Ask Rene
I’m Rene Godefroy. I’m a fulltime highly paid motivational speaker. I started with no connections and resources. I was a doorman at a hotel in Atlanta when I started.
Many people didn’t believe I could do it. I proved them wrong. Let me give you some pointers. Go ahead ask me your specific question.
Scroll all the way down and type your question in the box.
Popularity: 26%
Hello Rene,
I just returned from beautiful Haiti this afternoon. I was in Cap over the weekend where we have a chaplain ministry to the seafarers that sail into the port.
After many years of missionary service with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Indonesia, then in northern Canada, more recently with the JESUS Film Project (I produced the 2001 version of the JESUS Film in Haitian Creole and we recorded it at 4-VEH) and now with our own ministry to international seafarers, I would like to start doing motivational and inspirational speaking.
My biggest questions are: (1) I am 60 years young. What are my advantages and challenges. (2) Most of my speaking has been church related and I need to know how to not be ‘preachy’ (although I’m a pretty good story teller), and (3) what should a starting speaker without demo tapes, etc., charge for engagements?
Thank you for your consideration.
Most sincerely yours,
Phil DuFrene
Hi Phil,
First of all, let me say thanks for making a difference.
Answers to your questions:
1) Your age is definitely an advantage. You automatically appear to be credible unless you prove otherwise. I don’t really see a disadvantage except the fact that you don’t have too much time to think about it. You gotta take action now.
2) In order not to be preachy, you have to talk to one person in your audience instead of a crowd. Audiences want to be treated as individuals; not a crowd. Have a conversation.
Ask rhetorical questions. Turn your solutions to rhetorical (don’t require an answer) questions to the audience, pause to let the question settle than answer it.
3) You do need a demo video. Imagine a singer without a demo. Now the next piece of advice I’m about to give you totally depends on your circumstances. You see, I don’t know much about what you bring to the table starting out.
But my guess is, given your age, backgrounds and experiences, you should start charging $2,500 for a keynote. You may be able to charge a lot more depending on your particular approach.
Hello,
i am just 18 years old and i decided to start ’speaking for a livin’. presently, i belong to an NGO and we are on a mission – to speak to high school seniors and i was made the key-note speaker. please tell me, how do i talk to this set of young people besides i am afraid, some of them are my age mates and they know me well.
i don’t want to miss the opportuinity now that i am still young
thanks
Val
I think sometimes you can use your age to your advantage. And that goes for whether you are young or old. Let’s talk about being young.
Definitely you can identify with your audience. You can speak their language. You know their pains and worries. The reality is someone thought you have something worthy to share with the audience. That’s an endorsement.
As a result, you should feel confident. The students know you are one level above them because you are the one that got the invitation to speak. It is implied one way or the other.
If you are afraid, the audience will sense it. That will make it hard for them to buy into what you have to say.
My advice to you is to get over your fear of being too young. Step into the light. You deserve it!
how do i be a better mother for teenagers,pay my debts and be happy once in my life.
Dene Rene,
You have been an inspiration to me with all your articles that have constantly been sent to my box.
I belong to a society or continent where indeed motivation is vital ( Nigeria)
1) Rene, i know that i have a gift for speaking as evidenced by the way i have been a motivation to many people who had challenges that overwhelmed. Kindly tell me how i can harness this gift of mine with a sense of direction and purpose to impact and benefit my world?
2) How do you pursue a career in Motivational Speaking? do you have to attend trainings, conferences, read books and things like that?
Thanks
Ogudo Ayemere O
Lagos, Nigeria
Rene,
Thank you for the quick response. I speak at different organizations on my life experiences, mistakes, and where I am now in life. It is to give inspiration. I never charge for these things but the older I get people keep coming up to me asking me why I have never written a book or why I don’t speak for a living. I guess they may believe in me more than I believe in myself at times. My question would be how to start?
Thanks
Jayma
how can i become a motivator speaker?
HELLO I HAVE BEEN SPEAKING MOTIVATIONAL SEMINARS AND PROPHETIC MEETINGS PART-TIME FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND WORKING A REGULAR JOB,I LOST MY REGULAR OVER TWO MONTHS AGO,HOW DO I LAUNCH INTO FULL TIME PUBLIC SPEAKING NOW ?
