Top 13 Most Requested College Motivational Speakers

Introduction

Are you finding it tough to pick the right motivational speaker for your college event?

It can be a real headache figuring out costs, keeping students engaged, and handling all the details.

Check out our article for some straightforward tips on how to choose, afford, and get the most out of college motivational speakers.

Top Motivational Speakers for College Students

Take a look at our top picks for your event. If you like one, click the button below to reach out.

Dr. Robert Ballard: President, Ocean Exploration Trust & Deep-Sea ExplorerMaking discoveries that have captured the imagination of the public, Dr. Robert Ballard is best known for his 1985 discovery of the TITANIC. He has succeeded in tracking down numerous other significant shipwrecks, including the German battleship BISMARCK, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the U.S. aircraft carrier YORKTOWN (sunk in the World War II Battle of Midway) and John F. Kennedy’s boat, PT-109.

Michio Kaku: Renowned Physicist, Co-Founder of String TheoryDr. Michio Kaku is an internationally recognized authority on theoretical physics and the environment and is co-founder of String Field Theory. Dr. Kaku’s engaging speaking style makes him one of the world’s foremost STEM advocates and science popularizers.

Ken Burns: Award Winning Documentary FilmmakerKen Burns has been making documentary films for over forty years. Since the Academy Award nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, Ken has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made.

Bob Woodward: Legendary Pulitzer Prize-Winning Investigative Journalist; Associate Editor, The Washington Post; and Author, 21 BestsellersBob Woodward gained international attention when he and Carl Bernstein uncovered the Watergate scandal in 1973. Since then, he’s worked to shine a light on the inner-workings of secret government. Woodward’s factual, non-partisan revelations to readers and speech audiences provide a view of Washington they’ll never get elsewhere. Woodward has written about the last nine U.S. presidents and chronicled how the power of the presidency has evolved. He is author of 20 bestselling books – 14 went to #1 – more than any contemporary nonfiction writer.

Angela Davis: Legendary Human Rights ActivistAngela Davis is internationally known for her ongoing work to combat all forms of oppression in the U.S. and abroad. Her work as an educator has always emphasized the importance of building communities of struggle for economic, racial, and gender equality.

Gene Demby: Co-host/Correspondent, Code SwitchGene Demby is a founding member of NPR’s race, ethnicity and culture team, Code Switch. He serves as the blog’s “host,” starting and moderating conversations across an array of platforms. Before NPR, he served as the managing editor for Huffington Post’s BlackVoices following its launch. He later covered politics. Prior to that role he spent six years in various positions at The New York Times. While at NYT, he started a blog about race, culture, politics and media called PostBourgie in 2007.

Shereen Meraji: Host/Correspondent, Code SwitchShereen Marisol Meraji is an award-winning journalist and the co-host and senior producer of NPR’s Code Switch podcast about race, identity and culture. Code Switch is the only podcast about race that’s talking about all of us: our histories, how we’re represented, the ways we work together and against each other.

April Ryan: White House Correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks, Author of The Presidency in Black and White and Under FireWhite House Correspondent April Ryan has a unique vantage point as the only black female reporter covering urban issues from the White House – a position she has held since the Clinton era.

Michael Eric Dyson: Public Intellectual & Best-Selling AuthorNamed one of the 150 most powerful African Americans by Ebony magazine, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, an American Book Award recipient and two-time NAACP Image Award winner, “is reshaping what it means to be a public intellectual by becoming the most visible black academic of his time.

Charles Best: Crowdfunding & Social Impact Keynote Speaker, Founder of DonorsChooseCharles Best is the pioneer of crowdfunding and the founder of DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization that has inspired 5 million people to give $1.3 billion to fund 2 million classroom requests created by public school teachers.  Charles launched DonorsChoose in 2000 at a Bronx high school where he taught history, and while the organization was still operating out of his classroom, it got a boost from Oprah Winfrey, who declared DonorsChoose one of her “ultimate favorite things.” To date, teachers at 85% of all U.S. public schools have created classroom requests on the site, and DonorsChoose has become an increasing force for equity in American education.

Donna Brazile: Veteran Democratic Political StrategistAlways candid and insightful, Donna Brazile brings a refreshing perspective and practical sensibility to the discussion of today’s political headlines.

Maria Ressa: CEO of Rappler, Journalist, Author, Freedom Advocate & 2021 Nobel Peace Prize WinnerMaria Ressa is the co-founder, CEO, and executive editor of Rappler.com, an online news organization in the Philippines. Maria, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been honored around the world for her courageous and bold work in fighting disinformation, “fake news,” and attempts to silence the free press. Maria advises organizations and corporations on corporate governance, values, and strategy. Her experience as a journalist and an entrepreneur in the digital world makes her a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist.

