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10 Motivational Speech Examples To Inspire You Today

Cece Payne

Whether you’re a speaker or not, there come times in all of our lives where we need a little motivation. Maybe you’re struggling to find your purpose or are unsure about your path in life. Maybe you just had a bad day and need a reminder that tomorrow’s a fresh start. In either case, looking to famous speakers – and their corresponding motivational speech examples – is one sure way to boost your mood and help you find the energy to keep on keepin’ on. 

Here, we’ll look at ten different speeches from some of the most famous motivational speakers of the 21st century. Some are serious and take a candid look at difficult issues in the speakers’ lives. Others are humorous, designed to balance tough topics with laughter. 

Whatever tone you need to hear at this moment, at least one of the following speakers is guaranteed to brighten your day. They’re also all incredible examples for you to follow, simply from a speaking standpoint, when you next step on stage or record a virtual event . 

Hopefully, you get as much out of these examples as our own team did and are able to put the corresponding takeaways to good use. 💓

Steve Jobs: Commencement Speech At Stanford (2005)

First of our motivational speech examples is Stanford’s 2005 commencement speech, delivered by the late Apple founder Steve Jobs. Since his passing , much has been said about Jobs, some positive, some negative, with some people going so far as to publish their criticism or praise. However, regardless of whether or not they personally admired him, few will argue against Job’s brilliance. Even for those that scrutinized his business practices or personal life while he was alive, there’s little doubt that he was a major force in shaping the world we live in today through the technology he created. 

In this speech, Jobs’ mindfulness for these differing views is readily apparent, and overall, the entire speech is surprisingly humble. Jobs structures his speech as three simple stories, and of course they’re anything but simple, once you dig beneath the surface. 

One is a rags-to-riches story, which is expected, considering Jobs’ success. Second is a story of adversity in which Jobs explains the issues he faced after being “fired” from Apple. 

But it’s the third story – one about death – that’s truly surprising. It’s not a subject you’ll hear in many commencement speeches, let alone motivational ones. Yet, in telling this story, Jobs manages to present it in a way that it’s not depressing or scary but instead inspires his audience to live life to the fullest. 

In the same way, as you shape your own motivational speeches or as you approach challenging situations, remember that simplicity and logic are all well and good, like the stories Jobs includes at the beginning of his speech. But, if you want to truly stand out and conquer your challenges, be courageous! Approach tough topics head-on, don’t be afraid to be unconventional, and you’re sure to leave a mark, just like Jobs did.

Richard St. John: 8 Secrets of Success TED Talk (2005) 

Second of our motivational speech examples is that of author, marketer, and analyst Richard St. John , namely his 2005 TED Talk. TED Talks have become a staple in the world of motivational speeches, and it’s easy to see why this one made the cut. Based on his book , 8 To Be Great , St. John’s speech cuts to the chase in a way that most speeches don’t. In fact, it’s only three minutes long! 

Plus, although many of his points are simple, the speech itself is structurally brilliant, condensing 7 years of research and 500 of St. John’s interviews into a presentation that, despite its brevity, keeps audience members on their toes. Altogether, it’s a brilliant example of the use of momentum in storytelling. When it starts, for instance, St. John begins with “It all started one day on a plane,” which for many listeners – myself included – would seem like a signal to tune out a bit. It’s like hearing a speech that starts with “Webster’s Dictionary defines
” It works, but it’s used a lot . 

That said, the rest of St. John’s speech is the polar opposite, and quickly jumps from one interesting point to another without any wasted words or time. It also incorporates carefully-placed jokes. That way, even though he covers a lot of ground, his audience remembers all of it. It also allows him to connect with his audience and, unlike many speakers, share his information without appearing to be on a pedestal. 

With your own experiences or motivational speeches, St. John’s speech offers two important lessons. First, keep it simple. You don’t have to be flashy to be memorable. Second, don’t be afraid to laugh. In presentations, humor makes you more relatable and memorable, and in life, it makes hard times easier to handle. 

Dan Pink: The Puzzle of Motivation TED Talk (2009)

Third in our list of motivational speech examples is another TED Talk, this time from career analyst and bestselling author Daniel Pink. As an author, Pink’s built his reputation on many “legs,” including his publications, awards – even a stint as chief speechwriter for former U.S. Vice President Al Gore in the late 1990s.

Like these accomplishments, Pink’s TED Talk is a model for any speaker that needs to take a boring topic – like business or politics – and turn it into something inspiring and engaging. In this case, the former of these topics is presented as a puzzle. To start with, Pink explains the common economic approach to performance, saying “If you want people to perform better, you reward them. Right?… That’s how business works.” 

However, what he says next is what really puzzles you, as a listener: There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does
.the solution is not to do more of the wrong things, to entice people with a sweeter carrot, or threaten them with a sharper stick. We need a whole new approach.”

Ultimately, the topic of performance in the workplace is a relatively common one and the question “How do I motivate myself at work?” is a common puzzle. But Pink tackles out-of-the-box thinking in an out-of-the-box way and, in the end, concludes his story with a clear takeaway from the evidence and unconventional analytics he’s shared.

Likewise, with your own speeches or decisions, start by considering all the evidence you can find. That’s just a good rule of thumb, no matter what field you’re in. But, after that, try to consider it from another angle. Like Pink’s speech, it’ll make your topic vastly more interesting, and you’re almost guaranteed to grow, personally, because of your learning process.

Mel Robbins: How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over (2011)

Number four of our motivational speech examples belongs to Mel Robbins . As speakers go, Robbins is widely respected for her unique and candid approach to difficult situations, or, as I call it, the “gut-punch” approach. In other words, she’s not afraid to talk frankly about tough stuff. 

Dig beneath the one-liners and snarky comments, though, and Robbins’ approach is really about being direct to the point of bluntness. Some of the things she advocates are platitudes – focus on getting what you want, tell yourself the truth, force yourself out of your comfort zone, etc. – but she always backs it up with data that makes the gut punches land that much harder. 

Beyond her speaking style, however, Robbins is also known for engaging with her audiences. In this speech, for instance, she not only picks an individual from her audience to highlight the overwhelming odds of simply being born (this is the data we just talked about). She then goes on to meld that statistic with a model of the human brain, saying “I describe one side of your brain as autopilot and the other side as an emergency brake” and explaining her method for getting out of your own “autopilot” mode to meet your goals.

In this way, by presenting evidence but then relating it to a real person in the room, Robbins takes a subject that could be complicated or boring and makes it relatable. Likewise, if your speaking material – or your mood – has a tendency to flatline, change things up! Be blunt with yourself and candid with your audience. Then, do whatever you need to connect your message to other’s lives. Just like Pink’s speech, taking this Mel Robbins, “gut-punch” approach will make you relatable and likable, making you memorable.

Michelle Obama: Commencement Speech at Eastern Kentucky University (2013)

Next in our list of motivational speech examples is another commencement speech, this time from former lawyer, bestselling author , and First Lady to the 44th President of the U.S. Michelle Obama. 

Since stepping into the spotlight at the White House, Obama’s been regarded by many as a woman of power, and her personal and professional accomplishments are without question. In some ways, they’ve even helped her become a celebrity. This level of fame, however, is precisely where Obama’s similarity to celebrities ends. 

For many celebrity motivational speakers, speaking is just a gig, and the amount of time they want to spend on it corresponds directly with the money they receive to be there. In cases like these, it’s clear to the audience that the speaker may not even believe what they’re saying on stage or want their audience to succeed. They just want the paycheck. 

Yet, despite Obama’s popularity and prominence, her approach to speaking is anything but flippant or snobby. It’s all about connecting with the audience in a way that shows true generosity of spirit. In fact, every point Obama touches on is quickly translated and related to her audience in a way that’s both personal and powerful, making it clear that this speech isn’t haphazardly thrown together or something she’s said to hundreds of other audiences. It was carefully crafted to tie her core values – resilience, conscientiousness and service – into the setting and the needs of her audience, so they could leave with personalized affirmation and action steps. 

By doing this, Obama never fails to deliver a message that is both moving and quietly powerful. To do the same with your own speeches, follow her lead and remember who you’re there for: not the check, not the glory, but your audience .

BrenĂ© Brown: “The Power of Vulnerability” (2013)

Number six of our motivational speech examples is the shortest on this list, a less than three-minute short film from University of Houston research professor Dr. BrenĂ© Brown . 

Although Brown originally gained traction with her 20-minute TED Talk in 2010, this speech (or “mini-speech,” rather) takes the topic of that talk – vulnerability – and concentrates on a single facet of it. Specifically, she focuses on empathy and the age-old question of how to express empathy rather than sympathy and, in doing so, authentically connect with the person you’re trying to support in the moment. 

It’s a hard question, but, like Richard St. John’s speech, Brown shares a lot in a short message. In many ways, it’s her brevity that forces you to sit up and listen. In a little more than two minutes, her message is simple: When someone you know feels down and alone, don’t try to make things better. Just be there with them, and stick around, even if it takes them a while to bounce back. 

To illustrate her point, Brown presents her speech alongside an animated cartoon in which a fox is the depressed party and a bear comes to her aid. This helps her take a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable situation and not just make it engaging but also light-hearted. 

Similarly, if your speech tackles a tough message, consider presenting with a visual aid to lighten the mood, and keep the message as brief as possible. Don’t be the motivational speaker equivalent of “that guy,” i.e., the speaker who drones on and on but keeps repeating the same basic points. Use your speaking ability and visual aids to make a connection in the way that suits your audience best.

Jim Carrey: Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

Seventh of our motivational speech examples is a 2014 commencement speech, this time from comedian, actor, and artist Jim Carrey. As you’d expect, part of Carey’s charm is his sense of humor, and it’s largely through his comedy that he keeps the audience engaged through serious topics. He’s also mindful of his tendency to walk the comedic line and uses this unpredictability to keep his audience paying attention, as they can pretty safely assume he has another joke up his sleeve.

Additionally, besides humor, Carey also engages his audience with something we’ve yet to touch on: authenticity! Unlike the other speakers in this list, Carey is widely known for his eccentricity more than anything. Most recently, as he’s shared more and more of his artwork, he’s also gained considerable attention for his creativity. Throughout his speech, although many speakers might choose to “dumb down” these attributes, Carey instead thrives on them, staying true to his authentic self, just as he encourages the members of his audience to be. 

To conclude his speech, Carey states: “You’ll come up with your own style, and that’s part of the fun… You are ready and able to do beautiful things in this world, and after you walk through those doors today, you will only ever have two choices: love or fear. Choose love and don’t ever let fear turn you against your playful heart.”

With your own speeches – and your own personal choices – keep this mindset close and remember to be yourself. Like Carey says, “you are ready and able to do beautiful things”. Plus, I can almost guarantee there are people out there who could benefit from the stories you have to share. Just stay true to yourself, stay humble, and your audience won’t want to look away.

Simon Sinek: Live2Lead (2016)

Next in our list of motivational speech examples is a speech from writer and TED speaker Simon Sinek . As author of the bestselling leadership book Start With Why , Sinek first appeared in his 2009 TED Talk , “How Great Leaders Inspire Action.” 

Since then, he’s gone on to publish a number of additional books centered around leadership as well as how to “wake up inspired, feel safe wherever [we] are and end the day fulfilled by the work [we] do.” These three ideas can be seen consistently throughout his ongoing work, speaking included. 

In this speech, specifically, Sinek deals with leadership in the business world, but his approach is based on the idea of destroying stereotypes everywhere. In short, he’s there to “blow up” paradigms and share new ones, based on his own research and experience. Here, Sinek focuses on “trust” and “communication,” for the former. Then, he proposes replacing them with “empathy” and “perspective,” for the latter. 

Although this may sound ordinary, Sinek demonstrates that he’s not just replacing one stereotypical topic with another. He’s also urging audience members to ditch their preconceptions about that topic, so they can approach it with an open mind. After having done that, he’s then careful to only provide extremely relevant and powerful arguments for his “new take” on the topic. That way, he provides details without overwhelming the audience.

Overall, these switches between “blowing up” and building provide a sense of balance in Sinek’s speech. In your own speeches, aim for a similar balance for your audience. Keep in mind that you’re there to educate but not berate with a ton of new ideas. It sounds simplistic, but staying consistent and on-point is key if you want your audience to leave inspired to act. 

Simon T. Bailey: To Break Through, Find Your True Calling (2017)

Number nine of our motivational speech examples is a 2017 speech from Simon T. Bailey. If you’re a regular SpeakerFlow blog reader, you already know there are many reasons Bailey is legendary among professional speakers. For one thing, his personal branding and digital presence are two of the best in the speaking industry. For another, his humility is seemingly endless despite his success, a trait that’s perhaps best summarized in his book, Success Is An Inside Job : “Success is not significance. Money is not meaning. Power isn’t purpose.”

In this speech, we see this idea reinforced through the third thing that sets Bailey apart, namely his speaking skills. Because he’s talking to a business-oriented crowd, in many ways, this skill isn’t immediately apparent. Truthfully, the first part of his speech is traditional. While it’s undeniably engaging, it’s sometimes a little hard to see why he’s such a renowned orator. 

Then he digs deeper. After his initial “traditional” approach, Bailey pivots to a creative angle, explaining how to “invent your future” and be unconventional in simple ways to slowly change your mindset. He then goes on to incorporate topics like emotional equity and commitment, love and respect as universally important values, and his trip to South Africa to “get free.” Combine this surprising switch from “conventional” to “creative” with Bailey’s optimistic tone, and you can almost feel the audience connecting with him. 

To create the same atmosphere on your own stage, aim for a similar element of surprise. Remember that you’re there to speak for more than a few minutes. Consequently, building up to a powerful ending is crucial, even if that means starting slow. 

Matthew McConaughey: Commencement Speech at University of Houston (2018)

Last but not least in our motivational speech examples list is a 2018 commencement, delivered by Matthew McConaughey. 

As an actor, McConaughey has arguably delivered motivational speeches in almost all of his movie appearances. In fact, whether it’s The Lincoln Lawyer , Mud , We Are Marshall, or Dallas Buyers Club , one of his best tricks as an actor is to take each of his characters by the horns and deliver a rousing speech at a critical point in the film.

Outside of the big screen, however, McConaughey’s commencement address for the University of Houston reflects similar confidence and power, in his words, his clothing, and his body language. As a well-known celebrity, this isn’t entirely surprising, especially considering his famously “swoon-worthy” movie persona. 

That said, when he gets to the heart of the matter, McConaughey dives well beneath the surface. His pointed words about motivation, success, and life being both tough and unfair are striking in a way you don’t always hear from celebrity speakers. He may begin with platitudes and stereotypes. But, the more he explains, the more intimate the speech gets. This makes it more memorable than even his best movie speeches.

So, what can you take away from McConaughey’s speech? Simply put, whenever you’re trying to put your best foot forward, whether you’re on stage or just walking down the street, remember that being memorable doesn’t require heels or a suit. For McConaughey, who here rocks a beard and open-collared dress shirt, it’s his words that make people pay attention, not a flashy outfit or dramatic entrance. 

Likewise, in your own life, the same can be true. Just speak with confidence and conviction, and no matter how you look or what you’re wearing, people will listen. 💖

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Jim Carrey is a very cool person! Every time he’s smiling with charming look, His speech is also very motivating! Thanks for sharing with us,

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Agreed! It’s hard to look away when Carrey’s on stage or on camera, for sure. (And thanks for reading! 😊)

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Usually, I am not doing comments anyone but it’s interesting, I really feel better to hear this.keep it up.

Glad you found these speeches inspiring, and thanks for the kind words! 🙌

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You really don’t need to change the world, you just need to master your own self, align your values, your personality, and your purpose to your vision. That’s the core of making for a better world.

Well said! 🙌

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The 24 Best Motivational Speeches Our Employees Have Ever Heard

Published: July 19, 2023

It was halftime during one of my 7th-grade football games. And we were losing 14 - 0. With our knees planted in the grass, my team was quietly huddled, drenched in sweat and defeat. Suddenly, it was game over.

A woman listens to motivational speeches through her headphones

That's when our assistant coach burst into our circle and shattered our pity party, delivering one of the best motivational speeches I've heard to this day.

I can't directly quote him because he said some inappropriate things for a blog post (and, in hindsight, probably for a bunch of 13-year-olds too).

The point is he harnessed the power of words to rejuvenate a physically and emotionally drained team. And we came back clawing to win the game.

→ Click here to download leadership lessons from HubSpot founder, Dharmesh  Shah [Free Guide].

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Actionable leadership advice from HubSpot's Co-Founder, Dharmesh Shah.

  • Qualities of Confident People
  • Leading By Example
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Motivational Speech

A motivational speech can come from anywhere or anyone, but it usually has a specific audience in mind.

Whether it's a graduation speech, an all-company meeting, a championship sporting event, or a conference keynote, these speeches are designed to change how their listeners see the challenges facing them in the future.

Like in sports, being motivated at work is crucial for your performance. This rings especially true when you have a looming deadline, an important meeting, or colleagues or customers depending on your performance.

Think about the last time you felt generally unmotivated. What brought you out of that feeling? Sometimes all it takes to get you going is a good night's sleep or witnessing the benefits of your labor.

Still, other times, you might listen to someone say something that resonates with you — that alters how you've been looking at a particular task or problem.

Motivational speeches and speakers can come in all different forms, but this is the one thing they have in common — resonance. They resonate with the right listener at the right time and in the right way.

Who knows, this article is doing some for you right now. (I can dream, can't I?)

We selected 24 of the best motivational speeches from business, sports, entertainment, and other fields to help you stay motivated no matter what your work throws at you. Watch these videos if you want to feel inspired by a project.

Trust me, I was wiping my eyes after I saw them. And while the messages vary from speech to speech, they can put you in the optimal frame of mind for tackling and crushing your next big challenge.

(Disclaimer: Some speeches may contain NSFW language.)

Elon Musk: "The Importance of Never Giving Up" (2020)

Angela Ahrendts: "Leading with Empathy" (2023)

Arianna Huffington: "The Power of Sleep" (2023)

Tim Cook: "Inclusion and Diversity" (2023)

J.K. Rowling: “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” (2008)

Sheryl Sandberg: "Lean In" (2021)

Jim Carrey: Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

Steve Jobs: "How to Live Before You Die" (2005)

Matthew McConaughey: "The Pursuit of Happiness" (2022)

Denzel Washington: "Fall Forward" (2011)

Vera Jones: “But the Blind Can Lead the Blind
” (2016)

Oprah Winfrey: "The Power of Self-Belief" (2020)

Charlie Day: Merrimack College Commencement Speech (2014)

Brené Brown: "The Power of Vulnerability" (2013)

Kobe Bryant: “The Path to Greatness" (2020)

David Foster Wallace: "This Is Water" (2005)

Carol Dweck: "The Growth Mindset" (2020)

Al Pacino: "Inch by Inch" (1999)

Satya Nadella: "Empowering Others" (2023)

Sylvester Stallone: Speech from Rocky Balboa (2006)

Will Smith: Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Mel Robbins: "The 5 Second Rule" (2020)

Angela Duckworth: "The Power of Grit" (2020)

Kurt Russell: “This is Your Time” (2004)

The Best Motivational Speeches of All Time

1. elon musk: "the importance of never giving up" (2020), theme of speech: perseverance and resilience.

Elon Musk's "The Importance of Never Giving Up" speech about perseverance and determination is decisive.

In this speech, Musk emphasizes failing and learning from failures as keys to success. He recounts his life and career, demonstrating how he overcame challenges.

One key takeaway from Musk's speech is his advice to adopt a growth mindset.

Musk encourages listeners to view setbacks as learning experiences. He also highlights the value of perseverance, persistence, and taking risks.

Elon Musk's word serves as an upbeat reminder that perseverance, patience, and the desire to attempt things repeatedly in the face of difficulty are essential for success.

