Who are today’s top female motivational speakers and what can we learn from them?
These motivational speakers have inspiring messages that can help you take ownership of your life and career, and lead a more purpose-driven life. Plus, they use proven public speaking techniques to deliver TED-worthy speeches that you can adopt too. From top-charting podcast hosts, business experts, and female entrepreneurs; these women will inspire you.
11 of The Best Female Motivational Speakers
Some of today’s women motivational speakers span industries, from the most inspiring women in business and social activists to thought leaders. There is a lot that you can learn from them. In this article, we will uncover their message and story-telling techniques. Not only will you feel inspired by their empowering messages, but you can learn how to create and deliver an award-winning speech, too.
The 10 Top Female Motivational Speakers
1. Mel Robbin
Mel Robbins is here to change your life. She is one of the most viral and renowned female public speakers and author of “The 5 Second Rule.” She inspires people to be confident and take action to reach their personal and professional goals.
Mel Robbin’s Public Speaking Techniques:
- Her talks are honest and authentic
- She addresses her listeners as “you.”
- She uses a workshop-style approach.
- She uses persuasive language and repeats key phrases to inspire action.
- She uses humor
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2. Brené Brown
Brené Brown is a social worker and the author of multiple books. Her TED Talk, “The Power of Vulnerability,” has inspired millions of people to embrace vulnerability and be brave which could benefit you at work and home.
Brené Brown’s Public Speaking Techniques:
- Brené is a master storyteller and always starts with stories.
- She is vulnerable in her own speeches
- As a social worker, she puts connection first and it guides her speech.
Want to learn more about Brené Brown and her book, Dare to Lead? Here are the best Dare to Lead Quotes.
3. Amy Cuddy
Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist, author, and speaker, and has taught at competitive business schools. She helps women around the world build confidence through power poses and shows us how to be present as a leader.
Amy Cuddy’s Public Speaking Techniques:
- Amy starts her speech by making us aware of our body language
- Her speeches are packed with value, funny clips, and insightful anecdotes about non-verbal language.
- Her talks use power poses, a confidence-building exercise, and her body language is open which shows confidence and transparency.
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4. Terri Trespicio
Terri Trespicio is a female motivational speaker, writer, and former editor who speaks about how we can live a meaningful life and a better alternative to “finding our passion.”
Terri Trespicio’s Public Speaking Techniques:
- Terri sprinkles humor into all her speeches
- She is vulnerable, starting her speech with when she got laid off.
- By sharing her personal stories, she seems authentic and relatable.
5. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul who made her mark early in her career as a news broadcaster and since then, has never stopped inspiring women across the globe. She is known as one of the most famous female speakers.
Oprah’s Public Speaking Techniques:
- Oprah has a commanding presence on stage as she can vary her pitch and ramp-up to potent moments.
- Oprah never lectures people. Instead, she has conversations with people,.
- She uses powerful stories and repeats powerful phrases.
- Every speech is underpinned by her intention or her “why.” This is her secret to constantly delivering empowering speeches.
6. Kelly McGonigal
Kelly McGonigal Kelly is one of the best motivational woman speakers, and is known for her famous talk, “How to Make Stress Your Friend.” She is a pragmatic leader who is driven by compassion. She wants to uplift others, tackle the anxiety endemic we currently face, and create a biology of courage.
Kelly’s Public Speaking Techniques:
- She encourages engagement by asking questions.
- She uses practical advice, facts, and relatable examples.
- Her speeches are driven by her mission to care for others and help them use stress to lead healthier and happier lives.
7. Greta Thunberg
Greta has become the poster girl for climate change through her emotional messages and drastic actions. She has not only become one of the most prevalent climate change activists but one of the top motivational women speakers. Her talks raise awareness around one of our biggest threats – climate change. Greta is an iconic leader and a famous female speaker.
Greta’s Public Speaking Techniques:
- Greta is blunt and doesn’t use any humor but you cannot take your eyes off her when she speaks.
