Motivational speaker: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What motivational speaker is

A motivational speaker delivers a talk at conferences, schools or company events, sharing stories and ideas that inspire and engage the audience. People book one when they want a memorable keynote or a talk that gives an audience a clear idea to act on.

Signs you need it

  • You are planning a conference, a company retreat or a school assembly that needs a keynote
  • You want a speaker who can share a personal story that connects with the audience
  • Your audience needs a clear message about teamwork, resilience or leadership
  • You want a speaker who can hold attention for a set length and answer questions
  • You want a talk that fits the goals of the event and the people in the room
  • You want a speaker who can work with the event's theme and program

What the pro does

  • Asks about the audience, the event goal, the length of the talk and any topics to cover
  • Builds a talk with a clear structure, stories and takeaways for the audience
  • Reviews the talk with the organizer and adjusts it to the program
  • Arrives early to check the stage, the microphone and the slides
  • Delivers the talk and takes questions if that was planned
  • Packs up and follows up with the organizer on any materials requested

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the talk and whether there is a Q and A or a workshop
  • Audience size and the type of venue
  • Whether the talk is customized to your company, school or event
  • Travel distance and whether the speaker must fly or stay overnight
  • Number of talks or sessions in the day
  • Whether the speaker provides slides, handouts or recorded video
  • Whether the speaker has a team or assistant on site

What a written quote should spell out

  • Talk length, format and whether a Q and A or workshop is included
  • Topics the talk will cover and the audience it is written for
  • Customization, such as research on your company or school
  • Slides, handouts or recordings and who provides them
  • Travel, arrival and departure details
  • What happens if the speaker cannot attend

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is the main message of your talk, and how does it fit our audience?
  • Can I see a video of a talk you gave to a similar audience?
  • How do you customize a talk for a company or school?
  • What do you need from us for the stage, the slides and the microphone?
  • How do you handle questions from the audience?
  • What is your plan if you cannot travel on the day?
  • Can you supply a certificate of insurance if the organizer or venue requires one for speakers?

Red flags

  • They cannot describe the message of the talk or the audience it suits
  • They promise results or guaranteed outcomes for the audience
  • They do not ask about the event goal or the people who will attend
  • They have no clip or video from a live talk
  • They will not confirm the travel and the length of the talk in writing

What you can do yourself

You can write a short brief for the speaker that covers the event goal, the audience and the message you want. You can also check the room, the microphone and the timing of the program. Hire a speaker for the talk, the stories and the audience connection, since a good talk takes research, rehearsal and skill on stage.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required to give a motivational talk, so ask for proof of liability insurance and references from similar events instead. If the talk is part of a paid training program or a regulated subject, check the rules with your state or local licensing agency before booking.

Motivational speaker questions

Does a motivational speaker need a license?

Usually not a state license for a talk. Ask for insurance and references, and check any rules that apply if the talk is part of a regulated training.

How much of the talk can be customized?

It depends on the speaker. Ask for research on your organization and the topics the speaker can add, and agree on the changes in writing.

Can a speaker take questions after the talk?

Many do. Ask whether the Q and A is included and how much time the speaker needs after the talk for questions.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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