The Hard Truths and Rewards of Speaking with Chase Livingston

Jun 24, 2025

Chase Livingston, a youth motivational speaker with a background in theater, shares his inspiring journey from stage hopes to impactful speaking. He candidly discusses the inevitable struggles of starting out, emphasizing that patience and persistence are crucial. Listeners will find valuable insights on navigating paid versus unpaid gigs and the importance of professional relationships in the industry. Chase's story underscores that embracing imperfection and taking consistent action is key to transforming dreams into reality.

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INSIGHT

Anticipate Speaking Challenges

Anticipate challenges in speaking as you would in obstacle course racing.
Preparing mentally for difficulties helps you overcome them more effectively.

ADVICE

Transparent Fee Negotiation

Use open, honest communication about fees and budgets when negotiating gigs.
Refer clients to trusted fellow speakers if a gig isn't a good fit for you.

ANECDOTE

Career Shift Sparked by Wife's Call

Chase's dream shifted from acting to speaking after a pivotal call with his wife in 2019.
He found the Speaker Lab community crucial in igniting his career after years of hesitation.

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“When you understand going into [speaking] that it’s going to suck for a while, it’s going to take longer than you think and it’s going to be harder than you think. When you know those things up front, when you meet them, you can anticipate it.”

Stepping onto the stage as a speaker is about more than nailing your performance—it’s about persistence, honesty, and the courage to start before you feel ready. On this week’s The Speaker Lab episode, Chase Livingston opens up about his journey from theater hopeful to youth motivational speaker, sharing the hard truth: real progress takes both time and tenacity.

Chase doesn’t shy away from discussing the realities of building a speaking career, sharing candidly about the slow start, the necessary unpaid gigs, and the doubts that come with venturing into this path. He highlights the importance of steady action—sending countless emails, making connections, and learning when to charge for his expertise.

His message is clear: Know the cost, be ready to persevere, and lead with authenticity. If you’re waiting until everything is perfect before you step forward, Chase’s story proves that consistent action is what moves you from dreaming to doing. For anyone looking for proof that their story matters and that hard work pays off, tune in to Chase’s journey!

You’ll learn:

The importance of anticipating obstacles
Criteria for selecting paid vs. free gigs
Using discernment and open communication in negotiations
Benefits of building reciprocal relationships
Overcoming comparison and frustration
Gaining confidence through small wins
The importance of consistency
And much, much more!

“Why did I hype [speaking] up in my head? It’s hard work, but it’s easier than I was making it…You get to make the rules, which is the coolest thing about this career path.”

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