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Author:
L. Charles Fernandez

If you’re a natural talker, you should know that talk isn’t cheap—when it comes to the speaking circuit. In fact, you can actually earn more than $100,000 by delivering motivational speeches. Professional speakers are in high demand these days, thanks to the myriad of speaking opportunities available at schools, charitable functions, and professional workshops. Community organizations, religious institutions, and other groups are constantly on the lookout for speakers for their fundraising banquets, educational sessions, and other events.

There is no standard educational requirement for professional speakers. After all, the late Peter Jennings, an acclaimed television news anchor and sought-after speaker, never finished college. However, generally speaking, the more education you have, the better, since educational achievement enhances your credibility as a speaker. For instance, if you have a PhD in bioethics, you’ll be in greater demand for speeches on stem cell research. However, even if you just have a standard bachelor of arts degree, you can still establish a career as a professional speaker.

The most important qualification for becoming a professional speaker is the ability to deliver an entertaining, engaging speech in a dynamic fashion. You also need to be able to show that you’re an expert in the subject matter—whether it’s politics or the dangers of drug abuse. You can begin by delivering speeches in your local community—an experience which can lead to speaking invitations in other cities. It’s wise if you join Toastmasters, so that you can gain experience and learn from the experiences of other speakers.

Once you have established yourself as a credible speaker, you can then sign on with a speakers’ bureau, a company which can publicize your qualifications and your accomplishments, secure speaking engagements for you, and make travel arrangements for your presentations.

L. Charles Fernandez is the creator of the Six Figure Jobs Blog, a guide to finding six figure jobs in unlikely fields.

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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Professional Speaker... Top 7 Tips for Speakers Public Speaking is the number one way to advance your business career. Do you get nervous when speaking to a group? Do you feel butterflies in your stomach? The following tips will help you get your butterflies to fly in formation. 1. Everyone feels some nerves before a presentation. Try to do a quiet meditation, visualization, or exercise before you speak. Breathe deeply. Memorize those opening linesand then quickly engage your audience with a question or humorous story. 2. Three keys to being a top presenter: practice, practice, practice. In front of your mirror, in front of your stuffed animals. Use a tape recorder and a cam recorder for playback and feedback. Try your material out with service clubs. 3. Embrace your audience. Remember, it is about them, not you. Are you going to challenge them to think differently, behave differently or perhaps, confirm them. 4. Use the rule of 3. The most successful speakers limit their remarks to 3 major points. Here is where you use your signature stories to support your points and help people visualize what you are saying. 5. Prepare for white space. Always allow for audience participation, questions, role play, interaction. These may be the moments that just occur and may not be part of your prepared text. Lots of practice will let you get comfortable enough to do this. 6. Use your props. Visual aids help to reinforce your points. Power Point provides professionalism. Toys create humor and playfulness. Adults delineate their thoughts visually...so be creative. 7. Leave a trail. Provide a handout or a flyer about other programs you offer and how people may contact you. Collect their business cards and raffle a prize. Ask for written feedback and for referrals. Copyright ©...