The 7 Key Elements of Motivational Speaking
*This story was inspired by the Quora question “What are the 7 elements of motivational speaking?” and a shorter version is posted on Quora.
After looking around online I discovered there is no generally accepted list of The 7 Elements of Motivational Speaking. There is a generally accepted list of The 7 Elements of Communication, and also The 7 Principles of Public Speaking, but not one for motivational speaking. So, should we make one?
Let’s have a quick look at those two lists, then we can build an entirely new list unique to motivational speaking.
The 7 Elements of Communication
It’s widely accepted that the first person to record their thoughts about the elements needed for communication was Aristotle. His original communication model included only 5 elements, but over time, the contemporary models of communication have expanded to include 7 elements.
Sender > Speaker
Message > Speech
Listener > Audience
Channel > Medium
Interference > Noise
Feedback > Response
Context > Place/Environment
These are all the elements needed to be in place for a single piece of communication to be effective.
We could explore this more in-depth, but we have more important things to do (like making our own list!), so if you want to learn more about this, please go and read about The 7 Elements of Communication on Switzer Associates Leadership Solutions’ website.
The 7 Principles of Public Speaking
Author Richard Zeoli’s book The 7 Principles of Public Speaking includes the following 7 principles that *hint* *hint* could be useful for motivational speaking, too.
Here’s a quick summary:
Perception > Stop trying to be the next “great public speaker”, just be yourself.
Perfection > There is no such thing, the audience is less likely to notice mistakes than you are.
Visualization > See yourself doing it, this will help with confidence at the actual event.
Discipline > Perfection isn’t the goal, but you still need to practice consistently.
Description > Make it personal, the audience is here for your story.
Inspiration > Speak to serve, your speech has benefit.
Anticipation > With a shorter speech, leave your audience wanting more. This will help the audience retain more information and make them anticipate great, punchy speeches from you in the future.
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Want to know more about these principles? Go and read Richard Zeoli’s book, or, even better, sign up for a course in Motivational Speaking at Sail Force Catalyst. < Click on their name to see the certifications they offer.
And finally, we get to the fun part: making our OWN list! Here we go . . .
The 7 Elements of Motivational Speaking
Let’s break this down to the simplest form possible and ask this question: what are some things, a solid list of determinable things, that are needed to deliver a compelling motivational speech?
Seeing as this is a collaboration, I am going to open up the comments for your suggestions and additions (unrelated, derogatory, or “Karen” comments will be deleted). This probably means that realistically, the list will contain way more than 7 elements. Mmm . . . So, for the part I’m doing, let’s call them the 7 “key” elements, and then please post your suggestions/see more elements in the comments about motivational speaking. Okay? Let’s go!
The 7 Key Elements of Motivational Speaking
1. Purpose and Message
To create an impactful motivational speech, it’s essential to have a clear purpose and a well-defined, compelling message. Your purpose can vary depending on your specific context and goals, but generally, your purpose should be to inspire, uplift, and motivate the audience to take action or make positive changes in their lives. You as the speaker should have a deep understanding of your purpose and communicate it effectively to the audience. Your message should not only resonate with the audience but also be compelling, and offer a unique perspective, insight, or solution to the audience’s challenges. This “uniqueness” takes us to our next point.
2. Authenticity and Personal Storytelling
Authenticity is a crucial aspect of motivational speaking. Sharing your personal, authentic, and relatable stories and experiences creates an emotional connection with the audience and helps them connect with your message on a deeper level. It’s important that you are genuine, vulnerable, and transparent about your own journey (including successes and failures), and remember that sharing your struggles and triumphs can inspire others. Authenticity is critical in establishing a credible, relatable, and trustworthy connection with the audience, making your message more impactful and memorable.
3. Engaging Opening
The opening of a motivational speech sets the tone and captures the audience’s attention. It should be carefully crafted to create a strong first impression. Consider using attention-grabbing techniques such as a surprising fact, a captivating anecdote, a powerful quote, or a thought-provoking question. Your opening should ignite curiosity and create a sense of anticipation for what’s to come, compelling the audience to listen actively and engage with your speech.
4. Compelling Content
The content of a motivational speech should be valuable, actionable, and relevant to the audience’s needs. It’s important to offer practical insights, strategies, or perspectives that can inspire and guide the audience to make positive changes. Your content should be well-structured, organized, and presented in a compelling and relatable manner. Consider using examples, case studies, or research findings to support the ideas presented and make them more tangible for the audience.
5. Emotional Appeal
Emotions play a significant role in motivational speaking. By tapping into the audience’s emotions, you can create a powerful and memorable experience. Speakers use storytelling techniques, such as humor, passion, and empathy to evoke emotions in the audience such as hope, courage determination, and enthusiasm. Humor specifically can be an effective tool to lighten the atmosphere and connect with your audience. It’s important to strike a balance between emotional engagement and maintaining a sense of professionalism and respect for the audience. By connecting with the audience’s emotions, you can inspire them to not only overcome challenges but also believe in their own potential.
6. Audience Interaction
Actively involving the audience in the speech can enhance engagement and participation. Remember to incorporate activities, exercises, or interactive elements that encourage the audience to reflect, share their experiences, or discuss key concepts. This interaction creates a sense of shared experience, fosters a deeper connection between you and the audience, and makes the presentation more interesting and engaging. Audience interaction also allows the audience to internalize your message on a personal level, increasing the likelihood of taking action after the speech.
7. Inspiring Conclusion
The conclusion of a motivational speech should leave a lasting impact on the audience. It’s an opportunity to reinforce your key points, restate your core message, and provide a clear call to action. Your conclusion should inspire the audience to take the next steps in achieving their goals or implementing the insights gained from the speech. Consider leaving the audience with a thought-provoking question, an uplifting quote, or a memorable closing story that encapsulates the essence of the speech and leaves a lasting impression.
Consider this list of elements a framework to help structure and deliver a compelling motivational speech, meaning these 7 elements mentioned are not rigid rules (I mean, we just made up this list on the spot, right?). Successful motivational speaking involves adapting to the audience, understanding their needs, and tailoring the speech to resonate with them. By combining the key elements mentioned above with the speaker’s unique style, personality, and expertise, they can create a motivational speech that inspires and empowers others.
Thanks for coming on this list-making journey with me, please remember to add your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.
Sources:
https://switzeronleadership.com/the-communication-process-seven-essential-elements/
https://www.communicationtheory.org/aristotle%E2%80%99s-communication-model/
