A motivational speaker is a professional speaker who makes speeches intending to lift up and motivate their audiences.

Types of events

A keynote speech generally takes place either at the beginning of the event, or the close of the event. The length of these speeches generally last 45 minutes to two hours in duration. In comparison, a workshop or seminar generally lasts three to seven hours, and in some cases several days. In Europe the trend is towards shorter more concentrated events. Keynote speeches rarely last longer than 50 minutes. Workshops usually 1/4 to 1/2 a day, seminars one hour. North American events tend to go for longer durations as a social element is usually built in.

Training and certification

main: Public speaking#Training The motivational speaking profession requires no formal training or certification, however skills in public speaking in many cases addressing large audiences are vital. Speakers who do not meet continuing assessment criteria are rapidly dropped from the rota and simply do not work. Many speakers, though not all, seek to become a CSP- "Certified Speaking Professional" through the National Speakers Association. This qualification is alleged to boost credibility of the speaker by demonstrating a continued commitment to improvement and professional platform skills.Fact: date=August 2008 However, many motivational speakers make a living, or speak frequently as a sideline to their primary career, without ever obtaining this designation.

Fee

main: Speaking fee Fees paid to any speakers, whether motivational or not, vary based on the speaker's expertise, star power, experience, niche and level of customization.

Motivational speakers engage the audience and share best practices, experiences and life lessons while at the same time entertaining their audiences.

Compared to inspirational speakers

There are similarities between motivational speakers and inspirational speakers, and someone could be labeled as both simultaneously, but they are not necessarily interchangeable. One subtle difference is that inspirational speakers often deliver a "warm, encouraging message, sometimes based on a story of overcoming great obstacles," with a desired outcome of enlivening or exalting emotion. In contrast, motivational speakers may deliver a presentation that is more energetic in nature, with a desired outcome of moving attendees to action.1

See also

• Speaking fee
• Life coaching
• Self-help
• Public speaking
• Keynote
• Commencement speech

Notable figures

main: :Category:Motivational speakers Some motivational speakers have acquired substantial popularity, fame and wealth. Others have seen their high-flying careers terminate prematurely due to a few incautious remarks that have resulted in a run on the Stock Market — vis Gerald Ratner's infamous widely reportedFact: date=August 2008 speech at London's Institute of Directors so worried the financial community and customers of the High Street Jewellers and Public Company of the same name Ratners that the Company collapsed and rapidly sought liquidation.Fact: date=August 2008