Erica Anderson Rooney

If you want to connect with your audience, you share relatable stories. This is 100% why people love those who show up on LinkedIn and IG and share the raw, real, and not so "pretty" side of things. As someone who speaks to working moms - I don't pretend to have it all figured out. I share my struggles daily, because I don't know one single mom that does NOT have struggles. No authenticity = no connection. Hard stop.

I am a huge fan of surrounding yourself with a community of speakers. This can be a lonely profession. And one that often doesn't give regular feedback (think true constructive feedback.). As a speaker, use something like Talk-A-Dot to gather audience feedback. In addition, send an anonymous survey to the stakeholders you worked with. And this one is painful, but the best you can do - watch the video of your event. Watch yourself. See where you did great, and where you could improve. Play the tape!

Ya'll!!!! As a motivational speaker, you should know deep in your bones, that ever failure, every set back, every opportunity that did NOT work out IS truly a blessing in disguise. Hindsight is the gift we will all have one day - and motivational speakers know that when they fail, its not really a failure - its just another step towards the right direction. If you are going through it right now - you MUST trust and you must stay persistent. Connect deep to your WHY and remember that it is always OK in the end. If its not OK, its not the end. Keep pushing.

Life is about stories, and it is the thread of similiarity in our lived experiences that often brings us together. When I speak with working moms, I will share my own personal stories of struggle that I know other moms deal with on a daily. Bonus points if you can find the stories that are common, but not something one would put on Instagram. These moments where you are vulnerable, and it resonates and connects with your audience through your stories, is what connects your MISSION and what you are trying to get across in a easily digestible and relatable way!

Each person is unique. Some like public praise, some prefer it to be 1:1. Whatever their preference here are the basics: 1) Adapt to their preference 2) Make it GENUINE. You make the praise genuine by giving specifics. What did they do that was so amazing? Then, specify how or why it made an impact. I often praise my team for being so very on top of things, because it allows me to focus on the bigger picture. Whenever I see them doing this, I acknowledge that very specific action - and how it is furthering the mission of our team. The 3rd step - do this regularly. Consistency matters.

Take care of your mind and your body. It is the only real place you have to live. If you do not protect your mental health and take care of yourself physically by eating the right foods, getting sleep, and moving your body, you will not be working in your optimal state. Do an energy audit as well as a time audit and ask yourself, are you making time for your health and wellness?