1. The doctor told you that you only have six months to live–five years ago.
2. You have an award winning smile.
3. You wear a suit at all times. This includes bedtime.
4. You cannot be too young or too old.
5. You are overly enthusiastic. Tree bark excites you.
6. You have more energy than a ten-year-old child.
7. You have written at least ten books covering the same topic.
A good motivational speaker is very enthusiastic. That’s part of their charm.
I’m going to say I think being a (genuine) motivational speaker requires one thing: having gone through a dark time (illness, death, domestic violence…) yet found a way to come through victoriously and with a smile on your face. There are some people, I feel, who were just born to motivate. They’re positive, encouraging, and awesome to be around. That person may not have written 10 books, may not own a suit, and may not have even graduated high school. They have a message nonetheless.
As a survivor of domestic violence who is often times told I’m “motivational”, “encouraging”, etc., I know…
*smiles*
Michele
Since this is written tongue-in-cheek, I’m going to add: used to be really overweight, were told by a teacher in high school that they would amount to nothing, and has gone through at least one divorce.
Marelisa, those are excellent requirements to be a motivational speaker.
That was SO FUNNY!
Especially “You are overly enthusiastic. Even tree bark excites you.”
Nah, all of them were funny.
Marelisa’s too.
Thanks for the laugh!
@ Michele: That’s a good point. Moreover, this is one of the opportunities that can be found when going through a dark time: it can make you a more enlightened person.
Vered, thank you for the kind words!
@ Bamboo: Thanks, I strive to be an enlightened gal.
@ LlamaFish: You’re most welcome! Great post!
*smiles*
Michele
I like the first one. very funny and refreshing =)
A lot of them also have some kind of catch phrase or 12 steps to success too.
Very funny, LlamaFish!!
Henru: Thank you!
Yydi: You are exactly correct. Thanks for the kind words.