Selecting one of the most affordable companies for hiring motivational speakers can be challenging when you don’t know which companies or orators best suit your needs. The top industry players do more than just provide top-rated speakers — these companies know how to advise you on suitability and cost. 

While you may want to hire a well-known public figure to address your next corporate event, this is not always the best choice. Discover how to select a motivational speaker company that will make your next event successful and inspiring. 

Comparing Motivational Speaking Companies 

Finding the best public speaking partner depends on what services each offers and how each agency caters to your needs with affordable and diverse solutions for your next corporate event. This breakdown will guide you through aspects of each agency.

Company	Variety of speakers	Rates	Support team	Booking process
Leading Authorities, Inc.	Impressive speakers like Bill Carr, Sheryl Connelly and Anil Gupta	Prices may start as low as $10,000	Helpful team for start-to-finish coordination	Contract acceptance with a 50% deposit
The Harry Walker Agency	Personalities like Gary Cohn, Steve Forbes and Karen Hughes	Large pricing range with up-front quoting	Hands-on team with detailed collaboration processes	Convenient booking and payment process
Engage	Celebrity orators, including John Foley, Tony Robbins and Kelly Swanson	Pricing depends on the chosen service provider but starts at $5,000	Supportive team with white-glove service	Self-search talent option or curated list and concierge service
The Mollie Plotkin Group	Speakers like Alex Banayan, Errol Doebler and Annie Duke	Rates depend on your chosen talent	Experienced team to find you an affordable speaker	Off-line bookings that require a call or video chat
BigSpeak Speakers Bureau	Big names and industry leaders like Lisa Abramson, Shawn Achor and Zack Kass	Starts at around $10,000 per event — depending on the speaker — and includes pro bono options for some speakers	Dedicated customer support from start to finish	Bookings handled via filling out a form, calling or emailing

5 Affordable Options for Hiring Motivational Speakers

Public figures are great at addressing audiences, but they may not all be suitable for your corporate retreat or year-end function. These are the top agencies to consult about hiring someone for a public address. 

1. Leading Authorities, Inc. 

Leading Authorities, Inc. makes bookings for some of the most recognizable international figures for keynotes, conferences and board meetings. 

The company’s site hosts orator profiles with sample clips so you can decide which speaker best aligns with your needs. Many of these speakers are published authors and offer book signings after the event. The wide range of personalities also includes affordable options for hiring motivational speakers, often at much less than the usual range. The agency also offers assistance with webcasting and satellite conferencing. 

Key Features 

• Speaker roster and specializations: Specializations include politics, economics, change management, corporate culture and entrepreneurship, to name a few. Orators include TED Talks speakers, CEOs and business leaders.  
• Client list and corporate experience: Leading Authorities, Inc. has serviced governments, academic institutions, universities and Fortune 500 corporations.
• Customization and planning support: Logistics management, rehearsals, communication campaigns and post-event recaps for live and recorded professional addresses make for a winning combination.
• Pricing, flexibility and transparency: Depending on the speaker, pricing usually ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 per event. Keynote presentations are more affordable and require no additional service fees.
• Bookings and customer support: The agency communicates with the client and service provider to finalize the contract terms with a 50% speaking fee deposit. The event coordinator and program consultant are available on their personal phones.

2. The Harry Walker Agency

The Harry Walker Agency has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading speaker bureaus. The agency offers a unique mix of well-known public figures to perform your next corporate keynote address. The family-owned business is hands-on with every aspect of your event and booking for excellent results that will inspire your audience. The agency’s impressive professional list includes former politicians like President Bill Clinton and CEOs like Dan Schulman.

The collaborative approach makes finding a suitable orator to match your event easy and convenient. Each speaker’s profile features experience, topics and previous clients. 

Key Features 

• Speaker roster and specializations: The comprehensive roster of A-list public figures includes politicians, celebrities, business leaders, innovators, sports stars and authors. You can also browse service providers on the site by filtering through topics and other key categories. 
• Client list and corporate experience: Exclusive listings reflect the agency’s clients, including Microsoft, IBM, Adobe and other market leaders. 
• Customization and planning support: The event managers collaborate with the client and speaker to get the best results. 
• Pricing, flexibility and transparency: Up-front accounting ensures you know what you are paying for. 
• Bookings and customer support: Simply choose your voice talent, and the team handles logistics, preparations and budget considerations.

3. Engage

If you are looking for a dynamic agency with the latest voices to address your team or corporate audience, Engage is a one-stop public orator shop. The agency’s start-to-finish approach takes care of all the booking details. The platform is a go-to for professionals who need to hire various types of talent. The streamlined process can give you a successful booking in as little as five minutes. 