Take time to read the posts on this blog, you will find answers to your questions.
To become a motivational speaker you must first have a passion for the field. Don’t just jump in because of the money and glamor. Also, you must have something to say.
At first, you will not know what to talk about. But once you start, that which you are supposed to talk about will reveal itself to you. The key is to start. Stop thinking about it. Do something–anything–to get you going.
After all no one is going to take you serious if the idea is just in your head.
God Bless you Rene,
I just received a prophetic word that I would become a motivational speaker. I would like to know how do I make a demo and go about starting my motivational speaking ministry.
Thank you!
Sis Yvonne
I have spoken to groups in the past. But these groups have been local and easy to find. I know that just about any group is always looking for speakers. But where do you go to find a list of larger groups or companies who, after being contacted by you, would be interested in hiring you as a speaker? These are those groups/companies who are willing to pay $2500 and up. The local groups/companies will buy you dinner or some might pay you $100 for your time…this is not satisfactory. Is there a PR firm or a website which handles this sort of thing? You can probably tell that I’m at a loss here to find the next stage up and higher in speaking engagements.
Thanks for the opportunity to ask you a question, it is very much appreciated!
Joann
I’ve written two books on the subject that I like to speak about. Forgiveness and encouragement is my theme and I love spreading good news. Motivational speaking is a very competitive field and I find it hard to get “open doors”.
My last book, “He Holds The Sparrow” is selling very well when I go to churches and ladies meetings, but I am not a good promoter. Are there people out there who take on unknown speakers and find them jobs like an agent? I am 59 years old and feel I may be running out of time yet I”m sure I can help others.
I was kidnapped from an orphanage by an escaped convicted child molester, hidden in deserted spider infested shacks and put in cotton fields to work for this maniac until I escaped at age fourteen.
I’m trying to find a way to break into this full time. If you have any ideas I would sure appreciate anything you have to say. Thank you for your kindness. Fran
Dear Rene,
What are some initial steps I need to take now that I’ve decided to speak for a living?
Daven,
The answer to your question depends on many factors. Assuming you are really new to this and have not given a speech before, your first step is to join Toastmasters right away. Then you can start deciding what topic you are going to talk about.
Let me tell you right now, you need to also think of how you can blend hard content with motivation. And that depends your past experiences. Pure motivation is not really the way to go in today’s economy.
Most companies are in survival mode. They need motivation and they need to increase their bottom line. The funny thing is, they need more motivation than ever. But it appears as though they treat it as luxury. See what I mean?
Fire up the crowd and give them tools to improve results. Once you know your topic and the market you want to serve, make plans to write a small book fast. Credibility is everything. I know from experience. My bookings are rolling in because of my credibility in the market.
Hi Rene,
Iam Post Graduate and belongs to Farmer Family.I want to become a good Motivational speaker.From Punjab in India.
Please Guide me how to start this.Please Replay
Hi, I just want start a career becoming a motivational speaker; Currently I offer guidance and counseling to students where I am employed and I really enjoy talking and offering motivational and moral support to students and my peers; but first I want to focus on schools to build my profile.
So I want to know where and how do I start.? What are the steps and resources reqiured to do this job?
Rene,
Great Day! My name is Jordan Siegel and I want to thank you for your willingness to make a true impact by giving to others such as myself and being available to answer my question. I am 24 years old, and growing up in school I was terrified of interacting with others and scared beyond belief of being in front of a classroom to give a presentation. One day my life changed. I was a representative for a network marketing company, and my upline sponsor asked me to give the presentation in front of about 60 people. Boy, I was nervous. But I thought to myself, if all I did was convey enthusiasm, I would do fine. Well, I did better than fine. In fact, I fealt exhilerated, alive and what I was meant to be doing when I was presenting. Afterwards, all representatives asked me to come present their home meetings. I can close my eyes and till this day still visualize myself up there and remember specifically everything about that presentation and afterwards and the feelings and emotions. Anyway to my question. Where do I start? It is as simple as that. Thanks.
