If you’ve ever searched for advice on how to become a professional speaker, you probably started with questions about logistics—how to find gigs, set your fees, or market your expertise. While these are valid concerns, they’re not the most critical part of the journey. The foundation of a successful speaking career begins with understanding your why.
Your “why” is the driving force behind your message. It’s the answer to why you want to stand on stage, inspire audiences, and make an impact. By clearly defining your purpose, you’ll not only set yourself apart as a speaker but also ensure your career is deeply fulfilling.
Why Defining Your Legacy Matters
When exploring how to start your professional speaking career, the most important question to ask yourself is, “What legacy do I want to leave behind?” This concept, highlighted in Chapter 1 of So You Want to Speak, encourages speakers to reflect on their long-term impact.
Legacy isn’t about fame or recognition. It’s about creating meaningful change through your words and actions. By answering this question, you can clarify your direction and ensure that every opportunity aligns with your broader mission.
To begin, reflect on these prompts:
- What change do I want to inspire in my audience?
- How do I want people to feel after hearing my message?
- What lasting impact do I want to leave in my industry or community?
When you focus on your legacy, your speaking career becomes more than just delivering speeches. It transforms into a platform for driving purposeful change.
The Role of Purpose in Becoming a Professional Speaker
A great example of the power of purpose is Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks. Schultz didn’t simply aim to sell coffee; his mission was to create a “third place” where people could feel a sense of belonging. This clarity of purpose influenced every decision, from store design to customer experience.
Similarly, your purpose as a speaker should serve as the foundation for your career. When your “why” is clear, it will drive your actions, ensuring that your message is consistent and impactful. This focus not only guides your decisions but also makes it easier for audiences to connect with your authenticity.
Aligning Passion and Impact in Your Speaking Topics
Understanding how to build a successful speaking career requires more than passion—it requires alignment between your personal interests and societal needs. Passion fuels your message, but societal impact ensures it resonates.
Here are a few examples of finding this balance:
- If you’re passionate about leadership, frame your message around solving current challenges, such as adapting to remote work or leading diverse teams.
- If you care deeply about mental health, craft talks that break stigmas, offer actionable strategies, and empower resilience in others.
By combining your personal passion with public relevance, you’ll create a message that inspires and serves your audience.
Staying Consistent as You Build a Professional Speaking Career
Crafting your “why” is just the first step. To become a professional speaker, consistency is essential. Just as Starbucks stays true to its mission across thousands of locations, your speaking career must remain anchored in your core purpose.
Audiences connect with speakers who deliver authentic and relatable messages. Staying consistent with your “why” ensures that every talk you give feels genuine and impactful. This authenticity will help you build trust with your audience and establish a strong reputation.
Your First Step Toward Becoming a Professional Speaker
Building a successful speaking career is more than mastering presentation skills or marketing yourself effectively. It begins with defining your purpose—the “why” behind your message.
Take time to reflect on your legacy, align your passion with societal impact, and stay true to your purpose. When you approach your speaking journey with clarity and authenticity, you’re not just learning how to become a professional speaker—you’re positioning yourself to create meaningful, lasting change.
Start today by asking yourself: What’s my “why”? Answer that, and you’ll take the first step toward building a career that truly matters.