Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: LIFE

Marcedes M. Fuller, Senior, motivational speaker and life coach talks with a onlooker about nutrician in The Union on campus. Chesley Roberts

Media Credit: Chesley Roberts Marcedes M. Fuller, motivational speaker and life coach talks with a onlooker about nutrician in The Union on campus. Chesley Roberts

Three years after Marcedes Fuller was asked "what are your goals?" he emerged into the world of entrepreneurship.
Fuller, a San Antonio junior and public relations major, founded the Ultimate Decisions Consulting Group four years ago.
He now works as a motivational speaker and consultant, getting paid to give speeches and advising in the areas of life coaching, spiritual growth and training and development.
Fuller started out doing resume training and teaching interview skills. This year Fuller expanded his focus to include corporate and diversity consulting. He was also invited to join the university steering committee to assist with diversity protocol.
After attending a leadership conference, Fuller said, his aspirations became clear. At the age of 15, Fuller began to conceptualize a business plan to become a professional motivational speaker.
"I want to give speeches that motivate audiences and students to be better than what they are today," he said. "And now, four years later, I have Ultimate Decisions and it has been rewarding."
Fuller has spoken to crowds as large as 3,000 people and as few as one. He said he's not afraid of large audiences, but the small crowds make him nervous.
"I don't eat or drink three to five hours prior to speaking, just to make sure there are no nervous incidents," he said.
Kelly Taylor of the communication studies faculty said it's very rare for such a young person to be a naturally good speaker.
"Based on a study I reviewed, the fear of public speaking is ranked higher than the fear of death," Taylor said.
In addition to Fuller's wide range of knowledge of topics, he is also a licensed minister. "I have a strong spiritual background and it really gives me the confidence foundation," he said.
Many of his speeches come from personal experiences and encounters.
"Because of the exposure and great people I have worked with, I have decided to study and move into different areas of speaking," he said.
Between speaking at university commencements and motivational workshops, Fuller carries a full course load and is involved in a variety of campus organizations, including an upcoming TV show called Real Talk that will air on NTTV.
"I've been able to do so many things, and I still feel like I'm just getting started because there is still so much to be done," he said.
Taylor said the best public speakers are the ones who are able to integrate their own experiences into their speeches.
"They establish ethos with their audiences," she said.
Fuller has aspirations to become a university president and build Ultimate Decisions into a full range consulting group.
He said he could never have predicted he would be where he is at the age of 21.
"The funny thing about it is I was actually thinking of starting a full service salon in the beginning," he said.

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