Top 15 Most Motivational and Inspiring Speakers

Next to reading motivational quotes, one of my favorite ways to get motivated is listening to inspiring speakers.

The best motivational speakers have this magical way of combining their inspirational stories with a charismatic presence to light a fire in your soul that makes you feel like you can take on the world.

Part of life is facing struggles and feeling held down by our circumstances. That’s why listening to a great motivational speaker who has conquered adversity is so inspiring! These inspiring speakers give us direct access to a powerful feeling of hope as we work to overcome our own challenges and obstacles.

I am excited to share our list of the top 15 most motivational and inspiring speakers! This list is made up of speakers of various backgrounds, so take a moment to find the right speaker for what you need in your life right now! 

I have also included our recommendations for videos to watch where possible. These are our favorite clips of these inspiring speakers in action!

Whether it’s taking control of your mindset, your finances, or your attitude, this list has the inspiring speakers that you need to start creating the life you want to live.

1. Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins stands as one of the top motivational speakers globally. He is a New York Times bestseller, author of many self-help books, and is well known for his live motivational events. As a motivational keynote speaker, his charismatic presence and motivational speeches have inspired millions to reach new heights in personal development and positive change. 

Our Recommendation: Tony Robbins’ TED Talk “Why we do what we do“.

2. Les Brown

After being labelled “mentally disabled” at a young age, Les Brown chose to relentlessly pursue public speaking. He is now often regarded as the best speaker in the world. Les Brown’s story shows how the power of a growth mindset can help you to do anything you put your mind to.

Our Recommendation: Any video you can find!

3. Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic’s unique personal struggles make him a great motivational speaker with a different perspective on life. Born without limbs, Nick’s personal stories show how it is possible to climb over any obstacle that life puts in front of you.

My favorite lesson from Nick is that we may not be born with limbs, but we are born with a choice. We can choose to be angry for what we don’t have or we can choose be grateful for what we do have.

Our Recommendation: Nick’s interview with 60 minutes where he shows how he is able to swim without arms or legs.

4. Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey is a best-selling author, radio host, and trusted financial expert. Dave’s story of financial downfall and rise shows how the power of vulnerability can be used to make a story and a message resonate with people. 

Dave Ramsey has a blunt and humorous approach to delivering financial advice that make him a charismatic inspiring speaker. Dave simplifies financial concepts and provides practical steps to achieve financial freedom. His advice is seen as straightforward and actionable which makes it resonate with his audience.

Our Recommendation: Any of Dave Ramsey’s videos on The Ramsey Show’s YouTube channel (Dave’s top 10 Unbelievable Calls is our favorite!).

5. Oprah Winfrey 

Oprah Winfrey’s story is one of resilience, determination, and using personal struggles as a source of strength. Her journey from a difficult upbringing to becoming a self-made billionaire and one of the most influential personalities in the world has inspired millions.

Our Recommendation: This collection of motivational speeches from Oprah.

6. Robin Sharma

Robin Sharma is a world-renowned speaker, leadership expert, and the author of one of our favorite books on purpose: The 5AM Club.

Robin Sharma is one of our favorite professional motivational speakers because of his calm and gentle presence. He shares powerful insights on leadership, personal development, productivity, and achieving one’s potential through self-discovery and finding purpose and fulfillment.

You can check out our 5AM Club book summary to learn more about Robin’s work.

Our Recommendation: Robin Sharma’s Five Ways to Rise Above a Hard Time.

7. Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle is know for his calm and soothing talks on intentional living that focus on how to be present in your life. Eckhart Tolle has a uniquely dry sense of humor and the ability to convey complex spiritual concepts in a clear and simple manner.

Tolle’s teachings on consciousness, ego, and inner peace resonate with audiences seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Our Recommendation: How to Calm the Voice Inside

8. Chris Gardner

Chris Gardner’s story is the focus of the memoir and film The Pursuit of Happyness. After struggling with homelessness and the demands of single fatherhood, Chris Gardner managed to build himself up to become a successful stockbroker and entrepreneur. His motivational speeches are known to empower audiences to hustle to do whatever it takes to reach their dreams.