"If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it."

2. Angela Ahrendts: "Leading with Empathy" (2023)

Theme of the speech: empathetic leadership....

The "Leading with Empathy" talk by Angela Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and compassion in leadership.

According to Ahrendts, leaders must view their employees as whole people with lives outside of work. Leaders can instill trust, respect, and mutual support in their employees and organizations.

Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of team mission as well. Leaders can inspire their teams by connecting them to a greater goal.

She believes that working together fosters creativity, innovation, and growth.

"Leading with Empathy" is a powerful reminder that leadership requires more than technical knowledge. To truly inspire and motivate their employees, leaders must understand their emotional needs and create a supportive, inclusive environment.

"Empathy is the glue that holds relationships together, whether they are personal or professional."

3. Arianna Huffington: "The Power of Sleep" (2023)

Theme of the speech: sleep and productivity.

The Huffington Post's founder, Arianna Huffington, emphasized the importance of sleep to overall health. In her 2023 speech, "The Power of Sleep," she discusses how sleep deprivation affects our health, productivity, and happiness.

Huffington observes that we have been taught to sacrifice sleep for success. She also mentions that well-rested employees are more creative, efficient, and effective.

To address these issues, Huffington proposes a cultural shift that recognizes sleep as essential to health and wellness.

She advises individuals and organizations to prioritize sleep, avoid technology before bedtime, and create a restful sleep environment. Sleep, according to Huffington, is a necessity, not a luxury.

By recognizing the importance of sleep, people and businesses can enhance their health, productivity, and general well-being.

Arianna Huffington's "The Power of Sleep" speech in 2023 emphasizes the importance of sleep and the dangers of sleep deprivation.

It promotes a culture where getting enough sleep is essential for health and well-being.

"Sleep is the Swiss Army knife of health, it does everything."

4. Tim Cook: "Inclusion and Diversity" (2023)

Theme of the speech: inclusion and diversity.

Apple CEO Tim Cook advocates for inclusion and diversity. He has been instrumental in the company's initiatives to advance fairness and equality inside its ranks and across the technology sector.

Cook has prioritized diversity and inclusion at Apple because he believes it is proper and necessary for innovation and business success.

Unconscious bias training, diverse recruitment, and employee resource groups contributed to his success.

Outside of Apple, Cook has advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and immigration reform. He has raised awareness of these issues and advocated for social change as a business leader.

Tech leaders and others have lauded Cook's commitment to diversity and inclusion. He has raised awareness of these issues, leading to significant change at Apple and elsewhere.

"Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords, they are fundamental values that drive innovation and creativity."

5. J.K. Rowling: “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” (2008)

Theme of speech: failure.

In J.K. Rowling's 2008 Harvard commencement speech, the Harry Potter author explored how two phenomena -- failure and imagination -- can be crucial to success.

While failure can help you understand where your true passion lies, and where you should focus your energy moving forward, imagination is what will allow you to empathize with other people so you can use your influence to do good.

“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

"You have to understand your own personal DNA. Don't do things because I do them or Steve Jobs or Mark Cuban tried it. You need to know your personal brand and stay true to it."

6. Sheryl Sandberg: "Lean In" (2021)

Theme of the speech: gender equality and leadership.

Sheryl Sandberg's 2021 talk, "Lean In," encourages women to lean into their careers and leadership roles. She urges women to stand up for one another and themselves to overcome societal and cultural hurdles.

Sandberg highlights the need to have distinct objectives and goals and be prepared to take calculated risks to achieve them.

She also underlines how crucial it is for more female leaders to advance diversity and gender equality across all industries.

Sandberg's speech also emphasizes collaboration. She urges women to mentor other women and look for sponsors and mentors themselves.

The "Lean In" talk by Sheryl Sandberg emphasizes women's voices and perspectives in all aspects of society.

To remove barriers and foster more inclusive and varied workplaces and communities, Sandberg urges women to pursue their professional ambitions with confidence and with the help of their communities.

"We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women's voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored."

7. Jim Carrey: Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

Theme of speech: taking risks.

Jim Carrey might make a living as the goofiest comedian around, but in 2014, he combined classic Carrey humor with unforgettable insight at Maharishi University of Management's graduation ceremony.

Jim Carrey opened his speech dishing punchlines, but he eventually opened up about his upbringing and the role fear plays in our lives. You can actually hear the amazement in the students' reactions in the video above.

“I learned many great lessons from my father -- not the least of which is that you can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”

8. Steve Jobs: "How to Live Before You Die" (2005)

Theme of speech: life and career.

Considering the YouTube video of Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford commencement speech has 24 million views, it's likely that you've seen this one already.

In the speech, Jobs plays on two themes: connecting the dots (anecdote: how taking a calligraphy class helped inspire the design of the Mac) and love & loss (anecdote: how getting fired from Apple helped inspire his greatest innovations).

Perhaps the most memorable part his speech comes at the end, when he quotes the (now-famous) lines from the final issue of his favorite publication, The Whole Earth Catalog:

“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”

steve jobs

9. Matthew McConaughey: "The Pursuit of Happiness" (2022)

Theme of the speech: discovering true happiness and fulfillment in life..

In "The Pursuit of Happiness," famed actor and motivational speaker Matthew McConaughey provides his enlightened viewpoint on obtaining true happiness and fulfillment.

McConaughey presents a genuine and approachable study of what it means to live a fulfilling life through sincere storytelling and personal anecdotes.

The speech discusses the significance of authenticity and remaining true to oneself. McConaughey encourages people to define their success rather than succumb to social pressures or external expectations.

He stresses aligning our behaviors and decisions with our fundamental values and passions.

McConaughey expresses his conviction in the power of thankfulness and the importance of living in the present moment. He encourages people to create a grateful mindset, recognizing the blessings and possibilities surrounding them.

By appreciating the present and finding joy in the journey, individuals can experience more profound happiness and fulfillment.

"Happiness is not a destination. It's a state of mind, a journey, and a choice we make every day."

10. Denzel Washington: "Fall Forward" (2011)

In his 2011 UPenn commencement speech, Denzel Washington highlighted three reasons why we need to embrace failure in order to be successful. First, everybody will fail at something at some point, so you better get used to it.

Second, if you never fail, take that as a sign that you're not really trying. And third, at the end of the day, failure will help you figure out what path you want to be on.

“Fall forward. Here's what I mean: Reggie Jackson struck out twenty-six-hundred times in his career — the most in the history of baseball. But you don't hear about the strikeouts. People remember the home runs.

Fall forward.

Thomas Edison conducted 1,000 failed experiments. Did you know that? I didn't know that—because #1,001 was the light bulb. Fall forward. Every failed experiment is one step closer to success.”

denzel washington

11. Vera Jones: “But the Blind Can Lead the Blind
” (2016)

Theme of speech: perseverance.

Last year at INBOUND, Vera Jones told a moving story about the life lessons she's learned from raising her blind son.

She explains how having faith in your future and letting it lead you toward your true purpose will help you overcome blinding obstacles.

She also discusses how following your passion and trusting your vision develops empathy, which is a critical leadership skill.

“Passionately play your position no matter how bad things get. You are significant. Why we are here is not for our own glory. Ultimately, we're here to lead and serve everybody else. By doing that, we encourage others to do the same.”

12. Oprah Winfrey: "The Power of Self-Belief" (2020)

Theme of Speech: Self-Belief and Confidence

Oprah Winfrey's 2020 speech "The Power of Self-Belief" emphasized the importance of self-assurance. She attributed her success to her unwavering self-assurance.

According to Oprah, self-belief is not about being arrogant or overconfident. She stresses the significance of overcoming self-doubt and fear, which can prevent people from reaching their goals.

Oprah used personal stories to demonstrate how self-confidence has aided her in life and work. She encouraged her audience to believe in themselves and to embrace their inner strength.

The Power of Self-Belief" reminded us how important it is to have faith in ourselves and our ability to succeed.

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams."

oprah-2

13. Charlie Day: Merrimack College Commencement Speech (2014)

Best known for his role in the sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, actor Charlie Day had lots of wisdom to share during the 2014 commencement speech at his alma mater, Merrimack College.

Day explained to the audience how college degrees are inherently valueless, since you can't trade them in for cash. Instead, it's you, your hard work, and the risks you take that provide real value in life.

“You cannot let a fear of failure or a fear of comparison or a fear of judgment stop you from doing the things that will make you great. You cannot succeed without the risk of failure.

You cannot have a voice without the risk of criticism. You cannot love without the risk of loss. You must take these risks.”

14. Brené Brown: "The Power of Vulnerability" (2013)

The video above is an animated excerpt from researcher Brené Brown's speech, " The Power of Vulnerability ." In the speech, Brown explores how our fear of not being good enough (among other fears) drives us to shield ourselves from our own vulnerabilities.

The alternative to wearing this emotional suit of armor: Embrace vulnerability through empathizing with others.

"Empathy is a choice, and it's a vulnerable choice. Because in order to connect with you, I have to connect with something in myself that knows that feeling."

brene

15. Kobe Bryant: “The Path to Greatness" (2020)

Theme of the speech: embracing dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of greatness..

Bryant emphasizes setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. Through captivating storytelling and personal anecdotes, he reveals the sacrifices and relentless effort required to excel at the highest level.

Bryant's speech is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and a growth mindset in attaining greatness.

The speech also explores embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Bryant shares how setbacks and challenges can fuel personal growth and resilience.

He encourages individuals to embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as motivation to push beyond their limits.

Bryant's speech goes beyond the realm of sports, offering valuable insights and life lessons applicable to all areas of life.

His relentless pursuit of greatness and unwavering commitment to excellence inspires individuals striving to achieve their goals and dreams.

"I have self-doubt. I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. I have nights when I show up at the arena and I'm like, 'My back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don't have it. I just want to chill.'

We all have self-doubt. You don't deny it, but you also don't capitulate to it. You embrace it."

16. David Foster Wallace: "This Is Water" (2005)

From the opening minutes of David Foster Wallace's 2005 Kenyon College commencement speech , in which he questions commencement speech conventions, it's clear that Wallace has some serious wisdom to share.

The crux of his speech: Many of us are oblivious to our own close-mindedness. We picture ourselves as the centers of our own, individual universes, instead of seeing the bigger, more interconnected picture.

“If you're automatically sure that you know what reality is and who and what is really important, if you want to operate on your default setting, then you, like me, probably won't consider possibilities that aren't annoying and miserable.

But if you've really learned how to think, how to pay attention, then you'll know you have other options.

It will actually be within your power to experience a crowded, hot, slow, consumer hell-type situation as not only meaningful, but sacred — on fire with the same force that lit the stars: love, fellowship, the mystical oneness of all things deep down.”

david foster wallace quote

17. Carol Dweck: "The Growth Mindset" (2020)

Theme of the speech: cultivating a growth mindset for personal and professional development..

In "The Growth Mindset," Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, and author, delivers an enlightening speech on the power of adopting a growth mindset for personal and professional growth.

Dweck's extensive research on mindset and achievement provides the foundation for her impactful message.

Dweck explains the difference between a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their abilities are fixed traits, and a growth mindset, where individuals believe their abilities can be developed through effort and learning.

She demonstrates how a growth mindset fosters resilience, learning, and innovation through relatable stories and compelling examples.

Dweck's speech resonates with individuals seeking personal and professional development, as she provides insights into how adopting a growth mindset can positively impact all areas of life.

Her research-based approach and engaging speaking style make "The Growth Mindset" an inspiring resource for individuals striving for continuous growth and improvement.

"The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even when it's not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset."

Famous Short Speeches With Inspirational Takeaways

18. al pacino: "inch by inch" (1999), theme of speech: teamwork.

Yes, this speech is from a football movie (Any Given Sunday), but trust me: This isn't your stereotypical rah-rah-go-get-'em sports speech. It's deeper than that. It's about life, and loss, and ... gosh darn it just listen to Al Pacino.

He's pouring his soul out!

“Either we heal as a team or we're gonna crumble, inch by inch, play by play, till we're finished. We're in hell right now, gentlemen, believe me.

And we can stay here and get the $&#@ kicked out of us, or we can fight our way back into the light. We can climb out of hell, one inch at a time.”

al pacino quote

19. Satya Nadella: "Empowering Others" (2023)

Theme of the Speech: Empowerment and Collaboration

Satya Nadella's 2023 lecture, "Empowering Others," emphasizes the importance of leadership that empowers others rather than focusing on personal success.

He emphasizes the importance of leaders cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging in which everyone feels respected and able to accomplish their best work.

Nadella also discusses the significance of technology in positive development. Some of society's most important issues may be resolved by technology, but proper development and application are required.

According to Nadella, empathy and emotional intelligence are essential for outstanding leadership. He suggests that Leaders listen to and understand. their team members' needs and motivations.

Leaders can develop a culture of trust and collaboration that will help the team flourish.

Satya Nadella's "Empowering Others" provides a special message about leadership in the current day. By emphasizing diversity, empathy, and responsible innovation, Nadella encourages audiences to strive for excellence while being mindful of their impact on others and the world.

"Success is not just about what we achieve individually, but what we enable others to achieve."

20. Sylvester Stallone: Speech from Rocky Balboa (2006)

Theme of speech: never give up.

I had to put this one next since it plays along the same themes as Denzel Washington's UPenn speech. In the scene above, from the 2006 film Rocky Balboa, the title character (played by Sylvester Stallone) is having a heart-to-heart with his son.

The advice he gives him: Don't let your failures or the adversity you face slow you down. Keep. Moving. Forward.

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!”

sylvester stalone quote

21. Will Smith: Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Theme of speech: don’t let them bring you down.

Here's another speech from the big screen, this time from the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness.

In the scene above, Will Smith's character explains to his son why he shouldn't pursue basketball (because he'll end up being "below average") before having a major change of heart.

“Don't ever let somebody tell you ... you can't do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream. You gotta protect it. People can't do something themselves, they want to tell you can't do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”

22. Mel Robbins: "The 5 Second Rule" (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Action and Overcoming Self-Doubt

The "The 5 Second Rule" speech by Mel Robbins promotes action to achieve goals and overcome concerns and doubts.

When confronted with a decision or action that needs to be completed but you are hesitating or procrastinating, countdown from 5, and then act. According to Robbins, this method breaks habit loops that keep us unhealthy.

Counting down and taking action may assist us in overcoming uncertainty and self-doubt and moving toward our objectives. For success, Robbins also promotes mentality and self-talk.

She believes that to realize our potential, we must consciously reframe negative thoughts and limiting beliefs.

Mel Robbins' presentation "The 5 Second Rule" is a practical and efficient technique to overcome procrastination and achieve goals.

Robbins inspires listeners to take command of their lives and achieve by emphasizing attitude, self-talk, and positive actions.

"You are never going to feel like doing the things that are tough, difficult, or uncertain, but you have a choice."

mel robbins quote

23. Angela Duckworth: "The Power of Grit" (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Spirit and Perseverance

Angela Duckworth examines the significance of perseverance and resilience in achievement in her book "The Power of Grit." According to Duckworth, grit—passion and determination—is essential for long-term success and overcoming obstacles.

Duckworth addresses grit and mentality, believing that people who view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than threats will develop resilience and determination over time.

She advocates for a growth mindset, which believes people can acquire intelligence and other qualities through hard work. Duckworth places a premium on rigorous practice to achieve skill and mastery.

She recommends soliciting feedback, setting challenging goals, and intentionally improving abilities and succeeding. Angela Duckworth's "The Power of Grit" illuminates long-term achievement.

Duckworth emphasizes attitude, focused practice, and resilience to urge listeners to acquire grit and pursue their passions with tenacity.

"Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality."

24. Kurt Russell: “This is Your Time” (2004)

Theme of speech: inspiring and believing in your team.

The Miracle on Ice is still considered the biggest upset in Olympic hockey history. And for good reason. The Soviet Union won six of the last seven Olympic gold medals, and the U.S. team consisted only of amateur players.

It was obvious the Soviets were better. But, in the movie Miracle, which told the incredible story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, Kurt Russell's character — Coach Herb Brooks — knew that this game was different.

The U.S. was better than the Soviets that day. And his speech conveyed such a strong belief in his team that they pulled off one of the greatest sports moments of the 20th century.

“If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game
 Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!

Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players, every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time.”

kurt russell quote

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30 Motivational Speeches To Get You Moving Forward Now

motivational speech writing examples

I like building and growing simple yet powerful products for the world and the worldwide web.

Published Date : October 29, 2021

Reading Time :

A sense of purpose in your professional and personal life is critical to success. It is useful advice for an impending deadline, an important presentation, or when clients rely on your performance.

Words can revitalize you on both a physical and emotional level. Motivational speeches may help you focus on your objectives and motivate your team. Having the right words to say the right thing at the right moment can transform and challenge your thinking.

You can use these motivational speeches to stay inspired and fulfilled no matter what life throws at you. These speeches will remind you why you do what you do and how much you enjoy doing it.

How Motivational Speeches Move People

People are propelled ahead by motivation. It rouses individuals from their complacency and opens their eyes to the thrilling possibilities . It is where motivational speeches help people to rise beyond the shackles of their ordinary existence.

Although motivation has a profound and even mystical effect on individuals, it is not as elusive as it first seems. The best motivational speeches are those that provoke thinking and meaning.

What Makes The Best Motivational Speeches

Best motivational speeches all have one thing in common: they’re filled with emotion . Emotions influence our decisions, behaviors, and viewpoints in every area of our lives. Motivational speeches are often filled with: 

  • Anecdotes about overcoming adversity
  • Perseverance
  • Achieving success

Speakers who use emotive topics and talking points that the audience can connect to are more likely to motivate the audience.

Plus, make them believe that they can overcome whatever obstacles stand in their way. The feeling of hope often sparks inspiration.

Qualities of Good Motivational Speakers

A few of the most effective motivational speakers share the characteristics listed below.

For more knowledge in delivering a motivational speech , here are some tips:

  • Initiate mobility . Speakers begin with a speech , but concentrating the audience on various elements leads to a specific outcome. 
  • Straight to the point . Speakers convince the audience of their credibility while giving their speeches.
  • Make it interesting . An effective motivational speaker knows that standing before an audience and blathering is never appreciated.

Practice your speech with Orai. Get feedback on your tone, tempo, confidence , and conciseness .

Motivational Speeches From Universities

Motivational speeches from well-known people are given during graduation each year to encourage students. Here are the best motivational speeches during the commencement exercises of different universities:

1. Denzel Washington – University of Pennsylvania

Denzel Washington’s motivational speech discusses the importance of taking chances in life and how. It is among the finest motivational speeches that are valid for business owners. He stated that when you fail, you should fall forward to his graduation address. Also, he encourages people to embrace failure and grow from it. 

2. Steve Jobs – Stanford University

Definitely among the finest motivational speeches ever! His motivational speech discussed life’s setbacks, such as death, and how understanding death may help people make better life decisions. His comments to the graduating class on the value of learning and pursuing goals were the most valuable advice he could give them.

3. Jim Carrey – Maharishi University

At Maharishi University in Iowa, actor and comedian Jim Carrey delivered one of the most original graduation addresses ever. His takeaway from his motivational speech is: Never give up on your goals and never give up on yourself. Indeed, it is one of the best motivational speeches.

4. J.K. Rowling – Harvard University

Several publishers rejected J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series before it was finally accepted, as is well known. However, before she became successful, she was in a desperate position and was about to become bankrupt. In her Harvard address, she stressed the importance of not being afraid of failure and persisting in adversity.

5. Matthew McConaughey – University of Houston

Next on our list is Matthew McConaughey’s motivational speech . His speech has various excellent ideas. But, the one that stood out was when he said we should approach happiness constantly.