Key Features

• Speaker roster and specializations: The inclusive list contains speakers across multiple fields, including celebrity personalities and authors like Mel Robins, James Clear and Lance Armstrong. Search for talent according to different categories or your budget.
• Client list and corporate experience: Engage has worked with global business giants like Hermes, Intel, L’Oreal, Bank of America and Microsoft. 
• Customization and planning support: The company’s AI search tool helps you track options to match your preferences. Custom-curated speaker lists can also help you choose. Negotiate with the talent and agency for the best, most affordable voices to wow your audience.
• Pricing, flexibility and transparency: Pricing starts at $5,000, though individual quotes provide a clearer picture of what you are paying and what services you get.  
• Bookings and customer support: Book orators from their profile page by filtering various options, including budget, live or virtual speeches, dates and other event details. You can bring in the company’s team for assistance, make an offer to the speaker or request a quote. 

4. The Mollie Plotkin Group

The Mollie Plotkin Group provides a powerhouse of talent. The agency features top athletes, executives and politicians who speak on various topics. Search for a compatible voice using the topics or speaker sections of the main site and sign a quality leader for an inspirational event. 

While the agency already has a substantial list of public voices and entertainers, it can also connect you with speakers not already on its roster. The booking team helps clients match with suitable providers, taking into account your audience, budget and intended message. Choose from live or virtual events that are budget-friendly.  

Key Features

• Speaker roster and specializations: Industry leaders in every sector offer diverse approaches and experiences covering many topics. 
• Client list and corporate experience: The Mollie Plotkin Group is widely recognized and well-publicized in leading publications. The client list includes Samsung, Pfizer and Accenture.  
• Customization and planning support: The talent addresses audiences through various mediums, including live and virtual meetings, keynote presentations, webinars, and online events. The management team takes care of all details.  
• Pricing, flexibility and transparency: Each speaker has their own pricing structure, but the agency helps you negotiate with each prospective service provider.
• Bookings and customer support: Set up a video call with the sales team, who will get to know you and determine your needs, budget and preferences. 

5. BigSpeak Speakers Bureau 

BigSpeak Speakers Bureau has an incredible lineup of motivational voices for all industries. The agency provides keynote speakers and also leads professional development programs. The dynamic team matches clients with orators who are perfect for their goals and audience. 

The team is exceptional at introducing you to voices you may not be familiar with but who can offer exactly the message you hope to share. The agency has a list of connections that provide you with the best value while meeting all your needs. 

Key Features

• Speaker roster and specializations: Various speakers address different topics and areas of specialization, including business and industry. 

• Client list and corporate experience: The company has worked with over 72% of the Fortune 1000 companies across numerous industries.
• Customization and planning support: The agency handles all aspects of the presentation and booking. The team can also book public personalities not on their roster.
• Pricing, flexibility and transparency: Instead of paying agency fees yourself, the service provider pays a commission to BigSpeak Speakers Bureau.
• Bookings and customer support: Enjoy customer support that includes event planning resources and guidance to find a perfect match to address your crowd. 

Methodology for Hiring a Company for Speakers

Think about these key things when choosing a partner for hiring motivational speakers:

• Speaker specialization and relevance: Make sure the business offers speakers whose areas of expertise align with your event goals. The company should provide a full background on their speakers and support your objectives. 
• Experience with corporate audiences: Not all inspirational speakers identify with corporate crowds. Look for companies that regularly cater to corporate events and can provide you with innovative keynote connoisseurs who understand the professional setting and workplace dynamics. 
• Customization and planning support: A great agency won’t just send an entertainer at random. The management should work with you to tailor the message to resonate with your goals and audience. The service should include pre-event consultations to help the content align with your company culture. 
• Reviews and past client feedback: Find reviews and ask for references and case studies to show the results of past speeches. Identify companies and speakers with a solid track record to support your business aspirations. 
• Budget flexibility and transparency: Clarify the pricing upfront to avoid surprises. Consult with the agency about your budget limitations, travel fees, technical needs and any additional costs you may have to pay. Local speakers are likely to be more cost-effective than traveling ones. 

FAQs

How Far in Advance Should I Start Looking for Guest Speakers for My Event?

Start as early as possible to ensure you get the bookings you want. Speakers get busy, and your event date may clash with other obligations if you don’t book your chosen talent soon. 

What Are the Best Agencies for Public Speakers?

The top agencies for hiring public speakers include Leading Authorities, Inc., The Harry Walker Agency, Engage, The Mollie Plotkin Group and BigSpeak Speakers Bureau. Talent agencies often liaise with public personalities and their agents. It’s how you connect with people who don’t necessarily advertise on social channels. 

How Do You Choose a Motivational Speaker for Your Business Meeting? 

Finding someone who has experience in your industry is a good start. Your ideal speaker must have the ability to resonate with the audience. By sharing information about your company with the speaker, you can best prepare them to create inspirational content that fits your needs. 

Affordable Options for Hiring Motivational Speakers

Finding an affordable option for hiring motivational speakers isn’t just about the fee — it’s also about the value you get for your money. Your audience will thank you for hiring a quality voice who connects with them, offers real insights and leaves them feeling inspired. 

Partnering with a quality talent agency can help you match with someone who speaks your business language and is willing to customize their keynote address or content to suit your needs.