Motivational Speakers
Motivation lasts when it comes from a real comeback. These speakers include a boxer who competed for Team USA, a former NFL player turned magician and a pioneering naval fighter pilot, and they suit sales kickoffs, conferences and company meetings.
Motivational Speakers available to book
Showing 1–24 of 147 motivational speakers
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Booking guide
How to choose and book a motivational speaker
What motivational speakers bring to your event
A motivational keynote gives your audience energy and a reason to act. The best speakers pair a memorable story with a clear takeaway, so the lift lasts beyond the applause.
Tom Brady, Jim Kelly and Ray Lewis bring football stories of winning and leading. Carey Lohrenz, the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot in the U.S. Navy, and Olympic boxer Cam Awesome speak about courage and discipline. Josh Sundquist, a Paralympian and author, and Jon Dorenbos, a magician and former NFL player, tell stories of overcoming setbacks, while Steve Rizzo adds humor and Anne Mahlum and Laura Gassner Otting speak about building a bold career.
How to choose the right motivational speaker
Start with the feeling and the action you want afterward, then narrow the list with four questions:
- Story type. Athletes, military leaders, entrepreneurs and survivors each inspire differently. Match the story to your audience.
- Tone. Some speakers are high-energy, others reflective or funny. Pick the tone that suits your room.
- Audience and format. Sales kickoffs, conferences, galas and employee events call for different styles. Many speakers also offer fireside chats and Q&A.
- Budget and logistics. Compare the fee ranges and travel locations on each card, and check whether a virtual keynote fits your event.
Booking a motivational speaker
Fees for the motivational speakers on this page range from about $15,000 to more than $500,000, depending on demand, date, location and format. Travel is usually additional for in-person events.
Open a speaker’s profile and select Check Availability to send your date, location and event details. A Mollie Plotkin Group agent confirms availability, the fee and travel, and handles contracts and logistics through to the event.
Motivational speaker FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a motivational speaker?
Fees on this page range from about $15,000 to more than $500,000. Household names sit at the top of that range, and many accomplished speakers fall between $15,000 and $50,000. Each card shows the current fee range where it is published.
How far in advance should we book?
As early as possible. In-demand speakers commit to dates months ahead, and booking early gives you more choice and more time for travel planning and a prep call.
Can these speakers present virtually?
Many can. Use the In Person or Virtual filter to see who offers virtual keynotes, and check the profile for the virtual fee, which is often lower than the in-person fee.
Will the speaker tailor the keynote to our audience?
Ask when you check availability. Many speakers hold a planning call to learn about your audience and goals and adjust their stories and examples to fit.
What is the difference between a motivational speaker and a keynote speaker?
A keynote speaker opens or anchors an event and may cover any topic. A motivational speaker is a keynote speaker whose message is about energy, resilience and mindset.
Didn’t find the right speaker?
Tell us about your event and our agents will build a custom shortlist that fits your audience, date and budget.