Top 100 Motivational Speakers
Motivational speakers seem to be a “dime a dozen” these days. After all, there is no real barrier to entry. Some motivational keynote speakers don’t even have a website. Motivational speakers are very important in motivating and encouraging people or groups to reach their goals, overcome obstacles, and reach their full potential. Delivering powerful messages that can arouse passion and lead to positive change in people’s lives requires effective communication skills, personal experiences, and a profound grasp of human psychology. So how do you choose the best motivational speaker for your event?
Tips to Choose Motivational Speakers
As a former VP of programs, I know how challenging it can be to sift through a sea of videos and how your reputation is on the line when you make a selection. Here is my list of the Top 100 Motivational Speakers in no particular order. I also selected professional speakers with diverse pricing.
Outcome: What do you want the audience to think, feel, and do as a result of the motivational keynote speaker?
Budget: What can you realistically afford?
Connection: Does the motivational speaker share the same values and style as my audience?
Let's browse the Top 100 Motivational Speakers of the era!
Tony Robbins
Tony Robbins Tony is the OG of motivational speakers. He has impacted millions in the last thirty-five years, from presidents to famous athletes and celebrities. And I believe his book Unlimited Power, published in 1986, is a top ten must-read for any leader. That is not too bad for someone who never went to college.
Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins Mel is someone who rose to stardom fairly quickly. She started out as a coach, wrote a couple of books, and struck gold with her 5-second rule. Mel’s superpower is how comfortable she makes audiences feel yet still challenging and encourages them to do what they don’t want to do.
Eric Papp
I grew up in professional development; I would follow my dad to National Speakers Association meetings as a child.
After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, I did full-day leadership seminars and became one of the nation’s top management trainers. Fifteen years later, with four books written, I’ve transitioned from trainer to keynote speaker.
Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek Simon’s TED Start w/ Why has been viewed over ten million times and launched his career into that stratosphere. He previously worked in advertising and would give this talk to small groups. Simon’s superpower is empathy and leadership curiosity. He continues to put out thought-provoking content.
Brene Brown
Brene Brown Brene is another beneficiary of the TED platform. Before becoming a household name, she was a full-time professor at the University of Houston and had written several books that went unnoticed. Her message on vulnerability, shame, and courage connected with the hearts of many leaders. Her research is a great reminder to all of us that to lead is to be human.
John Maxwell
James Clear
James Clear James started off his career by writing an e-newsletter every week, and he focused on it for several years before even writing his first book. His book Atomic Habits catapulted him to be one of the top motivational speakers.
Dr. Joe Dispenza
Dr. Joe Dispenza Dr. Joe is not one of your typical motivational speakers. If you look at his speaking topics, you don’t see leadership as the first thing. But for me, Dr. Joe’s strategies have helped me attain higher levels of success by focusing on a clear intention and elevated emotion. Below is one of my favorite videos of Dr. Joe discussing reprogramming your mind. I must have watched it five times. I have also read two of his books,
Tom Bilyeu
Alex Hormozi
Matthew McConaughey
I’m not sure how you would get Matthew McConaughey as a leadership speaker for your next event, but if you watch the below video, you will agree that in 13min. Matthew gives any leader some of the best advice regardless of their title or age. Also, his book Greenlights is a fantastic combination of entertainment, inspiration, and practical advice.
Dan Sullivan
Dan is mostly known to business entrepreneurs, but I believe his strategies can be applied to leadership development. He has written several books; his best is How The Best Get Better, volumes one and two. He apples common sense to a complex world, and his strategies are a breath of fresh air for any entrepreneur.
Morris Morrison
The first time I met Morris was at a National Speakers meeting. I heard his story and was inspired and impressed. I believe in order for leaders to inspire and motivate their teams, they need to keep themselves inspired. Morris is one of the top young motivational speakers.