Ultimately, he discovered that everything came into place when he approached things step by step. After everything was said and done, Matthew McConaughey gave one of the best motivational speeches in recent years.

6. Michelle Obama – Eastern Kentucky University

Michelle Obama delivered a commencement speech to the Eastern Kentucky University class in 2013. She urged them to keep challenging their assumptions and find a way to make their flaws work for them. Her speech focused on giving the students motivation about life. 

When it comes to defining moments in your life, it won’t be when you receive a promotion or have a breakthrough in your career.

7. Peter Dinklage – Bennington College

Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage is well-known for portraying Tyrion Lannister in the show. He delivered the Bennington College graduating speech in 2012. His message to the graduating class focused on perseverance and doing everything it takes to succeed. 

8. John Roberts – Cardigan Mountain School

US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts addressed his son’s graduating high school class in 2017. It’s not good luck; he wishes the grads in his address. He expresses his want for kids to experience loneliness, failure, and defeat from time to time. 

9. Natalie Portman – Harvard University

Actress Natalie Portman addressed Harvard University’s 2015 graduating class during their graduation ceremony. She uses wide brushstrokes from all periods of her life to build a picture in her compelling speech . Also, she claims to have discovered that taking measured risks may result in life-altering benefits, as she has done it herself.

10. Meryl Streep – Barnard College

Meryl Streep is most recognized as a 16-time nominee and 2-time winner at the Academy Awards. While at Barnard College, she made a memorable graduating address in 2010 that inspired the audience. However, in her address, she emphasized the importance of her relationships with family and friends. 

Become an excellent speaker with the perfect Motivational speech .

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Motivational Speeches From Ted Talk

Reaffirming your confidence in humanity is one of the most powerful benefits of listening to motivational speeches. Next time you need a little additional energy, have this list handy.

1. Elizabeth Gilbert

Famous author and TED speaker Elizabeth Gilbert spoke about how we all have a “genius” that we may unleash. She is the author of the best-selling book Eat, Pray, Love. Gilbert’s motivational speech emphasized the importance of not being intimidated or scared of success. 

2. Tony Robbins

One of the most well-known motivational speakers today is Tony Robbins. This TED lecture, in particular, profoundly affects the listener. It addresses two major issues in its title, “Why We Do What We Do.”

We learn about ourselves and others by asking these kinds of inquiries. What should you remember? You are the only person who can decide whether or not you succeed.

3. Richard St. John

Next on our list of motivational speeches is Richard St. John’s TED Talk from 2005, given by the author, marketer, and analyst. St. John’s address, which was based on his book “8 To Be Great,” gets to the point in a manner that most speeches don’t

The remainder of St. John’s discourse quickly transitions from one intriguing topic to the next without wasting time or words. There are also a few well-placed jokes in there. As a result, even though he covers a lot of subjects, his audience retains what he says.

4. Dan Pink

As a writer, Dan Pink’s reputation is supported by many “legs,” such as his writings and accolades. Also, in the late 1990s, he was the primary speechwriter for former US Vice President Al Gore.

Pink’s TED Talk is a role model for everyone who wants to convert a dull subject into motivating. He started his speech by examining how most economists see performance, stating, “If you want people to perform better, you reward them. Right? That’s how business works.”

5. Mel Robbins

Regarding speakers, Mel Robbins has a solid reputation for taking a direct and honest stance on even the most emotional subjects. Due to this, she’s not scared to speak her mind regarding difficult issues. She only chooses a person from her audience to underscore her speech ’s enormous chances of being born.

6. Simon Sinek

First seen in his 2009 TED Talk “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” Simon Sinek is a best-selling author. Sinek proves he’s not just switching from one stereotyped issue to another. In addition, he encourages audiences to let go of their preconceived notions about the subject to approach it with a fresh perspective.

7. Tali Sharot

Dr. Tali Sharot is dedicated to helping people realize their personal and professional dreams. She works to increase awareness of the impact of emotions on our decisions and behavior. In this TED talk, she talks about how to motivate yourself to change your behavior.

8. Brene Brown

Brene Brown, a Texan with a penchant for ranting and raving, is an authority on shame and vulnerability. A key focus of Brown’s research is human connection. Over 16 million people have seen her motivational TED presentation in which she offers a profound discovery from her studies. It launched her on a personal mission to understand both herself and humankind.

9. Malcolm Gladwell

It wouldn’t be a list of motivational speeches without Malcolm Gladwell’s inclusion. Gladwell tells the tale of a guy who refused to believe in the existence of a ‘perfect’ spaghetti sauce. It contains important insights for executives who want to create work environments where their employees are pleased.

10. Sam Berns

It is one of the best motivational speeches you’ll ever see. A 17-year-old Sam became a public face for Progeria, a hereditary disorder with the evocative moniker aging sickness. While some claimed Sam would never transcend the constraints others had placed on him, he refused to let his illness define him.

He led the life he wanted, ignoring his disease and the things that set him apart in favor of his goals. It’s a remarkable heirloom left by a unique young man.

Best Motivational Speeches From Movies

While narrative and actors are important in movies, speeches leave an impression on audiences. So, here are the best motivational speeches from movies to help you out:

Given Sunday

To prepare for a rough day, hear this inspiring lecture from a well-known motivational speaker. It focuses on the importance of inches in American Football, even though we prefer to disregard them. He speaks about how his team may gain an inch on their competition by focusing on the little details of winning.

Irrespective of whether or not you saw the film, it provided cinemagoers with one of the most motivational speeches ever. You don’t have to yell or curse a lot. Depending on your personality, it may cause you to enter what we refer to as “the zone.” Speeches in earlier films have included theatrical components; this one does not.

3. Hoosiers

Even though we’re still in college, we’ve already gained enough life experience to realize that working hard doesn’t guarantee a W. Even if we give it our all, dozing off in the library at 3 a.m. on top of our books, that doesn’t guarantee an A. Isn’t it enough if you’re giving it your all?

4. Friday Night Lights

Is it possible for you to speak the truth to your friends while looking them in the eye? That you put out all of your efforts? In this film, Coach Gaines says that if you can accomplish it with love in your heart, you’ve achieved perfection. His message inspires honesty, camaraderie, and love among his team members in this scenario.

5. Rocky Balboa

Rocky Balboa reminds his kid that life isn’t fair in this scene since he is a father figure in the Rocky franchise. It is like boxing in that how hard you punch back is immaterial. According to him, what matters is how much you can absorb and how quickly you can advance.

6. The Pursuit of Happiness

It’s worth mentioning that the whole picture is moving since it depicts father-son relationships. In this speech , a father instructs his kid never to give up on his dreams, no matter how unlikely they may seem to others. If someone tells you you can’t attain your objectives, don’t believe them.

7. Wolf of Wall Street

The main hero’s speech in Wolf of Wall Street is encouraging because it takes achievement into account. Seeing examples of people who rose from poverty to riches might encourage others to take risks when an opportunity arises. Since his speech , having a decent standard of life has become more important.

8. Braveheart

In this scene, William Wallace gives a speech on the importance of freedom to a human being. For him, independence trumps the monotony of everyday existence. The speech can motivate listeners to take action instead of just producing food.

9. The Shawshank Redemption

Motivational speeches like this one demonstrate confidence in an optimistic future. You can still use it, even if you have to put in a lot of work to get there while another guy gives up. It would help if you always had an optimistic outlook on life’s prospects.

10. Independence Day

In this film, the president discusses the importance of humanism and goodwill among all countries. His message is motivational because he discusses uniting against common adversaries and preserving lives. If you’re considering international relations, this speech is a gold mine.

What event did Greta Thunberg speak at in 2019, and what was the focus of her speech?

In 2019, Greta Thunberg delivered a speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit. The focus of her powerful address was to criticize world leaders for their inadequate actions toward addressing and combating climate change. Thunberg traveled by sailboat to the summit and accused these leaders of failing to take tangible steps to combat the global climate crisis.

Who is Greta Thunberg, and what is she known for?

Greta Thunberg is a prominent figure in the realm of environmental activism, hailing from Sweden. At the tender age of 20, she has gained international recognition for fearlessly challenging global leaders to address the urgent need for measures to counter the impacts of climate change. Thunberg’s passionate advocacy work centers around raising awareness about the climate crisis and urging policymakers to take concrete actions to combat it. Her inspiring efforts have made her synonymous with the fight against climate change on a global scale.

What insights were found through the analysis of Oprah Winfrey’s motivational speech?

Oprah Winfrey delivered a motivational speech without using any filler words, speaking at a conversational pace and maintaining positive body language . Her speech delivery was effective and can be an example for aspiring speakers. Yoodli is a tool that can help individuals improve their speech patterns and English proficiency.

What is the title and significance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech 1963?

Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech , delivered in 1963 at the height of the civil rights movement, remains iconic. Standing at the Lincoln Memorial, he addressed a massive crowd with a message of hope, equality, and justice. The speech ’s enduring power lies in its call to judge individuals by character, not skin color, inspiring generations to dream of a more just future.

Who gave the Nobel Peace Prize Lecture in 2014, and what was the content of the speech?

Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani champion for female education, delivered a powerful Nobel Peace Prize speech in 2014. Despite facing threats and violence, she expressed unwavering commitment to her cause, highlighting education’s role in achieving peace and leaving a lasting impact on the world.

What did Janelle Monáe discuss in her 2018 Trailblazer Award acceptance speech?

Janelle Monáe, a trailblazer, urged pushing boundaries and exploring oneself to create inclusive spaces. She highlighted self-discovery’s challenges and rewards, emphasizing authenticity’s power in empowering others.

Who is Janelle Monáe, and what awards has she received?

Janelle Monáe is a multi-talented pop artist who proudly identifies as queer and Black. Known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances, she has garnered recognition for her artistic contributions across various award ceremonies. Some of the awards and nominations she has received come from distinguished organizations such as BET, Billboard Music, ASCAP, and AICE. These accolades celebrate her exceptional talent and artistic achievements in the music industry.

Parting Words

That concludes our selection of the best motivational speeches to get you through the tough times ahead! Let’s take a look at some of the common themes that appear in all of these talks.

  • It’s critical that you like your work.
  • Even if you fail, that’s not the end of the world.
  • It would be better if you aspired to it.

Now, consider the topics that will motivate your listeners to pay attention to your words. You may also use the Orai App to help you enhance your public speaking skills and capture your audience’s attention. Furthermore, take advantage of the free trial offer and start immediately.

Practice makes a man perfect. Start practicing and become a professional speaker.

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motivational speech writing examples

How to give a motivational speech

  • James Haynes
  • August 11, 2022

Table of Contents

Introduction.

So you want to learn how to give a motivational speech. Maybe it’s for a motivational speech for work, or maybe it’s for a school project. You have an idea of what you want to speak about, but how do you actually create your talk? How do you give a motivational speech? And what makes a talk “good”?

In this post, you can read answers to all of those questions. You’ll learn tips to go through the process to create a great motivational speech from idea to completion. And you’ll learn how to write and give an inspiring motivational speech. Need examples of a motivational speech? Some examples will be at the end of this post!

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What is a motivational speech?

A motivational speech is simply a talk meant to get your audience to see or do something. Many of the practices that you can do to prepare for a motivational speech apply to any other type of talk!

The best motivational speakers on the planet only have one or two talks they do and those talks are insanely good. Start by developing just one, really amazing talk that resonates deeply with your intended audience. The best marketing for your motivational speaking business is a great talk, so it is worth it to put in the hours for this part. Yes, even if your first speaking gig is a free talk at a community center.

Keep in mind: Your audience is always going to be asking two questions: “so what?” and “now what?” So what means, what does this have to do with me?  Now what  is what you want the audience to do as a result of your talk. Give them action steps to implement what you taught them. If they hear you speak but literally don’t do anything differently, what’s the point?

Giving a motivational speech is almost like mapping for a road trip. If you are going to go on a road trip, it’s easier to have a paper map or Google Maps to tell you where you’re going. But if you just get in the car and you start driving, and people are in the car asking you where we’re going, you’re in trouble! But by organizing and structuring your talk, you can lead the audience to your conclusions. And you can effectively answer those two questions: “so what?” and “now what?”

Want to learn how to write a motivational speech? Read on for 3 steps to make it unforgettable:

1. Begin with the end in mind and tell a story

Have you ever been left at the end of a speech wondering, “What was the point of this talk?” Don’t do that to your audience. When creating your talk, determine the destination that you want to take them to. Once you pick a point, then you can work backwards and reverse engineer how to get your audience to that place.

The best way to do the point of your talk is to find where your audience’s needs converge with your passions. Think about what problems you like to solve and what topics you want to talk about and look out into the world. Who is asking for solutions to those problems? Become the expert on that audience and commit yourself to meeting their needs. (for more on finding your big idea, check out this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast)

Okay, so now you have your topic, the idea you want to communicate. Now what? One of the best ways to create a memorable, relatable talk is by integrating first-person stories . You don’t have to have lost a limb or scaled Mount Everest. Keep an eye out in your everyday life for little moments that can contribute to your message. Write them down and integrate them into your talk. As you get more speaking gigs, you will very quickly learn which stories are a hit and which are total flops
which is all part of the process!

Humans relate to stories. We connect to stories. Funny stories. Sad stories. Inspirational stories. We love stories. So tell them. Lots of them. Stories will keep your audience engaged and are also easier for you to memorize. Telling stories that you lived and experienced generally makes the story better for you and the audience. For the audience, they can often times find themselves in your story. For you as the speaker, it’s much easier (and more powerful) to tell a story that you lived versus one you read in a book.

2. Write out your material

Professional speakers don’t just make stuff up. They don’t write a few thoughts on a notecard and then shoot from the hip for an entire presentation. They take the time to write and carefully craft their material.

Oftentimes speakers want to have Powerpoint or Keynote slides to use as notes for their presentation. This is lazy. Don’t do this. Any slides you use should be an enhancement not a replacement of your talk. If you’re just going to stand up there and read off the screen, what does the audience need you for?

Use Powerpoint to show images that make a point. Some speakers will build their talk around their slides. Start with the talk FIRST and then determine if slides are needed or necessary. Slides are generally most effective for showing images or videos that can’t be conveyed in words. For example, if you were in some death-defying crash and that’s part of your talk, it’s one thing to tell that story, but it’s incredibly more powerful if you show pictures or video of it all.

Consider writing out your material. Professional speakers don’t just write a few thoughts on a notecard and then shoot from the hip for an entire presentation. They take the time to write and carefully craft their material. There is no right way to create a talk. You don’t need to memorize your talk like a script, but manuscripting can help you to think through the entire presentation and to know exactly how it all flows together. Some speakers prefer to have an outline with several bullet points and flesh it out from there. Every speaker is different. Find a process that works for you. (For more on fleshing out your talk, check out this episode of the Speaker Lab podcast here .)

3. On stage, be an amplified version of you

The bigger the venue, the bigger you need to be on stage. The way you would communicate to a group of 10 people is very different than how you would need to communicate to a room of 10,000. Both should be an authentic version of you, but simply amplified to the setting. The bottom line is don’t try to be something you’re not on stage. Be you.

Keep it slow and steady. When you are talking really fast, it becomes difficult for the audience to follow. It’s hard to keep up and process. Plus the faster you talk, the harder it is to understand what you’re saying. So slow down and enunciate. Give the audience the chance to keep up with where you’re going.

Don’t be afraid of the silence. The silence to a speaker can feel deafening but it can be powerful. Silence shows confidence that you’re in control of the talk and the room and you’re continuing to guide them towards a common purpose. When you make a strong point, don’t rush to the next line. Stop and let it hang there. The silence is your friend.

For some reason, there’s this misconception that the audience is out to get you. Like they are rooting for you to fail. Nothing could be further from the truth. The audience wants you to do well. They don’t want it to be a train wreck. If they’re going to spend their precious time sitting in your session, they want it to be good. They are on your side. So relax. Take a deep breath and enjoy yourself.

By following these steps, you can set yourself up for success. Many external variables help make a motivational speech go well. Beyond working these steps before giving a motivational speech, you should try to put as many of those variables in your favor as possible. Don’t stay up late the night before at a reception. Don’t eat a massive pasta bowl before you go on stage. Try to avoid speaking during a slot when most of the audience will be distracted. If all the variables are stacked against you but you crush your talk, it can still come across as “meh” to the audience.

Keep in mind: Speaking is like playing jazz – you don’t have to give a talk the same way every time. You can improvise and mix it up sometimes, and you don’t need to plan out every hand gesture or movement or exact line you’ll use. Some of that is fine, but also be present enough with the audience that you can play jazz when the moment calls for it.

If you have a dream to inspire others with your message, you’ve probably considered taking your passion to the stage. Becoming a motivational speaker might sound like a charmed life in many ways. And while it does take hard work, it totally is. Want to go deeper and learn how to become a motivational speaker? Check out our article, “How to Become a Motivational Speaker” here!

In the meantime, here are a few rapid fire FAQs about motivational speeches. Happy speaking!

What are some examples of a motivational speech?

Some of the most well-known motivational speeches have been given at graduations from a school or training. One example of a famous motivational speech is academic researcher BrenĂ© Brown’s breakout 2010 TEDx Houston talk, “The Power of Vulnerability”, which became a top 5-viewed TED Talk online.

Looking for more examples of a motivational speech? Check out this article here.

Find Out Exactly How Much You Could Make As A Paid Speaker

Use The Official Speaker Fee Calculatorℱ to tell you what you should charge for your next (or first) speaking gig — virtual or in-person!

How much money can you make as a motivational speaker?

The runway to a successful business is often slow. But many speakers make 6+ figures a year within a couple years of starting their speaking business!

What degree you need to become a motivational speaker?

It does not matter! You can have no degree or a PhD in whatever field you like and still be a great motivational speaker.

Can anyone become a motivational speaker?

Absolutely.

How long does it take to become a motivational speaker?

This may vary quite a bit, primarily based on your state in life.

  • Last Updated: February 29, 2024

James Haynes

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motivational speech writing examples

Motivational Speech Examples

Motivational speech by Tony Robbins

Many motivational speech examples from movies and famous people continue to inspire others at graduations, school assemblies, sporting events, business meetings, fitness centers, and weight loss groups. 

Speakers are often asked to deliver an inspirational, motivational speech to a group of people. If you haven’t noticed how often speeches mark events or occasions you attend, watch a few movies. Motivational speech examples abound!

The speeches in the media offer inspiration – and great ideas – for how to five speeches in real-life events.

Table of Contents

Motivational Speech Examples In The Media

Some of the best motivational speeches are watched repeatedly, essentially going viral. Some of the best include:

  • Charlie Chapin, The Great Dictator
  • Bill Pullman, Independence Day
  • Russell Crowe, Gladiator
  • Al Pacino, Any Given Sunday
  • Billy Bob Thornton, Friday Night Lights
  • Kenneth Branagh, Henry V
  • Charlies S, Dutton, Rudy
  • John Belushi, Animal House
  • Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, Shawshank Redemption
  • Bill Murray, Scrooged

You can enjoy these clips and read the whole list of popular media motivational speeches here . The question is, how do you write a memorable address that is sure to inspire in your own life?

What 3 Things Make A Good Motivational Speech?

A commonly asked question is what should be included in a motivational speech to make it effective. Many speech writing templates can prove helpful. These three aspects should be present when focusing on a motivational or inspirational speech.

  • A Clear Purpose:  Anytime you give a speech, starting with a clear purpose is essential. That will help you to hone in on the main critical points you want to address. Knowing the occasion, audience, and venue will all help make topic decisions.
  • Personal Stories:  Telling moving personal stories and anecdotes are excellent ways to get the audience to engage with you right from the start. Sharing your own experience from your personal life makes you relatable to those listening.
  • Audience Appropriate and Relevant:  Knowing your audience is also essential to success in public speaking. Whether you are a keynote speaker at a conference or the valedictorian speaking at commencement, consider everyone assembled who will be listening. This will guide the main ideas you choose to share.

