Booking a speaker isn’t just about filling a slot on your agenda - it’s about delivering a message that moves people.
The best motivational speakers don’t simply tell stories or share slides. They reinforce your event’s purpose, inspire your audience to think differently, and create a lasting emotional impact.
So before you even start shortlisting speakers, the first question to ask is this:
“What do we want our audience to think, feel or do after the talk?”
Because that’s where the magic of alignment begins.
Every powerful talk starts with a clear goal. Are you aiming to:
Once you’re clear on the ‘why’, everything else flows naturally - the tone, the message, the stories, and even the format.
As a keynote speaker, I always start by asking organisers, “What’s the biggest challenge your people are facing? and What shift you want your people to make?” Whether I’m talking about mental toughness, performance, or resilience under pressure, the message has to feel like a natural extension of the event’s purpose.
That alignment is what turns a good talk into an unforgettable one.
The most successful events happen when organisers and speakers work together. The more your speaker knows about your audience, the more tailored - and therefore impactful - their message will be.
Share as much context as you can:
When I work with clients, I always ask for a short briefing call. It’s where I learn about the culture, the people, and what success looks like for them. That collaboration means my talk feels personal, not generic.
Because audiences can spot a ‘cookie-cutter’ presentation a mile off.
Once your goals are clear, your speaker can build a narrative that hits the mark. This is where storytelling, experience, and authenticity make all the difference.
For example, when I speak about mental toughness, I don’t just define it - I bring it to life through stories of high performance, resilience, and mindset shifts. I help people see how they can apply the same principles in their own lives and work.
That’s what great talks do: they don’t just inform people, they transform them.
A well-aligned message feels intentional, relevant, and emotionally resonant. It makes the audience feel like the talk was written just for them.
Just as important as what to include is what to leave out.
Tell your speaker about any topics, clichés, or examples that won’t land well with your audience. Maybe your team has heard “resilience” framed a hundred times before - or maybe there are sensitive themes to steer clear of.
A professional speaker will always appreciate your guidance. It’s what helps them fine-tune their content and tone, ensuring the message fits your brand and culture perfectly.
The best keynote speakers don’t just deliver content - they deliver clarity, energy, and lasting change.
They help audiences see challenges differently, take ownership of their mindset, and leave with practical strategies to perform better under pressure.
That’s exactly what I aim to do every time I step on stage. My talks on mental toughness and resilience are designed to challenge thinking, build self-belief, and help people perform at their best - especially when things get tough.
So when you’re choosing your next motivational speaker, remember:
The right message doesn’t just fit your event - it amplifies it.
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
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