What is a Motivational Speaker? (The Ultimate 2021 Booking Guide)

Motivational speakers are some of the most sought-after personalities on the circuit - they are responsible for an industry worth over $1.9 billion (March 2020). From webinars to in-person events, these talented presenters connect with audiences across the globe to deliver inspiring speeches. Their personal stories relate to guests’ insecurities, while their infectious resilience leaves audiences better prepared to take on life’s challenges.

Read our ultimate 2021 guide to motivational speakers, and discover the key who, what and whys of the industry – including how to book an inspiring personality for your event.

What is a motivational speaker?

Motivational speakers, sometimes describe as inspirational speakers, are a strand of the speaking profession booked to positively influence audiences. These speakers are categorised by their powerful anecdotes and strategies for mental resilience, emotional wellbeing, and determination, which drive their presentations.

These inspiring speakers encourage audiences to recognise their talents, and embrace their unlimited potential. As experts of their specific fields, they explore performance psychology and emotional intelligence in their presentations, to back up their message.

What are the qualities of a great motivational speaker?

Some of the best motivational speakers share the same qualities, these include:

  • Storytelling – Making up the basis of every motivational speech, is a story. Including emotional tales of sacrifice and inspiring journeys to success, these speakers command their audience’s attention with their incredible life stories.
  • Confidence – To take to the stage and present to hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people takes a vast amount of confidence. Motivational speakers embody self-belief, as they effortlessly connect with audiences on a personal level.
  • Relatability – Speaking of making a connection, some of the best motivational speakers are relatable. Audiences can recognise their own struggles in speakers’ stories, so therefore benefit from expert strategies for overcoming challenges.
  • Empathy – Audiences can see straight through a motivational speaker who is inauthentic, therefore empathy is an imperative quality for them to have. Being able to genuinely sympathise with a topic or struggle separates the best motivational speakers, from the rest.
  • Passion – Motivational speakers must have passion for their cause, a core drive that fuels every single one of their presentations. Audiences resonate with this quality, and are captivated by the infectious passion that these speakers have for their chosen topic of conversation.

What are the benefits of booking a motivational speaker for an event, webinar or conference?

Every event needs a central theme. From teamwork to leadership, sport to business, the driving force behind an event gives it purpose. It gives it a reason to be an event at all.

Motivational speakers complement an event’s theme or purpose, as they use their personal experiences to add context and credibility where necessary. With their fresh perspective on personal struggles, these speakers leave your audience enlightened, and ready to take on hurdles in their own lives head-on.

For corporate clients, motivational speakers can inspire your workforce. By improving communication, interpersonal relationships, and a drive to succeed, these speakers will help your employees become a high-performance team, motivated to thrive in their respective roles.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, companies must rebuild their employee’s confidence and wellbeing, to ensure optimum performance. Motivational speakers hold the key to success for your business, as they can reignite your team’s self-motivation.

The most innovative brands are the most successful. Motivational speakers use their story of personal improvement to inspire better decision making and ideas sharing - their unique perspective opens their audience’s eyes. When you book a motivational speaker for your event, you are securing its credibility and positive influence on all those in attendance.

How do I book a motivational speaker?

Booking a motivational speaker can be time-consuming and challenging, with thousands of options available. However, at Champions Speakers, we have streamlined the booking process, making it easier than ever to hire a motivational speaker for your event.

Following our initial consultation, a dedicated booking agent will source a selection of speakers for you to choose from, handpicked with your unique budget and brief in mind. Including invoices, contracts and travel logistics where required, our team are on-hand to secure the best motivational speaker for your conference or function.

How much does a motivational speaker cost?

As with all public speakers, motivational speakers can differ drastically in price, dependent on their experience, reputation, and personal preferences. We will find top motivational speakers on your behalf, leaving you to focus on the other elements of planning your event.

Simply tell us your budget, and let a member of our expert team use our industry connections to find the perfect speaker on our behalf.

