Top 30 Motivation Speakers of All Time

Top 30 Motivation Speakers of All Time

Motivation speakers refer to a group of people who have talents while others have experienced things in life and use them to inspire others.  Some focus on relationships, finances, personal development, career success, and leadership. However each has an area of specification, they all share a common goal which is to help people achieve their goals and live their best lives.

Also, something to know is that some offer seminars or even podcasts for free while others have established offices where you can visit them and pay some amount. In this article we are going to list and discuss 30 of the most inspiring motivational speakers of all time also you can check them on their social media handles where they post most of their works and you will get encouraged.

1. Dave Ramsey

Cam Cornelius on Vimeo, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dave is a well-known American radio personality and a financial adviser.  His radio program is known as The Ramsey Show. He has authored some books such as The Total Money Makeover and The New York Times Bestseller. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Real Estate. He began being a financial motivational speaker after sinking into financial debts at some point in his life.

In 1986 he had collected a big portfolio worth over $ 4 million. Unfortunately, the Competitive Equality Banking Act of 1987 took effect leading to many banks changing ownership. In 1988 he was unable to pay the loans hence filing for bankruptcy in 1988. It took him several years to recover financially.

He began offering financial advice in his local church to couples. Later he founded the Lampo Group which is a financial counseling service. He has also published a book called Financial Peace which motivates people on financial matters.

2. Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins is an American author, motivational speaker, and coach. At 17 years old, Robbins had begun promoting seminars for motivational speakers. He learned a lot from the Author Jim Rohn and he incorporated the skills into his seminars. He has coached and mentored many people through his seminars and books.

In the year 2010, Tony hosted a reality show on NBC which he helped participants face their challenges. Unfortunately, the show was canceled following the OWN Network picking up the show, and in April 2012, Tony began cohosting Oprah’s Lifeclass on the OWN Network. He also founded the Anthony Robbins Foundation which was intended to help the homeless, the young, the hungry, the elderly, and the imprisoned.

3. Less Brown

Leslie Calvin Brown is an American politician and motivational speaker. As a politician, he was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1977 to 1981. He was born into a low-income family and was later adopted by Mammie Brown. He says that when he was in grade school he was declared “Educable mentally retarded” which damaged his self-esteem and confidence.

This could be the reason he was pushed to be a motivational speaker. To make sure that everyone feels at peace and that he/she can be what they wish to be. He has also worked in a radio station which made him perfect his speeches. He hosted a talk show The Les Brown Show.  In 2011- 2012, he was on KFWB in California for a daily syndicated radio program. His motivational sessions have inspired many people and impacted a lot on their lives.

4. Nick Vujicic

Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nick Vujicic is an Australian-American Christian evangelist and motivational speaker. To the shock of the family and doctors, Nick was born with no arms and legs a condition that doctors could not explain the reason as to why.

However, with his condition, Nick has embraced life and appreciated who he is. His courage and tenacity in life have caused him to become one of the biggest motivational speakers in the world.

He has traveled to many countries to minister to people and speak to them. At 17 years he began giving inspirational talks at school and church-sponsored events. His first book was Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life.

Here is a more about Nick Vujicic.

5. Jim Rohn

Emanuel James Rohn was an American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker.  He started his professional career as a Human Resource manager. He later quit the job and joined Shoaff’s direct selling business AbundaVita as a distributor.

Two years later he resigned and joined Nutri- Bio a direct selling company. In 1960 the company went out of business. He was invited to talk at his Rotary Club and it was that time that people started asking him to speak at various luncheons and other events. That was the beginning of him being a speaker.

He received invites all over the country to speak telling his story and teaching his personal development philosophy. It is a shock to believe that Jim became a millionaire at age 30 and went broke when he was 33 years old. He later picked up his messes and became a millionaire again. He is a great motivational speaker who teaches people that it’s okay to fall in life but rise again.

6. Zig Ziglar

BrokenSphere, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Zig was an American author, salesman, and motivational speaker. He was married to Jean Ziglar and blessed with four kids. While he was in college he dropped out and went to work as a salesman in a WerEver Cookware company. He was promoted to be a field manager and later was made the divisional supervisor.

It was when he was working in that company that he gained an interest in self-help and motivational speaking and that is how he got into giving speeches. Other than motivating people, Zig has published over 30 books that are meant to pass knowledge, encourage and inspire people to be better, and go for better without feeling inferior.

7. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah is an Author, actress, producer, and philanthropist. She is known for her inspiring stories and her ability to connect with people on a deep level. She has motivated millions of people to overcome adversity, achieve their goals, and live their best lives.  She once aired a television show called “The Oprah Winfrey Show” which gave a platform for her to share her own story and also host and interview guests who had overcome challenges and achieved their dreams.

Other than stories, her show promoted education, literacy, and other skills which she was good at. An example of the books she has authored includes “What I Know for Sure” and “The Path Made Clear”. Her work, stories, and speeches have impacted millions of people around the world.

Here is more information about Oprah Winfrey.