Our Recommendation: This clip of Chris Gardner discussing what it takes to become a world class entrepreneur.

9. T. Harv Eker

T. Harv Eker is the author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind. In his writing and his motivational speeches, T. Harv Eker discusses the mental attitudes that attract wealth. He discusses how we all have what he calls a ‘financial blueprint’ that controls how we interact with money in our lives. He argues that making changes to our financial blueprint can empower us to become wealthy.

10. Suze Orman

Suze Orman is a financial expert who is passionate about helping people avoid financial struggles. Orman is known for providing simple financial advice that may sounds like common sense, but many audiences find highly effective.

What helps Suze Orman leave a lasting impact is her unlimited power and passion for helping people save more, reduce their debt, and invest in their future.

Our Recommendation: Suze Orman’s Woman and Money Podcast.

11. Amy Purdy

Similar to Nick Vujici, Amy’s personal story is incredibly powerful and inspiring. After losing both of her legs due to bacterial meningitis at the age of 19, she became a Paralympic snowboarder, actress, and model.

Her journey of overcoming adversity and thriving to become a top talent despite her physical challenges is an inspiring example of resilience.

Our Recommendation: Amy Purdy’s TED Talk “Living beyond limits”.

12. Eric Thomas

Known as the “Hip-Hop Preacher,” Eric Thomas is one of the world’s famous inspirational speakers. His inspirational stories show how you can build yourself up from a troubled past to reach your wildest dreams. 

After dropping out of high school and living homeless on the streets, Eric Thomas met a preacher who inspired him to go back to school and eventually change lives. Thomas’ journey fuels his motivational speeches, making him a perfect speaker for those seeking to unleash their best version of themselves.

Our Recommendation: This collection of clips focuses on being in your own “beast mode”.

13. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson’s prolific 13 year basketball career ended when he announced his HIV-positive status in 1991. His resilience in the face of this challenge, as well as his activism and work to educate and advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness serves as an inspiring example for audiences.

14. Robert Kiyosaki

Robert Kiyosaki is an American entrepreneur and the best-selling author of Rich Dad Poor Dad. Robert Kiyosaki is an excellent speaker who challenges traditional views on money. 

He has a talent for storytelling and using anecdotes and personal experiences to illustrate his points effectively. His unconventional perspectives often spark debate and encourage critical thinking among audiences, making his talks intriguing and memorable.

Our Recommendation: Escaping the Rat Race: What School Failed to Teach You About Money.

15. Iyanla Vanzant

Iyanla Vanzant is an American television personality and best-selling author. She brings a unique perspective shaped by a history of personal struggles and triumphs. Iyanla Vanzant endured a difficult childhood, facing abandonment, abuse, and the challenges of growing up in poverty. Her life as a single mother and her early experiences influenced her later work in healing and personal development.

Our Recommendation: The Best Thing You Can Do Is Give Yourself A Break.

Which Inspiring Speakers Are Your Favorites?

Each of these top motivational speakers has their own incredible story and their own unique way of inspiring and motivating their audience. My goal with this list is to include a wide variety of speakers that can help you reach any goal that you have for your life.

Whether you are looking to conquer your own limiting beliefs or take control of your finances, my hope is that I have been able to point you toward some of the most popular motivational speakers in each area.

Now that you have dug into the insights and encouragement from each of these top motivational speakers, choose your favorite from the list and incorporate their wisdom into your daily routine.

Start your day listening to them. Imagine starting each day with a fresh perspective and the strength from the words of someone who has navigated challenges and emerged victorious. 

Use your new outlook on life’s hurdles to seize the full potential of every day. Enjoy the feeling of transforming life’s challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones toward the amazing goals that you have for your life.

If you are looking for more inspiration, many of the inspiring speakers from this list have been included in our collections of motivational quotes. Check out our list of inspirational quotes about life and struggles and our collection of positive self-talk quotes to get started!

If you are looking for more inspirational speakers, check out our list of the top 15 female motivational speakers or these 10 life changing TED talks!!

Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family on social media! If you know someone who could use any of these inspiring speakers, this blog post could be just what they need!

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