Are you planning an event?
Do you need to hire a trusted expert for a school function?
Here is a list of the best college motivational speakers to consider for your event that can deliver a memorable speech and presentation that will inspire, educate, and entertain your audience.
These speakers for college students can cover such topics as hard work, finding your passion in life, overcoming adversity, courage, self-discipline, developing good habits, positive thinking, and more.
On this page you can browse a list of speakers and topics.
Or, fill out this form and one of our agents will help you find the perfect speaker that fits your budget.
Brene Brown
Brene Brown is the celebrated author and researcher of five continuous number one New York Times bestsellers. She is also research professor at the University of Houston. She was born on November 18, 1965 in San Antonio, Texas, United States.
Her much-loved speaking tours are on the subject of conquering vulnerability and shame through courage and empathy.
She is one of the best campus speakers because you can tell that she is authentic and comes from the heart. Therefore her speech will inspire college students to do the same.
Some of her quotes include:
“What we know matters but who we are matters more.”
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954.
Known internationally as an award-winning talk show host, she was educated at the Tennessee State University. She is the richest woman in the world and has a net worth of US$2.7 billion.
Considered one of the top college speakers in the world, she is a Philanthropist and leader of the World Women’s Empowerment Movement.
During her speeches, you can hear her cover such topics as courage, hope, overcoming adversity, and finding your purpose in life which is what University graduates need to hear.
Some of her quotes include:
“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”
Will Smith
An explosive and versatile talent, Willard Carroll Smith Jr is a powerful Hollywood actor, who has been nominated for five Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards. As a musician, he is a four-time Grammy Award winner.
Smith was born in Philadelphia, USA on September 25, 1968 and is married to Hollywood Actress Jada Pinkett Smith. He has spoken eloquently for World bodies on subjects like Climate Change.
As a college public speaker, you can expect him to deliver a powerful message that will ignite students hunger to become their best selves and to never settle for mediocrity.
Some of his quotes include:
“The first step is you have to say that you can.”
“Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity.”
“Don’t chase people. Be yourself, do your own thing and work hard. The right people – the ones who really belong in your life – will come to you. And stay.”
Prince EA
Originally Richard Williams, Prince EA is renowned in schools and universities for his motivational and inspirational speaking. But he has been a Rapper, a Poet, a Filmmaker and a Word Artist.
A brilliant scholar and a Magna Cum Laude graduate in Anthropology from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, Prince EA has been inspiring the younger generation with his spiritual discourses since 2014.
As a college guest speaker, you will hear him cover a wide range of topics that include believing in yourself, following your passion in life, and developing the courage it takes to transform negative limiting beliefs.
Some of his quotes include…
“Love is the most powerful weapon on the face of the earth.”
“Before the TRUTH can set you free, you must first recognize which LIES are holding you hostage.”
“Our role models today 60 years ago would have been examples of what not to be”
Abby Harrison
Abigail “Abby” Harrison has been feted the world over for her brilliant speeches on fulfilling her dreams of landing on Mars.
She graduated last (in spring of 2019) from Wellesley College, and is now pursuing her PhD.
As a college celebrity speaker, Abby is now the face of the ‘Mars Generation’ with a media following well over 500K.
Many college students lack the belief that they can get their dream job let alone go to Mars. But in Abby’s speech, she can inspire the hope that many graduates will need to that they can raise their standard.
Marcus Buckingham
After nearly two decades of experience as a senior researcher at the world famous Gallup Organization, he is the founder of the Marcus Buckingham Company in 2006.
As a motivational speaker for Universities, he now tries to get people to work at what they like best. This way, while the individual achieves inner satisfaction and fulfillment, the organization that employs Marcus, gains maximum benefit from his efforts.
As the author of the book, “Now, Discover Your Strengths”, he is on a mission to help people to tap into their gifts and put them to use so that they can live an extraordinary life.
Some of his quotes include:
“You cannot learn very much about excellence from studying failure.”
“The difference between a pebble and a mountain lies in whom you ask to move it.”
“Talent is the multiplier. The more energy and attention you invest in it, the greater the yield. The time you spend with your best is, quite simply, your most productive time.”
Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling is the professional name of Vera Mindy Chokalingam, who was born on June 24, 1979, and is a speaker as well as a writer, producer and director.
She is a versatile talent who has established a great deal of respect among Millenials and has a great deal of experience on both the big screen and TV .
She acted as the popular Kelly Kapoor in the NBC sitcom ‘The Office’ from 2005 to 2012. A wonderful comedian, she is a welcome speaker at any function, particularly on Women’s Empowerment.
