Motivational Speakers
Energize, motivate, and inspire your audience with motivational stories that inspire peak performance. Our renowned motivational speakers list is comprised of motivational speakers in the U.S.A. and around the world. They are leaders in sports, business, the military, and more, and they share standing-ovation-worthy stories about pushing past limits, overcoming adversity, and thriving in challenging environments. With our expansive roster of motivational keynote speakers, we'll find a speaker that fits your event like a glove.
Our Top Motivational Speakers
Leading Authorities, Inc. speakers bureau represents famous motivational speakers and great motivational speakers who are the right mix of entertaining and educational for your group. The insights and stories from these motivational celebrity speakers are so engaging that they stay with audiences long after the keynote is over. Here are popular types of motivational speakers, but we have much more:
Katie Ledecky
Most Decorated U.S. Female Olympian, 14x Olympic Medalist, 21x World Champion Swimmer, 16x World Record Breaker
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Please Inquire
Katie Ledecky
Cal Ripken, Jr.
Legendary "Iron Man" of Baseball
- Local: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US East: $75,001 and up*
- US West: $75,001 and up*
- Europe: $75,001 and up*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Cal Ripken, Jr.
Ben Saunders
Record-Breaking Explorer & Repeat TED Speaker
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $10,001 - $20,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Ben Saunders
Lisa Sun
Founder & CEO of GRAVITAS, National Bestselling Author of GRAVITAS (USA Today, No. 1 on Amazon)
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Lisa Sun
Erik Weihenmayer
World-Class Blind Adventurer
- Local: $55,001 - $75,000*
- US East: $55,001 - $75,000*
- US West: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Europe: $75,001 and up*
- Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
Erik Weihenmayer
For the best motivation story, Erik Weihenmayer is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world. Despite losing his vision at age 14, he is an accomplished climber, paraglider, skier, and kayaker who never allows blindness interfere with his passion for pursuing an exhilarating and fulfilling life. Erik brings audiences a powerful message about harnessing the power of adversity as fuel for greatness, emphasizing the importance of building a strong “Rope Team,” and illuminating how to develop a “No Barriers Mindset.”
Miguel Cervantes
Alexander Hamilton in Broadway’s “Hamilton,” Actor & Advocate
- Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Miguel Cervantes
Cassi Chandler
Motivational Leadership Expert, FBI’s First African American Female Special Agent Assistant Director
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: Please Inquire
- Asia: Please Inquire
Cassi Chandler
Hakeem Oluseyi
Astrophysicist, Former Space Science Education Lead for NASA, & Inspirational Speaker
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Please Inquire
Hakeem Oluseyi
Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, author the critically acclaimed memoir, A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars, is an internationally-recognized astrophysicist, science TV personality, and global education advocate who has had a long, distinguished career in academia, scientific research, and motivational speaking.
Joan Higginbotham
Retired NASA Astronaut, Rocket Scientist, Electrical Engineer, & Third African American Woman in Space
- Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
Joan Higginbotham
Chris Cassidy
NASA Astronaut, Navy SEAL, CEO and President of the National Medal of Honor Museum
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Chris Cassidy
Lindsay Shookus
Legendary Saturday Night Live Producer
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
Lindsay Shookus
Justin Michael Williams
Inspirational Powerhouse; Grammy Nominated Musical Artist and Author
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: Please Inquire
- Asia: Please Inquire
Justin Michael Williams
Nadja West
First African American Army Surgeon General and Former Commanding General, US Army Medical Command
- Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Nadja West
Evy Poumpouras
Former Secret Service Special Agent and Interrogator, Co-Host of Bravo TV’s “Spy Games”
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Evy Poumpouras
For more than 12 years, Evy Poumpouras served as a Secret Service special agent in an action-packed career during which she was responsible for protecting the world’s most high-value assets. She was a member of the Presidential Protective Division for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and also protected Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush. Today, she is a widely recognized multimedia journalist, host, and producer who uses her skills in front of the camera and behind it to conduct headline-grabbing interviews and investigate the biggest stories in the media. She appears regularly on “TODAY,” NBC, MSNBC, and “Good Morning America” to share her sought-after expertise on national security, law enforcement, and crime, and is the host of Bravo TV’s competition series “Spy Games.” Having mastered the arts of communication and psychology in a wide-ranging career that has taken her from the Secret Service to the TV screen and everywhere in between, Poumpouras offers unconventional strategies for crushing any challenge and living life fearlessly.
