Motivational Speaker DNA

What is the DNA of a motivational speaker?

As I was preparing for a media interview today about being a motivational speaker, one of the things that I asked myself was, “What are the critical elements of being an effective motivational speaker?”

I came up with three things.

Understanding pain

Everyone is experincing some pain. The motivational speaker must recognize and understand the pain of the audience. In addtion the speaker must demonstrate that he had experience a similar pain. Nobody wants to be lectured by someone born with the silver spoon in their mouth. Paris Hilton would not make an effective motivational speaker. Show me how you suffered.

 

Appreciating the power of hope

Everyone wants hope. And every merchant is selling hope. President Obama is a good example of one who is doing that very well. We want some part of our life to be better. An effective motivational speaker presents the better future as attainable.

 

Using perspective to make the transition

The transition from pain to hope is perspective. What was the “ah-ha” moment that changed your life? How is that transferable to others? Who else has been through something similar?

 

George Torok

Motivational Business Speaker

Canadian Motivational Speaker

How to motivate yourself

How to Motivate yourself

While working on things for this new year I found myself in a slump. I searched “How to motivate yourself” and found some articles.

The one that resonated with me the best was this one by John Wesley on his blog at http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/how-to-motivate-yourself/

 

I like this approach because it is simple and easier to understand and follow. The article defines three elements needed to motivate yourself.

1. Confidence

2. Focus

3. Direction

 

To become more confident feel more grateful of the tangible and intangible things you have or have accomplished.  We can forget or ignore those things so we need to be reminded.

Focus comes from clearly indentifying your goals – and knowing why you want them.

You will have better direction when you know the steps you can take to reach your goals. The second part of direction is to eliminate the activities that are not part of your direction plan.

 

George Torok

Motivational Business Speaker

Radio Show Host

New Year’s Motivation

New Years Motivation

 

 

Why does the New Year motivate people?

 

You ask for evidence?

 

Exhibit A

Look at all the crazy folks that pay exorbitant prices to party at a bar, restaurant or hotel – often with strangers. Those fees are at least two to three times the regular rate.

 

Exhibit B

New York is not normally considered a “friendly” city. Just take a cab ride. Yet on New Year’s Eve look at the thousands of people packed into Times Square to celebrate. This year it was very cold – close to freezing- yet the crowds were still there in high spirits.

 

Exhibit C

On the topic of cold outside – pick any city in Canada – where the temperature was below freezing. People still waited outside for the stroke of midnight in Niagara Falls and Toronto. I can’t imagine how cold it was in Ottawa, Regina and Edmonton. Brrrr.

 

Exhibit D

Polar Bear Swim. Some of these same folks who live in freezing climates go for a swim in the local body of water. Is that nuts?

 

 

My question is “What motivates these people to do these crazy things?”

 

What is it about New Year’s that makes people feel motivated to the do the unusual or illogical?

 

George Torok

Motivational Business Speaker

Canadian Motivational Speaker