Peace and Blessings
Love,
Jordan Siegel
Rene,
I am A 22 year old male named Jake from Anderson, South Carolina. I have a degree in machine tool tech. from Tri-County Tech. in Clemson, South Carolina. I feel like I have all the the knowledge in the medical disease, Cystic Fibrosis. Why do you ask? Because i have lived with it sence I was three months old. I am not a very shy person at all, I love to talk in front of a group. I guess you could say I like being the center of attention. The doctor told my parents when I was diagnosed that I wouldnt live past the age of 18, but here I am, alive and well. I feel like I would be a good Cystic Fibrosis speaker because the things that the doctors dont know about, I do. I have first hand experience. I could speak to parents and im sure what I would have to say would brighten there day and give them hope for the future. It is hard for me to find a job because of the economy for one, and I can only work in certain condtions because of my CF (work outside in the heat, in a factory, ect.) I feel like this is the perfect opportunity for me to give the people all around America A word of advise, A word of encouragement, feel good about myself and what im doing, as well as make money doing it. If you could write me back and tell me what you think it would be very much appreciated. I am serious, I think I have finaly found out what god put me on this earth to do.
Dear Rene,
Kindly provide me some initial steps to proceed my hobby with my current job. At present, my age is abt 30 yrs & I’ve keen interest in writing poems.
Rene,
How are you? I got into speaking after getting sick with meningitis in 2000 and have been speaking for about 7 years. I have spoke to elementary schools to colleges, companies and other organizatrions. I have a website, which I created, not professionaly done but I wanted to see what I need to do to get to the next level, to become a higher profile speaker like yourself?
Thanks,
John
Rhode Island
I want to start by going to schools but i don’t know how to go about doing that with no experience I want to motivate young children about certain issues we are dealing with in nowadays. My question is how do i start?
Hi Phathiswa,
You do NOT need to go to any school. It is not necessary. By that, I mean a school to learn how to become a motivational speaker. All you need is your life experiences and your depth of knowledge.
The books you read and the events in your life will help you. As a motivational speaker, you simply need to uplift and empower others to take the right actions to achieve success they want.
Read lots motivational books. Listen to CDs. Watch videos. There so many of them on youtube. You see, the more you saturate your brain with motivational nuggets, the more you begin to have an awesome depth and breath of knowledge. You’ll improve your speaking and writing. The information is available. Get it.
To become a motivational speaker, you can start right now with the people you come in contact with everyday. In fact, that’s how you should start. I started that way. See what I mean?
Next, you want to have credibility. People DO listen to those that are in position of authority. Well, those we respect anyway. My advice to you is to write a book. Write some articles. Start putting your advice in writing.
Of course, there’s so much more to it. But that should be your start.
Hi Mr Godefroy,
Im 30 years old living in Jamaica. More people in Jamaica look at values most times instead of value. Most times the messenger is paid more attention to that the message itself, meaning: they tend to look at what you have in terms of money and hence gravitate toward people that has already made it in terms of money.
How do I overcome this hurdle of not having the material stuff they use to measure out respect and be taken seriously in starting off and to be successful in the business of speaking?
Thank you.
Hi Rene,
I am 49 years old and have been speaking and training sales people for a living for twenty years.
I have dreamed about speaking for a living outside of my profession and my job for a long time but have not been able to figure out where to start.
Most of my topics have been about sales and motivating yourself to sell.
My question to you is simple.
Where would you suggest that I start and with what topic?
Lee Murch
I have written a book on recovering from abuse, addiction and other things in life. People say I should take this book on circuit as a speaker. I have the gift of gab, but I need to refine the art. Help me get on my way PLEASE
Hi my name is Olivia and I love to talk to different people and make them feel good while I am feeling good at the same time. Motivate and encourage people to achieve the goals they set for themselves and to be proud of their successes. Im from Richmond, VA but I live in Waco,TX Ive chosen many careers but they just dont seem to be the one that lights the spot but while Im there Im always talking. I been threw many ups and downs. Accomplished many goals Ive set for my self and now its time for a change. Its time for me to be listen to and my voice to be heard.
I am an insurance sales trainer and a motivational speaker along the line.
People see me as a good stuff on the job.
Recently, I have form a training out-fit that will help make me popular as a trainner.
But I do not know how to begin and make it a real success
Help me!
Simon, you are an insurance sales trainer. Use your skills to get going. It’s the same concept. Talk to a lot of people, make lots of calls, be persistent and all the other selling strategies you have at your disposal.
