A motivational speaker is a professional speaker, facilitator or trainer who speaks to audiences, usually for a fee. The 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 7 hours (or in some cases several days). Public speaking is the process of speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to inform, influence, or entertain the listeners. ... Trainer may refer to: An aircraft trainer used for training pilots. ... A workshop is a room or building which provides both the area and tools (or machinery) that may be required for the manufacture or repair of manufactured goods. ... A seminar is, generally, a form of academic instruction, either at a university or offered by a commercial or professional organization. ...

Motivational speakers come from many divergent backgrounds. While the motivational speaking profession requires no formal training or certification, those who speak professionally and succeed in the profession possess the proven ability to lift up, educate and motivate their audiences. In the United States some of the celebrity speakers, sports figures, politicians, olympians and best-selling authors earn $10,000 - $200,000 per speech.^{[citation needed]} For other uses, see Celebrity (disambiguation). ...

Fees paid to motivational speakers vary based on the speaker's expertise, star power, experience, niche and level of customization. In addition to educational value, consider factors like humor, storytelling, originality, and the refrain from canned speeches. The best speakers can engage the audience and share best practices, experiences and life lessons without boring the audience. For the 2001 film, see Storytelling (film) Storytelling is the ancient art of conveying events in words, images, and sounds. ...

Experts debate the long-term value of motivation. It is fairly agreed, however, that a motivational speaker can have an immediate impact on a person's morale or sense of self-worth. The most effective motivational speakers remind people of their own potential and inspire them to improve their personal and professional well-being. It has been suggested that Base motive be merged into this article or section. ... In psychology, self-esteem or self-worth is a persons self-image at an emotional level; circumventing reason and logic. ...

Another concern raised is the religious tone (often biased to one faith) many motivational speakers adopt. A motivational speaker should be professional enough to understand the difference between inspiration and evangelizing -- especially when one considers the diversity of religious beliefs across the globe. Look up evangelist in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Unless the speech is being given within a religious context, these sermon-type keynotes can be the least effective presentations and one-dimensional. Evangelizing is also prohibited in the workplace as it infringes on civil liberties. Also, the audience may not share a singular religious mindset. Any presentation biased towards one set of religious or cultural values runs the risk of problems with maintaining non-hostile environments. Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      A sermon is an oration by...

Notable figures

• Les Brown
• Deepak Chopra
• Wayne Dyer
• Eric Edmeades
• Matt Foley
• Alvin Law
• Dan Millman
• Anthony Robbins
• Joe Simpson
• Nick Vujicic
• Zig Ziglar
• Craig Harper

Les Brown, born 1945 in Liberty City, Florida, is a motivational speaker and author. ... Grow Younger, Live Longer, 2001 Deepak Chopra (Hindi: दीपक चोपड़ा; born October 22, 1946) is an Indian medical doctor and writer. ... For the Montserratian footballer, see Wayne Dyer (footballer) Wayne W. Dyer (born May 10, 1940) is a popular American self-help advocate. ... Eric Edmeades (born on 18 March 1970 in Pretoria, South Africa) is a social entrepreneur, professional speaker and philanthropist. ... Matt Foley portrayed by Chris Farley. ... Alvin Law, CSP (born 1960 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan) is a motivational speaker and former radio broadcaster. ... Dan Millman (born Feb 22, 1946 – ) is an author of thirteen self-help books, the most famous of which is the semi-autobiographical novel, Way of the Peaceful Warrior (1980). ... Anthony Robbins (born 29 February 1960, Glendora, California) is an American motivational speaker and writer. ... Joe Simpson (born 13 August 1960) is a mountaineer and author. ... Nick Vujicics DVD Life Without Limbs The tone or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia. ... Hilary Hinton “Zig” Ziglar (born November 6, 1926) is an American author, salesperson, and motivational speaker. ... The subject of this article may not satisfy the notability guideline or one of the following guidelines for inclusion on Wikipedia: Biographies, Books, Companies, Fiction, Music, Neologisms, Numbers, Web content, or several proposals for new guidelines. ...

External links

• Pinsker, Sanford, "Was Ralph Waldo Emerson Our First Motivational Speaker?", Virginia Quarterly Review, Summer 2001