What Makes a Great Motivational Speaker?

Whether you’re planning a leadership conference, a company away day, or a school assembly, your speaker sets the tone. A great motivational speaker doesn’t just talk at an audience. Instead, they shift mindsets, spark energy, and help people see things differently.

But what actually makes a motivational speaker great?

Let’s break it down.

The Role of Motivation in Audience Engagement

Motivation isn’t about hype or clichés. It’s about connecting, making people feel seen, understood, and inspired to act. The right speaker brings focus, lifts energy, and helps people take something away that lasts longer than the applause.

Real-World Outcomes of Effective Speaking

Done well, a motivational talk can:

• Reconnect teams after a tough period
• Launch a change with belief and buy-in
• Reignite pride in a company’s mission
• Help people see a path forward

We’ve seen it happen many times — in corporate boardrooms, schools, universities, and more.

Common Risks of Choosing the Wrong Speaker

Not every good speaker is a good fit. A speaker who talks at the audience, not to them, can leave a room flat. Too generic, too rehearsed, too “inspirational” and people switch off. You need someone real, relevant, and right for your audience. This is our bread and butter. We work with 1000s of speakers, and we’ve had over 20 years in business matching them to events that are a good fit. Get in touch with one of our booking agents today and we can provide you with a personalised speaker proposal of names that are right for you.

A great motivational speaker has more than just a good story or a big personality. Here are the traits to look for:

Authenticity and Vulnerability

People connect with people, not personas. The best speakers don’t perform; they share. They’re open about failure, honest about growth, and comfortable being real.
Example: Darren Edwards talks openly about the accident that left him paralysed, and how he rebuilt his life, connecting deeply with audiences across sectors.

Powerful, Relevant Storytelling

Facts fade. Stories stick. A great speaker builds a narrative that fits your theme and audience, making it personal and powerful.
Example: Katie Piper’s story of surviving an acid attack is a tragedy, but now she uses that tragedy to inspire resilience, hope, and strength that leaves a lasting mark.

Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

The best speakers read the room. They know when to pause, when to shift gear, and when to lean in. They adapt, they’re not just delivering a script.

Confidence Without Arrogance

Great speakers hold the room, but they’re not show-offs. They’re confident in their message, but grounded enough to keep it focused on the audience.

Humour and Charisma

Even serious messages land better with warmth. A touch of humour helps people relax and remember.
Example: Jo Salter, the RAF’s first female fast jet pilot, mixes personal insight with humour to great effect, helping audiences warm to her immediately.

Adaptability to Audience and Theme

The best speakers don’t give the same talk every time. They adapt to who’s in the room, what the event is about, and how the energy flows. We know there’s no one size fits all approach, and so do our speakers. 

Content matters. But delivery makes the difference.

Researching the Audience Beforehand

Strong speakers ask questions beforehand. They want to know who they’re speaking to, what matters to them, what challenges they face, and how they can help.

Clear Structure with Memorable Takeaways

There’s a clear beginning, middle and end. There are moments you remember and messages that stick.

Use of Multimedia or Props Effectively

Some speakers use slides or video. Others don’t. Either way, great speakers don’t rely on tools. If they use them, it’s only to enhance their message. 

Timekeeping and Event Alignment

Going over time can throw an event off. A great speaker knows how to keep to time without rushing or dragging.

Use this checklist to guide your speaker selection:

Define your audience and goals – What do you want them to feel or do afterwards?
Match speaker style to event type – Big stage? Intimate boardroom? Formal or relaxed?
Review past talks and clips – Watch how they connect, not just what they say.
Look for testimonials, awards or credentials – Social proof matters. So do lived experiences.
Speak to us – We can help match the right voice to your event.

Here are just a few of the motivational speakers we recommend based on the traits above:

Ade Adepitan – Brings humour, resilience, and passion for inclusion. As a Paralympian and broadcaster, his talks inspire with energy and honesty.

Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock – A scientist and space expert with the rare gift of making complex ideas exciting and relatable. Her warmth and enthusiasm light up every room.

Jason Fox – Former Special Forces soldier and mental health advocate. He speaks with calm authority, drawing on extreme experiences to explore teamwork, leadership, and survival.

Choosing the right speaker is all about finding someone who can spark something specific to your audience.

Browse our full range of motivational speakers, or get in touch to find your perfect speaker. We’ll help you find someone who fits your message, your team, and your goals.