Because she has had such a great deal of success by just being herself while overcoming great odds, many University students will find her story compelling.
Some of her quotes include…
“Everyone should try to live their life like they’d like to be a role model.”
“Nothing gives you confidence like being a member of a small, weirdly specific, hard-to-find demographic.”
“Don’t fall into the trap of thinking about politics in your workplace too much. Just work hard, be cheerful, ignore distractions.”
Chloe Kim
At the age of 17, Chloe Kim won an Olympic Gold Medal in Snowboarding at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
As a college keynote speaker, she is now a youth icon where she inspires many young woman to follow their dreams.
Learning how to snowboard at the age of four and competing since she was just six, Chloe has been spreading a message of goodwill and love around the world ever since.
Chloe is a role model and her mission is to show other young girls that they too can follow their dreams and become successful.
Aziz Ansari
As Tom Haverford on the NBC series ‘Parks and Recreation’, Aziz Ansari wowed the audience with hit witty humor and lovable persona.
As the star and creator of the Netflix series ‘Master of None’ (2015-2017), he was able to lead a production group that won the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Series.
With two Emmys and a Golden Globe for Best Actor, Aziz is the first Indian to do so. He is now a much sought after speaker at festivals and presentations.
Many colleges seek him out because he can relate with a young demographic and has a story that will inspire them. Also, students can use a good laugh before they enter the real world.
Dr. Phil
Since September 16, 2002, Dr. Phil (Phillip C. McGraw) has been regaling audiences with his 25 years of experience as a Psychologist and Sociologist.
Dr. Phil was introduced to the world on the Oprah Winfrey’s daily talk show where he has been dishing out no nonsense advice ever since.
As a college speaker, Dr. Phil’s analytical approach on real issues, and his gruff homely style is loved everywhere he goes on speaking tours.
Many Universities seek him out so that he can deliver a message to these young adults about what it takes to achieve your dreams and how to stay disciplined when things get difficult.
Some of his quotes include…
Awareness without action is worthless.
You have the duty and gift of living. You don’t have the right to sit on the sidelines–use your life and get back into the game.
You cannot be who and what you are unless you have a lifestyle, both internally and externally, that is designed to support that definition of self.
Eric Thomas
Famous for his motivational speeches on YouTube ET (Dr. Eric D. Thomas PhD) is a Pastor at the Detroit Center Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Born on September 3, 1970, ET got his PhD from the Michigan State University (2015).
Eric has lecture tours and books titled ‘Wake Up Early & Make It Happen’, which are loved all over and inspires many young adults to stop making excuses and to take action to get what they want from life.
Some of his quotes include…
“The most important thing is this: To be able at any moment, to sacrifice what you are, for what you will become!”
“Sometimes it ain’t about being the most talented. Sometimes it ain’t about being the smartest. Sometimes it’s not even about working the hardest. Sometimes it’s about consistency! Consistency!”
James Clear
James Clear proudly describes himself as a weightlifter and a photographer in 25 plus countries.
It is an interesting insight into the character of the man who has written possibly the most inspirational book of 2019, called ‘Atomic Habits’.
James Clear is also a formidable speaker. His speeches on continuous improvement by breaking habits and taking decisions are listened to with rapt attention.
Habits are such a critical skill to learn at such a young age which is why many college administrators seek him out to speak on graduation day.
Some of this quotes include…
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”
Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic was born on December 4, 1982. He had the rare Tetra-Amelia Syndrome, in which he was born without arms and legs.
But this could not hold his extraordinary spirit back. He has directed and participated in movies and TV shows like the Butterfly Circus, the Lost Sheep etc.
As an Australian Christian Evangelist, an inspirational speaker, he has impressed his audiences with his achievements, love, and hope.
While some might assume that the reason he is asked to speak at Universities is due to the fact that he is without arms and legs, this is not the only reason.
His speeches would be just as inspiring even if he was born with them covering such topics as faith, hope, self confidence, and more.
Some of his quotes include…
“It’s a lie to think you’re not good enough. It’s a lie to think you’re not worth anything.”
“If I fail, I try again, and again, and again. If YOU fail, are you going to try again? The human spirit can handle much worse than we realize. It matters HOW you are going to FINISH. Are you going to finish strong?”
Joel Osteen
By 2008, Joel Scott Osteen’s televised sermons had already been seen by over 7 million viewers in 100 countries where he has inspired people to live life to their fullest potential and to never lose faith.
Born in Houston, Texas, USA on March 5, 1963, Joel inherited his father’s ministry and expanded it beyond recognition. To listen to his beautiful speeches is to understand the meaning of life.
