Hi there. I’ve been speaking from stage for around 11 years now and within that time I’ve seen some very strange myths about speakers.
Today, I’m going to dive into them and dismantle them one by one!
Here are four common, and untrue myths.
Myth #1: You have to be educated to become a public speaker.
Although education is a great asset, it is not a requirement to start a speaking career. Although a high educational qualification may appeal to some buyers it all depends on your niche. If your market is highly academic and scholarly, then a good educational background can pull interest from buyers.
On the other hand, most of the market does not demand a highly educated speaker. A lot of speakers do not have college degrees but still earn hefty amounts of money from bookings and selling from stage. In some niches, blue collar speakers with little or no education may possess more mass appeal because the audiences can relate to them. It all depends on the topics and the chosen niche.
Sometimes, to motivate people, a speaker must show that they are human and a lack of higher educati
on may do just that. A speaker can show the audience that even though they are not college educated they have achieved professional and financial success. It is an inspiring premise.
Myth #2: You have to possess the gift of speaking in order to stand up in front of people to speak.
Public speaking is a skill and just like any skill, it can be developed and practiced. There are formulas that anyone can use to create great speeches. All you need is a message and the willingness to deliver that message to your audience. After a few tweaks, revisions, and rehearsals; you can present a knockout speech even without the possessing the “gift of speech”.
Technique and practice are the key factors in improving public speaking skills. If someone dedicates himself or herself enough, anybody can be great.
I highly recommend you grab a copy of my book if you haven’t yet to help you on this one!
www.presentationprofitsblueprint.com
Myth #3: You have to be different or change who you are to speak.
Many people will often say that a career in public speaking will make you fake, somewhat pretentious and change your personality.
If this is the case, public speaking seems like very hard work but in reality, you do not have to change in order to become a speaker. Great speakers are individuals who stay true to their characters, including their weaknesses and idiosyncrasies. It makes them human.
Your authenticity is your best asset!
Myth #4: You have to work hard to be a public speaker.
This can be rather subjective. Yes, it can be hard work if your heart is not into it. Any endeavor without passion is not an easy task. However, if you are really committed to the career and loving it, it won’t matter, will it?
Moreover, once you get the hang of it public speaking will come naturally to you.
I love speaking- and when you love it- it’s easy.
As Katharine Graham, the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company said ‘To do what you love and feel that it matters. How could anything be more fun?’
Totally agree Joanna. Nothing feels more natural than being involved in something that you love and people are drawn to the energy that is created by that.