Samuel Ramsey
Inspirational Changemaker in Science & Society; Cutting-Edge Communicator; Founder & Director of the Ramsey Research Foundation
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Samuel Ramsey
Darcy Gaechter
Adventurer, Author, First & Only Woman to Kayak the Amazon River from Source to Sea
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US West: $10,001 - $20,000*
- Europe: $10,001 - $20,000*
- Asia: $20,001 - $35,000*
Darcy Gaechter
Jon Dorenbos
Keynote Speaker, World Class Magician, TV Personality, Former NFL Pro Bowler
- Local: $75,001 and up*
- US East: $75,001 and up*
- US West: $75,001 and up*
- Europe: $75,001 and up*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Jon Dorenbos
Sekou Andrews
Grammy-Nominated Creator of "Poetic Voice" & Inspirational Speaker
- Local: $55,001 - $75,000*
- US East: $55,001 - $75,000*
- US West: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Europe: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Sekou Andrews
A school teacher turned actor, musician, two-time national poetry slam champion, entrepreneur, and award-winning poetic voice, any given day may now find Sekou keynoting at a leadership conference, helping a Fortune 500 company with brand messaging, or even performing pieces for Barack Obama in Oprah’s backyard. Sekou is the creator of Poetic Voice, a new, cutting-edge speaking category that seamlessly fuses inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry to make messages more moving and memorable. For over 15 years, Sekou Andrews has been helping the world’s largest organizations deliver relevant information with riveting inspiration through an innovative, unconventional category of speaking called “Poetic Voice.”
As one of the largest motivational speaking bureaus, we represent the best motivational speakers ever—and we’re not just saying that. They offer inspiring, one-of-a-kind experiences that captivate audiences around the globe. Their unique experiences—and natural knack for speaking in front of crowds—allow them to deliver moving stories.
With our expansive roster of motivational keynote speakers, we’ll find a speaker that fits your event like a glove. Looking for a famous motivational speaker who’s an Olympic medalist to talk about the limits they pushed past to stand on the podium? Check. Looking for a great motivational speaker who is also a blind adventurer? Check. How about a motivational celebrity speaker to discuss the adversity they overcame in the industry? Or an adventurer who’s been to the farthest reaches of the globe? Check and check.
Whether you are seeking top business speakers, corporate speakers, professional keynote speakers, an American motivational speaker, a black motivational speaker, a life coach, youth motivational speakers, female motivational speakers, influential motivational speakers, professional sports speakers, sales motivational speakers, postitive speakers, business motivational speakers, or a motivational author, we have you covered. Our corporate motivational speakers cover topics such as public speaking, inspiring people, inspirational stories, public influence, how to unleash the power, the pursuit of happiness, provide pep talks, and share powerful and motivational speaker quotes. LAI's popular motivational speakers share inspirational stories through a motivated seminar or any other in-person, hybrid, or virtual format.
Leading Authorities speakers bureau provides access to inspirational, motivational, and exciting keynote speakers who are sure to catch the attention of audiences while encouraging and supporting them as well. It’s also important to note that motivational speakers accomplish more than just moving and inspiring, they have the potential to change perspectives and outlooks as well.
The Importance of Motivational Speakers
Motivational speakers are important for any type of organization in any situation. Even if employee morale is high, a motivational keynote speaker can encourage the audience to continue feeling that way. If employee morale is low, a top motivational speaker can inspire your audience to boost themselves and increase productiveness and feelings of motivation. Motivational speakers are needed to:
- Inspire, support, reassure, and uplift employees who may be in a rut by talking about relatable experiences and hardships. Poppy Jamie, founder of Happy Not Perfect, combines her own struggle with perfectionism and life purposes with cutting-edge science to help groups tackle today’s culture of anxiety and perfection.
- Motivational speakers can provide energy and inspiration in the workplace by boosting employee morale and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Joan Higginbotham, a retired NASA astronaut and electrical engineer, inspires audiences with her trailblazing journey into space and beyond, sharing how to tackle any endeavor like a NASA astronaut for success.
- Motivational speakers can change the way that audiences view themselves and the world around them. Darcy Gaechter, the first woman to kayak the Amazon River, takes audiences along her heart-pounding expeditions to demonstrate the power of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming even the most daunting challenges.
- In a world full of negatives, a motivational speaker is the positive light that everyone needs to keep them moving forward. Sebastian Terry, the creator of 100 Things Philanthropic Movement, provides a tool kit that can transfer into anyone’s personal or professional lives as they set out with a structure to conquer any goal.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Speaker for Your Event
Booking a motivational speaker can be a great way to inspire and energize your audience, but it's important to choose the right speaker to achieve success for your upcoming event. From NFL players and Navy Seals to best-selling authors and CEOs, with so many types of motivational speakers out there, it can be challenging to know where to start. However, by keeping a few key considerations in mind, you can find a great motivational speaker who will connect with your audience and deliver a memorable and impactful message. Continue reading to discover the critical factors to consider when booking a motivational speaker and gain some valuable insights, tips, and questions to assist you in making the optimal choice for your event.