Many colleges seek him out to speak to graduates because they know that his speeches are filled with positive energy that would send these young adults into the world ready to take on great challenges and adversities.
Some of his quotes include…
“Don’t worry about your future or how you’re going to accomplish a dream. God has already lined up what you need.”
“When the negative thoughts come – and they will; they come to all of us – it’s not enough to just not dwell on it… You’ve got to replace it with a positive thought.”
Tim Ferriss
Known for his book “The 4-Hour Workweek”, Tim has been inspiring young adults to work smarter and to follow their passion.
Tim Ferriss practices what he preaches in his own businesses, and has an estimated net worth of about $100 million.
His advice as an early-stage technology investor is sought by industry titans where he imparts practical wisdom that will help to ensure their venture starts on the right foot.
He has authored five top NYT and WSJ bestseller and people flock to listen to his advice on his podcast where his speeches are noted for their richness in content.
Graduation ceremony planners seek him as a professional University speaker because they know students will connect with him and head his advice.
Some of this quotes include…
“By working only when you are most effective, life is both more productive and more enjoyable. It’s the perfect example of having your cake and eating it, too.”
“The question you should be asking isn’t, “What do I want?” or “What are my goals?” but “What would excite me?”
Michio Kaku
The future no longer seems so far away when you listen to Dr. Michio Kaku.
As the co-founder of Spring Field Theory, Dr. Kaku is on the front lines of Science and Future Technology.
Yet, as one of the greatest living Scientists at present, when Dr. Michio Kaku explains abstract future theories, like Teleportation and Telepathy, Psycho-kinesis and Perpetual Motion Machines, it becomes crystal clear to his enthralled audiences.
Many Universities look to hire him as a college speaker because he is able to motivate students to dream big and understand the significance they play in shaping our future.
His famous quote…
“Beyond work and love, I would add two other ingredients that give meaning to life. First, to fulfill whatever talents we are born with. Second, we should try to leave the world a better place than when we entered it. As individuals, we can make a difference, whether it is to probe the secrets of Nature, to clean up the environment and work for peace and social justice, or to nurture the inquisitive, vibrant spirit of the young by being a mentor and a guide.”
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
“The Iron Lady” President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led her Liberia to mutual reconciliation where it had struggled with conflict and violence for many years.
The Ebola Crisis was tackled with unbelievable courage when she led her people to find a cure.
Her steadfast battle for Women’s Empowerment earned her the award of the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2011 and the Mo Ibrahim Prize in 2018.
And in 2019, The Elders of Africa welcomed her as their first woman Elder.
People flock to her beautifully articulated speeches, her honesty and her love for Humanity.
Colleges seek her out as a University motivational speaker because she has great orator skills and can inspire graduates to greater heights.
Some of her quotes include…
“The future belongs to us, because we have taken charge of it…”
“Women work harder. And women are more honest; they have less reasons to be corrupt.”
“I work hard, I work late, I have nothing on my conscience. When I go to bed, I sleep.”
Lizzie Velasquez
Lizzie was born with a disease so rare that it is shared by only two other people in the entire world.
Because of her condition, she was bullied up to her adulthood where she has been traumatized and has had to face many hardships.
But so strong was her self-belief that she graduated with honors from the Texas State University.
Then she flowered as a Motivational Speaker, and wrote books that became bestsellers, like her poignant autobiography called “Lizzie Beautiful”.
As a college motivational speaker, she is called upon to talk to students about the importance of believing in themselves and never giving up.
Some of her quotes include…
“If you want to change the world, you start small, right at home.”
“We don’t have to allow ourselves to be defined by the labels imposed on us. We get to define ourselves.”
“God loves us faithfully. He loves me and he loves you just as we are, today, right now, right here, no matter where we are or what’s going on in our lives.”
Ellen Degeneress
Ellen is a global phenomenon and has been putting a smile on people’s faces all over the world.
She has won 30 Emmys, 20 People‘s Choice Awards, and a multitude of awards and recognition for her work on charity.
As an LGBT Activist, her voice reaches across the world where she has inspired others to stay true to themselves.
She has hosted many award shows including the Academy Awards, The Grammies, The Golden Globe, and Emmy Awards.
As an Actress, she has received the Saturn Award for a voice performance in “Finding Nemo”.
As a University speaker, she is highly sought after by some of the top schools to help inspire grads to lead an authentic life and to follow their dreams.
Some of her quotes include…
“Find out who you are and be that person. That’s what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth, and everything else will come.”
“Follow your passion. Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that.”
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