What Makes a Cruise Ship Speaker Tick?

Dr. Gary Arnold's Book
How the Top 1% of Speakers and Coaches Do Internet Marketing

Cruise ship speakers not only make a fortune from their skill, but they also tour the world for free. If you think this is an exaggeration, then you probably haven't yet met anyone who earns their living by speaking on cruise ships. If you still hold the misconception that speaking on cruises is only for professional speakers, then it's time to change your mind.

Cruise ship speakers don't have to be professionally trained speakers. The basic criterion is to have the ability to engage and entertain your audience. Whatever you talk about must be adapted to suit the taste and preferences of your audience. You need not be an expert in some technical or unique field to be a cruise ship speaker.

You can speak to your audience on simple topics like explaining how to play a game of bridge, the basics of photography or just about anything that you're good at. That doesn't mean that you could read up on the topic a few hours before your talk get away with it.

Whatever your topic, be prepared to know it thoroughly. Your audience may ask you questions and want more details. You wouldn't want to find yourself embarrassed because you don't have enough information. So, even if you are planning to talk about baking a cake, be sure to know what you're talking about.

The most important skill for a cruise ship speaker is the ability to entertain their audience by getting their attention and keeping it. Cruise ship speakers must have a pleasant demeanor and a smile whether in front of their audience or simply while lounging around on-board.

The cruise ship speakers must be friendly, approachable and affable. Speakers who smile and are warm in front of the audience, but won't exchange pleasantries after the speech, will definitely not be invited back. Your basic nature must be positive and friendly if you want to be a cruise ship speaker.

Remember the cruise may last for 2 to 3 days or longer. You can't present a speech for 1 hour on the 1st day and then stop communicating with anyone after that. Once your audience has heard you speak, they may walk up to you while you are at the pool or while you are enjoying a game. Don't consider these visits a burden. Who knows, maybe a connection you make with an audience member may later open a door to future business avenues.

Cruise ship speakers are in great demand, because cruise lines are in need of talented people who can keep their clients entertained. Even on a vacation cruise, there are times when travelers get bored. That's why providing outstanding entertainment is so important to the cruise lines.