Motivational speaker

Motivational speakers are individuals who address audiences to inspire them and provide them with tools to achieve success. While some motivational speakers may have formal training in psychology or counseling, most do not. Instead, they tend to be successful individuals who have overcome adversity and can share their own stories as examples of what is possible.

Purpose / Definition[edit]

A motivational speaker is someone who delivers speeches that are meant to stimulate or motivate listeners. These speakers may also aim to challenge or change their audiences' perspectives. The speech itself is commonly referred to as a pep talk. Motivational speakers can influence and impact large groups of people by talking at schools, colleges, places of worship, companies, corporations, government agencies, conferences, and trade shows.

The best motivational speakers are those who can connect with their audience and speak to them in a relatable way. They understand the challenges and obstacles that their audience is facing and can provide them with tangible advice for overcoming these challenges. Great motivational speakers are also master communicators, able to captivate an audience and keep them engaged throughout the entire presentation.

If you're looking for a motivational speaker for your next event, you should keep a few things in mind. First, consider the size of your audience and choose a speaker who is comfortable addressing large groups. Second, consider the overall theme or message you want your event to communicate and look for a speaker who aligns with that message. Finally, check reviews or testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of what others have thought of the speaker's performance.

Early motivational speakers[edit]

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher credited as one of the earliest known Motivational speakers for his work which challenged traditional thinking at the time.

Techniques and theories[edit]

There are two main theories for why motivational speakers may be searched externally: Content and Process theories.

Theories on content were established by various philosophers, for example, Abraham Maslow, Clayton Alderfer, Frederick Herzberg, and David McClelland. These theories concern an individual's inner workings and contemplate what will sustain them long-term while also taking into account different needs that may motivate them. The philosopher's main idea behind these theories is the acknowledgment of every individual's uniqueness.

The process theories help understand people, what will motivate or halt their actions, and how to keep these behaviors going in the long term. By Victor Vroom, B.F Skinner, Ruth Kanfer, and Albert Bandura - it Iicularly focuses on learning and expectancy needs- we see that individuals usually make choices depending on if they will be compensated or not.

Speakers attempt to demonstrate the beneficial results that could manifest in life and emphasize potential opportunities instead of self-imposed boundaries. People tend to respond better to positive words rather than negative ones and display charisma through verbal and non-verbal social cues. To engage with an audience on a non-verbal level, a speaker might use posture, eye contact, body language, facial expressions, or dress appropriately. They can also change the tone of their voice - including speech pattern, accentuation, and pitch - to show the emotion behind what they are saying.

Well-known Motivational Speakers[edit]

References[edit]