Joe De Sena
Joe is the founder of Spartan races, and his book Spartan Up talks about his journey and gives lessons on what it takes to succeed in a competitive environment. One of my biggest takeaways from Joe was the term “obstacle immunity” and developing the mental toughness and perseverance to overcome any obstacle in your way. And being comfortable with being uncomfortable. The more I discover how the body and mind are connected, the more I realize the value of exercise and strong leadership.
Donald Miller
Leaders tell stories whether we realize it or not. Donald Miller opened my eyes to the importance of clarifying your message to compel someone to take action. I completely overhauled my website after I read his book Marketing Made Simple. He has expertise in marketing, business, and leadership.
Richard Koch
Patrick Lencioni
Patrick’s book The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team is a classic and must-read for anyone responsible for a team. Patrick does a great job outlining what it takes to build trust in a team, which is vital for any team leader in any industry. He is one of the first people that taught me the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict. And the importance of having healthy conflict to get to the best possible solution.
Vernice Armour
Vernice’s story is inspiring and a great reminder that we are more capable than ever. She does a great job of reinforcing the importance of listening to our gut and going after what we want. Listening to someone who overcame larger challenges than you currently face gives you confidence and permission to keep moving forward
Tim Tebow
You probably know him for being a great college football player or outspoken about his faith. But remember, Tim Tebow is at the top for motivational speakers. The five-minute video below is one of my favorites from Tim. He teaches us the difference between success and significance.
Dave Ramsey
Dave is the go-to guy for attaining personal financial success. Leaders can be great with people but struggle with good financial habits. And when this happens, their performance at work suffers. Dave’s strategies will not only help people get out of debt and eliminate their biggest fears. He also gives many tips on how to be a better leader.
Mike Abrashoff
Mike tells the story of how he took command of one of the worst-run ships in the Pacific fleet and what he did to turn it around. He is a great example of how leaders should listen. He interviewed all 310 of his crew to listen to them and find the obstacles and openings to make the ship better.
Molly Bloom
Molly’s Game was an entertaining movie with many leadership and life lessons. Resiliency is one of the lessons that keep coming up when I watch Molly. And resilience is a skill that leaders need today more than ever.
Dr. Delatorro McNeal, II
This guy is Mr. Motivational Speaker. I’ve listened to him speak and always feel better about myself and ready to take on any challenges I have. Dr. Del has written several books, earned the CSP, and received his Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philosophy and Humane Letters in 2021.
Jon Gordon
Jon Gordon is known for his books. You may have heard of his bestselling book The Energy Bus or 24 others. He speaks to Fortune 500 and professional sports organizations.
Elizabeth McCormick
Elizabeth talks about the challenges and lessons learned from being a Black Hawk Helicopter pilot and Chief Warrant Officer for the United States Army.
She is a original member of the John Maxwell Team of certified speakers, as well as an award-winning sales consultant.
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Dr. Willie Jolley
Willie is known for his entertaining and motivational style. He can wow you with his signing voice or an inspirational story. He is a Hall of Fame speaker, an award-winning singer, an international best-selling author.
Mary Kelly
Mary spent 25 years in the Navy, training over 40,000 military and civilian personnel. She authored 15 best-selling leadership and business books, including Master Your World, and Who Comes Next? Leadership Succession Planning Made Easy. Her program, Leading Through the 6 Stages of Crisis, Challenge, and Change, helps leaders and managers incentivize and motivate teams. Mary is listed as one of the Top 50 Sales Speakers and the 56th Most Influential Economist in the world.
Philip Van Hooser
Philip is a down to earth leadership speaker. His strategies are practical and effective. He brings a common sense approach to a complex workplace.
Kevin Brown
Kevin Brown is highly sought after for his The Hero Effect keynote. He gives his audience humor, motivation, and a down-to-earth coaching style that leaves his listeners wanting more. Kevin is known to many bureaus as one of the top motivational speakers.
Barbara Khozam
I met Barbara during our days at Skillpath Seminars. We were both top motivational speakers for the organization.
In 2019, Barbara was chosen as the Top Customer Service Consultant of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals and was also awarded the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) from the National Speakers Association.