- Expertise and Experience: When searching for a motivational speaker, seek out someone who has a proven history of delivering impactful presentations, and possesses expertise in the specific topic or theme that aligns with your event's goals. Additionally, you may want to check for any reviews, testimonials, or referrals from previous clients to help determine the speaker's effectiveness and reliability.
- Style and Tone: It is crucial to select a speaker whose style and tone align with your audience's preferences and your event's theme. Consider whether the speaker's delivery is high-energy and dynamic or more subdued and thoughtful to set the appropriate tone and engage your audience effectively.
- Tailored Message: Confirm that the speaker you book can adapt their message and delivery to align with your event's objectives, audience, and theme is crucial to your event’s success. The best motivational speakers should be capable of customizing their content to cater to your audience's specific needs and interests.
- Audience Relevance: Ensure that the motivational speaker you select can captivate your audience with a topic that is relevant to their interests and values. It is important to ensure that the speaker's message aligns with your audience's preferences.
- Delivery Style: Assess the speaker's presentation style, which includes their utilization of visual aids, interaction with the audience, and energy level. Choosing a speaker who is ethical, professional, and cooperative, and who will portray your organization in a positive manner is crucial to your event’s success.
Qualities of Great Motivational Speakers
The most outstanding motivational speakers possess unique qualities that set them apart and leave a long-lasting impression on their audience. Aside from their expertise and ability to engage, the most exceptional speakers can adapt their message to cater to the specific interests and requirements of their audience. They are passionate about their message, which helps to inspire and motivate others, and they are always well-prepared, conducting research on the audience and event to deliver a personalized and impactful presentation. Below is a list of the top 5 qualities to consider when selecting a motivational speaker for your next event.
- Authenticity: An exceptional motivational speaker delivers their message with authenticity and sincerity. They share personal experiences and insights that resonate with the audience on an emotional level, creating a powerful connection. Being authentic on stage is crucial for a motivational speaker because it helps them establish a genuine connection with their audience and build trust.
- Adaptability: The most effective motivational speakers recognize the importance of thorough preparation before delivering a presentation. They devote time and effort to researching the audience, the event, and any other relevant factors such as the industry or organization. Through this understanding, they can create a tailored message that is relevant, engaging, and resonates with the audience. By taking the time to personalize their approach, they can deliver a more impactful presentation that fosters a strong connection with attendees and creates a memorable experience for all.
- Professionalism: Along with possessing excellent communication and motivational skills, a professional speaker should also demonstrate a high level of integrity, ethics, and decorum. They are well-prepared for the event and arrive on time, with appropriate attire and equipment. A professional speaker should show genuine interest and commitment towards your event’s success. Furthermore, a professional speaker should be able to represent your organization positively, aligning their message with your brand values and vision. By selecting a speaker who exemplifies professionalism in every aspect of their work, you can ensure a successful event that leaves a positive and lasting impression on attendees.
- Passion: A skilled motivational speaker exudes passion and conviction in their message, which can inspire audiences to take action. Their ability to motivate and empower their audience to make positive changes in their lives is a testament to their expertise and commitment. They often use personal anecdotes or real-life examples to illustrate the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving success.
- Engagement: Ensure that the motivational speaker you choose has the ability to keep your audience engaged and interested through their presentation, utilizing techniques such as humor and storytelling. They may also incorporate interactive elements, such as audience participation or Q&A sessions. One way to assess a speaker's engagement skills is to check their social media and watch videos from past events. This can give you a sense of their speaking style and how they connect with their audience. You can also read reviews or testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of their ability to engage and inspire.
Learn More About Us
At Leading Authorities, we take pride in representing a diverse group of powerful women and men who have overcome obstacles and achieved success in their respective fields. With our carefully curated roster of motivational and professional keynote speakers available to inspire and motivate your audience, we make it easier for you to find the perfect fit for your event. Our vast network of connections and extensive experience also enable us to help you find the perfect speaker and ensure the success of your event. Our team of dedicated professionals will work closely with you to understand your goals and objectives, providing tailored recommendations based on your specific needs. To book a powerful motivational speaker that will leave a lasting impact on your audience, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
For more information about our expansive roster of elite keynote speakers or to book one of these talented speakers for hire for your next event or meeting, contact our team today.
To get in touch with a member of our team right away about a professional speaker or famous motivational speakers, you can also email us at Contact@lauthorities.com, fill out the form below, live chat with a member of our team online, or call us at 1-800-SPEAKER.
If you are looking for a specific popular speaker not listed above, we still encourage you to contact our team as we specialize in placing hard-to-find and in-demand keynote speakers from all around the world, which may not be listed on our website.