A motivational speaker is a professional speaker who inspires and encourages audiences, often focusing on personal development, positive thinking, and overcoming challenges.
They are vital for companies seeking to boost morale, productivity, and team spirit, as the right speaker can resonate with employees, imparting relevant insights and actionable strategies.
However, not everyone can be a motivational speaker; it requires a unique blend of charisma, expertise, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect deeply with diverse audiences.
Authenticity and a compelling personal story or professional experience greatly enhance a speaker’s effectiveness.
So, if you are here because you want to become an effective speaker, allow me to help you make the most of your time.
I will explore who motivational speakers are, why companies often hire them, the characteristics of the best ones, and how to select the ideal speaker for your next event.
I hope the information I will share will help you choose the best motivational speaker for your company.
What makes me a motivational speaker?
People call me a motivational speaker. That’s because I deliver speeches with the intent to motivate, inspire, and uplift the audience. I make people pay attention to their dreams and the problems that prevent them from achieving their dreams. Then, I help them make a mind shift so they can find new solutions and use them.
A motivational speaker’s job is to bring out the best in people and help them make the best better.
So, even when I am training leaders, you can say that I do motivational speaking.
The messages of motivational speakers are often packed with powerful stories and insightful wisdom designed to provoke thought and stimulate action.
I love telling stories.
But the motivational speaking role doesn’t stop at mere storytelling; it involves strategically crafting messages to resonate deeply, igniting the passion and ambition within individuals and groups.
For this reason, many companies in the Philippines hire motivational speakers during sales rallies and team-building events.
Motivational speakers can be found in many different arenas, ranging from business environments to educational settings and everything in between. Their speeches often revolve around overcoming personal or professional obstacles, pushing limits, or unlocking potential.
In a nutshell, motivational speakers act as catalysts for change, encouraging their audience to break free from their constraints and chase their aspirations with renewed vigor.
Interestingly, many motivational speakers share personal experiences marked by adversity and triumph. These stories contribute to their authenticity and enable them to connect with their audience on an intimate level.
They use these experiences to inspire others, demonstrating that overcoming adversity is possible, and personal or professional goals can indeed be achieved.
Why do companies hire motivational speakers?
Companies hire motivational speakers to infuse enthusiasm, drive innovation, and inspire their workforce.
Employees can easily fall into a cycle of stress and monotony, leading to decreased productivity and low morale. Motivational speakers provide fresh perspectives and reignite the spark of enthusiasm and dedication within the workforce.
Companies often leverage motivational speakers when undergoing significant transitions, like cultural shifts or the adoption of new business strategies.
A good motivational speaker can ease this transition by effectively communicating the benefits of the change, thereby increasing the employees’ receptivity to the new way of doing things.
They are instrumental in getting the entire workforce aligned and focused on a common goal.
Employees who are used to the old model tend to resist change. A motivational speaker can help the organization enable employees to see things in a new way. Unless there is a mindset change, people will stick to the old ways.
Additionally, motivational speakers play a pivotal role in nurturing leadership within an organization. They impart valuable insights and skills that enable budding leaders to understand their roles better, take on challenges, and lead with confidence.
Their speeches are often packed with lessons on resilience, decision-making, and effective communication – critical attributes for any successful leader.
What are the characteristics of excellent motivational speakers?
An excellent motivational speaker is marked by an uncanny understanding of human psychology and emotional triggers. They know how to weave a compelling narrative that grips the audience’s attention, stirs emotions, and incites action.
The ability to connect with their listeners on an emotional level allows them to deliver their message effectively.
Authenticity and empathy are also critical characteristics of top-notch motivational speakers. Their personal stories are shared not for the sake of storytelling but to create a bond with their audience.
These stories often resonate with the listener’s experiences, making the message more powerful.
This authenticity breeds trust and makes the speaker’s words more impactful.
Exceptional public speaking skills are another key trait of a successful motivational speaker. They demonstrate excellent command over language, voice modulation, and body language. Their stage presence is commanding yet inviting.
They are resilient individuals who have navigated their adversities. This resilience not only adds credibility to their speeches but also serves as a testament to their message.
In recent years, I observed that many Filipino motivational speakers try hard to become comedians. Perhaps, it is because don’t want to be boring, so some started to speak like stand-up comedians. Though comedians can be inspiring at times, the objectives are not the same.
Good motivational speakers have a healthy dose of humor, but people don’t pay them for entertainment.
Good motivational speakers provide solutions and they share stories that resonate with their crowd. Their stories keep people engaged, entertained, and served.
How to pick the best motivational speaker for your next event?
Choosing the right motivational speaker begins with a clear understanding of the event’s objectives. You need to identify the key messages or changes you wish to convey to your audience.
This clarity allows you to shortlist speakers whose philosophies and experiences align with your objectives, ensuring a coherent and impactful message.
The next step involves understanding your audience. A motivational speaker should be able to relate to their audience’s experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Thus, knowing your audience’s demographics, interests, and professional background can guide you in selecting a speaker who will best resonate with them.
Once you have established your objectives and know your audience, it’s time to delve into detailed research. Look into potential speakers’ past engagements, observe their style, and review audience feedback.
Some motivational speakers deliver only one or two signature speeches. One particular speaker delivered Acres of Diamond more than five thousand times. Other speakers like to customize their speeches to specific audiences. And some speakers will accept any topic that will make them earn good money.
I chose to talk about leadership, growth mindset, teamwork, and thinking big. Though I write about financial intelligence, I do not talk about it since more than half of Filipino motivational speakers talk about financial freedom.
The availability of online platforms today makes it easier than ever to access recordings of previous talks, interviews, and reviews. This research will give you a clearer picture of the speaker’s expertise, delivery style, and audience engagement.
Finally, initiating a direct conversation with potential speakers is a beneficial step. Discuss your event specifics, the audience, and your goals.
The most common mistake is to ask a motivational speaker to send a proposal, their rates, and the topics they deliver. Interview the speaker before you ask for a proposal.
This interaction can help gauge if the speaker understands your requirements and can deliver the desired impact. Remember, the right motivational speaker can elevate your event from good to unforgettable.
Why get a Filipino motivational speaker?
There are compelling reasons to consider a Filipino motivational speaker for your next event. Firstly, Filipino speakers bring a unique cultural perspective that can enrich the content of their speeches. Their experiences, shaped by the cultural and societal context of the Philippines, can offer fresh insights and solutions.
Secondly, if your audience includes a significant Filipino demographic, a speaker who shares their cultural background will resonate more powerfully. They can communicate in a way that is culturally relevant and meaningful, thus fostering a stronger connection with the audience.
Lastly, Filipinos are known for their resilience, optimism, and strong community ties. A Filipino motivational speaker can embody these values, providing inspiring real-life examples of overcoming adversities and building strong relationships. These elements make for compelling speeches that can motivate and unite diverse audiences.
