Which Category of Speaker are you?
Before setting foot on stage or throwing your hat into the ring of the speaking industry, a very simple yet important question must be answered. To which category of presenter do you belong? Organizations have budgets for each of the four categories, however, understanding which category you occupy can save you incredible amount of time and an enormous amount of money. I have included the first of the four categories below. If you would like the other three categories, along with six other critical questions to answer before entering the speaking industry, click the “7 Questions to Lauch your Speaking Career” button on the right column of this blog post.
CATEGORY ONE – MOTIVATION
This is by far the most popular category in the speaking industry. It is also the broadest and most populated. Generally speaking, this category requires the ability to accomplish two things from stage, engage the audience (often with humor) and teach a life principle. Now, let me warn you, this is not nearly as simple and easy as it sounds. The expectations from the audience in this category have changed in recent years. It used to be that this category of speaker was universally celebrated and respected. Now, the motivational speaker can still receive this adulation, but if they fail to meet expectation, expect the opposite. In this category, you cannot be average. You must be either really good…or GREAT. Here are some key questions to get you thinking more about your skill set in this category.
Can you captivate your audience?
Do you have a life lesson to teach?
Are you confident to stand before a large group of people and control the room?
Are you prepared to handle adversity before, during, and even after the presentation?
Are you funny? Do you often use humor to engage people?
Is there a life experience that you have that can teach a life lesson?
BOB UPGREN