Many professionals have heard how the art of professional speaking can be leveraged to help build their businesses; however, most are reluctant to put their first foot forward to break into this field of endless possibilities.  Their reluctance stems from fear as a result of several myths floating around regarding the difficulty of becoming a professional speaker.

Myth #1: I have to be famous.

This myth is completely false.  There are many no-name six- and seven-figure income earners making their livings as professional speakers.  Many organizations would rather hire those speakers who do not possess celebrity status because their audiences will have a much easier time connecting and relating to the average Joe or Jill.  How many seminars, workshops and conferences have you attended in which you had never heard of the keynote presenter but he/she delivered a dynamic presentation?

Myth #2: I have to have great credentials.

There are literally thousands of well-paid speakers who do not even possess a high school diploma, let alone a college degree.  The only credential that you need to be a speaker is a topic that you are both passionate and knowledgeable about and a true desire to help others by giving them access to what you know.  There is a popular speaker’s bureau in Chicago that is completely composed of former prostitutes.  This group of women travels across the country presenting motivational speeches to empower women and youth to value their own self-worth.  Some of this group recently delivered a presentation to a meeting of key decision makers on Capitol Hill.

Myth #3: There is too much competition.

True that there are a lot of professional speakers and aspiring speakers; however, there are more than enough speaking engagements to go around.  Every day, in the United States alone, there are approximately 7,000 speaking opportunities.  That is over 2.5 million potential speaking gigs per year.  There are more than enough speaking opportunities for you to take advantage of even if you share the same or a similar niche with other speakers.

Myth #4: I have to be a really good speaker.

While having good presentation skills can help your audience really tune in to your message, it is not necessary.  Even the most wet-behind-the-ears speaker can earn a decent living.  I have an aunt who has a speech impediment.  She has always had trouble pronouncing certain words even though she is a native English speaker.  At first, she thought this would be a hindrance but now she realizes that it is what makes her unique from her competition.  Use your quirks and idiosyncrasies to build your brand. Again, the important element in any speaker’s presentation is that there is a real message to be heard.  Know your subject matter and deliver it with passion.  If you can do this, then nothing else even matters.

Myth #5: It is too difficult to get started.

No it isn’t!  The biggest roadblock to getting started is you.  Throw away your fears and doubts and just jump into it.  There is nothing to it but to do it.  Become an expert on a topic that you feel passionate about it and just start speaking.  Share your message with every group you think could benefit from your knowledge and charge them a reasonable fee for your services.