Most speeches fail because they’re too self-centered.
The biggest mistake people make when giving a speech—whether online or in person—is that they make it all about themselves.
They talk about their achievements, their ideas, their journey—like they’re trying to project an identity. But here’s the truth: nobody cares.
How to Be a Motivational Speaker
If you want to be a successful motivational speaker, you need to focus on your audience, not yourself. This might seem counterintuitive since you’re the one on stage, but it’s the secret to making your message resonate.
Research Proves It.
Research from Princeton University shows that people are far more engaged when information is framed around their own concerns rather than someone else’s story. Our brains are wired to focus on what’s personally relevant. (Princeton University Study on Engagement)
When speakers focus solely on their own stories or achievements, they lose their audience. People don’t care about your identity; they care about their own problems and how you can help solve them.
Make Your Message Relevant
To truly connect, shift your focus from self-promotion to problem-solving. Ask yourself: What’s the problem my audience is facing, and how can I help fix it?
Forget trying to impress people. Forget crafting a perfect persona. Instead, make your speech about them. Share practical solutions, relatable stories, and insights that address their challenges.
Lead with Solutions
If you lead with solving problems, you won’t just capture attention—you’ll earn trust. And that’s what makes your message stick.
How to Be a Motivational Speaker: Key Tips
1. Understand Your Audience: Research who they are, what they care about, and what challenges they face.
2. Frame Your Message Around Their Needs: Make every point relevant to their lives.
3. Avoid Self-Centered Narratives: Only share personal stories when they directly illustrate a solution or insight.
4. Be Authentic, Not Self-Absorbed: Authenticity builds connection, but self-centeredness builds walls.
5. Deliver Actionable Advice: Give your audience practical takeaways they can use.
When you make your message about the audience instead of yourself, your speech becomes more impactful. You won’t just be a speaker—you’ll be a problem solver. And that’s the kind of speaker people remember.
Lead with solutions, and your words will resonate long after the applause fades.
