Motivational speaking is a fine art, and a very lucrative career it seems. And if you don’t believe me, take a look at these successful motivational speakers who used their talents and know-how to carve a career out of helping people and changing lives. And if changing lives is not satisfying enough, the increase in bank balance must surely help.

Anthony Robbins:

Anthony Robbins has for a long time been a popular motivational speaker. Not only that, he is also a well established author of numerous self help books, including the bestselling book, Unlimited Power: The New Science of Personal Achievement.

Robbins first gained popularity in America through various television infomercials that promoted his personal development seminars and audio programmes. Soon he became a well-known force in the industry, and has even worked with a string of famous public figures. Popular personalities, world leaders, and celebrities associated with Robbins include Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Princess Diana, Pamela Anderson, Quincy Jones, and Anthony Hopkins.

Jack Canfield:

Not many people have not heard of the popular ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ book series. These books have helped many a fragile mind get out of their slump and start embracing life. And the co-author of the book series is reaping the rewards. The book series boasts 124 titles and has sold more than 100 million copies around the world. The success of the books has earned Canfield and his partner Mark Hansen the title of top selling authors in the United States in 1997. Now that’s pretty impressive.

But his influence does not stop there. Canfield is also the founder of ‘Self Esteem Seminars’, and ‘The Foundation for Self Esteem’. Something of a celebrity, Canfield has appeared on numerous popular talk shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and Larry King Live.

Canfield has also authored and co-authored other books, including The Success Principles and The Success Principles for Teens. He also participated in the critically acclaimed DVD ‘The Secret’, where he shared his thoughts on the Laws of Attraction.

Mark Victor Hansen:

Being co-author of the popular ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ book series has done wonders for this motivational speaker, trainer and author’s career. Upon releasing the books, Time magazine called the series ‘the publishing phenomenon of the decade’. The Chicken Soup books have also become one of the most successful publishing franchises ever, selling more than 100 million copies in 47 languages. In Hansen’s most recent book, ‘How to Make the Rest of your Life the Best of your Life, he collaborated with Art Linkletter, a famous American radio and television personality.

Zig Ziglar:

Why would anyone walk away from a successful career in sales to preach to the masses? Well, if your dream is to help people realise their potential then the choice should be an easy one. And that is exactly what motivational speaker Zig Ziglar did, and is now as successful as they come. Ziglar has been featured in the New York Times, The Washington Post, The Dallas Morning News, and Success and Esquire magazines. He also appeared on the Today Show, 20/20 and 60 Minutes to name a few.

But what makes Ziglar so popular? Well, besides his encouraging and enthusiastic deliverances and positive and motivational books, he has the unique ability to make audience members feel relaxed, comfortable and at ease. This leads to trust from the audience, and complete attentiveness. Ziglar has also written nine books, including the bestselling ‘See You at the Top’, with over 2 million copies sold.

Napoleon Hill:

Napoleon Hill is often considered one of the most influential motivational speakers and authors of recent times. After an interview with Andrew Cargenie, the business tycoon convinced Hill to research and organise the first philosophy of individual achievement. This project took Hill about 20 years to complete.

Hill soon became a regular in motivating people and has written several bestselling books, including books on the project. The ‘Think and Grow Rich’ programme is one of Hill’s bestselling programmes, and one of the bestselling books of all time.