Rene thanks for lending a hand to help the younger generations to become motivational speakers…
I have great passion to help others actuallize thier dreams. most especially women. i started this little group “Woman” on facebook and i have about 289 members. i am sure that many joined the group to understand themselves more but i dont know how well to help them in the issues of thier life.
i want to write motivationallly. speak motivational. Not for the money but to help those who ache to actualize thier dreams…i dont know exactly where to start…Start with a blog, with a book, a group. i dont just know.
hi , my name is eric bisong, i am from africa and i have being here in the USA for almost 7 years.i feel like i have much to give to the youth out there like me, for i beleive we are the future leaders of tomorrow.some friends come to me for advice on how to sucess in collage, so my question is, i want to be a motivational speaker , even if i am till in college, so what do i do pls i need to know
Hi Eric,
The school market is really awesome! The fact that you are still in college makes it kind of hard to speak to college students. However, if you write a book, you’ll have credibility. You should start writing now, by the time you finish college you will be ready to hit the ground running. Having said that, you should not have any problem to speak to High Schools. You can definitely share with them what it takes to go to college and succeed. See what I mean?
Along with a demo video, do I have to have a general topic that I specialize in or are topics created as you go along.
Yes, you definitely need to choose a topic. I’m creating a series of free videos for those that are on my list. One of them will be about choosing your topic. If you are on my email list, be on the look out for them. If not, subscribe. You will be very happy with the kind of information I will provide you.
There are plenty books available at the bookstore to learn about the question you are asking. I wish I was an expert at it to give the right answer. I would strongly suggest you devote the time necessary to learn about these topics.
hi Rene, myself mujib doing my college pg.. i have noticed one thing tat everybody in my coll says tat i have a great speaking skills.. but some times i feels nervous and i run out of words… something stop me from doing it ….. but i have a goal in life tat i wanna become a successful speaker … an love to share my thoughts to people… not only for living for also to become a famous person in this world.. laziness pull me down bigtime.. jus give me some great ideas to overcome it….an to become a successfull speaker…. by the way you are doing a fantastic job helping people… i would say there wouldn’t be any better job than this.. thanks a ton for your help,… hope to hear you soon
hi Rene,
this is mujib i live in india, an iam doing my studies in m.b.a. i love to talk to people an i can influence people… i wanna become a successful speaker i but sometimes something stop me from doing it. and i run out of words . this is my problem. and laziness pull me down bigtime.. so i wanna overcome it. an i wanna become a successful speaker not just for living an also to become a famous person.. i wanna influence people and wanna make a mark in millons of peoples mind this is my goal in life… so i am seeking your help to bringout the great speaker in me so do help me …
And i have to appreciate you for doing such a great job in helping people.. i would say there wouldn’t be any better job than this in this planet.. keep the same work going.. wish you great success in life.
pls gimme a clear view were i need to work on an how to do it.. i ll be really hapy to get a feedback from such a grt personality , and i really lik the way yu said ” wen i can do it you can do it too” tats the only thing which brought me till here.. so do help me . hope to hear from you soon
I am a 30yr old doctor in Nigeria.I have been practising medicine for the past 5 years and I am a resident doctor in department of psychiatry in a teaching hospital in Nigeria. I have a feeling within me that I can only be fufiled as a public/motivational speaker.I have started buying motivational books and audio CDs to help with content development and communication skills but I still feel that I need a guide from a seasoned speaker like you.I need all the education and guidance I can get from you on how to go about achieving my purpose in life.I was touched by the little i read about you.I would expect your reply soonest.Thanks
I am 30 year old doctor in Nigeria.I have been practising medicine for 5 years now.Presently, I am resident doctor in the department of psychiatry in a teaching hospital in Nigeria.I deeply feel within me that I can only be fufilled as a public/motivational speaker.I hae bought a lot of motivational books and audio CDs to help me with content development and communication skills though I know that I still have a lot to learn from a seasoned speaker like you.Please I would need all the education and guidance you can give to help in achieving my purpose in life . I was touched by the little I read about ypu on the internet .I would expect to read your comments soon.Thanks.
Hi Doctor Olayemi,
You have been doing the right things to put yourself on the road to becoming a motivational speaker. I would strongly suggest you start thinking about writing a book.
