help you feel more and more confident in yourself and in the stance you’re going to present on stage.

People can sense when a speaker is being fake or doesn’t seem authentic. If you want your audience members to believe in you, let your genuine passion come through.

#4. Address Objections

One of the biggest things to know and prepare for when writing a persuasive speech is that there will always be objections or reasons why your audience members don’t believe you. If people are skeptical of what you’re trying to share, don’t dance around their potential questions your entire speech— the best approach is to go ahead and address these issues.

Get ahead of the game and preempt those objections by addressing them before they ever come up. Don’t give your audience a chance to start wondering.

State the most common objections you hear and address them head-on, explaining why they’re untrue or irrelevant. This frees up your audience to focus on the remainder of your speech.

#5. Understand the Other Side

When it comes to any persuasive conversation, there will always be more than one side to address. Don’t dismiss, ignore, or speak poorly of something that would be your counter-argument. Instead of being combative, embrace the opposition. This will ensure you don’t accidentally hurt your audience’s emotions, will make them feel heard, and will help them feel better about trusting and believing in you. Then craft creative points in your favor.

Begin by addressing any opposing viewpoints. Don’t bash the other side — be respectful, simply stating the facts of what others believe. Next, use words such as “although” or “however” to transition into your counterargument, showing listeners why your side is more correct. In practice, this might sound like:

“Many people think getting a master’s degree is essential to achieve success in this field. However, I have successfully scaled my business although I only have a bachelor’s degree.”

Being empathetic instead of combative will go a long way in winning your audience over to your side.

#6. Connect With the Audience

When you give a speech, it’s essential to get your audience’s attention from the get-go and connect with them however you can. A persuasive speech is no different. 

Use examples and stories your audience would understand. If you’re a manager speaking to an audience of other managers, share stories from the workplace that only a manager would truly “get.” 

Storytelling is a tried-and-true way to make sure people are listening. Using personal stories your audience can relate to will keep them more engaged. They’ll be able to see their own lives and stories in the points you’re trying to make.

Other ways to connect with your audience might include using visual aids; making a joke, if appropriate; or mentioning something about the setting around you.

#7. Speak With Confidence

If you’re new to public speaking, you may not feel as if you know how to speak with confidence. But believing in yourself and your points is absolutely essential to help you persuade your audience over the hump.

If you aren’t feeling very confident, it’s okay to fake it until you make it. Speak more confidently by visualizing your speech before getting in front of your audience. Walk through your speech in your head, and imagine your audience giving you a round of applause.

Some people aren’t sure where to look once they get on stage. For a larger crowd, look over the crowd’s eye line. If your audience is smaller, you can make direct eye contact with people. Use positive body language and dress appropriately to boost your confidence.

Finally, the best way to speak with confidence is to practice. Give your speech in the mirror, ask a friend to listen, or video yourself speaking so you can watch it back. Over time, you will become more confident and be better able to persuade an audience.

Write an Effective Persuasive Speech

The idea of getting up in front of an audience and winning them over to your point of view may seem stressful. But by following these seven steps, you’ll be able to write and deliver a speech that will successfully persuade your audience to do whatever you want them to do.

And after you’ve done it once, you’ll be able to create and give a strong persuasive speech again and again and again.

Looking for more ways to become a better public speaker? Use my list of 44 ways to improve your public speaking skills to help.

You’ll find nine techniques to help overcome your fear of public speaking; tips to create a speech that will captivate and inspire your audience; and information on how you can transform your public speaking into a profitable career.

Click here to download my Ultimate List of Public Speaking Tips and get started today!

So, like, umm, and yeah.

In conversation, most people use what are called filler words like these, also referred to as “crutch” words.

Excessive use of these words, however, can make whatever point we’re trying to get across sound less important or meaningful, and may even tune your listeners out.

While using filler words occasionally isn’t necessarily a big deal, too much use of them will hinder your ability to position yourself as a fluent speaker.

What are Filler Words & Why People Use Them

Filler words like um, like, and uh litter many of our conversations. Although these little words don’t add meaning to your statements, they do perform a function in conversations. They allow you to take a second and think about what you’re going to say next. They let the person you are having a conversation with know that you’re not quite finished speaking yet, even if you’ve paused for a moment. They often even fill an awkward silence.

While typically acceptable in normal conversations, filler words can be detrimental to public speaking. Using a filler word may make it sound like you have forgotten what you’re about to say next. They break your audience’s attention from your message.

How to Stop Using Filler Words & Eliminate Them from Your Vocabulary

There are a number of techniques we can use to reduce (or completely eliminate) our use of verbal crutches– whether it’s in a formal presentation or in everyday conversation. To be clear, filler words aren’t a problem if they’re used infrequently. Even in a professional presentation, most listeners will expect a few um’s and ah’s. Only when the usage of meaningless words becomes a regular occurrence is when using filler words becomes a problem.

Below, I have listed a few methods you can try to help you get rid of filler words and become a more fluent and confident speaker.