Mikki Kendall: Writer, Diversity Consultant & Feminist

Mikki Kendall is a writer, diversity consultant, and occasional feminist who talks a lot about intersectionality, policing, gender, sexual assault, and other current events. She has discussed race, feminism, education, food politics, police violence, tech, and pop culture at institutions and universities across the country.

Choosing the Right Speaker for Your College Event

At Gotham Artists, our extensive experience in coordinating speakers for diverse college events has provided us with valuable insights into what makes a motivational speaker truly effective. Here’s how you can leverage our expertise to select the perfect speaker for your college event, ensuring both relevance and impact:

1. Identify Your Event Goals and Themes: Begin by defining your event’s objectives. Whether the focus is on career guidance, mental health, innovation, or leadership skills, knowing your goals helps in selecting a speaker whose expertise and delivery style match your event’s purpose.
2. Understand Your Audience: Consider the demographics and interests of your attendees. Tailoring the speaker to fit whether your audience consists of undergraduate entrepreneurs or graduate students needing life balance tips can drastically increase engagement.
3. Research Speaker Backgrounds: Investigate each potential speaker’s previous engagements, specialties, and audience feedback. Watching video clips of their past speeches can give you a clear idea of their interaction style and how well they connect with audiences.
4. Evaluate Speaker Flexibility and Interactivity: The best college speakers are adaptable and excel in interactive settings. Confirm whether the speaker can customize their presentations to your specific themes and include interactive segments like Q&A sessions, workshops, or group activities to boost audience participation.
5. Check Availability and Accessibility: Make sure your chosen speaker is available on your intended dates and can physically attend or participate virtually if required. Consider logistical needs such as travel arrangements or special accommodations.
6. Seek Recommendations and Reviews: Use recommendations and reviews from peers at other universities or from online sources to assess the speaker’s effectiveness. Insights from organizers of similar events can be incredibly helpful in making an informed choice.

Following these guidelines will help you choose a motivational speaker for college students who not only aligns with your event’s aims but also engages and inspires your audience with authenticity and impact.

Budgeting for a Motivational Speaker: What to Expect

Budgeting effectively for a motivational speaker is crucial to ensure the financial feasibility of your college event while maintaining high-quality content. Here are essential considerations and a realistic guide to help you navigate the cost aspects:

Understand Speaker Fee Structures

Motivational speakers charge differently based on their experience, fame, and the nature of the event. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the common fee structures to set realistic budget expectations:

• Flat Fee: Most speakers operate on a flat fee basis which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Travel and Accommodations: These are typically not included in the flat fee and must be budgeted separately. Some speakers might require first-class travel or specific accommodations.
• Customized Content: If you request a speaker to tailor their presentation specifically for your event, additional fees may apply.

Budgeting Tips

• Early Planning: Start planning early to secure speakers who might be more affordable and to allow for negotiation on fees.
• Negotiation: Don’t shy away from negotiating speaker fees, especially if you’re booking for multiple events or can offer high visibility in return.
• Explore Sponsorships: Consider seeking sponsorships from local businesses or relevant organizations to cover part of the speaker costs.
• Virtual Options: If budget constraints are tight, consider virtual sessions which can significantly reduce travel and accommodation costs.

By considering these elements and planning accordingly, you can ensure that your event has a motivational speaker who not only inspires and engages but also fits within your budget constraints.

Quick Guide to Hiring College Motivational Speakers

When planning your next college event, choosing the right motivational speaker is crucial for ensuring engagement and achieving your goals. At Gotham Artists, we specialize in connecting you with top-tier motivational speakers who are experts in captivating and inspiring college audiences. For personalized assistance and to explore our diverse roster of speakers, contact us today and make your next event a standout success.

FAQs

What should I consider when selecting a motivational speaker for a college audience?

When choosing a motivational speaker for college students, consider the relevance of the speaker’s topics to the interests and challenges faced by young adults. Evaluate the speaker’s ability to engage with a younger audience through dynamic presentations and interactive sessions. It’s also important to ensure their message aligns with the goals of your event, whether it’s about career guidance, personal development, or academic success.

Can college motivational speakers adapt their presentations for virtual events?

Yes, many speakers are equipped to deliver engaging and impactful presentations virtually. When booking a speaker for a virtual event, confirm their experience and comfort level with digital platforms and inquire about any specific technical requirements they might have. This ensures a smooth experience for both the speaker and the audience, maintaining the effectiveness of the message despite the remote format.