Although you already have credibility by being a doctor, you still need to be an author. That’s how you gain ultimate credibility. Next, you need to work on your speaking skills. In fact, you should start right now with your speaking.
Being a powerful and a high-impact motivational speaker requires work. It’s an art. But you can master certain components of it. I’m not sure if you have Toastmasters International in your town. That’s a great way to start. Join right away.
Study great motivational speakers. Practice, practice, practice.
THANKS!!!!!!! RENE FOR CONSIDERING, I’M A STUDENT OF B. TECH IN INDIA I JUST WANTED TO DO IT AS A PART TIME JOB. TELL ME HOW SHOULD I START AND WHERE TOO. I ALSO WANTED TO DO IT AS I DON’T LIKE PEOPLE SITTING LONELY AND LEADING A VERY SIMPLE LIFE. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR CONSIDERING ME.
Dear Sir,
Greetings for the day!!!
First i want to speak without any timid before becoming a motivational speaker.
can you please guide me how to speak and behave with others, like company, conferences, meeting, public places, functions, etc.,
Hope you can undersand what im trying to explaining you…..
Waiting for your favourable reply.
thanks and regard,
Sharavanan.P
Good day Rene,
Congratulations on what you have achieved, and continue to strive towards.
I have always felt the desire to speak words of encouragement, inspiration and comfort to strangers and people that may be close to me. I subscribe to the idea of “Dare to Dream”, which actually prefer to phrase as ” Dream to Dare”. I believe that without it, one’s future is blurred by following those in front of us. That is to say, we remain trapped in the world of following others.
What really struck me about your site, is the idea of you positioning yourself, not only as a motivational speaker, but fundamentally one that is geared towards empowering others to empower others. That is something that I identify with.
Long before even considering the “business of motivation and inspiration”, I began writing a book called ” Let It Go” and even did 2 sessions with schools. But somehow, what I find natural and enjoyable for me to do for others, I seem to find difficulty in believing in myself that this is what I should pursue and be good at. Maybe it’s because I don’t think that people, in particular people that know me, will take me seriously.
Maybe you can share your thoughts with me. If you have the time, maybe I can forward you one of chapters for you to read.
Best regards,
Yuri Chin Choy
Have been speaking to individuals on strategies to succeed. People love to listen to me as a councilor.
But getting invitation to speak in diffrent organisations is my problem because my vision is to empower youths from Schools to churches and to corporate bodies. Please put me thru.
By now, you should start receiving a few videos from me. Hopefully you, re a subscriber to my Speaking For A Living list. In these videos, I tell you exactly what to do.
hai! Rene am Deepa studying Master of computer applications, i want to speak like you, so what are all the steps that i have to go ahead in my life.I have read your motivational thoughts & suggestions & i have got impressesed on that thoughts that you have said.only one request from me Rene, that why can”t you be my mentor?would you please do this for me.
Hello I have a few question but I will only ask one for now. I have being a motivational speaker now for over 7 years. I have been motivating them at church and I have a small group of women that I meet with everyother friday. I ecourage them to don’t le the fall keep you. now I want to do more, I want to reach more people. What should I do?
Hi Rene,
I am really in need of direction on this.
Where do I start to find my nich?
I am a gifted speaker and I LOVE people and helping people. I teach part time at a college and I have a full time job as a computer engineer but my Love and Passion is speaking, I have done many times for free, in schools, rallys, churches, I got standing ovations, I made people cry and laugh and I feel that I do make an Impact, but now I want to do this for a living but WHERE do I begin?
Thank you
Now, it’s time to start working on building credibility right away. That’s how you’re goin to get to the next level. Have you written a book yet? If not, get on it immediately.
Dear Rene,
I remember well that you have written a book on “Speaking Business’. Now I am not able to find it on your site to order one for me.
I will be happy to receive a copy of it.
With regards
Rene
seems you are very busy. No reply fro my previous query.
-sashibhushana rao majji
Hello Rene,
Am happy for your link.
Please I want you to help me find an answer to the following questions:
1. I want to target schools and churches for my motivational Speaking
work, how can I get paid for my services at these ends.
2. I am writing three motivational books presently, how can I get
these books sell to make maximum gain.