When Are Motivational Speeches Often Given?

There are many occasions when one might want to have a motivational speaker.

  • Award Ceremonies:  There are many situations where one might hire someone to give a motivating speech in conjunction with an awards ceremony. Whether you are speaking of a “hard work pays off” address for sports awards or a call to action at a ceremony by your employer honoring accomplishments, this type of speech will be appropriate. Imagine you are part of a weight loss organization and, as a beginner, had the opportunity to listen to someone who had lost over 100 pounds. Might that leave you feeling hopeful and inspired?
  • Commencement:  Although there is usually more than one speaker at a graduation ceremony, only one person has the opportunity to give the main commencement address.
  • Retirement Parties:  As people gather to celebrate someone’s retirement, it is appropriate for a coworker to speak inspirational or motivating words. Whether the individual has survived adversity, fulfilled dreams, or reached goals, their story can motivate others to hear.
  • Special Events:  Often, speeches mark other types of special events. As significant events are kicked off, such as pre-marathon parties or the beginning of a sports season, having someone come and give a “never give up” speech would be a great introduction to the season. Schools often have assemblies to inspire the student body to strive for greatness.

Retiement speech to group

What Are Some Motivational Speech Examples For Different Occasions?

Many speeches with inspiring takeaways motivate anyone with ears to listen and serve as excellent examples of motivational speaking. Whether you are a Harvard graduate sitting at the commencement or a high school football player listening to your coach give a pregame pep talk, hearing the right words at just the right moment can be life-changing.

Business Success

J.K. Rowling   – Benefits of Failure and The Importance of Imagination Motivational Speech –  “So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was and began directing all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered. The knowledge that you  have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks  means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know yourself or the strength of your.”

Steve Jobs –  Founder of Apple, speaks at Stanford University Commencement, How to Live Before You Die. –  “So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart even when it leads you off the well-worn path, and that will make all the difference.”

Commencement Speeches

Denzel Washington  – University of Pennsylvania Commencement Speech –  “Fail big. That’s right. Fail big. This is the beginning of the rest of your life, and it can be very frightening. It’s a new world out there, and it’s a mean world out there, and you only live once. So do what you feel passionate about.Take chances professionally. Don’t be afraid to fail. There’s an old IQ test with nine dots, and you had to draw five lines with a pencil within these nine dots without lifting the pencil, and the only way to do it was to go outside the box. So don’t be afraid to go outside the box. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to fail big, to dream big.”

Jim Carrey :  Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management –  “Life doesn’t happen to you; it happens for you.”

Crushing Goals

David Goggins:  Outwork Everyone Else –  “I am a World Champion because I was willing to  outwork , out hustle and outperform everyone. That’s what it takes: hard work!”

Coach Tony D’Amato’s –  (Al Pacino) Motivational Speech In Any Given Sunday (Also called the Inch by Inch Speech) –  “Either we heal as a team, or we’re going to crumble,  inch by inch,  play by play, til we’re finished. We’re in hell right now, gentlemen, believe me. And we can stay here, get the shit kicked out of us, or we can fight our way back into the light. We can climb out of hell, one inch at a time.”

Sylvester Stallone’s  Motivational Speech to His Son In Rocky Balboa –  “Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are. It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit.  It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.  How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”

Rosalinde Terres   Ted Talk: What It Takes to be a Great Leader –  “There’s an expression: Go along to get along. But if you follow this advice, chances are, as a leader, you’re going to keep doing what’s familiar and comfortable.  Great leaders dare to be different.  They don’t just talk about risk-taking; they actually do it. And one of the leaders shared with me the fact that the most impactful development comes when you are able to build the emotional stamina to withstand people telling you that your new idea is naĂŻve or reckless, or just plain stupid. Now interestingly, the people who will join you are not your usual suspects in your network. They’re often people that think differently and therefore are willing to join you in taking a courageous leap. And it’s a leap, not a step.”

Simon Sinek:   Be the Leader You Wish You Had –  “The  great leaders are not the strongest; they are the ones who are honest about their weaknesses.  The great leaders are not the smartest; they are the ones who admit how much they don’t know. The great leaders can’t do everything; they are the ones who look to others to help them.”

Simon Sinek, Motivational Speaker

More Speeches Worth a Look

  • BrenĂ© Brown  – “The Power of Vulnerability”
  • HESMotivation  – Believe in Yourself Motivational Speech
  • John Wooden  – The Difference Between Winning and Succeeding
  •  Martin Luther King – I Have a Dream Speech
  •   Will Smith –  Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness

A former English teacher and currently an elementary principal in a rural school, Pam has honed her speaking skills in the classroom and before professional groups. Pam enjoys sharing her insights about public speaking almost as much as she enjoys running, which she does daily.

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Short Motivational Speeches

Short Motivational Speeches

Motivational speeches are excellent tools to teach, inspire, and even just to tell others what to do. However, not many of us have the time to devote to writing long or complicated motivational speeches. The ability to write a short, sweet, and inspiring motivational speech is a very useful one, and it’s one that will come in handy throughout your life, especially in places of leadership.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to several useful motivational topics, the most important parts of a good motivational speech, and meaningful situations that motivational speeches can be used in.

Importance of Motivational Speeches

Motivational speeches are not something you have to give. Regardless of whether you’re a leader, someone else in a position of power, or otherwise, motivational speeches are completely optional. If you don’t have the time, energy, or inclination to give a motivational speech, it’s likely that nothing will change. However, you may be missing out on a powerful inspirational tool for employees, friends, or others.

If you’ve listened to a motivational speech yourself, you’ve probably felt the impact it can have on you firsthand. They can be the source of great change in your motivation, faith, and thoughts. As such, motivational speeches are particularly useful for bosses, directors, and other leaders. If they’re something that you can employ for yourself, they’re not an opportunity that you should neglect.

Why Do We Need Motivation?

Motivation plays a vital role in our everyday lives. However, motivation isn’t a given, either. We often need a bit of a push to keep us motivated, or we sometimes need a reminder of why we’re working so hard in the first place. When we lose our motivation, our performance in various areas is lost, too.

Furthermore, motivation is something that binds us together. Every single human being on Earth has felt motivated to do something at some point in their life, all the way back to the first humans who were motivated by the urge to hunt and mate. A well-crafted motivational speech is relatable, inspiring, and reminds us about these things that we fight for.

For the workplace especially, motivation is critical. If employees aren’t inspired to work at their full working capacity, the business isn’t making all the money it could be. Certain causes and non-profit organizations are also in the business of motivating people to turn their lives around.

Many aspects of our lives depend on motivation . Some examples of this are:

While keeping your employees, charges, friends, or peers motivated isn’t your responsibility, sometimes it can be in your best interest. We’ll explore that further in the rest of this article.

Crafting a Motivational Speech

A motivational speech requires several key components to be successful and effective. In the following sections, we’ll go over the most important steps involved in creating a successful, impactful, and succinct motivational speech.

Finding a Topic

Finding a topic for your motivational speech is the very first thing you should do. Your topic should relate to your problem at hand or the issue you’re looking to address, of course. For example, if you’re an employer who is hoping to inspire your employees to work more productively, that should be your topic and your inspiration. If you’re a guest speaker looking to encourage smokers to quit, that will be your source.

Picking a topic for your motivational speech isn’t particularly complicated. The purpose of your speech will be to address a problem , after all. However, how you proceed from there is much more difficult. The next step will be to explain your purpose to your audience. How you do this is primarily up to you. If you’re the straightforward type, it can be as simple as telling your audience that the purpose of your speech is to get them to do something.

However, if you desire to be more creative, you also have the option of being a bit more subtle. You can try different things like:

  • Revealing your purpose at the end of your speech
  • Hinting at but not revealing your purpose
  • Forcing your audience to deduce your purpose from personal stories or other clues
  • Letting your audience take their own wisdom or purpose from your speech or story

Telling a Story

A significant part of a motivational speech is the inclusion of a story. After all, the draw of a motivational speech is a story for the listeners to compare themselves to and take something away from. If a story isn’t included in your motivational speech somehow, it’s no different than a lecture.

Since we’re concerned with creating short and succinct motivational speeches here, you must be careful which stories you choose. If you don’t have a relevant story to share that’s short enough for your purposes, doing online research or asking friends for something is also a good idea. The story doesn’t necessarily have to be yours to be effective. You just have to make it relatable and relevant.

Barring length, which we’ve already addressed, not every story is effective for a motivational speech. The audience needs to be able to relate to the story, and the story itself needs to relate to the topic at hand, or else there’s no point in telling it. Additionally, if your story doesn’t further the point you’re trying to make, it will simply use up more of the time you have to speak.

If possible, using a personal story or a story of someone close to you is best, because this is the type of story that you will relate to the most. When you relate to the story emotionally, you will be a much more effective speaker, and the audience will recognize this and respond to it. If you don’t have an applicable personal story, find something online that moves you and inspires you on its own, then work that into your speech.

As a last resort, you can consider making up a fictional story to tell your audience, but this isn’t always an applicable strategy. For example, if an employer were to make up a story to tell their employees, it wouldn’t be particularly useful, applicable, or even helpful. In the worst case, the employees might take the story as a threat of what might happen to them if they didn’t show greater performance.

Whether you’re looking to scare your employees or not is up to you, but that’s not the purpose of a motivational speech. A motivational speech is meant to inspire people to take positive action, not scare them into behaving with veiled threats.

Finding Your Audience

Your audience is as much an integral part of your speech as the body of the speech itself is. If your audience cannot relate to your speech, it will have less of an effect or it won’t have one at all. In the same way, trying to relate too hard to your audience can be a death sentence, too. Age is a particularly difficult one to follow, but there are hundreds of more variables that presenters need to keep in mind, too, such as:

  • Knowledgeability of the audience
  • Cultural factors and cues
  • Financial availability of the audience
  • Geographical factors

The delivery method you use to relate to your audience plays a role, as well. Particularly infamous is when older speakers try too hard to engage and relate to younger audiences. Avoid the trap of using too much hip lingo and trying to act like a younger generation; the same can apply for older generations, too. As long as you represent yourself well and speak respectfully and engagingly with your audience, your delivery will go over well.

To relate to your audience, rather than falling prey to the traps we mentioned above, consider what your audience needs instead. What is your audience getting out of your speech? Is your audience a group of employees who were forced to come to this speech, or is it a group of students who voluntarily came to listen to you?

Your speech is as much about your audience as it is about you. What can you offer to the audience by speaking to them? What do you want to offer to the audience? Is your speech being given to solve an existing problem, or is its purpose to impart wisdom? These questions and more are essential things to ask yourself as you decide how to deliver your speech.

Tie Things Together

It’s very important to make sure the different parts of your speech all tie together when you’re crafting it. The greater points in your speech should relate to your story, your story should relate to your audience, and your final points should relate to everything mentioned above. This is doubly important since your motivational speech is meant to be short and sweet.

If your speech is all over the place or doesn’t tie together, your audience will not respect it and are unlikely to learn anything from it. Moreover, if your speech doesn’t make sense, your audience will likely zone out long before you’re done giving it.

Just as important as tying everything together is tying things together well. While overdoing things with your speech is a no-no, leaving it boring and clinical isn’t always appropriate, either. Your opening, ending, and overall tone should be compatible with your audience and the message you’re trying to convey.

Start Strong

The importance of the opening to a speech can never be underestimated. What kind of opening works best depends mostly upon your audience, however. Finding this perfect opening sequence is a crucial part of catching your audience’s attention early on and holding that attention for the duration of the speech.

Picking a great opening to your speech is an excellent way to make it memorable, engaging, and interesting to your audience. If you really want to make an impact on your audience, this is the way to do it. Several effective strategies for crafting an effective opening are:

  • Asking your audience some thought-provoking questions
  • Citing a surprising or unbelievable statistic or fact
  • A meaningful or inspiring quote
  • A short and sweet anecdote

Since your motivational speech will be short, its opening is all the more important. You have even less time to introduce your audience to the topic, get them hooked, and pave the way for the rest of the speech. It’s also worth noting that, if your audience needs background on a topic or idea in order to understand it, it’s important to provide that right away in a short motivational speech.

Be Succinct

Even in a longer motivational speech, it’s important to get right to the point and get your message across to your audience. No audience appreciates their time being wasted, so your motivational speech should be brief, to-the-point, and as condensed as possible without losing understanding, ease of conveyance, or meaning.

Your speech needs to be structured, easy to understand, and meaningful. This means avoiding excessive prose or sentences that don’t add to your point. Your structure should be clean, logical, and easy to follow regardless of the topic. Don’t decorate your speech much or at all. The purpose of your speech is to prove a point or to address a problem, after all.

When creating your speech, you should always be honest and real. If you write things into your speech that you don’t believe or subscribe to, your audience will know. If you can’t relate to or at least empathize with your own concepts, you may want to think about adjusting the subject of your speech. A normal speech might be able to get away with this, but a motivational speech depends very much upon being honest and touching the heart.

Your speech should feature a call to action, as well. What problem are you trying to solve? Is the issue you’ve identified wildlife preservation? If that’s the case, perhaps your call to action should be for people to volunteer and donate their time towards saving our wildlife. Whenever you’re giving a motivational speech, make sure there is a course of action mentioned within to give your audience an easy route to follow.

Encourage your audience to engage with what you’ve talked to them about thus far. If your audience is a group of employees under your care, call them to work harder, find a solution to a problem, or improved conditions in the workplace for the benefit of the place as a whole. If your audience is a group of recovering smokers, call for quitting by reminding them of how their health is at stake.

Be Evocative

When you’re looking to engage and hook your audience, playing to their emotions is essential. Throughout your speech, you should be sure to use emotional language, use stories that evoke emotion, and help your audience relate to you emotionally as much as possible.

When your audience connects with you and your speech emotionally, that creates your best possible chance to hold your audience’s attention, change the way they think, and influence the way they act going forward from the speech.

Emotions are an undeniable catalyst for inspiring action. Since this is the end goal of a motivational speech, you should thus try to evoke strong emotions in your audience whenever possible. Whether your speech plays on happiness, sadness, anger, or outrage, speaking to these emotions is an excellent way to craft your speech.

Besides involving your audience’s emotions , it should involve their thoughts, too. Your speech should be designed around making your audience think in addition to making them feel. Present questions that your audience must think about twice to decide what they really believe, and keep them thinking even after your speech is finished.

This might seem like a tall order when you’re only creating a short speech, but making your audience think is essential. It can provide several benefits, such as:

  • Making your audience think about how they might be able to address your problem
  • Making your audience think about your points, come up with counterpoints, or consider solutions
  • Forcing your audience to consider how the issues you’ve presented might affect them

Write to Speech

The way you write work that will not be spoken out loud can be very different than work that is meant to be spoken. Often the case is that work that’s not meant to be spoken doesn’t work as well when it’s spoken out loud. Thus, when you’re writing something that will be spoken as its end result, you should pay attention to this and make sure it works when spoken, too.

An excellent way to practice this and prepare your speech to be spoken out loud is to rehearse your speech as you write it. Saying your speech to yourself before the day of is an excellent way to catch wordy trip-ups or other issues before they matter.

If you can, take things a step further and practice your speech in the mirror, too, as this is an excellent way to improve your own charisma as you work. Charisma only works to improve your audience’s involvement in your speech, so maximizing this skill should always be encouraged.

Do Your Research

There is absolutely no substitute for doing a thorough research when you’re crafting your motivational speech. If you skimp on your research and site unreliable or made-up facts during your presentation, your uncertainty will show through in your demeanor. What’s more, if a member of the audience catches a bad fact that you deliver, they might tune out, or worse, call you out on it during or after the speech.

You should also be prepared to cite things like clinical trials, the results of experiments, and any important metrics when giving your speech. Even if you don’t mention these citations out loud during the speech itself, you should be prepared to give them after the speech if any audience members are interested.

Being caught without your sources is an excellent way to fall into uncertainty or be discredited by your listeners. In the same way, make sure that you pull your statistics from reputable sites, as well. Sources and statistics are completely useless to you if they’re unreputable or fake, to begin with.

Watch Your Language

When you’re crafting your speech, the language you use within it needs some special attention. The language you use might vary depending on your audience, but there are also a few more rules that you should follow. For example, try to avoid jargon within your speech as much as you can. If you must resort to specialized words or if you desire to teach them to the audience, make sure to provide background.

Leaving your audience unsure of what you’re talking about is an excellent way to lose them and waste the remainder of your speech. If your audience doesn’t feel like they can keep up with you, they will quickly zone out and think about other things.

Always respect your audience by using the best level of language that they can understand, but that still respects their intelligence. After all, you would use far different language when talking to a three-year-old than you would when talking to a teenager, right?

Delivering Your Speech

Once you’ve created the perfect short motivational speech, you’re still not quite done. If you want your speech to have maximum impact, the way you deliver it is just as important as the way you write it. There are many things you can do to maximize the delivery of your speech, and we’ll go over the best of these methods in this section.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like we stated above, practicing your speech yourself is an excellent way to fine-tune how well you give it. Doing this in front of a mirror provides an extra bonus, or alternatively, you can give your speech in front of a video camera or in front of friends or family that you trust. Over time, practicing this way will improve the way you act and feel as you deliver your speeches, even going as far as boosting your own confidence.

Confidence while giving a speech is essential. Even if you have trouble with crowds, you should at least be confident in your delivery and confident in your material. While you practice your speech, though, be very careful not to craft a fake demeanor to use while you give your speech. Your audience will notice this, and they will be far more receptive to your speech and your message if you’re genuine and honest instead.

Prepare and Prepare Again

Even beyond practicing, there really is no replacement for preparing for any contingencies for your speech. You might lose your notecards on the day of, other speakers might run over time, or key people might fail to show up. You should be prepared for these scenarios and more when you’re going in to present your speech. Consider making preparations like:

  • Making extra sets of notecards
  • Preparing a shorter version of your speech
  • Preparing a longer version of your speech
  • Having questions on hand to address the audience with when your speech is over
  • Preparing for different noise levels in your venue

No one is a naturally perfect speaker. Excellent speakers are as good as they are because they take the time to prepare and practice again and again. While you may be able to give an average or good talk even if you skimp on practice and preparation, you will never be able to give an excellent talk this way.

The Delivery

Delivering your speech is an integral part of making it impactful, motivating, and relatable. If you sound unimpressed with or uninspired by your own speech, after all, your audience will inevitably feel the same. You should sound knowledgeable and confident in your material, but still passionate and even emotional about your chosen topic.

An excellent way to practice delivering the speech you want is to record yourself speaking, then play it back. You can deliver your speech in front of friends or family, too, but hearing it from your own mouth is especially helpful. Doing this is an excellent way to take a closer listen to your tone of voice, your vocal excitement and passion, and how well you’re getting your point across.

Examples of Short Motivational Speeches

1. matthew mcconaughey – this is why you’re not happy.

2. Peter Dinklage ‘Don’t Wait’

3. Lou Holtz ‘The 3 Rules to a Less Complicated Life’

4. Will Smith Self-Discipline Motivational Speech

5. Oprah Winfrey Motivational Speech

6. Jim Carrey Motivational Speech

A short motivational speech is a wonderful thing. Even a short speech can have an incredible, lasting effect on its listeners if it’s crafted and delivered the right way. What’s more, a motivational speech is an excellent way to address problems, brainstorm solutions, and get everyone involved in something and on the same page.

Of course, a motivational speech first and foremost duty is to motivate, and when done right, it doesn’t lack at this, either. If you take the proper time and care to craft your speech properly, in addition to knowing and respecting your audience, choosing a good story, and isolating a relevant topic, you will most assuredly be successful in crafting an effective speech that will absorb and motivate your chosen audience.