Our top pick of motivational speakers

Sir Ranulph Fiennes

As the youngest Captain in the Army and the oldest British person to climb Mount Everest, Sir Ranulph Fiennes is a living example that anything is possible, with determination and self-belief. Regarded by the Guinness World Records as the Greatest Living Explorer, his thrilling stories transport audiences to the tips of mountains and chilling Arctic terrains, creating an unforgettable atmosphere at events. Ranulph teaches audiences how to set and achieve their goals, as he has done.

“Fabulous – a remarkable man who gave a brilliant presentation and was a delight to deal with. Nothing was too much trouble and the talk was as good as it gets – inspirational, witty, humbling and enthralling. You won’t do any better than have Ranulph Fiennes as your guest speaker.”

- Consort Medical

Derek Redmond

Derek Redmond is a rising talent in the world of international speaking, since retiring from athletics due to his devastating injury. After dedicating his life to track competing, Derek suffered a torn hamstring at the 1994 Barcelona Olympic Games, destroying his career. However, from the heartbreak, came one of the most important moments in sporting history – Derek’s father, Jim, helping his son to finish the race, by carrying him across the line. Derek retells this pinnacle moment at events, inspiring audiences to adapt and overcome hurdles in their own lives with his story of perseverance.

"Derek was absolutely amazing! He inspired our whole team with his ambition and determination to never give up. He is a fantastic storyteller - we were all on the edge of our seats when he shared footage from the 1992 games. The content was relevant and well delivered. Thank you so much for being a part of our virtual off-site!"

- Rav, Business Associate, Snapchat

Katie Piper

Bestselling author, Katie Piper, has faced enough adversity to last several lifetimes. The former beauty pageant star was attacked with acid in 2008, by a former partner. The devastating crime turned Katie’s life around, put her health at risk and set the motivational speaker on a different trajectory. She now provides inspiring speeches for audiences, using her heartbreaking yet uplifting story of rising above tragedy to leave a lasting impact.

Jim Lawless

Jim Lawless is widely considered to be one of the best motivational speakers available to book. As an authority on change management and overcoming adversity, he tours the world with his invaluable perspective, inspiring audiences to embrace their own potential. The published author is the first British person to dive deeper than 101 metres on a single breath, a testament to Jim’s endurance and determination. This speaker practices what he preaches, ensuring the credibility of your influential event.

"I am being approached all the time with new ideas and challenges from those who heard you speak … I love it!"

- John, Vodafone

Mandy Hickson

Motivational speaker and Royal Air Force pilot, Mandy Hickson, is a pioneer of female empowerment. As the second female to fly a fighter jet on the front line, she made great strides for gender representation and inclusion in a male-dominated profession - an achievement that she shares with audiences. Audiences, especially female audiences, come away from Mandy’s speeches inspired, and with a better awareness of their own potential. An event featuring this pioneering individual will resonate with guests.

"Mandy is a fantastic public speaker. She is both inspirational and extremely well prepared. Her ability to relate her own experience working under extreme pressure and in highly performing teams to everyday situations is most impressive. She tops it all with a wonderful sense of humour and great modesty. Listening to her talking about the many challenges that she has successfully overcome should be compulsory for all girls!"

- Miriam Gonzalez, Partner Dechert LLP, International Law Firm

Want to know more? Get in touch!

At Champions Speakers, we book some of the top motivational speakers on the circuit. From athletes to military officers, business leaders to television personalities, the wealth of options available means that there is a speaker for every event. Motivational speakers are the missing link at events, booked to ensure that audiences never forget your conference or function.

If you need to inspire your corporate or sports team, hire a motivational speaker. These talented thought leaders have perfected the art of resonating with audiences, connecting with them on a personal level to leave a lasting positive impression. To find out more, simply contact a booking agent via 0207 1010 553, email or fill out our online contact form, and we will be in touch shortly.

Share on