Motivational speaking is a profession that may appear to be unconventional at the first glance, but it is deeply rewarding as you get to influence people to develop a mindset that will lead them towards personal and professional success.
In this regard, it may be interesting to know who are the top 10 motivational speakers ranked by popularity in the world for 2023. These include Eric Thomas, Tony Robbins, Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Les Brown, Iyanla Vanzant, Oprah Winfrey, Nick Vujicic and Fahad Khan.
Read below to know more about these remarkable motivational speakers and how they have inspired the lives of millions for the better.
1. Fahad Khan
A Pakistani motivational speaker, business coach, student coach and the CEO of CanadaPrimeMarketing, Fahad Khan is an influential personality who has decades of experience under his belt as someone who brings the best out of students, budding entrepreneurs and in general, struggling human beings. He makes his audience believe in the fact that they are ‘unstoppable’ and that through a growth-driven mindset, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
2. Tony Robbins
An inspirational life coach, author and motivational speaker, Tony Robbins has inspired millions of people across the globe to take control of their personal lives by inculcating a positive mindset. He stresses the importance of personal development and emphasizes how vital it is to translate feelings of motivation into action.
Tony Robbins has struggled with difficulties in his own life to get where he stands today as a CEO and a motivational speaker. At the age of 17, circumstances forced him to leave his home and work as a janitor to support himself. He made his breakthrough when Jim Rohn, another motivational speaker, coached him and helped him find his own journey as an inspirational speaker.
3. Brian Tracy
Brian Tracy is an entrepreneur, business coach, consultant and the CEO of Brian Tracy International. He has conducted numerous seminars in the US, Canada and 70 other countries regarding topics such as psychology, history, business and philosophy. He teaches his audience the importance of understanding the psychological aspect of success, so that people can become self-aware and translate their thoughts into a proactive approach.
4. Zig Ziglar
As a renowned American motivational speaker and author, Zig Ziglar inspired millions of people with his words of wisdom and positivity. Born in Alabama in 1926, Ziglar had a humble upbringing and worked various odd jobs before discovering his passion for sales.
He began his career as a motivational speaker in the 1970s, when he started giving speeches on sales and success. He quickly gained a reputation as an engaging and charismatic speaker, known for his Southern charm and folksy wisdom. Ziglar’s speeches and seminars covered a wide range of topics, from sales and leadership to personal growth and spirituality.
5. Arnold Schwarzenegger
As a man of many talents, Arnold Schwarzenegger has achieved success in every field he has ventured into. He is a bodybuilder, actor, politician, and philanthropist who was born in Austria in 1947. His dedication to bodybuilding eventually led him to move to the United States in pursuit of his dreams.
In the bodybuilding world, he won numerous competitions and inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps. He also entered politics in the year 2003 and was elected as the Governor of California, serving two terms in office. During his tenure, he focused on issues such as education reform, climate change, and economic growth. Whether it is in bodybuilding, acting, politics, or philanthropy, Arnold Schwarzenegger has proven that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
6. Les Brown
Les Brown is an American motivational speaker and author who has empowered millions of people around the world with his messages of hope, perseverance, and personal growth. As a child, Les Brown had a challenging upbringing and was labeled as a “special education” student due to his inability to read or write proficiently.
Despite facing many obstacles and setbacks, he began his career as a radio DJ, where he discovered his passion for public speaking which eventually led to him becoming a motivational speaker.
During his seminars, he shares his personal experiences of overcoming adversity, and encourages his audience to tap into their own inner strength and potential. His books, including “Live Your Dreams” and “It’s Not Over Until You Win,” have sold millions of copies worldwide, in addition to his speeches that have gained popularity internationally.
7. Iyanla Vanzant
Iyanla Vanzant is an American inspirational speaker, spiritual teacher, author, and television personality. She is known for her empowering messages on self-love, forgiveness, and personal growth. She has faced many challenges throughout her life, including abuse, addiction, and financial hardship.
Despite these difficulties, she became a successful author, with her books including “In the Meantime” and “Peace from Broken Pieces” becoming bestsellers. Her television show, “Iyanla: Fix My Life,” has also gained widespread popularity for its empowering and emotionally resonating content.
8. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is a seasoned motivational speaker, media executive, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. She is a successful media personality who has hosted “The Oprah Winfrey Show” for 25 seasons, which became the highest-rated television talk show in history. In addition to her work in television, Winfrey is also a successful actress, producer, and author, with her book club becoming a powerful force in the literary world. She inspires her audience to think beyond their self-limiting beliefs and take responsibility for their own destinies.
9. Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic is an Australian motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur who was without arms or legs in 1982. He has faced numerous challenges throughout his life, including bullying, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
However, he was able to overcome his fears and limitations and began speaking publicly at the age of 19, sharing his story of resilience with audiences around the world. He has since become a bestselling author, with his books including “Life Without Limits” and “Unstoppable,” and has founded the Life Without Limbs organization, which provides support and resources to people facing physical and emotional challenges.
10. Eric Thomas
Eric Thomas is an American motivational speaker, preacher, pastor, educator and minister. He is also the author of several motivational books which contain his personal tips and lessons on living a fulfilling life honest to an individual’s values. He is the CEO of his consulting company called ETA LLC which has gained success internationally and been recognized by organizations such as General Electric, Quicken Loans, New Balance etc.
In his motivational speeches, Eric Thomas often draws examples from his personal life experiences, such as coming from a broken family and suffering from homelessness. He inspires his audience to believe that they can rise from the ashes and achieve greatness no matter which background they belong to. His audience mostly includes children and students who are unaware of their own ‘superpower’ and the gifts they have that, if discovered and honed, can lead them towards unstoppable success.