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motivational speech writing examples

Motivational Speech Topics: Inspiring Ideas to Empower and Energize

motivational speech writing examples

Did you know that the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali once said, 'Don't count the days; make the days count'? This powerful statement exemplifies the essence of motivational speeches – the ability to ignite a fire within, propel us toward success, and inspire us to embrace our full potential. Whether you're standing before a crowd or seeking personal motivation, the right choice of motivational speech topics can be the driving force that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

Motivational Speech Topics: Short Summary

In this article, we'll explore a wide range of inspirational speech topics that will not only grab your audience's attention but also empower you to deliver a speech that resonates deeply. Whether you want to learn how to make a powerful speech, even as a dissertation topic , or find answers to common questions about giving it effectively, we're here to give you the tools and knowledge you need to create a memorable experience.

What is Motivational Speech: Understanding the Concept 

Before we dive into the topic ideas, let's first understand what a motivational speech is. It is a form of communication that aims to inspire and motivate individuals to take action, overcome challenges, and achieve personal and professional growth. Just like a reflective essay , motivational topics often draw upon personal experiences, anecdotes, and powerful storytelling to connect with the audience emotionally.

Motivational Speech Topics

A motivational speech can be a powerful tool to uplift and empower people. It serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their dreams. When delivered effectively, a motivational speech has the potential to ignite a fire within individuals, pushing them to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

One of the key elements of motivational speech topics is its ability to resonate with the audience. By sharing personal experiences and relatable stories, speakers can establish a connection with their listeners, making the message more impactful and inspiring. Whether it's overcoming adversity, achieving success against all odds, or finding inner strength, a motivational speech can touch the hearts and minds of individuals, leaving a lasting impression.

Moreover, it is not limited to any specific context or setting. Interesting motivational speech topics can be delivered in various settings, such as educational institutions, corporate events, conferences, or even informal gatherings. The purpose of a motivational speech remains constant - to inspire and motivate individuals to take action and make positive changes in their lives.

Motivational Speech Example

To truly understand the impact of a well-crafted speech, it is essential to witness a clear example of what a good speech looks like. So, let us delve into this extraordinary example, as it paints a vivid picture of the transformative power of words, igniting within us the belief that we, too, can create a lasting impact through the power of our own voices.

motivational speech writing examples

Motivational Speech Structure: Crafting an Inspiring Framework

Imagine standing before a crowd, ready to inspire and uplift them with your words. But where do you begin? That's where the structure of a motivational speech comes into play, acting as your trusty guide on this exhilarating journey. Let's explore the key elements of writing a motivational speech from our essay writer and provide you with some exciting examples to get your creative juices flowing.

First, we have the attention-grabbing opening. Think of it as the 'hook' that captivates your audience right from the start. You can begin with a captivating story, a thought-provoking quote, or even a surprising fact that piques your curiosity.

For instance, let's say you're giving a speech about resilience. You could start by sharing a personal story of overcoming a daunting challenge and instantly engaging your listeners by connecting with them on an emotional level.

Next, we move on to the main body of your speech, where you'll delve further into your chosen topic. This is your opportunity to share motivational speech ideas by offering valuable insights, relatable examples, and real-life experiences that reinforce your message. Don't forget to embrace the captivating nature of storytelling. You can share inspiring personal stories, draw inspiration from historical events, or showcase renowned individuals who epitomize the core essence of your theme.

Continuing with our resilience example, you might discuss the incredible journey of Thomas Edison, who famously said, 'I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.' By sharing his story and emphasizing how he persisted in the face of adversity, you'll showcase the power of resilience and inspire your audience to adopt a similar mindset.

Last but not least, we have the grand finale – the conclusion of your speech. This is your opportunity to leave a lasting impact on your listeners by reinforcing your main message and providing a call to action. Encourage your audience to reflect on what they've learned and challenge them to apply it in their own lives. A memorable quote or a powerful statement can leave them feeling motivated long after the applause fades away.

100 Motivational Speech Topics for Students

Motivation is the fuel that drives students toward success, but sometimes even the most driven individuals can hit a roadblock and find themselves in need of an extra boost. In the following sections, our custom essay writer has curated a list of 100 captivating and thought-provoking motivational speech topics specifically tailored to resonate with students of all backgrounds. These topics for motivational speeches aim to ignite their passion, boost their confidence, and empower them to embrace their unique path toward achieving greatness.

Motivational Speech Topics

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📚 Educational Topics

  • The Power of Growth Mindset: Cultivating a Positive and Motivated Learning Attitude
  • Overcoming Procrastination: Unlocking Productivity and Achieving Academic Success
  • Building Resilience: Navigating Challenges and Bouncing Back Stronger
  • Goal Setting for Student Success: Turning Dreams into Tangible Achievements
  • Finding Passion in Learning: Reigniting Curiosity and Discovering Personal Motivation
  • The Art of Effective Time Management: Maximizing Productivity and Balancing Academic Demands
  • Overcoming Exam Anxiety: Strategies for Confidence and Peak Performance
  • Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone: Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience
  • Unleashing Creativity in Education: Fostering Innovation and Motivation in the Classroom
  • Self-Reflection and Personal Growth: Harnessing Motivation for Continuous Improvement

🌳 Environmental Topics

  • The Urgency of Environmental Conservation: Motivating Action for a Sustainable Future
  • Inspiring Eco-Consciousness: Igniting Passion for Environmental Responsibility
  • Overcoming Apathy: Motivating Individuals to Take a Stand for the Environment
  • Empowering Youth Activism: Harnessing the Power of Young Voices in Environmental Advocacy
  • Sustainable Living: Motivating Lifestyle Changes for a Greener Planet
  • Protecting Biodiversity: Motivating Efforts to Preserve Earth's Rich Natural Heritage
  • Climate Change Action: Motivating Collective Responsibility for Mitigation and Adaptation
  • Environmental Education: Inspiring the Next Generation of Stewards for a Healthy Planet
  • Conservation Heroes: Stories of Inspiring Individuals Making a Difference in the Environment
  • Green Innovation: Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Creativity for Environmental Solutions

📈 Business Motivational Speech Topics

  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: Igniting the Drive to Start and Achieve Success in Business
  • Leadership Excellence: Develop Practical Leadership Skills in Business
  • Embracing Change: Motivating Adaptability and Innovation in the Business World
  • Goal Setting for Business Success: Turning Vision into Actionable Steps
  • Overcoming Obstacles: Building Resilience and Persistence in Business Ventures
  • The Power of Teamwork: Motivating Collaboration and Achieving Collective Success
  • Customer Centricity: Inspiring a Culture of Service and Building Lasting Relationships
  • Financial Empowerment: Motivating Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation
  • Strategic Thinking: Inspiring Vision and Planning for Business Growth
  • Building a Purpose-Driven Business: Motivating Social Impact and Sustainability

đŸ’» Motivational Speech Topics for College Students

  • Embracing Your Potential: Unleashing the Power Within You
  • The Journey of Self-Discovery: Finding Your Passion and Purpose
  • Overcoming Fear of Failure: Embracing Risks and Learning from Setbacks
  • Navigating Career Choices: Pursuing Your Dreams and Making an Impact
  • Building Resilience: Thriving in the Face of Challenges and Adversity
  • Balancing Priorities: Time Management and Goal Setting for College Success
  • Harnessing the Power of Networking: Creating Meaningful Connections for Future Opportunities
  • Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: Celebrating Differences and Fostering Empathy
  • Mental Health Matters: Cultivating Well-being and Self-Care in College Life
  • The Power of Positive Thinking: Developing a Growth Mindset for Personal and Academic Success

📖 Motivational Speech Topics for High School Students

  • Discovering Your Potential: Unlocking the Power Within You
  • Embracing Failure: Learning and Growing from Setbacks
  • The Power of Perseverance: Overcoming Challenges and Reaching Success
  • Setting Goals for Success: Turning Dreams into Achievable Milestones
  • Building Resilience: Bouncing Back Stronger in the Face of Adversity
  • Unlocking Creativity: Embracing Innovation and Thinking Outside the Box
  • Cultivating Positive Relationships: Nurturing Supportive Connections for Personal Growth
  • The Importance of Self-Care: Prioritizing Well-being and Mental Health
  • Making a Difference: Inspiring Youth Activism and Social Impact

đŸ§˜đŸŒâ€â™€ïž Self-improvement Topics

  • The Art of Mindfulness: Cultivating Present Moment Awareness for Inner Peace and Clarity
  • Building Emotional Intelligence: Enhancing Self-Awareness and Empathy for Better Relationships
  • Overcoming Procrastination: Unlocking Your Productivity Potential and Achieving Goals
  • Developing Effective Study Habits: Maximizing Learning and Academic Success
  • Cultivating a Positive Mindset: Harnessing Optimism and Self-Belief for Personal Growth
  • Financial Wellness: Building Healthy Money Habits for a Secure Future
  • Developing Effective Problem-Solving Skills: Embracing Critical Thinking and Decision Making
  • The Power of Gratitude: Fostering Appreciation and Happiness in Everyday Life
  • Unlocking Creativity: Tapping into Your Inner Artist and Innovator
  • Developing Leadership Skills: Inspiring Others and Making a Positive Impact in Your Community

🔬 Science and Technology Topics

  • Exploring the Wonders of Space: Motivating the Pursuit of Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Unleashing the Power of Artificial Intelligence: Inspiring Innovations in Machine Learning
  • The Future of Renewable Energy: Motivating Sustainable Solutions for a Greener World
  • Biotechnology Breakthroughs: Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientific Innovators
  • Cybersecurity: Motivating the Protection of Digital Systems and Privacy
  • The Marvels of Nanotechnology: Inspiring Advancements in Materials Science
  • Robotics Revolution: Motivating the Integration of Robotics in Various Industries
  • Medical Breakthroughs: Inspiring the Pursuit of Life-Saving Discoveries and Cures
  • Climate Science: Motivating Action to Address and Mitigate Climate Change
  • Exploring the Frontiers of Quantum Mechanics: Inspiring Advancements in Quantum Computing and Quantum Technologies

đŸ©ș Medicine Topics

  • The Human Body: Unveiling the Complexities and Marvels of Human Anatomy
  • Healthcare Heroes: Inspiring the Pursuit of Medical Professions and Healing
  • Medical Research: Motivating Scientific Discoveries and Breakthroughs in Medicine
  • Mental Health Awareness: Inspiring Compassion and Support for Mental Well-being
  • Advances in Precision Medicine: Motivating Personalized Approaches to Healthcare
  • Innovations in Medical Technology: Inspiring Cutting-Edge Solutions for Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Global Health Equity: Motivating Efforts to Improve Access to Quality Healthcare Worldwide
  • Disease Prevention: Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles and Promoting Wellness
  • Exploring the Field of Medical Ethics: Motivating Ethical Decision-Making in Healthcare
  • The Power of Medical Education: Inspiring the Next Generation of Compassionate and Skilled Medical Professionals

🏛 Government and Politics Topics

  • Youth Empowerment in Politics: Motivating Active Participation and Civic Engagement
  • Advocating for Social Justice: Inspiring Equality and Equity in Government Policies
  • Environmental Policy: Motivating Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future
  • Human Rights and Activism: Inspiring Change and Promoting Equality
  • Political Leadership: Motivating Ethical and Effective Governance
  • Electoral Engagement: Inspiring the Importance of Voting and Participating in Democratic Processes
  • Public Service: Motivating a Career of Dedication and Impact in Government
  • Fighting Corruption: Inspiring Transparency and Accountability in Politics
  • Immigration and Refugee Policies: Motivating Compassion and Inclusive Approaches
  • Diplomacy and Global Cooperation: Inspiring Peaceful Resolutions and International Collaboration

📌 Other Popular Motivational Speech Topics

  • Overcoming Adversity: Rising Above Challenges and Embracing Resilience
  • Finding Happiness Within: Inspiring Self-Love and Personal Fulfillment
  • Pursuing Dreams: Motivating Passion and Perseverance in Achieving Goals
  • Embracing Change: Motivating Growth and Transformation
  • The Power of Positivity: Inspiring Optimism and a Positive Mindset
  • Inspiring Others: Motivating Leadership and Influence
  • Embracing Diversity: Motivating Inclusion and Celebrating Differences
  • Unleashing Creativity: Inspiring Innovation and Out-of-the-Box Thinking
  • Nurturing Relationships: Motivating Love, Compassion, and Connection
  • Leaving a Legacy: Inspiring a Life of Purpose and Meaning

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Why are Motivational Speeches Important for Students?

How can i choose the right motivational speech topic for students, can i use personal stories in my motivational speech, how long should an effective motivational speech be, related articles.

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"As an internationally recognized motivational keynote speaker, Jody has the expertise, the passion, and the experience to deliver the right message to revitalize hardworking professionals."

- “A Great Speaker” Byron, Washington County Treasurer

How to write a motivational speech

There is no better way to influence a group of people than through public speaking. Today, people count on email, social media, blogs and several online means to communicate ideas. However, nothing trumps the power of getting up in front of a room, looking people in the eyes and sharing your energy and ideas. Look at any influential leader today, and you will see he regularly gives motivational speeches to move a room to action. 

Any leader who cowers at public speaking needs to understand it's powerful impact on a team, culture, and morale. Without regular motivational speeches, groups lack congruence, purpose, direction, and confidence.

You can learn to become a powerful speaker, and reduce nerves, stress, and anxiety around public speaking .

Stop Making it All About You.

When I started as a motivational speaker, I remember the days when I would approach the stage, overwhelmed with fear and self-doubt. My mind kept gnawing at me with reminders;  I have to be interesting, I have to say it correctly, I have to be energetic .

The trouble with this thinking is it’s all about me. I was so wrapped up in preserving my self-worth that I forgot to focus on the audience. 

In any area of life, the pressure to perform mounts when the focus is self-absorbed, eventually it can exhaust you to burn out.

With the help of the book,   Feel the   Fear and   Do it   Anyways , I learned to focus less on me and more on the audience and the goal of the speech. 

Motivational speaker, Dale Carnegie says, being interested in other people is a lot easier than trying to get others interested in you. 

Here are some tips for writing and delivering an outstanding motivational speech:

Actively involve the audience and think of yourself as a facilitator rather than a performer. Ask for audience input, feedback, and ideas throughout the presentation.   Also, have empathy for the audience and forget about yourself. We often assume other people are judging us when they are too busy thinking about their life problems. 

Focus on your motivational speech message, not on yourself.  Instead of worrying if the audience likes you, focus on how your message will help and support them. Let the audience judge the words, not you

How to Write a Motivational Speech

Open a speech with something that gets people's attention. A startling fact, quote or story will help set people up to listen. Also, consider using interaction right away, so the audience knows this is not a passive learning experience or just another speech.  Next, set out your objective. A speech objective anchors you and your audience to your message. It will help a speaker stay on track with the speech and guide the audience toward your goal.

Once you have developed your speech objective than you will design your content around the objective.

Take the audience on a journey

First, decide on the destination. Tell the audience the result, so they know what they are investing their time in and don’t get lost along the way.   Be very clear and specific about your goal.

Also, provide guideposts along the way, so they know when you are switching directions. 

Motivational speaker Hugh Culver suggests using the formulae -story, lesson, and application to illustrate a point.

The audience needs you to Segway for them the lesson to take away from the story and application of their lives. 

Be Motivational and Inspire Hope

A motivational speech is different from other types of speech. It has to be motivational with the purpose of moving people forward. Thus, you're not just sharing information, you are organizing the message around a goal and using motivational techniques to influence others.

To persuade others, you have to tap into their emotion, not just logic. Ignite passion through story, analogy, humor or interaction.  Story and analogy draw an audience in by describing events that they can relate. A story can elicit emotion like fear, inspiration, sadness, joy and more. The feeling is critical to help the audience tap into the emotive part of their brain. Stories also illustrate points.

Humor and interaction keep an audience awake, focused and engaged. A laugh in the middle of a speech floods the brain with endorphins that wake you up and creates interest. Interacting forces the audience to think about the message and pay attention.  When time allows, you can sprinkle in some fun audience-interactive games or activities. Anytime a group comes together and has fun, it builds rapport, creates memories and decreases stress.  

  A leader's most magnificent job is to give people hope, and your team needs optimism to lift them up.  Thus, leadership should have a  goal of providing regular inspirational speeches with the objective of spreading faith in uncertainty. Many people today are overworked and overwhelmed and starved for inspiration. With the pace of change in work today, people just need to feel like what they are doing is not getting lost in the shuffle and that it means something.  Connect work activity to the team, organization or greater community good, this is essential to keep people focused and motivated.

Some teams are working to build something that doesn't exist right now. Thus, they have to believe in it and belief requires hope. It's easy to continue doing thing the way you have always done them because you have concrete evidence that it works.  

Hope believes that our efforts will contribute to something worthwhile. For instance, you don't say I believe in gravity or coffee because you have proof and experience with it - it already exists. What leaders often overlook is that their team needs hope and to believe in something down that road that doesn't permeate their lives right now. This unknown can be challenging for organizations, and they need confidence that its possible. 

Building Your Content

Less is More

Never overwhelm the audience with too much information. People will only retain two or three points anyways, so be clear on what those ideas are. 

Trying to dump everything you know about a topic on your audience will cause information overload, and many people will tune you out. 

Statistics are not impressive unless you point out why they are essential. Unravel a learning point with several techniques: analogy, interaction, humor, etc

Rhetorical devices like questions (i.e., could we do better?) or repetition and parallelism help build momentum and reinforce ideas. Relying on these devices can make writing a motivational speech a lot easier, and it creates consistency in your speaking style.  How long should you speak?  A motivational speech does not have to be a 60 minute or more. In fact, it is better for leaders to deliver short 5- 10-minute motivational speeches on a more regular basis to reinforce direction and keep momentum high. These short motivational speeches serve a purpose to appreciate and celebrate progress, provide information or to boost morale. Often a motivational speech is to celebrate an achievement. Thus, highlight what the team has accomplished as a group, recognize specific individual efforts and tie it all back to what the goal is and a vision of where you're headed. Most people don't feel enough appreciation in their work, and lack of recognition is the number one reason people leave their job. 

The Audience Doesn’t Know your Speech

Once I finished a speech, got off the stage and suddenly realized I forgot an entire section of my talk. I was mortified but soon realized the audience doesn’t know anything was left out. You can’t miss what you didn’t know about in the first place.

I often see speakers stumble and apologize for messing up, this just wastes time and undermines your confidence. If you just carry on as nothing happened, nobody will know the difference. 

Energy & Confidence

Fake it until you make it

Increase your energy and act like you’re incredibly excited about your audience and your message. If you feel nervous, just pretend you’re confident. Act like a confident person, and eventually, you will catch up.

The body doesn’t know the difference between a real and an imagined thought, so if you tell yourself you're scared, or you tell yourself you’re confident, either way, you’re right.

Body Language 

Confidence starts in the brain. If you believe you are uncomfortable or lack certainty, it will show. 

Act the part, act as you belong, that you are prepared and confident and others will treat you like you do. Confidence is what gets you in the door, without it you miss out on a lot of opportunities. 

Natural is Overrated

I once took a public speaking seminar about being authentic. The main idea was to be yourself. It’s  encouraging to know that being who you are naturally is all you need. However, the best motivational speakers I’ve known increase their energy and presence on stage. In a keynote speech delivered to hundreds of people, you have to have enough power to infect everyone. Most people don’t naturally walk around emphasizing specific words or projecting their voice to fill the room

Also, the idea of trying to be natural seems- unnatural.

  How to Influence Different Audiences

Knowing your audience is key to public speaking. But what does this mean and why is it so critical?

It means you want to Influence from the perspective of the audience. Usually, your own style   of influence only works with people similar to you. 

