There’s more to be learned from great motivational speakers than what it takes to be happy in your work or at home.
In addition to finding new ways to improve your life and find passions in your work, you can also learn a lot about engaging an audience. And, if you work in any kind of business, audience engagement is something you do daily, whether you realize it or not.
Below are five attention-capturing tips you can learn from some of the most famous motivational speakers that have existed. However, don’t shy away from looking into up-and-coming speakers in the field, too.
The great thing about public speakers, and motivational speakers especially, is they always have something new and inspiring to share.
1. Feel Certain About Yourself, Even When You Lack Support.
The entrepreneurial way of life can be challenging. It’s not difficult to find numerous examples of now-famous business people whose friends and family scoffed at their ideas that seemed crazily far-fetched, but were just what the marketplace needed.
Tony Robbins once said, “The power of positive thinking is the ability to generate a feeling of certainty in yourself when nothing in the environment supports you.”
When you feel confident about your goals or business ideas, that inner stability helps you radiate a contagious energy that makes people feel energized about your proposals. Research has also shown self-assuredness in body language contributes to likability, so if you’re trying to come across well, certainty can pay off in significant ways.
2. Be the Kind of Person You Want to Attract.
No matter your status in life, the example of the late Jim Rohn proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams. He led a non-glamorous lifestyle as a stock clerk at the start of his career, then decided it was time to make a change and become an entrepreneur. Despite his death in 2009, Rohn remains a popular motivational speaker who benefits people through his words even now.
Rohn urged, “If you want to be a leader who attracts quality people, the key is to become a person of quality yourself.”
Take his words to heart by always presenting yourself in a polished way. Strive for personal betterment, so you’ll appeal to people who could help you get closer to your aspirations.
3. Don’t Let Your Obstacles Stop Progress.
Some challenges seem like they’ll shut down motivation and that there’s no way around them. However, Amy Purdy, a Paralympic bronze medalist snowboarder and motivational speaker, has words of wisdom for when things get tough.
At age 19, Purdy fell ill with bacterial meningitis that caused her to lose both legs. At first, she was devastated and thought life as she knew it was over. Then, while addressing attendees of a TEDx talk, she described a change of mindset: “… I learned that our borders and our obstacles can only do two things: one, stop us in our tracks, or two, force us to get creative.”
There will undoubtedly be times when your pitches, public speaking engagements, meetings and networking events don’t go as well as you’d hoped. However, instead of feeling like a failure, do as Purdy suggests. Get creative to cause improved results for your next opportunities.
4. Never Be Afraid to Ask Questions.
Have you ever been afraid to speak while in a room full of important people? Maybe you’ve also kept your mouth shut, even though you felt as if you were bursting with questions to ask.
Rob Bell is a Christian leader who once pastored Mars Hill, one of the fastest-growing churches in America at the time. Now, he writes books, records episodes of a popular podcast and spends time at motivational speaking events that often center on helping people communicate more effectively. He has said, “Questions are not scary. What is scary is when people don’t have any.”
To put things in context, Bell followed that quote up by expressing his disappointment when communities of faith discourage people from asking questions about religious texts or beliefs. However, the quote works in any setting that requires engaging with others, especially if you’re feeling intimidated by getting insight from them.
5. Don’t Be Discouraged by a Seemingly Disinterested Audience.
Most people have addressed audiences who appeared bored and as if they couldn’t wait for the end of a talk. Then, they often start panicking while a mental soundtrack of self-defeating thoughts plays in their heads. The next time this happens to you, remember the words of Les Brown: “A lot of people become discouraged too soon. The name of the game is, you’ve got to be relentless.”
You may need to alter your tone of voice, use more gestures or change the order of your talking points to get audience members back on board. But, whatever you do, don’t allow yourself to feel hopeless. Push through and display your determination for all to see. People should notice your drive and start paying more attention.
Although not all your communication attempts will be flawless, these tips should help you make notable improvements. As time goes on, you should feel well-equipped in even the most daunting settings.