Ed Tate
Ed Tate is a true professional He is known as “The Speaker Who Energizes, Educates and Entertains!” To date, he has spoken professionally in 50 states, 25 countries and on five continents. Ed won the 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking – Toastmasters International.
Marilyn Sherman
Marilyn is know for her front row leadership program. After starting her career in corporate America, she is now seen as the go-to motivational keynote speaker for corporate and association markets that want their people to improve their morale, teamwork, and communication skills and ultimately achieve more results.
Steve Gilliland
Steve is a great motivational speaker. He is hilarious, has entertaining stories and his advice is practical. He has written several books, spoken in all fifty states and be heard daily on SiriusXM Radio’s Laugh USA and Jeff & Larry’s Comedy Roundup.
Lee Ellis
Lee was a prisoner of war for six years. He is the author of two books Leading With Honor and Engaging With Honor. He tells a powerful story of perseverance and overcoming incredible challenges. His story stands out among many motivational speakers.
Randy Fox
Randy is one of the up-and-coming, motivational speakers and authors. He brings humor, and energy and provides hope for his audience.
Nando Parrado
I first heard Nando speak at a NSA event and I was hanging onto every word he spoke. He has an unbelievable story about surviving a plane crash in the Andes mountains. He is an author and successful businessman.
Derreck Kayongo
Derreck reminds us the impact one person can have on the world. His global soap project has impacted millions. And his story is incredible. He has been one of the top motivational speakers for years.
Jeffrey Magee
Jeff is a man who knows business. He is a bestselling author and is widely known for his Performance 360 magazine.
Jim Cathcart
Jim Cathcart has been speaking for several years. He is a recipient of the Cavett Award, member of the Speaker Hall of Fame (CPAE), Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), and a 29 year member of the exclusive Speakers Roundtable.
In 2022, he was chosen as #7 of the Top 39 Global Sales Gurus and #19 of the Top Motivational Speakers.
Chad Hymas
Chad Hymas is a well-known author. He is the president of his own Communications Company, Chad Hymas Communications, Inc., and a world-class wheelchair athlete. He is a member of the Speakers Roundtable.
Meredith Elliot Powell
Chip Eichelberger
Formerly Tony Robbins int’l point man, Chip has been chosen over 1000 times by clients like Apple, Hyatt, DOW, RE/MAX and MassMutual. Known for his audience interaction and engagement, Chip will be THE energy source for your event. He delivers massive value before, during and after the event with his video series to drive positive mental and physical habits.
Mark Kamp
Marvelless Mark is a motivational speaker who uses famous and rock star musicians to teach business success principles while invigorating crowds with highly motivating energy.
Amanda Gore
Amanda Gore is a joy facilitator, author, and speaker who believes joy is the key to becoming more productive, creative, successful, and happy. She assists business leaders in achieving results by cultivating joyful workplaces.
Ryan Estis
Robyn Benincasa
Robyn Benincasa is an award-winning speaker, firefighter, adventure racer, CNN Hero, kayaker, author, and founder of The Project Athena Foundation, who motivates individuals and organizations to achieve their objectives.
Anton Gunn
Kevin Sweeney
Christine Cashen
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen was inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame® and has spoken at over 1,000 conferences and meetings. She is the best-selling author of the audio program “12 Steps to High Self-Esteem” and a guest co-host on the television show The Suncoast View.
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Sam Richter
Sam Richter, CPAE, CSP, is a sales intelligence and digital reputation management expert. He has appeared in thousands of interviews, articles, and websites and received numerous awards. He sits on the boards of several technology companies.
Tim Gard
Tim Gard is a humorous Motivational Speaker who uses humor to teach audiences how to relax. He is a Speaker Hall of Fame member and has entertained audiences for over two decades.
Kelly McDonald
Kelly McDonald specializes in diversity, leadership, equity and inclusion, consumer trends, marketing and sales, and customer experience leveraging. Kelly is a four-time best-selling author and a well-known professional speaker. She also founded McDonald Marketing.