It’s far more difficult dealing with people who don’t think like you. With these audiences, first, you have to find out what really does matter to them. Uncover their magic buttons by listening to them. 

When I started as a motivational speaker, I did well with female audiences because we share similar experiences and perspectives. I found it much easier for me to influence this group because we are more alike.

The most difficult groups for me to connect with were blue-collar male audiences. Our perspectives were worlds apart, so I had to figure out what makes them tick. After listening to many of them over the years, I’ve found they are very hands-on, hard-working people. Thus, I stick to concrete hands-on advice, related to their work. They don’t do well with generalities; it has to be connected to their job.

Next, they are usually family oriented, so I evolve key points around family.

Finally,  they also like to laugh at themselves, so I engage them with interaction and humor.  Thus, small adjustments help create a much stronger connection with an audience. 

Always start writing a motivational speech by researching and understanding the audience. I often use a questionnaire and interview audience members before a speech.  Some of the questions that help me understand the audience include: What is important to people in the audience? What do they most need to hear? What are this audience top sources of stress and joy? What is a typical day? What are some buzz words or acronyms that the group use regularly? By knowing the audience, you can relate to them in their language.  How to Overcome Stage Fright 

We all have times in our lives when we doubt ourselves. Doubt can quickly come screaming to the surface when you are thrust in the limelight in front of hundreds of people and expected to perform

Fear creates a deep emotional outpour that goes along with physiological changes like sweaty palms,  shakiness, increased blood pressure, heart rate and more.  None of this lends itself to a focused, dynamic performance. 

Circumvent the fear by focusing on your message and the audience -use this to stay in the present moment. Don’t let fear and self-doubt pull you into negative dialogue in your head. 

The Motivational Speech Close

People remember the first and the last words that you say. Thus, close your speech with a call to action, it should link to and reinforce your objective. Therefore, you want to end where you began and remind people of what they have learned along the way.

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motivational speech writing examples

16 Most Life-Changing Motivational Speeches & What You’ll Gain from Them

It’s all very well reading about ways to get ahead in life, but no account will ever reach you in quite the same way as hearing someone speak about their own experiences. While these people may be household names now, it wasn’t always that way, and this collection of some of the best motivational speeches will move you and inspire you to make your own dreams come true.

16 Most Life-Changing Motivational Speeches and What You’ll Gain From Them

From Arnold Schwarzenneger talking about how he filled every moment of every day with steps to fulfil his ambition of becoming Mr. Universe, to J.K. Rowling’s life as an impoverished single mother, these speeches will fill you with the drive and determination to reach your full potential, and not let anything stand in your way.

Some are long, and some last just a few minutes, but each one will make you want to grab life with both hands and go for what you want, whatever it is.

motivational speech writing examples

“Most people have done all that they’re ever going to do – they raise a family, they earn a living, and then they die.”

That’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Wrong! Life is made for greater things, and you are meant for greater things.

When Les Brown was a child, he was labeled ‘educable mentally retarded’, and until a chance encounter with another teacher, he believed that he would amount to nothing. But this one teacher planted the seeds in Les’ head which would blossom and grow, and eventually make him one of the best motivational speakers of all time.

This speech will give you permission to rise above other people’s opinions, to break free of their prejudices, and make a success of whatever you do. Watch ‘It’s Not Over Until You Win! Your Dream is Possible’ and take those first steps towards following your passion and making your dream come true.

“Stress doesn’t come from the facts, stress comes from the meaning that we give the facts.”

Life is about choices. Every day we’re faced with hundreds of choices, and this speech by Tony Robbins will help you see that it’s the choices, not the conditions, which shape our lives.

Take a moment during this speech to pause and reflect on some choices you have made in the past, and really think about the direction your life took because of them, both good and bad. Tony Robbins explains in his inimitable way that we have the choice to focus on what we want, and that when we focus, we can achieve whatever we want.

Part of Tony’s speech explains how, when the economy is down, some people thrive and some people crash and burn, and the COVID 19 pandemic is the perfect example. Small businesses took a huge hit, and while some of them threw up their hands in despair and said ‘that’s it, it’s over for us’, others adapted, and saw it as an opportunity to expand, diversify, and turn the situation to their advantage.

And that’s the cornerstone of this video – how we react, how we adapt, and how we choose is the difference between success and failure.

“So every rep that I do gets me closer to accomplishing the goal to make this goal – this vision – into reality.”

Be inspired by Arnold Schwarzenneger as he talks about his goal of becoming Mr. Universe. Never wasting a second of his day, Arnie worked in construction, spent 5 hours in the gym, and went to acting classes, all of which took him further along his journey to making his dream come true.

We all have a propensity to waste time, but if you have a goal, if you have a passion that smolders away, take a leaf out of Arnie’s book and make sure that everything you do propels you forward.

And don’t be afraid to fail.

“Your conviction and your convenience don’t live on the same block.”

If you are a fan of The Secret, you will be familiar with Lisa Nicholls. In this video, Lisa tells Tom Bilyeu how she was willing to leave everything and everyone behind in order to grow into the version of herself that she knew she wanted.

Lisa explains how, as a young mother, she was forced to wrap her baby in a towel for two days because she had no money for diapers, and how it was at that moment that she vowed never to be that broke or that broken again.

Change, success, drive
they’re all inconvenient and disruptive, and Lisa Nicholls demonstrates that wonderfully in this emotional and highly motivating interview in which she declares “your story is not meant to be your fortress, your story is meant to be your fuel.”

Eric Thomas had a dream, a goal, and that goal was to be the best motivational speaker in the world. He didn’t achieve this by giving 70%, or 80%
he didn’t achieve it by staying in bed late in the mornings. He achieved it by giving 100% every minute of every day.

Listen to Eric’s words, hear the passion in his voice, and feel the lessons he is giving to you if you want to be the best at whatever you do.

“If we don’t take control of our environment, it takes control of us.”

This short piece by Tony Robbins has been designed to show you that you are in control of your own environment. Whether you realize it or not, what goes on around you has a massive influence on the way you feel and the way you act.

By taking leadership of your own life, you can defy outside influences and set your own tone for the day ahead, regardless of whatever or whoever is exerting pressure from the outside.

Follow Tony’s example of taking 10 minutes for yourself at the start of every day – for gratitude, prayer or wishes for family and friends, and a recap of what you want to accomplish that day, and your day will continue on that same path of thankfulness, hope, and goals.

“Your mind doesn’t know the difference between something you vividly imagined and something that’s real, literally!”

If you want to emulate the way successful people behave, take these 10 billionaires’ habits and adopt them yourself for 21 days.

Billed by Jim Kwik as being ‘like a magic pill’, these habits will rewire your brain into thinking and behaving like some of the world’s most successful people.

In this 8 minute clip, Jim shares how, for instance, your brain reacts the same way when you imagine your dog walking in as it does when your dog actually walks in, and this can apply to anything. What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

As much as this applies to positive things, it also can be applied to negative things, so if you imagine failure, that’s what you will get. Fill your mind with thoughts of success and that’s what will happen.

None of these habits are difficult to accomplish, but in doing so you will change your entire mindset into one of a hugely successful person, no matter what you want to achieve in life.

“Don’t leave crumbs.”

If this sounds more like a housekeeping hint and less like a motivational affirmation, you’re 50% right. Our lives do need housekeeping, and not leaving crumbs – i.e. regrets – which will come back and rob your tomorrow of joy, is one of the chores you need to do on a daily basis.

Matthew McConaughey delivers a powerful speech in a gentle way at the University of Houston Commencement Address.

Discussing the five rules he lives by, he will show you how to avoid falling into a trap of entitlement, and why ‘Unbelievable’ is the stupidest word in the dictionary.

With some invaluable life lessons contained inside a highly watchable speech, Matthew McConaughey is an unlikely but very inspiring speaker who has stayed humble despite all his successes.

“There are a lot of sharks in the world; if you hope to complete the swim, you will have to deal with them. So if you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.”

Spoken with eloquence and quiet assuredness, this six-minute speech draws on US Navy Admiral William McRaven’s experience of survival in the Navy Seals.

He explains how making your bed, while seemingly insignificant and even pointless, will set a series of tasks in motion which will ensure that at best, the first job of the day is done, and at worst, you have a neat, tidy bed to fall into at the end of a trying day.

The world is full of people who want to bring you down (the sharks) but if you stand your ground, they will eventually swim away, leaving you to go on to bigger and better things.

“Sometimes life’s gonna hit you in the face with a brick
don’t lose faith.”

Steve Jobs, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Apple Inc. was hit in the face with more than one brick during his 56 years on earth. From being given up for adoption as a baby, to being fired from the very company which he founded, he never let anything get in his way.

In this commencement speech at Stamford University in 2005, Steve explained how his love for what he did spurred him on to rebuild his life in spectacular fashion.

Life dealt a further blow when, in 2003, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

This speech focuses on three stories which, when combined, show how life offers opportunities for change and growth, no matter how dire the circumstances.

Steve Jobs never graduated college, but when he died in 2011, aged just 56, he had a net worth of US$7 billion. He achieved this by doing what he loved, and in this speech he will inspire you to do the same.

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously than you might as well not have lived at all. In which case, you fail by default.”

Let J. K. Rowling inspire you with this 2008 commencement speech at Harvard University. Extolling the virtues of failure and imagination, she tells the graduates how being at rock bottom set her free to pursue her dreams of being an author.

As poor as it is possible to be without being homeless, she created the world of Harry Potter and went on to amass a fortune of ÂŁ795 million, but that without her failures in life, she would never have had the opportunity to do so.

Let her words become your own mantra, and view every failure in your life as a future success.

“We shine, because baby you just can’t dim the sun.”

A beautiful antidote for anyone who has ever felt or been told that they are ‘too much’, Gina Hatzis’ winning Speaker Slam speech of 2018 will give you permission to be unashamedly you.

Although written by a woman for women, this powerful and sometimes humorous speech about being your own authentic self will inspire anyone – man or woman – to shine and never dim their own light to suit other people.

“The first step you need to take is just that
step.”

If you are in need of a short, sharp burst of motivation, listen to this speech by ex Navy Seal, Jocko Willink.

Running for less than three minutes, this recording will inspire you to take a step into whatever you want to achieve. Awarded both the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for service, Jocko Willink is no stranger to taking those brave steps, having come face to face with Iraqu insurgents in Ramadi. He will spur you on to put one metaphorical foot in front of the other, and will leave you in no doubt as to what you need to do to achieve your goals.

“On the other side of your maximum fear are all of the best things in life.”

If you like your motivation with a side order of laughter, watch Will Smith as he talks about fear. Agreeing to skydive on a night out with friends, Will realizes that he actually has to go through with it.

Discussing how fear ruins things (he couldn’t sleep or eat before the jump), Will also discloses that beyond fear was the most blissful experience of his life, and how that principle can be applied to anything in life.

“Only those that can see the invisible, can do the impossible.”

Tyrese Gibson knows success, and in this speech he talks about how it can be achieved, by anyone who wants it.

Actor, singer, author, model
Tyrese seems to have the Midas touch, but he didn’t get it by luck. Follow his words as he gently but passionately guides you along the path you need to take if you have goals and dreams in life.

“I refuse to be another man who lived and died, and wasn’t significant’”

“If it is written, so shall it be.”

When Steve Harvey’s teacher crushed his dreams of being on TV, the one person who believed in him was his father. He told him to put a piece of paper with his dreams on in his drawer, and to read it every morning and every night.

His dreams came true.

It didn’t always come easy for Steve Harvey though – he spent years living in his car when he had nowhere else to go, but the one thing he never lost was his ambition and determination to see his dreams through to fruition.

A firm believer in the Law of Attraction, Steve still has vision boards and still commits his dreams to writing, and encourages you to do the same in this speech that made Obama cry.

These motivational speeches, and many more like them, show how having guts, determination, and a vision will get you anywhere you want to go, no matter your beginnings in life. These inspirational speakers have suffered loss, sickness, and unbelievable hardships, but the one thing that got them through was their desire to win and their belief that they could.

Immerse yourself in their words of wisdom, and take that next step into your best life.

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10 examples of motivational speeches

By BBC Maestro Lifestyle Business Last updated: 31 October 2023

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Whether you need to deliver a motivational speech and are looking for a little help in writing a rousing speech, or you need some inspiration in your personal and professional life, you can’t go wrong with watching a great motivational speech.    But with so many options out there, which ones are worth a watch? Take a look we’re at our top picks of inspiring speeches to motivate and excite you. 

Jim Carrey: Speech at Maharishi University of Management, 2014 

Several of the speeches on this list are commencement speeches – and for good reason. Graduating students are moving onto the next stage of life, which is a big step, full of uncertainty.     A commencement speech offers the perfect opportunity for guidance, wise words – and Jim Carrey delivered it in spades during his speech at Maharishi University of Management in 2014.    As you might expect from Carrey, he never misses an opportunity to crack a joke – but there are plenty of soft, sentimental moments, too. He encourages the graduating class not to fear what’s out there, but to be bold and “ask the universe” for what they dream of.     Whatever your dreams are, Carrey implores, you should follow them – because even if you fail, it’s better than not trying at all. 

Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action 

Simon Sinek’s TED Talk is one of the most popular ever, with over 62,000,000 views since it was released in 2009.     In the talk, he explains his simple, yet powerful, model for inspirational leadership, focused on the Golden Circle which comprises three questions: “why?”, “what?” and “how?”.    The talk is engaging, with plenty of real-life stories included to help make abstract concepts more concrete. But as well as being a motivational talk that’s a must-watch for business leaders, it’s notable for how it’s changed the face of business.    Whereas in the past, business leaders often focused on what they did, the emphasis for many today is on the ‘why’. Starting with why they do what they do paves the path to success for customers, employees and overall business success. 

Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability 

Being vulnerable is sometimes seen as a weakness. But Brené Brown argued in her 2010 TED Talk that shame about being vulnerable holds us back from experiencing true connections with others – and from finding joy and creativity.    By telling personal anecdotes and speaking directly to the audience, Brown makes the audience feel like part of a community. The speech – and the ideas presented – not only resonated with the audience of that particular TED Talk, but with the millions of viewers who’ve watched it since and embraced having the courage to be vulnerable. 

Sylvester Stallone: ‘Beat you to your knees’ speech 

Fictional characters can deliver motivational speeches as well as any real-life person, and this one delivered by Sylvester Stallone in the 2006 movie Rocky Balboa is one of the best examples out there.    Rocky delivers a powerful message to his son, Robert, about the challenges he’ll face in life. Robert feels as though he’s overshadowed by his father’s famous name and accomplishments, while working in a job he doesn’t find fulfilling.     But Rocky wants him to understand that the limitations he faces in life are self-imposed. He wants to remind him of the values that have shaped his own journey – hard work, determination, resilience and taking responsibility for his own life.    Rocky hopes to inspire his son to embrace his own potential and take control of his future. Delivered with passion and gusto, the speech inspires not just Robert, but the film’s viewers as well. 

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die 

In his 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University, Steve Jobs shared his personal experiences and insights to encourage graduates to pursue their passions and take risks in life.    He once heard a quote that said, “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right”. It made an impression on him, and he tried to live by that ethos – particularly so after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2004. 

He explained that:    “Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”    Jobs then went on to implore the graduating students to live life on their own terms, and not to let the opinions of others sway them. 

Michelle Obama: 2016 commencement speech 

Michelle Obama’s commencement speech to the 2016 class at City College of New York was her 23rd and last as First Lady.    She celebrated the diversity of the graduating class and encouraged them to embrace that diversity and help build a more inclusive society, drawing on anecdotes from her own personal life and background. Their education would help them to do this, she explained.    She also inspired the class to find their own individual ways to make a positive impact on the world, emphasising that even small actions can have a big impact.     It was a motivating speech for the graduating class as they stepped out into the world, but it’s also a message that all of us reading the speech can take with us as we navigate day-to-day life. 

Al Pacino: ‘Inch by inch’ speech from Any Given Sunday 

In 1999 film Any Given Sunday, Al Pacino plays a veteran football coach named Tony D’Amato. In this famous speech from the film, Tony delivers a rousing message to his team about teamwork, perseverance and giving it your all.    As you’d expect from Al Pacino, t he monologue is delivered with power and passion, making the team – and viewers – sit up and take notice.    But it’s not just applicable to football – the message resonates far beyond that. He talks passionately about how every minute counts, a motivational message that viewers can take into any area of their lives. 

David Foster Wallace: This is water 

The late author David Foster Wallace delivered a commencement speech in 2005 to the graduating class at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. It was since turned into a book titled ‘This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life’.    In it, Wallace proposed to the students that our default mode of thinking is self-centred. He encouraged them to cultivate more awareness of the world around them and change the way we interact with others.    He also challenged listeners to revaluate the daily grind. Instead of being dulled by the mundanity of everyday life, Wallace asked the class to recognise the beauty and complexity of routine and day-to-day life, finding mindfulness and intentionality in the mundane. 

These motivational speeches should give you plenty of food for thought. And if you need to write a speech of your own, overcome a fear of public speaking, or want to learn how to speak with confidence and charisma, take a look at Richard Greene's BBC Maestro course, Public Speaking and Communication.

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10 motivational speech examples

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Motivation is the key to workplace success . In fact, staff who are engaged with their jobs have a four times higher success rate, according to the   Q12 Meta-Analysis  report by Gallup. 

This success comes from greater levels of efficiency, productivity, satisfaction, stress management, development of personal relationships, and capacity to problem-solve which, in turn, entail having greater motivation. As the writer Charles R. Swindoll notes,  "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it."

The power of the word: 10 motivational speech examples

We all know that maintaining motivation is not always easy. However, at times when you think you've lost your  enthusiasm for your work  and don't have any goals to work towards,  you can  turn to the movies .

There are plenty of examples from the silver screen of speeches that will inspire you on various levels to pick up your professional projects once more with the maximum energy possible. Below, you will discover  10 great examples of motivational speeches from the world of film which are sure to lift your mood.

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 "The Great Dictator": the freedom to have a purpose

In this film from 1940, Charlie Chaplin speaks about  the freedom to decide what you want to do with your future,  overcoming societal conventions and  searching for a true purpose in life .  His advice  is not to give up, not to let people who tell you how to think, act or feel bring you down. 

“You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure."

"The Pursuit of Happyness": the power of perseverance

Do you have a dream? Chase it, even if you find obstacles in the way or people try to convince you to give up. That's the advice given by Chris Gardner (Will Smith) to his son in the film  The Pursuit of Happyness , a veritable  ode to perseverance  that was a must-include on this list of inspirational speeches. 

"Don't ever let someone tell you, you can't do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period."

"Rocky Balboa”: resilience to withstand the blows

As with the previous example, this is also a case of words that a father, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), dedicates to his son. In  one scene  from the film, the main character is talking about the inevitable blows in life and  how true achievers are  those who push on  while they're being beaten down , without complaining, without looking for a scapegoat. 

"If you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody."

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"Pay It Forward": the power to change the world

This film, directed by Mimi Leder, is another example of motivational speech that forces the viewer to reflect on their role in society. What does the world mean to you? What does the world expect from you? With  these two questions,  Kevin Spacey floats the idea to a group of seventh graders that  the power to build your own future lies inside of you, despite the disappointments of adult life.

"The realm of possibility exists in each of you; you can surprise us, it's up to you."

“Any Given Sunday”: small steps towards major goals

Achieving your dreams is a mammoth task; the path is littered with obstacles that may lead you to feel demotivated. How can you avoid this?  As Al Pacino points out  in this movie about American football: play by play, inch by inch. When the results are long-term, it's common to lose hope because you can't see any tangible progress. Hence the importance of  setting short-term objectives , small milestones that encourage you to forge ahead with your personal and professional projects. 

"We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches that’s gonna make the difference between winning and losing".

