Top 5 Qualities of a Great Motivational Speaker

When it comes to planning a corporate event, there’s one thing that can make or break the entire experience: the speaker. A great motivational speaker doesn’t just talk at your audience — they connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impression that drives real change.

But what actually makes a motivational speaker great? Here are the five top qualities to look out for (and yes, we practise what we preach at Alison Edgar HQ).

1. Authenticity

A great speaker doesn’t hide behind buzzwords or over-rehearsed scripts. They share real stories, real challenges, and real solutions. The best speakers are the ones who’ve been there, not just read about it. They speak from experience — and that resonates with audiences at every level.

2. Audience-Centric Approach

It’s not just about the speaker. It’s about the people in the room. A truly impactful speaker will tailor their message to your audience, whether that’s senior leaders, early-career talent, or a mix of both.

At Alison Edgar HQ, we offer a complimentary pre-event call to make sure the content is bespoke to your needs. Because when the message fits, the impact lasts.

3. High Energy, High Impact

A motivational speaker should energise the room — not drain it. Look for someone who brings a strong stage presence, clear communication, and dynamic delivery.

Alison’s sessions are known for their huge energy, audience interaction, and practical takeaways.

4. Care and Attention

The best speakers don’t just show up and talk — they care about the entire experience. That includes the lead-up, the follow-through, and everything in between.

From the moment you book with us, you’ll notice the difference. We’ve created a seamless speaker booking experience that ensures everything runs like clockwork, from prep to delivery. We even offer bespoke videos before or after your event to help promote or thank delegates — because details matter.

5. Tangible Takeaways

Inspiration is great — but action is better. A top motivational speaker will leave your audience with something they can do immediately to improve performance, mindset, or communication.

Whether it’s Alison’s Big Balls® time management method or her approach to intrapreneurial thinking, the strategies shared in her sessions are designed to spark real behavioural change long after the event ends.

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of motivational speakers out there — but truly great ones are rare. Look for authenticity, energy, audience-focus, care, and actionable content, and you won’t go far wrong.

If you're ready to book a speaker who delivers all five (and more), let’s talk.