Dan Clark
Cy Wakeman
Jon Petz
Vince Poscente
From the second Olympian and NY Times bestselling author, Vince Poscente steps on stage to the standing O at the end, his motivational keynote is full of energy, wit, and wisdom. As a purpose activator and growth accelerator he specializes in launching past uncertainty and igniting impact for a discerning audience of sales and leadership folks.
Waldo Waldman
Waldo Waldman is a Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker, peak performance coach, and decorated Air Force fighter pilot specializing in personal and leadership development, sales productivity, and trusting relationships.
John Sileo
John is the CEO and President of The Sileo Group. He graduated from Harvard University and was recently inducted into the National Speakers Hall of Fame.
Josh Linkner
Josh Linkner is a Creative Troublemaker who uses creative problem-solving and inventive thinking to help leaders, individuals, and communities soar. Josh has received awards for leadership and innovation, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Sam Silverstein
Sam Silverstein teaches and motivates leaders to create high-performance cultures in order to strengthen businesses, communities, and people. He considers accountability the highest form of leadership and is on a mission to help people live accountable lives.
Scott McKain
Scott is a globally recognized expert on how organizations and professionals can differentiate themselves to attract and retain customers and stand out in a competitive marketplace. His book “Create Distinction” was named one of the top ten best business books of 2018.
Don Yaeger
Don Yaeger is a 11-time New York Times best-selling author, long-time Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, keynote speaker, executive coach, and host of Corporate Competitor Podcast. Don is primarily sought after to discuss lessons on achieving Greatness, learned from first-hand work alongside some of the world’s greatest sports and business legends.
Shasta Nelson
Shasta Nelson is a leading friendship expert known for her innovative ideas on healthy relationships. Shasta teaches the Three Relationship Requirements for Healthy Teams, Customer Service, Marketing, Personal Health and Happiness in one of her books.
Gray Brackett
Gary Brackett is a successful entrepreneur, author, corporate trainer, podcast host, and success coach, but his true passion is assisting others to thrive in business and life.
Colleen Francis
Colleen is a successful sales leader who collaborates with business and sales leaders to align their sales DNA in order to seize market opportunities and attract clients. Her strategies have attracted clients such as Merrill Lynch, Merck, Abbott, Adecco, Chevron, Royal Bank, etc.
Betsy Allen-Manning
Betsy is a high-energy keynote speaker who engages audiences with games, brainteasers, and discussions. She has trained over 7,500 leaders and teams in multi-billion dollar corporations. Motiv8u Enterprises, her company, is a top leadership training company in Dallas, Texas.
Shep Hyken
Shep Hyken is an author, keynote speaker, and customer service expert who creates memorable presentations with actionable ideas. He is the Chief Amazement Officer of Shepard Presentations and was inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame.
Peter Sheahan
Peter Sheahan is a global thought leader, entrepreneur, and CEO of ChangeLabs, known for inspiring innovative business thinking and long-term behavior change.
Jay Shetty
Jay is an award-winning host, storyteller, and creator of viral content. His video channel debuted in 2016 and has over 4 billion views and 20 million subscribers. Jay Shetty was named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
Jane Jenkins Herlong
Jane Jenkins Herlong is one of the funniest motivational speakers and authors who uses humor and positive living to encourage her audience to change “no” to “next!” Jane is a Speaker Hall of Fame member and the author of four best-selling books.
Dr. Shirley Davis
Dr. Shirley provides high-impact personal, professional and career development expertise, resources, and strategies to clients in order to help them achieve long-term results in their careers, businesses, and personal lives.
Cassandra Worthy
Cassandra Worthy is the world’s foremost authority on Change Enthusiasm. She has shared her revolutionary approach to embracing change and using it to reach new heights through her consulting firm, Change Enthusiasm Global.
Ron Karr
Ron Karr is a Business Transformation Expert, captivating speaker, and in-demand business consultant who uses The Titan Principle® to help organizations and professionals achieve extraordinary sales and operational results.