“V for Vendetta”: getting out of your comfort zone

Any career involves myriad difficulties and barriers, but what should you do to tackle these? Do you resign yourself to new circumstances or try to overcome the obstacles? It's easy to fall into a rut, the safety of the known, the tranquillity of monotony, as the well-known  speech in V for Vendetta  tells us, advocating for us to  get out of our comfort zones , pursue our goals and not keep doing things we don't like.

"The truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? If you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror".

"Invictus”: how to be an inspirational leader

Are you looking for  leadership  motivation? In this film, there's a  scene  that really clears up  how to be an inspirational leader that gets the best out of a team  and goes that extra mile to achieve its objectives. How can you make others better than they think they are? The key lies in serving as a model and encouraging a sense of belonging, just as Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman discuss.

"We need inspiration, because in order to build our nation, we must all exceed our own expectations".

"Steve Jobs": A gift for innovation

In the  final speech  from the biopic  Jobs , the founder of Apple, played by Ashton Kutcher, makes  a plea for all those people who seek new ways to make the world better.  He talks about the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the ones who don't fit in and the ones who see things differently, defying the rules and disrupting the status quo. Considering everything this visionary achieved in life, his words will undoubtedly help you to recoup your motivation. 

"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

"Dead Poets Society": finding new perspectives

" O Captain! My Captain! " You're sure to have heard this legendary phrase from the Dead Poets Society at least once, but this film directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams is packed with profound teachings.  One of them  is  the importance of seeking new perspectives, of developing a global vision  that lets you understand the environment and, harnessing this knowledge, dare to change and explore new fields. 

"I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things a different way. Just when you think you know something, you have to look at it in another way. Even though it may seem silly or wrong."

Good Will Hunting: nobody knows it all

These motivational speech examples, taken from the big screen, feature the same actor, but this time in his role in  Good Will Hunting . In a few short minutes,  this scene  highlights that nobody knows it all, and that  to keep growing personally and professionally, we need to  embrace continuous improvement .  Without this ongoing learning, there can be no evolution, even if you're a genius as is the case of the main character played by Matt Damon. 

“I look at you and I don't see an intelligent, confident man. I see a cocky, scared shitless kid. But you're a genius Will. No one denies that. No one could possibly understand the depths of you. But you presume to know everything about me because you saw a painting of mine and you ripped my life apart."

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Speech Script: Motivational Speech

A motivational speech has the power to uplift, inspire, and ignite positive change in the hearts and minds of listeners. Whether you are speaking to a small group or a large audience, the art of delivering a motivational speech requires careful planning, effective communication, and a genuine connection with your audience. In this article, we will explore a step-by-step guide on how to write a motivational speech that resonates with your audience, leaves a lasting impact, and empowers individuals to take action towards their goals.

Table of Contents

Motivational Speech Tips

Understand your audience.

Before you begin crafting your motivational speech, it is crucial to understand your audience. Take the time to research and analyze their demographics, interests, and needs. Consider their aspirations, challenges, and the common experiences they share. This knowledge will help you tailor your message to resonate deeply with your listeners.

Define Your Purpose and Core Message

Every motivational speech should have a clear purpose and core message. Ask yourself: What do I want my audience to feel, think, or do after hearing my speech? Identify the main idea or theme you wish to convey. Whether it is to inspire action, instill self-belief, or encourage personal growth, having a well-defined purpose will guide your speech writing process.

Start Strong with a Compelling Opening

The opening of your speech sets the tone and captures the attention of your audience. Begin with a strong hook that grabs their interest, such as a captivating story, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful quote. Engage their emotions and create a connection from the very beginning.

Share Personal Stories and Examples

Personal stories and examples are powerful tools to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Share your own experiences, struggles, and triumphs that relate to the core message of your speech. Authenticity and vulnerability will resonate with your listeners and make your message more relatable.

Use Vivid Imagery and Metaphors

Paint a vivid picture in the minds of your audience by using descriptive language, vivid imagery, and metaphors. This helps to create a sensory experience, making your message more memorable and impactful. Metaphors can simplify complex concepts and make them easier to grasp, enhancing the overall understanding and retention of your ideas.

Provide Actionable Steps and Practical Advice

To make your motivational speech actionable and meaningful, equip your audience with practical advice and actionable steps they can implement in their lives. Break down complex ideas into manageable tasks, offering guidance and strategies to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Inspire them to take immediate action and empower them with the tools they need to succeed.

Utilize Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, and rhetorical questions can add emphasis, rhythm, and impact to your speech. They create memorable phrases, highlight key points, and engage your audience on a deeper level. However, use them sparingly and purposefully to avoid overwhelming your listeners.

Build Emotional Connection and Empathy

Emotions have a profound impact on human behavior. To make your motivational speech truly powerful, connect with your audience on an emotional level. Show empathy, understanding, and compassion. Acknowledge their struggles and challenges, and uplift them with words of encouragement and support. By creating an emotional bond, you can inspire them to believe in themselves and take action.

Use Powerful Concluding Remarks

The conclusion of your speech should leave a lasting impact on your audience. Summarize your main points, restate your core message, and end with a memorable call to action or a thought-provoking statement. Leave your audience with a sense of empowerment, motivation, and a desire to implement the lessons they have learned.

Practice, Refine, and Deliver with Confidence

Once you have written your motivational speech, practice it repeatedly. Pay attention to your tone, pacing, and body language. Use gestures and facial expressions to enhance your message. Seek feedback from trusted individuals and make necessary refinements. On the day of your speech, approach the stage with confidence, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to inspire and uplift your audience.

Motivational Speech Example #1

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow dreamers,

Today, I stand before you to share a message of inspiration, empowerment, and limitless possibilities. Each one of us possesses within us a reservoir of untapped potential, waiting to be unleashed. It is my purpose here today to ignite that flame, to awaken the dormant dreams and aspirations that reside within your hearts.

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily routines, responsibilities, and societal expectations. But I am here to remind you that you are more than just the roles you play or the titles you hold. You are unique, extraordinary beings with the power to create the life you desire.

In this moment, I invite you to close your eyes and envision your greatest aspirations. Picture your dreams as vividly as possible. Feel the exhilaration that comes with achieving what you desire most. Now, open your eyes and realize that these dreams are not mere figments of your imagination—they are your birthright, waiting to be claimed.

But let me be honest with you. The path to achieving your dreams may not always be smooth. There will be obstacles and setbacks along the way. You may face self-doubt, criticism from others, and moments of despair. Yet, it is during these challenging times that your true strength and resilience are revealed.

Remember, my friends, that failure is not the end but merely a stepping stone towards success. Embrace your failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Let them fuel your determination and ignite the fire within you to keep pushing forward. As Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Believe in yourself, even when others doubt you. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you, who see your potential even when you may not see it yourself. Seek out mentors and role models who have walked the path before you, and learn from their experiences. Remember, success is not a solo journey—it is a collective effort.

Embrace the power of gratitude and positivity. Cultivate a mindset of abundance, knowing that there is enough success, love, and happiness for everyone. Celebrate the achievements of others, for their success does not diminish your own. Your journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others only hinders your progress.

My dear friends, the world needs your unique gifts, talents, and perspectives. You have a purpose—a calling that only you can fulfill. Do not let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Take that leap of faith, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace the unknown. For it is in the realm of uncertainty that miracles happen, and greatness is achieved.

As you embark on this journey, remember to take care of yourself. Nurture your mind, body, and soul. Surround yourself with positivity, practice self-care, and prioritize your well-being. Remember that success without fulfillment is an empty achievement. Find joy in the journey, and let your passion be the driving force behind your actions.

In conclusion, my fellow dreamers, I challenge you to rise above mediocrity, to step into your greatness, and to live a life that inspires others. Believe in the power of your dreams, for they hold the key to your ultimate fulfillment. Embrace the challenges, persevere through the setbacks, and never lose sight of the incredible potential that resides within you.

Together, let us create a world filled with individuals who have embraced their greatness, who have dared to dream big, and who have made a positive impact on the lives of others. Let us be the catalysts of change, the beacons of light in a world that often seems dim.

Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. And let us embark on this journey of limitless possibilities—together.

Thank you, and may your journey be filled with boundless inspiration and unwavering determination.

Motivational Speech Example #2

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow seekers of greatness,

Today, I stand before you as a messenger of possibility, armed with words that have the power to ignite the fire within your souls. I am here to remind you that deep within you lies an unyielding reservoir of strength, courage, and untapped potential. Today, I implore you to awaken that dormant force and unleash it upon the world.

Life is not meant to be a mere existence. It is meant to be a grand adventure, a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Yet, it is easy to fall into the trap of complacency, to settle for a life that is comfortable but unfulfilling. I urge you to break free from those chains of mediocrity, to dare to dream and pursue a life that sets your soul ablaze.

Understand that the journey to greatness is not an easy path. It requires perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in your own capabilities. There will be obstacles in your way, naysayers who question your abilities, and moments of self-doubt that threaten to derail your progress. But remember this: the greatest triumphs often arise from the ashes of our toughest battles.

Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Each setback is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to refine your approach. Do not let fear of failure paralyze you; instead, let it fuel your determination to rise above adversity and emerge stronger than before. As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Believe in the power of your dreams, for they are the compass that will guide you towards your true purpose. Cultivate a crystal-clear vision of what you desire to achieve, and let that vision be the driving force behind your actions. Visualize yourself standing at the pinnacle of success, and let that image propel you forward, even when the path seems arduous.

Surround yourself with a tribe of dreamers and doers, individuals who see your potential and lift you higher. Seek out mentors who inspire and challenge you to reach new heights. Remember, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so choose your inner circle wisely. Together, you can create a symphony of success, each contributing their unique talents and strengths.

In the pursuit of greatness, it is essential to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. Let perseverance be your guiding light, and let determination be your fuel. When the world tells you that your dreams are impossible, let that be the catalyst that propels you forward. Embrace the discomfort of growth, for it is through challenges that we discover our true capabilities.

But amidst the pursuit of your dreams, do not forget the importance of compassion and empathy. Lift others as you rise, for true success is not measured solely by personal achievements, but by the positive impact we have on the lives of others. Leave a legacy of kindness, generosity, and inspiration in your wake, for the true measure of greatness lies in the hearts you touch along the way.

In conclusion, my fellow seekers of greatness, I urge you to seize this moment, to embrace the boundless potential that resides within you. The world is waiting for your unique gifts, your passions, and your contributions. Do not shrink back in the face of adversity, but rather, rise above it and let your light shine brightly.

Believe in yourself, for you are capable of more than you can ever imagine. Embrace the challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and never lose sight of the extraordinary person you are becoming. Let your journey be a testament to the power of the human spirit, an inspiration to all who witness your unwavering determination.

It is time to unleash your greatness, to chase your dreams with unrelenting fervor, and to create a life that leaves a lasting impact. The world is waiting, my friends. So go forth, with courage in your hearts and fire in your souls, and let your motivational roar be heard in every corner of this earth.

Thank you, and may your journey be filled with unwavering belief, audacious dreams, and infinite possibilities.

Motivational Speech Example #3

Dear friends, dreamers, and believers,

Today, I stand before you to remind you of the incredible power that resides within each and every one of you. We are living in a time of boundless opportunities, where the only limits that exist are the ones we impose upon ourselves. It is my mission to inspire you to break free from those self-imposed limitations and embrace the extraordinary life that awaits you.

Life is a precious gift, a tapestry of moments and experiences that shape us into who we are meant to become. Each day is an opportunity to paint your own masterpiece, to sculpt your own path, and to create a legacy that will inspire generations to come. But to do so, you must first believe in your own potential.

Belief is the cornerstone of achievement. It is the unwavering faith that you have what it takes to overcome any obstacle and reach for the stars. Believe in your talents, your abilities, and the unique gifts that you bring to this world. Embrace the truth that you are here for a reason, that your dreams are not mere fantasies but a roadmap to your destiny.

But belief alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by action. Dreams without action are like birds without wings—they may soar in your mind, but they will never take flight. Take that first step, no matter how small or daunting it may seem. Break down your goals into manageable tasks and commit to taking consistent action towards their realization.

Embrace the power of resilience. Know that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn and grow. When faced with adversity, rise above it with unwavering determination. Let your setbacks become the stepping stones that propel you forward. Remember, the greatest success stories are often born from the ashes of perceived failure.

Surround yourself with a tribe of like-minded individuals who uplift and inspire you. Seek out mentors and role models who have walked the path before you. Learn from their wisdom, their mistakes, and their triumphs. Remember that success is not a solitary journey—it is a collective effort. Together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.

Embrace the unknown and step outside of your comfort zone. Growth lies in the realm of uncertainty. Take risks, try new things, and embrace failure as a necessary part of the journey. As J.K. Rowling once said, “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all.”

Remember to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Take care of yourself, for you are the vehicle through which your dreams will be realized. Prioritize self-care, cultivate healthy habits, and surround yourself with positivity. Fill your mind with empowering thoughts, feed your body with nourishing food, and let your spirit be fueled by gratitude and joy.

And above all, never forget the power of perseverance. Success rarely comes overnight. It is the result of countless hours of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment. When you feel like giving up, remind yourself of why you started. Let your passion be the driving force that propels you forward, even when the road ahead seems long and arduous.

In conclusion, my dear friends, I urge you to seize this moment. Embrace the power within you, believe in your dreams, and take inspired action. The world is waiting for your unique contributions, your creativity, and your passion. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, unleash your potential, and create a life that is filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

You have the power to make a difference, to leave a lasting impact on the world. Believe in yourself, trust in your abilities, and know that the journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embrace the adventure that lies ahead, and let your motivational spirit shine brightly for all to see.

Thank you, and may your path be illuminated by the fire of your dreams and the unwavering belief in your own greatness.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a motivational speech is an art that requires careful thought, preparation, and a deep understanding of your audience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a speech that resonates with your listeners, ignites positive change, and inspires them to reach their full potential. Remember, a well-crafted motivational speech has the power to transform lives, instill belief, and create a ripple effect of positivity in the world. So, go forth, share your message, and empower others to embrace their greatness.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

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How to Write a Motivational Speech for Students

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You are tasked by a headmaster or a professor to do the daunting task during every school ceremony: giving out a speech, particularly, a motivational speech . If you’re an expert in giving out speeches, you probably don’t need this advice, but if you’re not used to it, you need all the help you can get. There are lots of preparations to do. You think what will be the theme of your speech and you need to practice in delivering it out loud. Don’t fret, because here are the things that will help you in your speech.

  • Examples of Writing an Appreciation Speech
  • Student Council Speech Examples

Keep in mind that speeches are tricky to do in a school setting. If you are the unfortunate one who will give boring speeches, nobody would listen to you (except for the people sitting in the front row who are courteous enough to actually try to listen to you speak). Your speech may last a lifetime if it is delivered in a monotonous voice. The following tips are the ones you should learn if you’re giving a talk, and politely share them with up and coming speakers if it is your turn to be sitting in the audience. You may also see speech examples in pdf

Valedictorian Speech Example

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Motivational Speech Topics Example

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1. Have a Point in Your Speech

When giving a speech, always think what will be the point of your speech. What message do you want to convey to the students that they should remember? What is the main lesson can you give to them to be always motivated in their studies? You’re there giving a speech in the first place and don’t waste everyone’s time by just warbling mumbo-jumbos that leave your audiences asking “What is he even talking about?” Respect your audiences by making sure your message is clear and everyone will get what you are talking about. If your speech is about “not giving up even when failures seem to hinder you from your goal”, then focus your speech on that theme. You may also like presentation speech examples & samples

 2. Put Structure in Your Speech

A basic but often forgotten rule; A good speech needs a beginning, a middle, and an end. You’ll find that your students react best if you tell them early on in your speech what you plan to tell them and give them mileposts along the way.

It is also time to start writing your speech . Nothing is more effective when you already have an idea of what will be your speech all about than writing it right away. The best way to organize a speech is to first make a speech outline . After that label the key points in your speech and make sure you stay on your topic.

Remember, not to dive right away into your remarks. You can tell the audience up front how you want to arrange your talk, and even perhaps what your main points are.

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3. Connect with Your Audience

Of course, you know that the students are your audience. This is easy on your part since you already know their gender, age, location and common interests. Once you’ve figured that out, you can aim your efforts to where the audience feels as if your speech talks to them one by one. Motivation comes from believing to be able to pursue their dreams and goals, and believing comes from the heart. Make sure you touch their heart. You may also check out speech examples for students

Think of your speech as a two-way communication even though you’re doing the talking. The communication process will not depend completely on you. Audiences may react to your words, whether they nod or shake their heads, laugh, cry, or get shocked; you should be getting a response from them. Imagine that your relationship with the audience began when you arrived at the venue and will continue after you leave. You may also see thank-you speech examples & samples

You also need two things in your speech: confidence in your message and a respectful understanding of your audience. Recognize that while you’ve spent hours into making your message, the students in their seats only get a relatively short time to hear it. Don’t talk down to them, but translate your words into language they’re comfortable with. You may also like speech templates and examples

4. Don’t Make Your Speech into a Narrative Essay

It’s not a rare occurrence that some things that look humorous on the page work well when delivered orally, while other things that seem smart on paper fall flat and uninspired when spoken aloud.

The best way to make your written speech work well both in written and oral forms; model your text after poetry, lyrics, and other great speeches. Another tip is when you prepare your final draft, write it in a way so that each new thought begins on a new line. The final draft should look more like a poem than a written novel. You may also check out introduction speech examples & samples

5. Tell a Story or Better Yet; Tell Your Own Story

If you want to become a motivational speaker, the best topic to refer to for motivational speeches is to start looking for it in your own life. Make a list of goals you have met and achievements you have earned, specifically related to your co-curricular activities. For example, graduating from college, being the top of your class, overcoming failures in a particularly hard subject, etc. You may also see informative speech examples & samples

You need to figure out your specialty, whether it is leadership or dedication etc because people tend to be more willing to listen if you’re an expert in a certain field. In other words, if you know what you are talking about and you show your intelligence in this topic, people are more willing to listen to what you say since they believe you know what you’re talking about. You may also like special occasion speech examples & samples

Second, you must identify what you have to offer. Lucky enough, everyday goals can be used in providing material; in the student’s case, how to get an A+ in all your subjects, how to survive a hard subject, how to balance co-curricular and extracurricular activities, etc. Talk about how that changed your life and the struggles you had to endure. Talk about how you overcame these hindrances and adversity and how you pushed hard to get through it. Pour your heart out on the table to the audience; they love to connect to the emotion that you offer and hopefully, it will help inspire them. You may also check out speech examples in doc

6. Practice Your Speech

Once you have finished writing your speech, familiarize it. Don’t just merely memorize your speech. You need to know your speech not just by mind but by heart. Once you have it familiarized and memorized, there is no need for you look at your note cards or the screen (if applicable), which gives you the freedom to have eye contact with your audience. This is a good tactic as this does not only make the audience feel like you are talking to them one-on-one but at the same time gives you the boost you need to be exciting on stage. Since this is a motivational speech, you need to connect with your audience to show that you are talking to them. You may also see appreciation speech examples & samples

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7. Join a Local Toastmasters Club

If you need to improve the way you speak in front of crowds, you can seek help by finding your local Toastmasters club in your area. Toastmasters is an international non-profit organization that helps people practice speaking skills at weekly meetings. This will help hone your skills in making and delivering speeches and this will help you feel more confident about giving out speeches in front of people. What is great about joining a speech club is you will have the opportunity to test your skills in front of an audience and not just by practicing alone. You may also see award speech examples

8. Own the Stage

Remember, you are not just a random person talking in front of people. You are a performer, there to inspire and motivate students to keep on studying hard and focus on school. Put on a great show. Give a reason why students should follow your example and suggestions. If you won’t be able to deliver this, then you are wasting everyone’s time. This is literally your time to shine and prove your skills in delivering speeches, so give your 101%. It’s much better to be over-prepared than to find out that you can’t utter a word on stage because of your crippling anxiety. You may also like youth speech examples

9. Keep it Simple 

Remember, this is a speech in a school ceremony. Putting on a show with props and costumes are not necessary.   When you speak to the audience, keep your message simple and strong. Sometimes, less is more. Make your message memorable by delivering messages that students can bring with them and apply it to their academic life. You may also check out leadership speech examples & samples

Because I Could Not Read: Motivational Speech Example

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Motivational Speech Example

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Once you’ve mastered these tips, you are now on your way to become a bonafide motivational speaker. You may be so good at it, you can do this for a living. Good luck on your speech and remember, to keep it genuine. You may also see acceptance speech examples

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Motivational Speech Generator for Students

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15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)

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Powerful speech opening lines set the tone and mood of your speech. It’s what grips the audience to want to know more about the rest of your talk.

