Difference between a motivational and inspirational speaker
We are often asked what the difference between a motivational and inspirational speaker is. And that can be quite a complicated question. This is because some are either and many are both.
Making sure you share your exact requirements with us is important. This helps us match the most appropriate speakers to your brief.
First and foremost, we need to understand who your audience will be, the theme of the event and any vital message you wish the speaker to convey.
The difference between the two are often very subtle but occasionally are blatantly obvious.
Some motivational speakers style themselves as audience rousers, encouraging them to chant mantras and wave their hands in the air. Others are much softer in their delivery. Their aim is to empower the audience, encourage them to be their best.
Inspirational speakers on the other hand tend to have lived, suffered, or encountered an experience or event so traumatic their survival and ability to conquer massive obstacles leaves a massive impression on the audience. Others have overcome incredible feats of endurance from which their survival and adaptation blows the audience away. Their delivery can often have life changing effects on individuals in the room, making them realise they too can overcome situations that might affect their work and personal life for the better.
Motivational Speakers
When looking for a motivational speaker, you need someone who can engage with your audience, add energy, and encourage them to examine their own behaviours in their lives. A successful motivator’s effort will leave a lasting effect which in turn will lead to improved productivity in the workplace and a better work life balance.
Our motivational are masters at creating and igniting the inner drive within people to achieve and succeed within an organisation. They understand the importance of efficiency, productivity and mastering the job.
There are many reasons that organisations book motivational speakers. This can range from dealing with change, learning from successful business stories or showcasing stories of those who have overcome adversity.
They engage the audience with their stories, messages and humour which everyone can relate to. Because even the smallest of changes can make a huge difference to an individual’s own success.
Here are some of the incredible motivational speakers we are honoured to list on our roster:
Laura Winterling
Laura Winterling is a physicist, a former astronaut instructor, entrepreneur and keynote speaker. Working for the European Space Agency for almost a decade she takes her audience on an incredible journey far up into the atmosphere. Using anecdotes and stories from working with astronauts she merges and carves a variety of relevant topics into her speeches. Above all else she shares insights into space missions, living on board a space station and the day-to-day life of an astronaut. And she combines them with her expertise in leadership, efficient decision making, surviving stressful situations and efficient communications.
Jo Malone
Jo Malone MBE is an international speaker and renowned entrepreneur. She is best known for creating one of the worlds’ most sought-after luxury fragrance brands eponymous with her name. In 1999, she sold the business to Estée Lauder Companies and remained Creative Director until her exit in 2006 and November 2011 marked fresh business beginnings as Jo re-entered the beauty industry with her new fragrance brand JO LOVES. Jo says, “Designing fragrance is who I am. It makes my heart beat”
Dame Katherine Grainger DBE, has won Olympic silver at Rio 2016, gold at London 2012, added to her silver medals from Sydney in 2000, Athens in 2004, and Beijing in 2008. She also has six world championships titles to her name, and Katherine is the first British woman to win her five medals at five successive games. Katherine is an incredible motivational speaker and excels when talking of teamwork, overcoming challenges, motivation, winning and the importance of communication.
Inspirational Speakers
Inspirational Speakers come from all walks of life. An inspirational speaker talks about their spectacular first-hand experience of a particular and often phenomenal success, achieved by huge amounts of self-sacrifice, courage, and determination.
Their inspirational achievements generate from many situations. They may have overcome extreme adversity in their lives and have overcome insurmountable obstacles to become the person they are. They may be mountaineers, ocean rowers, burns victims, injured military personnel, entrepreneurs, and Olympians.
Here are a few examples of inspirational speakers we are privileged to work with:
Katie Piper is a best-selling international author, inspirational speaker, TV presenter and charity campaigner. Katie talks about her life after surviving a brutal attack in March 2008 when her ex-boyfriend arranged for someone to throw sulphuric acid in her face. She is so brave and determined not only for her own survival but she spends much time helping others who have been disfigured in some way. Her speeches are simply inspirational.
Dudley “Tal” Stokes achieved spectacular success against all the odds when he was chosen to captain the real life Jamaican Olympic Bobsleigh Team. You may recall the incredible story of the challenges this Caribbean foursome faced – their story was forever immortalised in the iconic film Cool Runnings. (John Candy played their coach). Dudley became a four time Olympian who captained the real team into the top ten top Bobsleigh teams in the world in only 10 years and is now their official Olympic Coach. He is based in the UK
Rob and Paul Forkan
Rob & Paul Forkan are entrepreneurs, authors and brothers. Furthermore, they are the founders & designers of the Gandys brand. Their businesses idea grew out of tragedy – they and their two siblings lost their parents in the 2014 Boxing Day Tsunami leaving them bereft and orphans. But it didn’t stop them hitchhiking home and creating a successful brand and an equally successful charity Orphans for Orphans. They live by a simple philosophy, which is strongly reflected in the brand, “Designed in London, Inspired by Travel, Fuelled by Giving Back.” Their speeches are superb.
If you would like to discuss booking a motivational or inspirational speaker for your event, email us on enquiries@thespeakersagency.com or call us on +44 (0) 1332 810481. Alternatively, simply fill out our contact form and one of our friendly staff will be intouch.