I will be expecting your reply.
Bye,
Gbadeyan A.M.
Hi rene my name is Dean Christoffersen. I live in Australia. I have a burning desire to speak. I am ready to go! I have many years experience in the sales industry and life itself has taught how to motivate myself. I started with nothing and now have an amazing family and auto wholesale business. I built my business with no money! we now turn over millions in a year! I have read many works including all of Robbins work. I love think and grow rich in fact as as I am a one man show I use this book to keep me focused. I love Jim Rohns style and also ZZigler. Australia has very few captivating speakers unlike the USA. I truly believe I am the nex big thing here. I have so much to offer. I have little fear of public speaking and I feel I can motivate anyone. I would like to start a business here in AU asap. However my biz experience has taught me to leap frog to success.copy others better than me. I would like to propose you and I do something together here in AU. I am ready to go however I think I have analysis Paralysis!!
Dear Rene,
Its amazing to see a fast response, thankyou, I am working in a big school with a strength of 10,000. I feel the children of highersecondary need motivation and its the need of the hour now. These children are banded as bad, and so help me help them to get motivated. I am wanted them to come out of this feeling of shame and guilty feeling.
There is a attitudenal problem with the teachers who are handling them. Please suggest some solution.
I believe heart healing can heal anything.
with regards
svb
im a 20 year old young woman i have through alot in life as a child and i want 2 knw if its a good idea 2 tell people about my life when i talk 2 them?
iam 52 year old retired “Banker” from Nigeria,West Africa. i worked with management consultants while iwas in the Bank but mainly in strategy and performance improvement. this worked had exposed me to making presentations and thats where i discovered my talents. i know people like my presentations and are always sending nice comments. i like motivational speaking but do not know what to focus on. secondly, it is not quite popular here thats why i want to go into it and make myself known among the very few we have around. what should i do?
i have the zeal and the strength and determination.
thank you
Hi Rene
I’m a 41 year old African American male with 13 years experience as a Child/Adolescent mental health case worker. The pain of childhood abuse from my stepfather has driven me to want to make a difference in the world…I want to make a bigger difference in the world and make money to deliver my family from 30K per year. I feel my destiny and potential is far greater than my current job and it’s pay.
My question: Where do I start? I’m off on Saturdays and Sundays and I work from 8 to 5 daily (I want to SPEAK FOR A LIVING)
hi my name is casey and i have always wanted to motivate people and to help them get past fears and life challenges! for example,when i was in high school i saw the group called R5. Since then i have been so motivated to helping others. This has been my dream for a long time now.
Welcome on board Casey! Listen to your heart. Follow that dream. You come to the right place. I look forward to helping you get there.
Am an emigrant just like you, from Africa. I’ve always wanted to be a motivational speaker but I don’t have the data or how to format my ideas. Can you help me?
Hi Rene
Im 35 years old. I want to become a motivational speaker and an encourager for women.
I once lead a Women’s ministry in our local church. I CAME TO SEE THE NEED TO MOTIVATE WOMEN.
There are a lot of hurting women in the church and most are not expressing themslves in the full potential because of certain things, I myself was once made mistakes in my life but I choose to rise up above my failures want God to use me to help other. I really want to make a difference in women’s world by becoming an agent of encouragement in motivational speaking.
Hi Rene! First, I want you to know, you are an answered prayer! Okay, My first book should be completed by the end of this month! I am no novice to public speaking as a minister. Within the last few years I have been able to reconize and identify myself as a great motivator. As a result of speaking, I have watched people walk away with new enthusiasm to do something with what they have heard. I will continue to speak as a minister, but my question is: How do I begin to attract my audiences and market myself outside the four walls of the church as a motivational speaker, to empower people?
Hello,
Good Afternoon to you Rene. My name is Christopher Maddix and I’m writing to you for help or ideals on speaking on a subject that is dear to my heart and its an important to me, and others like myself and Bleeding Condition known in the medical world as Christmas Disease its given name is Hemophilia.
I live in Kenya, am 20yrs old. How can I start on taking motivational speaking as a career?
Greetings, Rene!
How do I identify the decision maker in an organization–the person who will decide to hire me? I’m thinking schools, churches, corporations, non-profit orgs….
Thx,
V.