Top 8 Best Motivational Speakers in the World

A motivational speaker gives speeches to motivate, challenge, or transform their audience. They share their wisdom and experience to help others. Truly, it pays to listen to motivational speakers once in a while in a world full of pain, pessimism, and dashed hopes.

They believe that the world may be a better place if only one person has the bravery to lend a hand. These individuals carry on this belief through words and actions.

Moreover, motivational speakers don’t just want to motivate their listeners. Their speeches are also meant to shake up the status quo. Markedly, we may learn to break out of our comfort zones. We are also able to take the next step in our lives.  We can realize our dreams through their words.

Motivational speakers deserve credit for their ability to affect change in other people’s lives. Frankly, not everyone can persuade others in this way. Many speakers focus on issues that affect many of us, such as disorganization, and lack of drive. Most often, they have faced their own hardships and speak from experience. Using this insight, speakers provide proven techniques & inspiration. The framework which their listeners need to take control of their lives.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 motivational speakers. These individuals have mastered the skill of inspiring others. Every day, they strive to infuse optimism into other people’s lives and improve the world.

Best Motivational Speakers in the World

1) Eric Thomas

“When you want to succeed as bad as you won’t breathe, then you will be successful,”

Eric Thomas

Eric Thomas, or ET, is a motivational speaker, clergyman, and author from the United States. ET  also founded the School Days Foundation, a company that serves students, teachers, and communities. School Days provides motivational content in addition to resources for schools and their students. Basically, through his foundation, ET is helping the underserved youth across the country.

Additionally, ET works as an outstanding motivational speaker. He derives much of his inspiration from personal experiences.

As a teenager in Detroit, ET faced homelessness and dropped out of school. However, he found inspiration from the help of a preacher. As a result of the preacher’s advice, ET determined that he wanted to establish a better life. He went on to earn his GED before heading to college. He wound up earning a Ph.D., which he used to help underprivileged college students first. ET remains passionate about helping children and young adults receive a quality education to this day.

Today, Eric Thomas has established himself as one of the top motivational speakers in the world. His best-selling books have grossed millions of dollars. He has over a million followers on YouTube. Additionally, ET consults with major businesses such as AT&T, Nike, Under Armour, and more.

2) Nick Vujicic

“The challenges in our lives are there to strengthen our convictions. They are not there to run us over.”

Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic was born in Melbourne, Australia with tetra-amelia syndrome. The rare condition results in all four limbs failing to develop. As a result of his condition, Nick struggled psychologically and physically during his childhood. He eventually came to terms with his condition. As with ET, Nick found inspiration from someone who saw something special in him. His high school janitor told him he should speak and share his story. Thus began his journey.

Actually, he is the author of multiple bestselling books. He has founded his non-profit, “Life without Limbs.” The organization travels the world promoting a message of hope and positivity.

Additionally, he is the founder of Attitude is Altitude or AiA. AiA focuses on a social-emotional curriculum to cover the needs of children. That aren’t often covered in schools. Basically, the program helps teach students. Teach about how to understand and react to their emotions.

3) Les Brown

Les Brown is an author, former tv host, and radio DJ. He is also a motivational speaker and former member of the Ohio House of Representatives. He uses the tagline “it’s possible!” as a motivational speaker to encourage people to follow their aspirations.

Growing up, Les was rowdy and sometimes disruptive. As a result, his school labeled him as “slow” and placed him in special education classes. That label followed him through his childhood, reportedly. The fact that Les didn’t care to break free of it. However, Les overcame the stigma in high school after finding inspiration from the speech and drama teacher. Like the previous speakers, the teacher saw potential and Les and pushed him to reach his dream.

Today, Les Brown’s words are all about breaking free from your self-imposed restrictions. Truly, he wants to inspire his audience to set their sights as high as possible. He encourages raising the bar each time. Someone achieves their goal, just as he did for himself.

Moreover, leadership, activism, politics, entrepreneurship, and personal finance are some of his areas of interest. The former Ohio State legislator has established himself as one of the most in-demand motivational speakers globally. The National Speakers Association bestowed the Council of Peers Award for Excellence in 1989. Additionally, Les won the Golden Gavel Award in 1992. Truly, these recognitions are a testimonial to his ongoing efforts to change the world.

4) Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Her chat show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which aired from 1986 until 2011, catapulted her to a household name. It was the highest-rated show of its kind in history. It also greatly influenced its viewers to do more and change their lives.

Truly, Oprah touched countless people from all walks of life. Although she is not a professional motivational speaker, she has given uplifting. She did it through thought-provoking and exciting speeches. Oprah inspires people to achieve their best lives by sharing her struggles and victories.

Additionally, Oprah is the author of several books. It includes The Wisdom of Sundays. In which she encourages readers to connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them.

In addition, Oprah is a philanthropist. Over the last several decades, she founded multiple charities. She also made donations to several more. For example, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation provides grants for organizations. That focus on education and learning. Furthermore, she has donated hundreds of thousands to charities and causes to help people in need.

5) Chris Gardner

Chris Gardner was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on February 9th, 1954. He is the founder and CEO of Gardner Rich LLC. So, Gardner is an entrepreneur, stockbroker, motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist. His most well-known memoir, The Pursuit of Happyness, was published in May.

In the book, Gardner writes of his life in the 1980s. He also faced homelessness while raising his toddler son.

So, Gardner uses his experiences in his talks and writings to teach his audience and readers. So that they can make their dreams come true. He encourages his audience to tap into their potential, create a plan, and stick to it.

6) Jack Canfield

Jack Canfield was born in Fort Worth, Texas. Canfield is a motivational speaker, seminar leader, corporate trainer, and entrepreneur. Notably, he is the author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. He came up with the idea to collect stories to create his book back in 1990. He worked in education and focused on self-concept and personal development.

Additionally, many know him for his captivating and inspirational talks. He uses his platform to inspire people to realize their dreams. Mainly, he speaks about the importance of self-esteem.

Finally, Canfield developed the Canfield Training Group. Through this organization, he teaches individuals, executives, and leaders. It was how to achieve their objectives. His workshops frequently focus on achieving success in all aspects of life.

7) Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and retired professional basketball player. From 1979 until 1991, he was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Truly, most people know Magic from his impressive accomplishments in the NBA.

However, Magic now speaks of his past, the obstacles he overcame, and what led him to success. Mainly, he encourages others to make a difference.

Actually, his talks are full of enthusiasm and laughter. It makes everyone feel like they can achieve any of their professional ambitions. In addition, Magic’s own life experience of overcoming hurdles can motivate anyone. Those people who need the motivation to get back on course after a setback.

8) Brendon Burchard

Brendon Burchard was born in Montana, USA, on September 18th, 1977. Brendon survived a near-fatal car accident at 19. After recovering, he began to ponder the deeper meaning of life. The incident started him on the path to motivational speaking. After his college career, he became a personal growth trainer.

Today, he is the founder of the High-Performance Institute. In this place, people may learn from a variety of coaching programs.

Additionally, Brendon is the author of several books. It’s including High-Performance Habits, which explains the habits you must adopt to be successful. The Charge teaches readers to master the “human urge” to be energetic and joyful.

Final Thoughts

Finally, most people benefit from listening to or watching motivational speakers. Their words can inspire you to take the next step. Truly, it takes a special individual to inspire others as these speakers have.

Think you have what it takes to make a difference in the world? Want to learn step-by-step how to use your voice from a qualified member of the university faculty?

Lakewood University’s Motivational Speaker course will teach you how to become a motivational speaker. This program has been designed to fulfill high academic requirements. It also ensures that you will be able to proudly graduate with the knowledge and skills to succeed.