How to Choose the Perfect Motivational Speaker for Your Event

Choosing the right motivational speaker can make or break your event. The best speakers don’t just entertain - they engage, inspire, and leave people thinking differently long after the lights go down. But with so many names out there, how do you find the one who will truly connect with your audience?

Start with your audience, not the speaker

Before you look at showreels or bios, start by asking: What does your audience actually need? Are they feeling burned out? Under pressure? In need of a boost of belief or focus?

Every audience is different - what fires up one group might leave another cold. Some respond best to humour and light-hearted stories; others need something more direct, challenging, or thought-provoking. Once you’re clear on what outcome you want - inspiration, mindset shift, practical strategies - you can narrow down who will deliver that best.

Look for alignment, not just applause

A slick talk and a standing ovation are great, but alignment is what really matters. The speaker you choose should fit the purpose and tone of your event. If your conference is about leadership, resilience, or performance under pressure, for example, you’ll want someone who’s lived and breathed those themes - not just read about them.

As a motivational speaker on mental toughness, I focus on helping people perform at their best when things get tough - whether that’s in business, sport, or life. My sessions are not about quick bursts of motivation, but lasting mindset shifts that people can apply the very next day.

When you’re reviewing speakers, look beyond the showreel. Watch a full talk if you can, read audience feedback, and pay attention to how people describe the experience. Did the speaker really connect? Did they make people feel something meaningful?

The best speakers connect, not perform

A great speaker doesn’t just talk - they connect. They make your audience feel seen, understood, and inspired. The magic happens when the audience recognises themselves in the speaker’s story and walks away thinking, “If they can do that - maybe I can too.”

That’s what I aim to deliver in every keynote. My story - from a tough start in life, to becoming a professional Rally Driver, TV presenter, and extreme endurance athlete - isn’t about showing off. It’s about showing what’s possible when you develop true mental toughness.

Every talk I give is built around practical, usable tools that help people stay calm under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and push through self-doubt. It’s motivation that sticks - not the kind that fades on Monday morning.

Do your homework

When you’ve found a few potential speakers, dig deeper.

Watch: Their videos - do they hold attention? Do they feel authentic?

Read: Testimonials and client feedback - what impact did they have? Check LinkedIn for comments about the speakers you have identified

Ask: What outcomes can they help you achieve?

Don’t be afraid to get specific about your audience and objectives. The best speakers will tailor their message to fit your theme and goals - not just deliver the same script they’ve used elsewhere.

What you get when you book me

When you book me for your event, you get more than a one-hour keynote. You get a partner who’s invested in your audience’s success. After every talk, I give attendees access to a free QR code packed with extra resources - Mental Toughness tips, a shortened version of my slides, and a 7-day resilience plan.

It’s my way of helping the message last long after the event ends - so the energy and insight from the day actually turn into action.

Penny Mallory - Mental Toughness Expert & Motivational Keynote Speaker
Helping teams and leaders perform under pressure and thrive in uncertainty.
Keynote length: 20–90 minutes | Format: Live or virtual | Topics: Mental Toughness, Resilience, Performance Psychology, Wellbeing, Mindset, Leadership, Personal Development, Motivation, Inspiration