Paul Long
Paul is a dynamic, inspiring, and unstoppable speaker who travels the world delivering high-content keynotes and training to Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, and government agencies. He is the author of Fundamism: Connecting to Life Through FUN.
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Eric Boles
Eric Boles is an executive advisor, trainer, motivational speaker, and author of several executives and emerging leader development programs, and president of The Game Changers Inc. He has worked with clients both domestically and internationally, including Nordstrom.
Garrison Wynn
Garrison, CSP, is a best-selling author on Amazon.com and an influencer with a background in financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, instrumentation, and stand-up comedy. Garrison’s work has appeared in Forbes, the Huffington Post, and Inc. magazines.
Jessica Pettitt
Jess Pettitt offers strategies for open communication and actively seeking success. She provides a framework for productive conversation and has earned the National Speakers Association’s Certified Speaking Professional designation.
Mark Sanborn
Mark Sanborn is a Hall of Fame speaker specializing in leadership, customer service, and team development. He is an expert at customizing each keynote to the client and situation. Mark is a member of the exclusive Speakers Roundtable.
Rudy Ruettiger
Rudy is one of the OG motivational speakers. He brings together teams with the common goal of succeeding and making things happen. Rudy emphasizes the value of relationships and leveraging strengths to achieve goals.
Mike Rayburn
Mike Rayburn is a TEDx Presenter who teaches innovation, change, and peak performance through guitar and humor. He has given presentations to Fortune 100, 500, and top five companies, including Exxon, Walmart, and Wells Fargo.
Ty Bennett
Ty Bennett is a young, fresh voice with a fun, engaging style who has performed on stages alongside celebrities, thought leaders, and former Presidents Bush and Clinton. His message is changing people’s lives all over the world.
Steve Farber
Steve Farber is an extreme leadership pioneer, keynote speaker, strategist, and best-selling author. Steve was named the number one business speaker by the Huffington Post and one of Inc.’s top 50 leadership and management experts.
Greg Williams
Greg Williams is a Master Negotiator and Body Language Expert who has spent over 30 years studying and practicing negotiation techniques. He has served on various corporate, business, and government boards.
Karen Jacobsen
Karen Jacobsen is a well-known international speaker, concert performer, and songwriter. She owns the voice behind the Aussie voice of ‘Siri’, as well as the voice inside many GPS and Smartphone devices around the world.
Jim Johnson
Coach Jim Johnson is a dream-realization expert. Jim emphasizes the value of teamwork and sportsmanship in his many public appearances. For the past 28 years, he has coached winning high school basketball teams.
Sima Dahl
Sima is the co-author of two anthologies and a regular contributor to the American Marketing Association and other publications on personal branding and social selling. She is a member of the National Speakers Association.
Monica Wofford
Monica, the CEO and founder of Contagious Companies, Inc., is an internationally requested speaker and author. She employs her skills as an engaging and entertaining professional speaker and trainer to assist those who have been promoted but have not been adequately prepared.
Seth Mattison
Seth is a globally recognized advisor, thought leader, and top-rated keynote speaker on talent management, leadership, digital transformation, change and innovation, and the future of work. Seth has shared his wisdom with thousands of business leaders over the years.
Barry Banther
Randy Gage
Larry Winget
Stephen M.R. Covey
T.D. Jakes
Joyce Meyer
Rocky Bleier
Lou Holtz
Ray Lewis
Eric Thomas
He became a household name when his Youtube talk went viral. He was once homeless and now he is known as ET, The Hip Hop Preacher and has become a global phenomenon!
Conclusion
Now that you know about top Motivational Speakers and how to choose one, its time to begin! Take into account each of the aforementioned considerations, then evaluate your options. Choose a motivational speaker who not only fits your criteria but also has the talent to move and engage your audience. Keep in mind that it’s crucial to pick a motivational speaker who not only has subject-matter expertise but also has the capacity to engage and motivate your particular audience. A successful and memorable event is more likely if you take the time to investigate and assess potential speakers. Explore your options rightly and see the one which suits you best.