The first few seconds are critical. It’s when you have maximum attention of the audience. And you must capitalize on that!

Instead of starting off with something plain and obvious such as a ‘Thank you’ or ‘Good Morning’, there’s so much more you can do for a powerful speech opening (here’s a great article we wrote a while ago on how you should NOT start your speech ).

To help you with this, I’ve compiled some of my favourite openings from various speakers. These speakers have gone on to deliver TED talks , win international Toastmaster competitions or are just noteworthy people who have mastered the art of communication.

After each speaker’s opening line, I have added how you can include their style of opening into your own speech. Understanding how these great speakers do it will certainly give you an idea to create your own speech opening line which will grip the audience from the outset!

Alright! Let’s dive into the 15 powerful speech openings


Note: Want to take your communications skills to the next level? Book a complimentary consultation with one of our expert communication coaches. We’ll look under the hood of your hurdles and pick two to three growth opportunities so you can speak with impact!

1. Ric Elias

Opening: “Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.”

How to use the power of imagination to open your speech?

Putting your audience in a state of imagination can work extremely well to captivate them for the remainder of your talk.

It really helps to bring your audience in a certain mood that preps them for what’s about to come next. Speakers have used this with high effectiveness by transporting their audience into an imaginary land to help prove their point.

When Ric Elias opened his speech, the detail he used (3000 ft, sound of the engine going clack-clack-clack) made me feel that I too was in the plane. He was trying to make the audience experience what he was feeling – and, at least in my opinion, he did.

When using the imagination opening for speeches, the key is – detail. While we want the audience to wander into imagination, we want them to wander off to the image that we want to create for them. So, detail out your scenario if you’re going to use this technique.

Make your audience feel like they too are in the same circumstance as you were when you were in that particular situation.

2. Barack Obama

Opening: “You can’t say it, but you know it’s true.”

3. Seth MacFarlane

Opening: “There’s nowhere I would rather be on a day like this than around all this electoral equipment.” (It was raining)

How to use humour to open your speech?

When you use humour in a manner that suits your personality, it can set you up for a great speech. Why? Because getting a laugh in the first 30 seconds or so is a great way to quickly get the audience to like you.

And when they like you, they are much more likely to listen to and believe in your ideas.

Obama effortlessly uses his opening line to entice laughter among the audience. He brilliantly used the setting (the context of Trump becoming President) and said a line that completely matched his style of speaking.

Saying a joke without really saying a joke and getting people to laugh requires you to be completely comfortable in your own skin. And that’s not easy for many people (me being one of them).

If the joke doesn’t land as expected, it could lead to a rocky start.

Keep in mind the following when attempting to deliver a funny introduction:

  • Know your audience: Make sure your audience gets the context of the joke (if it’s an inside joke among the members you’re speaking to, that’s even better!). You can read this article we wrote where we give you tips on how you can actually get to know your audience better to ensure maximum impact with your speech openings
  • The joke should suit your natural personality. Don’t make it look forced or it won’t elicit the desired response
  • Test the opening out on a few people who match your real audience. Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary
  • Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you

4. Mohammed Qahtani

Opening: Puts a cigarette on his lips, lights a lighter, stops just before lighting the cigarette. Looks at audience, “What?”

5. Darren Tay

Opening: Puts a white pair of briefs over his pants.

How to use props to begin your speech?

The reason props work so well in a talk is because in most cases the audience is not expecting anything more than just talking. So when a speaker pulls out an object that is unusual, everyone’s attention goes right to it.

It makes you wonder why that prop is being used in this particular speech.

The key word here is unusual . To grip the audience’s attention at the beginning of the speech, the prop being used should be something that the audience would never expect. Otherwise, it just becomes something that is common. And common = boring!

What Mohammed Qahtani and Darren Tay did superbly well in their talks was that they used props that nobody expected them to.

By pulling out a cigarette and lighter or a white pair of underwear, the audience can’t help but be gripped by what the speaker is about to do next. And that makes for a powerful speech opening.

6. Simon Sinek

Opening: “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?”

7. Julian Treasure

Opening: “The human voice. It’s the instrument we all play. It’s the most powerful sound in the world. Probably the only one that can start a war or say “I love you.” And yet many people have the experience that when they speak people don’t listen to them. Why is that? How can we speak powerfully to make change in the world?”

How to use questions to open a speech?

I use this method often. Starting off with a question is the simplest way to start your speech in a manner that immediately engages the audience.

But we should keep our questions compelling as opposed to something that is fairly obvious.

I’ve heard many speakers start their speeches with questions like “How many of us want to be successful?”

No one is going to say ‘no’ to that and frankly, I just feel silly raising my hand at such questions.

Simon Sinek and Jullian Treasure used questions in a manner that really made the audience think and make them curious to find out what the answer to that question is.

What Jullian Treasure did even better was the use of a few statements which built up to his question. This made the question even more compelling and set the theme for what the rest of his talk would be about.

So think of what question you can ask in your speech that will:

  • Set the theme for the remainder of your speech
  • Not be something that is fairly obvious
  • Be compelling enough so that the audience will actually want to know what the answer to that question will be

8. Aaron Beverley

Opening: Long pause (after an absurdly long introduction of a 57-word speech title). “Be honest. You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

How to use silence for speech openings?

The reason this speech opening stands out is because of the fact that the title itself is 57 words long. The audience was already hilariously intrigued by what was going to come next.

But what’s so gripping here is the way Aaron holds the crowd’s suspense by
doing nothing. For about 10 to 12 seconds he did nothing but stand and look at the audience. Everyone quietened down. He then broke this silence by a humorous remark that brought the audience laughing down again.

When going on to open your speech, besides focusing on building a killer opening sentence, how about just being silent?

It’s important to keep in mind that the point of having a strong opening is so that the audience’s attention is all on you and are intrigued enough to want to listen to the rest of your speech.

Silence is a great way to do that. When you get on the stage, just pause for a few seconds (about 3 to 5 seconds) and just look at the crowd. Let the audience and yourself settle in to the fact that the spotlight is now on you.

I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something about starting the speech off with a pure pause that just makes the beginning so much more powerful. It adds credibility to you as a speaker as well, making you look more comfortable and confident on stage. 

If you want to know more about the power of pausing in public speaking , check out this post we wrote. It will give you a deeper insight into the importance of pausing and how you can harness it for your own speeches. You can also check out this video to know more about Pausing for Public Speaking:

9. Dan Pink

Opening: “I need to make a confession at the outset here. Little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I’m not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wish no one would ever know but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal.”

10. Kelly McGonigal

Opening: “I have a confession to make. But first I want you to make a little confession to me.”

How to use a build-up to open your speech?

When there are so many amazing ways to start a speech and grip an audience from the outset, why would you ever choose to begin your speech with a ‘Good morning?’.

That’s what I love about build-ups. They set the mood for something awesome that’s about to come in that the audience will feel like they just have to know about.

Instead of starting a speech as it is, see if you can add some build-up to your beginning itself. For instance, in Kelly McGonigal’s speech, she could have started off with the question of stress itself (which she eventually moves on to in her speech). It’s not a bad way to start the speech.

But by adding the statement of “I have a confession to make” and then not revealing the confession for a little bit, the audience is gripped to know what she’s about to do next and find out what indeed is her confession.

11. Tim Urban

Opening: “So in college, I was a government major. Which means that I had to write a lot of papers. Now when a normal student writes a paper, they might spread the work out a little like this.”

12. Scott Dinsmore

Opening: “8 years ago, I got the worst career advice of my life.”

How to use storytelling as a speech opening?

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” Steve Jobs

Storytelling is the foundation of good speeches. Starting your speech with a story is a great way to grip the audience’s attention. It makes them yearn to want to know how the rest of the story is going to pan out.

Tim Urban starts off his speech with a story dating back to his college days. His use of slides is masterful and something we all can learn from. But while his story sounds simple, it does the job of intriguing the audience to want to know more.

As soon as I heard the opening lines, I thought to myself “If normal students write their paper in a certain manner, how does Tim write his papers?”

Combine such a simple yet intriguing opening with comedic slides, and you’ve got yourself a pretty gripping speech.

Scott Dismore’s statement has a similar impact. However, just a side note, Scott Dismore actually started his speech with “Wow, what an honour.”

I would advise to not start your talk with something such as that. It’s way too common and does not do the job an opening must, which is to grip your audience and set the tone for what’s coming.

13. Larry Smith

Opening: “I want to discuss with you this afternoon why you’re going to fail to have a great career.”

14. Jane McGonigal

Opening: “You will live 7.5 minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”

How to use provocative statements to start your speech?

Making a provocative statement creates a keen desire among the audience to want to know more about what you have to say. It immediately brings everyone into attention.

Larry Smith did just that by making his opening statement surprising, lightly humorous, and above all – fearful. These elements lead to an opening statement which creates so much curiosity among the audience that they need to know how your speech pans out.

This one time, I remember seeing a speaker start a speech with, “Last week, my best friend committed suicide.” The entire crowd was gripped. Everyone could feel the tension in the room.

They were just waiting for the speaker to continue to know where this speech will go.

That’s what a hard-hitting statement does, it intrigues your audience so much that they can’t wait to hear more! Just a tip, if you do start off with a provocative, hard-hitting statement, make sure you pause for a moment after saying it.

Silence after an impactful statement will allow your message to really sink in with the audience.

Related article: 5 Ways to Grab Your Audience’s Attention When You’re Losing it!

15. Ramona J Smith

Opening: In a boxing stance, “Life would sometimes feel like a fight. The punches, jabs and hooks will come in the form of challenges, obstacles and failures. Yet if you stay in the ring and learn from those past fights, at the end of each round, you’ll be still standing.”

How to use your full body to grip the audience at the beginning of your speech?

In a talk, the audience is expecting you to do just that – talk. But when you enter the stage and start putting your full body into use in a way that the audience does not expect, it grabs their attention.

Body language is critical when it comes to public speaking. Hand gestures, stage movement, facial expressions are all things that need to be paid attention to while you’re speaking on stage. But that’s not I’m talking about here.

Here, I’m referring to a unique use of the body that grips the audience, like how Ramona did. By using her body to get into a boxing stance, imitating punches, jabs and hooks with her arms while talking – that’s what got the audience’s attention.

The reason I say this is so powerful is because if you take Ramona’s speech and remove the body usage from her opening, the entire magic of the opening falls flat.

While the content is definitely strong, without those movements, she would not have captured the audience’s attention as beautifully as she did with the use of her body.

So if you have a speech opening that seems slightly dull, see if you can add some body movement to it.

If your speech starts with a story of someone running, actually act out the running. If your speech starts with a story of someone reading, actually act out the reading.

It will make your speech opening that much more impactful.

Related article: 5 Body Language Tips to Command the Stage

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Final Words

So there it is! 15 speech openings from some of my favourite speeches. Hopefully, these will act as a guide for you to create your own opening which is super impactful and sets you off on the path to becoming a powerful public speaker!

But remember, while a speech opening is super important, it’s just part of an overall structure.

If you’re serious about not just creating a great speech opening but to improve your public speaking at an overall level, I would highly recommend you to check out this course: Acumen Presents: Chris Anderson on Public Speaking on Udemy. Not only does it have specific lectures on starting and ending a speech, but it also offers an in-depth guide into all the nuances of public speaking. 

Being the founder of TED Talks, Chris Anderson provides numerous examples of the best TED speakers to give us a very practical way of overcoming stage fear and delivering a speech that people will remember. His course has helped me personally and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn public speaking. 

No one is ever “done” learning public speaking. It’s a continuous process and you can always get better. Keep learning, keep conquering and keep being awesome!

Lastly, if you want to know how you should NOT open your speech, we’ve got a video for you:

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Keep Your Cool: 8 Strategies to Control Emotions While Speaking

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IMAGES

  1. Motivational Speech

    motivational speech writing examples

  2. How To Write A Motivational Speech For Students?

    motivational speech writing examples

  3. FREE 37+ Speech Formats in PDF

    motivational speech writing examples

  4. 5 Steps to Writing a Motivational Speech With Sample Outline

    motivational speech writing examples

  5. Inspirational Speech

    motivational speech writing examples

  6. Motivational Speech

    motivational speech writing examples

VIDEO

  1. CHANGE YOUR MENTALITY

  2. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MIND

  3. 20 Motivational Speech Examples To Inspire You Today

  4. 20 Motivational Speech Examples To Inspire You Today

  5. PAIN IS TEMPORARY

  6. I AM GOING TO WIN

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Motivational Speech: Tips & Examples to Inspire

    Ask questions, encourage them to share their thoughts or experiences, or use interactive activities to keep them involved and engaged. 7. Failing to inspire action. A motivational speech needs to inspire the audience to take action, but this can be challenging. Solution: Include a clear call to action.

  2. How To Write a Motivational Speech (With Example)

    Here is a list of steps you can follow when writing a motivational speech: 1. Determine your purpose. Before writing your speech, determine the purpose of your speech. Your purpose defines the rest of the speech and you can reflect on it at different points throughout. Once you've chosen a theme, you can write the rest of your speech around ...

  3. 5 Steps to Writing a Motivational Speech With Sample Outline

    Do you need to master how to write a motivational speech? Create a speech that is truly special and impactful for your listeners with these steps and samples. ... 5 Steps to Writing a Motivational Speech With Sample Outline By Kit Kittelstad, M.A. Education , Staff Writer . Updated July 20, 2021 Image Credits.

  4. 10 Motivational Speech Examples To Inspire You Today

    Hopefully, you get as much out of these examples as our own team did and are able to put the corresponding takeaways to good use. 💓. Table Of Contents. Steve Jobs: Commencement Speech At Stanford (2005) Richard St. John: 8 Secrets of Success TED Talk (2005) Dan Pink: The Puzzle of Motivation TED Talk (2009)

  5. The 24 Best Motivational Speeches Our Employees Have Ever Heard

    Arianna Huffington's "The Power of Sleep" speech in 2023 emphasizes the importance of sleep and the dangers of sleep deprivation. It promotes a culture where getting enough sleep is essential for health and well-being. "Sleep is the Swiss Army knife of health, it does everything." Free Leadership Lessons Guide.

  6. 30 Motivational Speeches To Get You Moving Forward Now

    Motivational Speeches From Universities. Motivational speeches from well-known people are given during graduation each year to encourage students. Here are the best motivational speeches during the commencement exercises of different universities: 1. Denzel Washington - University of Pennsylvania

  7. How to give a motivational speech

    3. On stage, be an amplified version of you. The bigger the venue, the bigger you need to be on stage. The way you would communicate to a group of 10 people is very different than how you would need to communicate to a room of 10,000. Both should be an authentic version of you, but simply amplified to the setting.

  8. 10 Motivational Speeches That Will Inspire You To Take Action

    This is the start of great leadership. 6. John Keating's (Robin Williams) Motivational Speech About Seizing the Day From Dead Poets Society (1989) "Because you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you.

  9. Motivational Speech Examples

    Many motivational speech examples from movies and famous people continue to inspire others at graduations, sporting events, business meetings, and more. ... Many speech writing templates can prove helpful. These three aspects should be present when focusing on a motivational or inspirational speech.

  10. Short Motivational Speeches: How to Write One & Examples

    For example, if you're an employer who is hoping to inspire your employees to work more productively, that should be your topic and your inspiration. If you're a guest speaker looking to encourage smokers to quit, that will be your source. Picking a topic for your motivational speech isn't particularly complicated.

  11. Guide: Motivational Speeches (Including How to Write One)

    Writing a strong motivational speech is a useful skill regardless of your professional industry. Here are six steps you can follow to write an effective motivational speech: 1. Establish your goal. The first step in writing a strong motivational speech is to clarify your goal. You might ask yourself what you want your audience to do after ...

  12. 7 Simple Steps to Writing a Motivational Speech

    Use powerful language and positive reinforcement to inspire and motivate your audience. Avoid using negative language or dwelling on negative thoughts or experiences. For example, instead of ...

  13. 100 Motivational Speech Topics to Inspire and Ignite

    Motivational Speech Example. To truly understand the impact of a well-crafted speech, it is essential to witness a clear example of what a good speech looks like. So, let us delve into this extraordinary example, as it paints a vivid picture of the transformative power of words, igniting within us the belief that we, too, can create a lasting ...

  14. How to Write a Motivational Speech

    Here are some tips for writing and delivering an outstanding motivational speech: Actively involve the audience and think of yourself as a facilitator rather than a performer. Ask for audience input, feedback, and ideas throughout the presentation. Also, have empathy for the audience and forget about yourself.

  15. Short Motivational Speech

    If you fail that is good. Suck it up and move on! Here is an easy guide to write your own short motivational speech. There is always a way to get through your problems. It may not be the easiest way and it may take some time, but you will rise above it. Only if you choose to look at your problems and trials from another angle.

  16. 16 Most Life-Changing Motivational Speeches & What You'll Gain from

    9. Navy Seal William McRaven: If You Want To Change The World, Make Your Bed! "There are a lot of sharks in the world; if you hope to complete the swim, you will have to deal with them. So if you want to change the world, don't back down from the sharks.".

  17. 10 examples of motivational speeches

    Sylvester Stallone: 'Beat you to your knees' speech. Fictional characters can deliver motivational speeches as well as any real-life person, and this one delivered by Sylvester Stallone in the 2006 movie Rocky Balboa is one of the best examples out there. Rocky delivers a powerful message to his son, Robert, about the challenges he'll ...

  18. 10 motivational speech examples

    Motivation is the key to workplace success.In fact, staff who are engaged with their jobs have a four times higher success rate, according to the Q12 Meta-Analysis report by Gallup.. This success comes from greater levels of efficiency, productivity, satisfaction, stress management, development of personal relationships, and capacity to problem-solve which, in turn, entail having greater ...

  19. Inspirational Speech

    Make sure you always include the following elements in your inspirational speech so that you will be able to write a successful, effective, and of course, inspirational speech: 1. Optimism. An optimistic inspirational speech would give and ignite hope to its readers. Make sure that your motivational speech truly delivers this element.

  20. Speech Script: Motivational Speech

    Motivational Speech Example #1. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow dreamers, Today, I stand before you to share a message of inspiration, empowerment, and limitless possibilities. Each one of us possesses within us a reservoir of untapped potential, waiting to be unleashed.

  21. Motivational Speech

    3. Be enthusiastic and sincere. This will help you in connecting with your audience. You may also like dedication speech examples. 4. Share your story. Share the experience that made the biggest impact to your life, and how it motivated you. 5. Speak clearly.

  22. How to Write a Motivational Speech for Students

    5. Tell a Story or Better Yet; Tell Your Own Story. If you want to become a motivational speaker, the best topic to refer to for motivational speeches is to start looking for it in your own life. Make a list of goals you have met and achievements you have earned, specifically related to your co-curricular activities.

  23. 15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)

    Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary. Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you. 4. Mohammed Qahtani.