8. Joel Osteen

Justin Brackett, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Joel Osteen is a Christian pastor and an author. He is known all over the world for his positive and motivational messages. He is a pastor at Lakewood Church which is one of the biggest churches in the United States. You can find inspiring and motivating sermons that are aired on Television, radio, and also on YouTube. 

He teaches people that God is faithful and that he rewards those who diligently wait on him and also those who turn to him. He encourages his followers to believe in themselves that they can achieve all that they have always wanted.  His sermons and his books are motivational, encouraging people to remain hopeful that God will bless them.

9. John Maxwell

John Maxwell is an American author, motivational speaker, coach, and leader. He can connect with his audience on a personal level. Has a motivational speaker, his speeches focus on topics such as leadership, personal development, and relationships.

His messages have had a great impact on the lives of so many people. He has talked to people all over the world including Fortune 500 CEOs, presidents of nations, and entrepreneurs. He has published over 100 books. He is also the founder of the John Maxwell Company a global leadership development organization.

10. Brian Tracy

Brian Tracy is a Canadian-American author and motivational speaker. As a motivational speaker, he helps people achieve their business goals, personal finance, and personal development. His seminars and workshops have helped millions of people all over the world to improve their lives.

He has authored many books which include “Eat That Frog”, “The Psychology of Achievement” and “No Excuses” among many others. You can purchase of his books and they will influence and inspire you big. His books and speeches cover Time management, leadership, productivity, and goal setting. He is a great influence and is highly recommended.

11. Robin Sharma

Sharma Leadership International, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Robin is a Canadian author and motivational speaker. Some of his notable books include “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”, “The Saint”, and “The Surfer” among many others. He worked as a litigation lawyer until he was 25 years old.  Has a motivational speaker, many CEOs all over the world have consulted him and leaders from the corporate world to get advice on how to keep their employees motivated. He has also conducted training for many companies. Organizations and schools also call him to give public speeches.

12. Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart is a German-born spiritual teacher and an author. Its teachings are motivational and they are rooted in spirituality. When telling a story about his life he says that for a long time, he was depressed until one night he had a strong feeling which cannot be explained and some questions in his mind. It was that night that changed him completely.

His teachings touched on the importance of enjoying the present moment. Avoid worrying and thinking too much about the past and the future but enjoy the present moment. He has authored many books which have sold so much and had a great impact on the lives of people.

13. Louise Hay

Heiko Antoni, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Louise was an American motivational author, professional speaker, and AIDS advocate.  According to the way, she tells her story, she had a very difficult childhood where she was abused by her stepfather, got pregnant at the age of 16 years, and gave out her daughter for adoption.

Later she went to New York where she changed her name and became a model. All this trauma may be one of the reasons why she made it being a great motivational speaker. She was a great encourager of having positive thoughts. She believed that positive thinking is a great iller and this is the message she passed all over. She has published many books including “Heal Your Body” and “You Can Heal Your Life” among many others.

14. Wayne Dyer

Wayne was an American Self-help author and a motivational speaker. He had an Ed.D. Degree in counseling from Wayne State University.  He began his career as a high school guidance counselor and later went on to run a successful private therapy practice.

Wayne once worked at St. John’s University where he was a popular professor of counselor education. While still there an agent approached him and recommended him for his great work and asked him to put his works into writing and that is how he published the book “Your Erroneous Zones”. His works focused on psychological themes such as Motivation, self-actualization, and assertiveness.

15. Chris Gardner

dbking, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chris is an American businessman and a motivational speaker. He is known for his story where he struggled with homelessness while he was raising his son and later became a successful stockbroker.

As a motivational speaker, he focuses on the importance of resilience, perseverance, and never giving up on dreams no matter what.  His story was put in the book and a film called “The Pursuit of Happiness” which starred Will Smith. The book and the movie have greatly inspired millions of people around the world.

16. Eric Thomas

Eric is an American motivational speaker, author, consultant, and minister. You can find most of his podcasts and speeches on his YouTube channel. While still a young man he had arguments with his aunties and parents leading him to be homeless for two years.

While he was still in the streets he met a preacher who encouraged him to go back to school. He took a job, met his wife and he later joined Oakwood University where he took twelve years to graduate. He later became a renowned preacher and a motivational speaker. He later founded a company that would offer education consultancy, executive coaching, and athletic development.

17. Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins is an American podcast host, author, motivational speaker, and was once a lawyer.  She is known for her book “The 5 Second Rule” and her ability to help people overcome procrastination and achieve their goals.

Robbins married entrepreneur Christopher Robbins and has three children. In 2014, Robbins received the Gracie Award for Outstanding Host- News/Non-fiction.

18. Gary Vaynerchuk

World Travel & Tourism Council, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gary is an American businessman, author, speaker, and internet personality. He is a co-founder of the restaurant reservation software company Resy and Empathy Wines. Vaynerchuk is also a prolific investor having invested in companies such as Twitter, Venmo, and Uber.

Vee has written some books which include “Crush It Why Now Is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion”. Here are some famous quotes “The best way to predict the future is to create it”, “The best content is the content that doesn’t look like content”, and “You don’t need a business card to be a business, you need a business”.