- She addresses the audience as “you” and repeats powerful, gut-wrenching phrases like, “How dare you.”
- She also uses stats in her speech to emphasize points and drive them home.
- She unapologetically creates accountability by not breaking eye contact with the audience.
- She embodies what she wants to communicate – seriousness, anger, and intent.
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8. Mariana Atencio
Mariana Atencio is a journalist who covered the 2016 election for NBC News and went on to start her media empire. She has become a sought-after female motivational speaker who inspires millions of people to embrace what makes them special. In her TED talk with over 24 million views, she shares a story of attending summer camp in America as a young girl from Venezuela.
Mariana Atencio’s Public Speaking Techniques:
- She also uses thought-provoking exercises by asking us to write down what makes us special.
- She links her conclusion to her introduction by asking us to question what others wrote down.
- She intertwines stories in her talks.
9. Michelle Obama
As a former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama has used her platform to speak about education, health, and the empowerment of women and girls. She also has written one of the best self-improvement books for women, Becoming, and inspires women across America and the world as one of the top female motivational speakers.
Michelle’s Talk Public Speaking Techniques:
- Her speeches are known for their warmth and reliability.
- She brings wisdom into her speech, sharing insights and anecdotes.
- Michelle can break barriers and be authentic despite having a life far from normal.
- She uses vulnerability to share an authentic and heartfelt message.
10. Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx, a philanthropist, and a female motivational speaker. As a female entrepreneur and inspiring mompreneur, she empowers businesswomen and leaders to become inventors and think big.
Sara‘s Public Speaking Techniques:
- She is humble and never takes herself too seriously.
- Sara’s talks are structured easy to follow, and authentic.
- She is authentic and “real.”
- She uses humor in her speeches.
11. Heather Monahan
Heather Monahan is a best-selling author, podcast host, and one of the top 50 keynote speakers. She talks about women in the workplace, how they can be confident, and the unexpected rivals they might face. She shares her journey as a C-suite leader in business and how you can claim yours.
Heather‘s Public Speaking Techniques:
- She tells a story
- She uses pitch, pace, and pauses to add suspense and excitement
- Sara’s talks are structured easy to follow, and authentic.
- Heather’s talks are packed with confidence which inspires you
What Do These Sensational Women Motivational Speakers Have in Common?
- They are vulnerable
- They are brave
- They are purpose-driven
Many of these women have been keynote speakers at events, delivered TED talks that have racked up millions of views, and raised awareness around pivotal issues.
Being a female speaker means you must be brave and vulnerable with these attributes and a strong message or resounding “why,” you too can deliver empowering messages.
Why We Need More Female Motivational Speaker?
Women bring new insights, fresh perspectives, and a different discourse, which is why women need to take center stage. Women speakers can cultivate confidence in other women, a top challenge for female entrepreneurs, and help them to think big and act bold.
Public speaking is essential for women who want to break barriers, lead authentically, and inspire change. From boardrooms to starting businesses, this is a skill every woman should possess and use to lead and inspire others.
How to Get Started in Public Speaking as a Woman
Now that you have watched some of the most inspiring female speakers of our time, you may wonder how can I do that too. Do you want to nail a pitch, sell an idea, or become an inspiring leader? We can help you get started.
Here is how to prepare an impactful speech:
- Coming back to your why or intention
- Using story-telling techniques
- Refining your message
- Making the ending powerful
Here is how to deliver a spell-binding speech:
- Use power poses
- Pause in all the right places
- Create a positive mindset and use positive affirmations
- Practice on repeat
For a more in-depth guide on how to create and deliver an award-winning speech, read Public Speaking 101 for Women.
Find Your Voice
By watching these sensational female motivational speakers, you can listen to their profound messages and find out how you can deliver an impactful message. From story-telling techniques to intention and pitch, these are tactics you can use to make a lasting impact.
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