A motivational speaker in South Africa is usually booked for one slot: the opening keynote at a conference, the energy before a sales kick-off, the end of a year-end function. The right speaker connects their story to what your people face this year; the wrong one gives a polished talk that nobody remembers. Tell us the event, the audience, the date and the message, and we pass your request to independent speakers and speaker bureaus who work in your area. They quote you directly, and sending the request is free.
Where a motivational speaker fits
Speakers are booked for conferences and association events, sales kick-offs, year-end functions, staff wellness days, leadership offsites and graduation or prize-giving evenings at colleges. Some speak on resilience and change, some on sport, business or overcoming hardship, some on safety or customer service. A speaker works best with a clear role in the programme; if you also need someone to run the day, book a master of ceremonies, and if you want the group to work on the message afterwards, a workshop facilitator.
Briefing the speaker
Send a short brief with:
- Who is in the room: roles, how many, the languages, and the mood after a hard or a good year
- The one message you want people to leave with
- The slot: a short opener, a full keynote or a keynote with a workshop after
- What comes before and after, such as awards, lunch or a CEO's address
Ask for a call with the speaker before the event so they can use your company's language and examples.
What drives the fee
Speaker fees vary widely. The main drivers are the speaker's profile, the length of the slot, how much the talk is customised for you, travel and accommodation (flying in from another city adds flights, transfers and sometimes a night), and extras like a workshop, a session with your leaders or books for delegates. Bureaus usually add their fee or build it into the quote. Ask what is included and what is billed separately, and whether a local speaker could carry the same message for a smaller budget. Charity and school events sometimes get a lower fee, so say so in the request.
Questions to ask before you book
- Can we see a recent video of a full talk, not only a highlight reel?
- Can you give references from events like ours?
- What do you need on the day: a lapel microphone, a screen, a clicker? (See PA hire.)
- What are the deposit and cancellation terms?
- Can you speak in more than one language?
- Will you stay for lunch or the evening to meet delegates?
Send the speaker the final programme and the venue details a week before.
What to include in your brief
- Event, date and town
- Audience size and roles
- Length of the slot
- The message you want
- Languages in the room
Motivational Speakers for business, government and communities
- Companies and head offices: conference keynotes, sales kick-offs and year-end functions for staff and clients
- Government departments and municipalities: speakers for staff wellness days, youth month events and departmental conferences
- Schools, colleges and universities: speakers for staff development days, prize-givings and college graduation evenings
- NPOs, churches and community groups: speakers for youth programmes, church conferences and NPO fundraising events
- Small and family businesses: a speaker at a small team's year-end lunch or first company conference
- Mines, plants, factories and farms: safety and resilience talks for mine and plant teams at start-up after shutdowns
- Event organisers and associations: organisers booking keynotes for association conferences and award evenings
- Training and skills development providers: providers adding a speaker to open a training programme or graduation
Frequently asked questions
How long is a motivational talk?
How much does a motivational speaker cost in South Africa?
How far ahead should we book a speaker?
Do you provide the speakers yourselves?
Motivational Speakers by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg