Welcome to our list of the most emotionally engaging speakers of 2025.
Don’t just hire a celebrity or sports star. If your workforce needs a boost to morale, inspiration, and a memorable event, hire a speaker that will engage with them emotionally.
When faced with burnout, disruption, or reorganization, your audience needs a voice of reason, motivation, and compassion.
These events need speakers that connect with their audience on an emotional level. Furthermore, they can create a sense of unity and shared understanding, fostering a deeper connection that goes beyond mere words.
Their impact extends beyond the stage, as they have the potential to shape perspectives and ignite movements through the power of emotional connection. Therefore, the Mollie Plotkin Group is proud to present our top emotionally engaging speakers that are relevant and provide actionable takeaways for their audiences.
Top 15 Emotionally Engaging Speakers
Jody Carrington
Clinical psychologist and bestselling author, Jody Carrington is known for her compassionate approach to human connection and resilience. With years of experience in helping individuals and organizations navigate emotional struggles, Jody offers powerful insights into mental health and community building. Her relatable storytelling and humor create an atmosphere of understanding and hope, making her an unforgettable speaker.
Tucker Bryant
An entrepreneur, innovation strategist, and nationally renowned poet, Tucker Bryant captivates audiences with his unique blend of storytelling and poetry. His emotionally charged performances challenge conventional thinking and inspire creative leadership. Tucker’s ability to transform personal experiences into universal lessons resonates deeply with audiences, leaving them inspired to embrace change and pursue their dreams.
Mel Robbins
Renowned motivational speaker and bestselling author of “The 5 Second Rule,” Mel Robbins empowers audiences to take action and overcome self-doubt. With her candid, relatable style, she shares transformative tools for building confidence and achieving personal and professional goals. Mel’s energetic presence and practical advice make her one of the most sought-after emotionally engaging speakers.
Matthew Emerzian
Matthew Emerzian is a bestselling author, renowned keynote speaker, and the founder and CEO of Every Monday Matters, an organization dedicated to transforming lives and reshaping workplace cultures by reinforcing the profound message that “you matter.”
As a keynote speaker, Matthew delivers engaging and motivational talks that inspire audiences to recognize their inherent value and potential. His message emphasizes the importance of self-worth, community engagement, and the ripple effect of individual actions on the broader society.
Leslie Maxie
Olympic athlete and broadcaster, Leslie Maxie shares inspiring stories of perseverance and excellence. Drawing from her experiences as an elite competitor and media personality, Leslie offers valuable lessons on overcoming adversity and maintaining a champion’s mindset. Her engaging style and relatable storytelling inspire audiences to strive for greatness in every aspect of life.
Jay Shetty
Former monk and bestselling author, Jay Shetty inspires audiences with his wisdom on mindfulness and purposeful living. Drawing from his time in an ashram and his experiences as a digital storyteller, Jay shares profound insights on happiness, relationships, and personal growth. His relatable storytelling and down-to-earth approach create an emotional connection with audiences, leaving them motivated to live more meaningful lives.
Mariana Atencio
Award-winning journalist and author, Mariana Atencio captivates audiences with her powerful storytelling and advocacy for inclusivity. Known for her TEDx talk “What Makes You Special,” which went viral globally, Mariana’s message of embracing authenticity resonates deeply. Her dynamic stage presence and inspiring journey as a Latina immigrant empower audiences to find their voice and share their stories fearlessly.
AK Ikwuakor
Former world-class athlete and leadership expert, AK Ikwuakor engages audiences with his dynamic storytelling and empowering messages. As a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, AK shares his journey of overcoming challenges to achieve success. His charismatic delivery and actionable insights inspire individuals and teams to maximize their potential and embrace leadership with purpose.
Shola Richards
Workplace civility expert and bestselling author, Shola Richards inspires audiences to create positive and inclusive cultures. With his powerful narrative on overcoming adversity and his mission to end workplace toxicity, Shola empowers leaders and employees to foster kindness, compassion, and collaboration. His emotionally engaging presentations leave a lasting impact on workplace dynamics and team morale.
IN-Q
Emmy-nominated poet and songwriter, IN-Q captivates audiences with his emotionally charged spoken word performances. Using poetry as a tool for connection and reflection, IN-Q challenges audiences to explore their emotions and rethink societal norms. His raw vulnerability and masterful storytelling inspire audiences to engage with life more deeply and authentically.
Sekou Andrews
Award-winning poetic voice and motivational speaker, Sekou Andrews revolutionizes the keynote speaking experience by blending inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry. His emotionally powerful performances energize audiences and inspire creative thinking. Known for his dynamic storytelling and engaging delivery, Sekou’s presentations resonate on a deeply emotional level, leaving a lasting impact.
Kevin Reilly
Former NFL linebacker and cancer survivor, Kevin Reilly inspires audiences with his journey of resilience and perseverance. After losing his arm and shoulder to cancer, Kevin overcame immense challenges to rebuild his life and career. His motivational storytelling encourages audiences to face adversity with courage and hope, making his message unforgettable and deeply moving.
Henna Pryor
Executive coach and workplace performance expert, Henna Pryor engages audiences with her humor and actionable insights on personal and professional growth. Known for her authentic storytelling and strategic advice, Henna empowers leaders and teams to embrace change, maximize potential, and achieve meaningful success. Her relatable and emotionally engaging style resonates with diverse audiences.
Nicole Malachowski
Trailblazing aviator and advocate for resilience, Nicole Malachowski shares her extraordinary story as the first female pilot with the USAF Thunderbirds. Her journey of breaking barriers and facing life-altering health challenges inspires audiences to embrace adaptability and courage. Nicole’s emotionally powerful narrative leaves a lasting impression on all who hear her speak.
Chris Waddell
Paralympic champion and motivational speaker, Chris Waddell captivates audiences with his story of overcoming adversity and redefining possibilities. After a skiing accident left him paralyzed, Chris went on to become one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes in history. His inspiring journey of resilience and perseverance empowers audiences to turn challenges into opportunities.
Hire the Most Emotionally Engaging Speakers for Your Event
These 15 emotionally engaging speakers inspire audiences with their powerful stories, heartfelt messages, and dynamic presentations. Whether your event aims to motivate teams, foster resilience, or inspire leadership, these speakers leave a profound emotional impact.
The Mollie Plotkin Group simplifies the process of finding and booking the perfect speaker for your event. We tailor our recommendations to your audience and objectives, ensuring a memorable and impactful experience.Ready to inspire your audience? Contact Mollie Plotkin Group today to book one of these exceptional speakers!
