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A motivational speaker or inspirational speaker is a professional speaker who makes speeches intending to instill motivation their audiences, often in the context of self-help or corporate business performance.
A keynote speech generally takes place either at the beginning of the event, or the close of the event. The length of these speeches generally last 45 minutes to two hours in duration. In comparison, a workshop or seminar generally lasts three to seven hours, and in some cases several days. In Europe the trend is towards shorter more concentrated events. Keynote speeches rarely last longer than 50 minutes. Workshops usually last 1/4 to 1/2 a day, and seminars one hour. North American events tend to go for longer durations as a social element is usually built in.[1][2]
The motivational speaking profession requires no formal training or certification, however skills in public speaking in many cases addressing large audiences are vital.
Fees paid to any speakers, whether motivational or not, vary based on the speaker's expertise, star power, experience, niche and level of customization. Motivational speakers engage the audience and share best practices, experiences and life lessons while at the same time entertaining their audiences.
There are similarities between motivational speakers and inspirational speakers, and someone could be labeled as both simultaneously, but they are not necessarily interchangeable. One subtle difference is that inspirational speakers often deliver a "warm, encouraging message, sometimes based on a story of overcoming great obstacles," with a desired outcome of enlivening or exalting emotion. In contrast, motivational speakers may deliver a presentation that is more energetic in nature, with a desired outcome of moving attendees to action.[3] A booking client may either go directly to the speaker to check availability and fees, or use a speakers' bureau to research multiple keynote options, prices and availabilities at one time.
Some motivational speakers have acquired substantial popularity, fame and wealth. Others have seen their high-flying careers terminate prematurely due to a few incautious remarks that have resulted in a run on the Stock Market — namely Gerald Ratner's infamous widely reported[citation needed] speech at London's Institute of Directors so worried the financial community and customers of the High Street Jewellers and Public Company of the same name Ratners that the value of the Ratners' group plummeted by around £500 million, which very nearly resulted in the firm's collapse.
There is a network of regional speakers associations
  | "Is Now Really the Time to Hire a Professional Speaker?" - Hiring a Professional Speaker Now |
| | Motivational speakers from the UK and Europe - Motivational Speakers Business Speakers at The London Speaker Bureau, Europe's leading bureau |
| | List of Motivational Speakers and Entertainers in Australia - Motivational Speakers - Speakers Bureau @ ICMI |
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