Find more about speaker here.

19. Brene Brown

Brene is an American research professor, author, and podcast host. She is known for her work on shame, Vulnerability, and leadership. Her most famous books are “The Gifts of Imperfection” and “Dare to Lead”. 

She believes that vulnerability is the key to living a happy and fulfilling life and that vulnerability is essential for creativity and innovation. Her speeches are described as both informative and inspiring. Her speeches have helped millions of people to understand themselves better and to live more authentic lives.

20. Simon Sinek

Lance Cpl. Brendan Mullin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Simon Sinek is a British-American author, speaker, and consultant. He is the author of the book “Start with Why”. He can help people understand the importance of finding their purpose.

He encourages his audience to “Start with why”, to ask themselves why they do what they do, and to find a purpose that is greater than themselves. He has helped millions of people to find their purpose and to live more fulfilling lives. His message is that everyone has the potential to make a difference in the world.

21. Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss is an American entrepreneur, investor, author, podcast, and lifestyle guru. His books and podcasts are full of practical advice and inspiring stories that have helped millions of people achieve their goals and live their best lives. 

He is also willing to learn something new, experiment, and share his failures as well as his successes. He greatly inspires his audience to challenge the status quo and to think outside the box.

22. Amy Cuddy

Ben P L, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Amy is an American social psychologist, author, and speaker.  She is a recipient of numerous awards and honors.  Also, she is known for her research on body language and her TED talk on “Power Posing”.

Her speeches focus on body language, leadership, and personal development. She is a strong believer that body language shapes who you are.

23. Seth Godin

Seth Godin Is a great speaker. He doesn’t dwell so much on telling people what to do but focuses on sharing his insights and helping his audience to think for themselves.

He is famous for his thought-provoking talks on marketing, leadership, and innovation. His work has helped millions of people to achieve their goals and live their best lives.

24. Suze Orman

User:David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Suze is an American financial advisor, author, and podcast host. As a financial advisor, she gained fame through “The Suze Orman Show” which was aired on CNBC from 2002 to 2015. She is currently the host of a podcast show called “Suze Orman Women & Money Podcast”.

As a result of her knowledge and ability to help people with financial matters, she has been hosted as a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show approximately 29 times. She has greatly influenced millions of people who have had a chance to listen to her.

Read also more about Suze Orman.

25. Ariana Huffington

She is an author and a businesswoman. She is also known for being a nice motivational speaker who encourages people and shows them that it’s all possible. She is the founder of Thrive Global which helps people to end the stress and burnout epidemic and thrive in the workplace and life.

Also, she is the author of several books on personal development which include “Thrive” and “The Sleep Revolution”. She has greatly influenced people positively.

26. Brendon Burchard

Mike Wolpert, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Brendon Burchard is an author. In 2017, he was covered in a Magazine as the world’s highest-paid motivational and marketing trainer. He also hosts a podcast known as “The Brendon Show”. When telling his story, he remembers when he was 19 years old and survived a car accident, and that is how he got his core teaching questions “Did I live?”, “Did I love?”,  and “Did I matter”. 

He founded the Experts Academy and the High Performance Academy which both are training programs providing students lessons in business, entrepreneurship, psychology, productivity, and persuasion.

27. Ben Nemtin

Ben is a renowned author. His bestselling book is “What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?” He is the co-founder of the Buried Life movement. His messages have been featured on several shows such as CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC News, and Oprah show.

There was a time when he was depressed for a decade and they joined together with his three friends that whenever they achieved something, they would do something good to a stranger. They had a bucket list of things they ought to achieve. His bucket list quest has inspired millions to realize their true potential.

28. Grant Cardone

John Hatcher, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Grant is a great author and a well-known motivational speaker. He focuses on leadership, real estate investing, entrepreneurship, and finance. He is the CEO of seven businesses and a founder of 10X Movement hosting the largest entrepreneur events in the world. He is greatly known for having influenced a million of people all over the world to believe in themselves and to desire to do and be better every day.

29. Eddie Turner

Eddie is a certified speaking professional. He has been ranked number ten on the top 30 list of Motivational speakers by Global Gurus. Eddie is a speaker who focuses more on leadership.

He is “Changing the face of leadership” and helping to create “Better workplaces and a better world”. He has appeared in national print, television, and radio encouraging and talking to people.

30. Jay Shetty

User:IceTheAlohaGod, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jay is a British-American podcaster, author, and life coach. People know him for his motivational speeches and his ability to help people live with a greater purpose. His speeches focus on personal development, relationships, and mindfulness. 

He is the host of a popular podcast known as “On Purpose” and the author of his bestselling book “Think like a Monk”. He encourages his audiences that they should be kind to themselves and also to others.

These are just a few of the many motivational speakers who have made a positive impact on the world and if you are looking for inspiration and motivation to achieve your goals you can check some of their speeches and books. When choosing a motivational speaker it is necessary to consider your individual needs and preferences. The topics you are interested in? What kind of speaking style do you prefer?