Slow Down

Most new public speakers have a wide range of physiological and psychological symptoms when coping with glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking. When we’re worried, we tend to speak faster and use more filler words in our speech.

Because many people automatically speed up when they are nervous, scared, or worried, slowing down may be easier said than done. You’ll be able to recognize and avoid reliance on go-to verbal crutches far more readily if you can slow down your delivery—whether it’s at a company meeting, telling a friend a story, or during a TedTalk.

Slowing down your speech will help you be more aware of your thoughts, helping whatever idea or talking points you have come out easier and more fluid in presentations.

Pause

Instead of using fillers in your speeches, you should practice embracing the power of the pause in your talk. All great public speakers are masters of the pause.

They are comfortable with silences. When they are moving on to the next point or holding for dramatic effect, they take a deep breath, stay relaxed and keep smiling before saying anything. They know that the pause is a key part of good public speaking.

Since we use filler words so often, cutting them from your vernacular and replacing them with pauses may feel unnatural.

That’s why it’s so important to practice your presentation. Practice a few rounds of your presentation focusing heavily on the filler words. Once actively focus on the filler words, you will notice how much, or how little, you say them. Then, actively catch yourself in the moment and use a pause to replace it.

That pause will show your audience that you are confident in your speaking abilities and keep them engaged in your presentation.

Record Yourself

Recording oneself is an excellent approach to build a sense of awareness of filler words. It’s difficult to know how you sound unless you really hear yourself. This is why it’s so important to take a step back and review a video of yourself. Listen to how often you tend to use filler words when you are speaking.

You should practice and video record any key speech at least 3 to 5 times. Examine your audio after each attempt and keep track of how many filler words you used. Also, look at your body language to help you master your stage presence even more.

After that, count the number of filler words in your speech and go over it again.

During your free time, you can practice impromptu speaking. Choose a random topic or object and speak for at least one minute about it without using crutch words.

Present in Front of Others

A great way to mind your fillers and improve as a speaker is by practicing in front of a trusted audience before presenting your speech or presentation. This allows you to get more comfortable speaking to an audience while getting honest and constructive feedback on your use of crutch words. 

 By utilizing your network of friends, family, coworkers, and so on, you can run through your presentation while someone keeps track of your “likes,” “you know,” and “ums.”

Your trusted audience will act as a sounding board for how you can improve your speech overall as well. They may express that you need to touch more on your important points, use a more confident voice, stay relaxed, take more pauses, and so forth. These comments can help you visualize your speech from the audience’s perspective and incorporate their feedback in your speaking.

Create Awareness

All of these exercises should help you become more conscious of your speech patterns. This is not the point where you should pass judgment on yourself or try to make things better straight soon. Simply start paying attention to the filler words you say the most and when you say them. To begin removing fillers from your speaking, you must become conscious of your favorite filler words and notice your own pattern of usage.

You will reach a point when you are more aware of your filler word patterns. You will subconsciously start catching yourself just before you use your filler word and make an active decision not to. You’ll be more focused and present in your delivery, making these words a rare occurrence in your speech. With the practice of these procedures, awareness will emerge.

Forcing yourself to observe other people’s speech patterns can also help you become more aware of how often you use the word “like” informal conversations, say “uh” before answering questions, or start sentences with an unnecessary “so” during a business meeting.  

Expand Your Vocabulary

We also tend to use fillers when we’re not confident in our speech or when we can’t seem to find the right words. By expanding your vocabulary, you will have a much larger repertoire of words at your disposal. It will also allow you to improve your written and spoken communication abilities, be more confident, and use fewer filler words.

If you want to expand your public speaking vocabulary, make it a habit to learn new words on a regular basis and write them down. Keep a thesaurus and dictionary nearby so that whenever you come across a word that you don’t understand, look it up, and take the time to commit the word and its definition to memory. You can then figure out the best context in which to use that word and use it in a sentence next time the topic comes up.

Practice

The golden rule: practice, practice, practice.

Practicing will help you gain the confidence you need to eliminate fillers and improve your delivery. It allows you to strengthen your presenting skills and perfect the message you want to get across to your audience, without the use of crutch words.

While it may seem time-consuming and annoying at first, practice helps prevent you from getting nervous during your speech and reverting to filler words you have focused on getting rid of. In other words, the more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel speaking and presenting without the crutch of fillers.

We are more focused and effective in our delivery when we are prepared for any communication scenario. To cement healthy habits in our arsenal of talents, we should practice using the tools described above to remove filler words and feel more confident when we speak. Practice is an absolutely critical part of ridding these fillers from our speech.

The usage of filler words is a bad habit. Begin removing them from your vocabulary by forming new, healthy habits that will define your speaking and leadership abilities, as well as your future! You create your own habits by consciously choosing them. Practice them and get rid of the ones that don’t work for you.

Reference these tools to help reduce your reliance on fillers. Practicing and preparing are essential to your ability to communicate your message with passion and fervor. The more you plan and prepare, the more confidence you will have when you finally stand up to speak. Start today and check out my FREE 5-minute speech PDF to help you plan for your next speech!