Fake content
Skip to main content

Learn to write motivational speeches to enhance your career

Author Career Builder

Sometimes, everyone needs a little motivation, and giving a great speech can accomplish this goal. But speaking in front of a large group is intimidating to many people. Knowing how to write a motivational speech is vital if your job requires you to give presentations or speak to groups, such as in employee meetings or public events. This article discusses what a motivational speech is, who may need to write these types of presentations, why they're essential, and how to write effective motivational speeches that can help enhance your career.

What is a motivational speech?

A motivational speech is a presentation given to a group of people that encourages them to complete a particular task, think, or feel a specific way. One might hear or present this type of speech at a corporate event, a convention, or a team meeting with other employees. The goal of a motivational speech will vary based on the person giving the speech and the outcome they desire afterward.

Companies might hire a motivational speaker to address their employees if they want to see a change in productivity levels, improve employee engagement, or reduce employee turnover and boost morale. However, some companies desire managers who can perform this task regularly. When done right, a motivational speech can effectively produce the desired change. It's essential to take the necessary steps when writing a speech to inspire an audience to work toward a specific goal.

Who writes motivational speeches?

Not all roles require the ability to speak to an audience, but many advanced positions and management positions will need someone who can address a crowd comfortably. Some jobs where individuals might need motivational speech-writing skills are apparent, such as a political speechwriter, but others whose focus isn't giving speeches aren't as clear. These jobs include:

Even if you aren't currently in one of these roles or have no interest in one, you can still benefit from learning the ins and outs of writing motivational speeches. This skill can help you positively influence others in everyday communications and conversations.


"A company that regularly offers motivational speeches benefits from a happier workforce because these speeches allow a company to bring people together, let them know they're appreciated, and get everyone working for the same outcome."


Why are motivational speeches important?

Motivational speeches can serve many purposes. They're a significant aspect for companies that want to encourage and inspire employees to accomplish tasks more efficiently and help them feel valued by the organization. An effective motivational speech can positively affect an audience, influencing everyone to work harder. A company that regularly offers motivational speeches benefits from a happier workforce because these speeches allow a company to bring people together, let them know they're appreciated, and get everyone working for the same outcome.

Another benefit of motivational speeches is that they can reduce employee turnover by ensuring that all employees understand their duties and importance within the organization. This presentation can boost the desire to come to work each day and accomplish the organization's goals and mission. Ultimately, a motivational speech can increase productivity and profits by using encouraging and impactful language to persuade and influence people positively.

How to write motivational speeches

You should know the steps to take to write a motivational speech that will capture and delight your audience. While every presentation will be unique, the following steps can help you write one that gets you the outcome you're after:

Determine the goal

Every speech should have a clear and concise goal. You can ask yourself questions to help determine the purpose of your motivational speech. Some questions to think about include:

  • How do you want the audience to feel?
  • What message are you trying to get across?
  • What outcome are you hoping to achieve?
  • What do you want the audience to take away from the speech?

The answers to these questions can guide your speech writing. Evoking the right emotions is an essential aspect of any speech, so consider whether you want your audience to:

  • Feel empowered
  • Laugh
  • Cry
  • Contemplate
  • Get angry

These emotions can encourage your listeners to react as you want them to about your message. Of course, you must be clear in your topic so that everyone understands it. Ensure your speech stays focused on a single message to avoid confusion.

Consider the audience

Who you're speaking to will influence your motivational speech's message and how you provide the information. For example, if you're talking to upper-level management, your presentation might comprise stories and anecdotes that relate to being a manager. On the other hand, a speech written to motivate employees who work in the field might benefit from accounts of working outdoors. Use personal stories about circumstances you've faced and how they've helped you grow to better relate to your audience.

Your words will also need to be relatable to the audience, meaning you'll want to use jargon that everyone will understand. If your audience is a mix of upper- and lower-level employees, ensure your terms aren't too technical. The number of people in the audience is another factor to consider. It might be easier to engage the audience directly if it's a smaller crowd, while a large audience may benefit from a quicker, more direct speech that limits distractions and tangents.

Keep them interested

Even the most dynamic speaker can bore their audience if the speech isn't engaging. Be relatable and use stories to paint a picture demonstrating your point in writing a motivational speech. If you're animated and energetic during your presentation, you can keep the audience's attention for the duration. Visual aids, such as charts, graphs, and pictures, can help your audience focus on your message and understand the point.

Remember the call to action

A call to action is the part of your speech that tells the audience what you want them to do. You might ask individuals to work to produce a certain amount of products or complete a survey on their experiences in the workplace. You want to include the call to action toward the end of the speech so that your listeners will remember what you want them to do. While you want your call to action to be clear, it's also a good idea to make it impactful so that each person feels compelled to complete the desired action.

Conclude the speech

Like most writing, your motivational speech's conclusion can be challenging to write. You want to ensure a solid ending so that everyone understands the presentation has concluded, but it's also good to make it memorable to stay with people after the audience leaves the room. Before finishing, you can reiterate the points you've discussed or use another story to relate your message again. Don't forget to thank your audience for listening and attending your motivational speech.

Do you have the skills to write or give motivational speeches? Think about your skills before sharing your resume so employers can contact you about any open positions requiring oral presentation abilities. Taking this step can lead you to a fulfilling career where you can help others and do something you love.


Read more about in-demand skills in the workplace and other ways to improve your career prospects:

Learn how better time management can enhance your career.

Discover helpful tips to improve and build communications skills in the workplace.

Make sure you approach a job promotion wisely to ensure it's the right move for you.