25 Motivational Speaker Interview Questions and Answers

If you’re looking for a job that lets you share your inspiring story with the world, a career as a motivational speaker may be a perfect fit. But before you can start giving speeches and leading workshops, you’ll need to ace a job interview.

The best way to prepare for a job interview is to know what to expect. In this guide, you’ll find common job interview questions for motivational speakers and tips for how to answer them. You’ll also learn what employers are looking for in a motivational speaker and what you can do to stand out from the competition.

1. Are you familiar with our industry?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much you know about their industry and whether you have any experience speaking to this type of audience. If you’re applying for a position as a motivational speaker, it’s likely that your audience will be in the same field as you. When answering this question, try to show that you understand what the company does and why its services or products are beneficial.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with your industry. I have been a motivational speaker for many years and have had the opportunity to work in various industries. I understand the unique challenges that come with motivating people from different backgrounds and cultures. My experience has taught me how to tailor my message to each individual audience.

I also stay up-to-date on current trends in the industry by attending conferences and seminars, as well as reading relevant publications. This helps me to create inspiring presentations that are tailored to the needs of the specific audience I’m speaking to. Finally, I have an extensive network of contacts who can provide valuable insight into the industry, which I use to ensure my talks remain fresh and engaging.”

2. What are some of the most important skills for a motivational speaker?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills for a motivational speaker and explain why they are so important.

Example: “When it comes to being a successful motivational speaker, there are several important skills that I believe are essential. First and foremost, I believe having strong public speaking skills is key. As a motivational speaker, I must be able to effectively communicate my message in an engaging and inspiring way.

In addition to this, I also think it’s important to have the ability to connect with people on an emotional level. People come to motivational speakers for inspiration and motivation, so it’s important to be able to relate to them and understand their needs. Finally, I believe it’s important to have a deep understanding of psychology and human behavior. This knowledge helps me to better understand how to motivate people and tailor my messages to different audiences.”

3. How do you prepare for a speech?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your process for preparing speeches. Use examples from past speeches to explain how you gather information and organize your thoughts before a speech.

Example: “When preparing for a speech, I start by researching the audience and topic. This helps me to tailor my message to the specific needs of the group. Next, I create an outline that covers the main points I want to make during my presentation. I also take time to practice my delivery so that I can be confident in my ability to engage with the audience. Finally, I review any materials or visuals that I plan on using during the speech. This ensures that everything is ready to go when it’s time to present.”

4. What is your favorite part of giving a speech?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how passionate you are about your work. It also helps them understand what motivates you, which is important for this role. When answering this question, think of something that excites you about public speaking.

Example: “My favorite part of giving a speech is connecting with the audience. I love to be able to share my story and experiences in order to inspire, motivate, and encourage others. When I’m speaking, I strive to make sure that each person in the room feels seen and heard. It’s incredibly rewarding when I can see the impact of my words on an individual or group.

I also enjoy the challenge of creating engaging content for every presentation. Every audience is different so it’s important to tailor the message to fit their needs. This requires me to stay up-to-date on current trends and topics while also being creative and innovative with my approach.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you motivated someone to take action.

This question can help interviewers understand how you use your skills to motivate others. Use examples from your experience as a motivational speaker, or if you’re new to the role, describe an example of when you motivated someone in another capacity.

Example: “I recently had the opportunity to work with a client who was struggling to make progress on their goals. They felt overwhelmed and unmotivated, so I used my experience as a motivational speaker to help them get back on track.

I started by helping them break down their goal into smaller, more manageable steps. Then, we discussed why this goal was important to them and how it would benefit them in the long run. Finally, I provided them with positive reinforcement and encouragement throughout the process.

The result? My client was able to take action and make significant progress towards their goal. Seeing the impact of my words and guidance was incredibly rewarding, and it’s an experience that I’ll never forget.”

6. If you had to choose one type of speech to give for the rest of your career, what would it be?

This question is a great way to see how passionate you are about your career. It also shows the interviewer what type of speeches you enjoy giving most and why. When answering this question, think about which types of speeches you have given in the past and which ones you enjoyed the most. Try to pick one that aligns with your interests and passions.

Example: “If I had to choose one type of speech to give for the rest of my career, it would be a motivational speech. Motivational speaking is something that I am passionate about and have dedicated much of my life to perfecting. I believe in the power of motivation and how it can help people reach their goals and live more fulfilling lives.

I specialize in creating inspiring speeches that are tailored to each individual audience. My goal is always to provide practical advice and strategies that can be applied to everyday life. I also strive to make sure that every speech is engaging and entertaining so that the audience remains engaged throughout.”

7. What would you do if you were scheduled to speak at a conference, but you became sick the day of your speech?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle unexpected challenges. In your answer, try to show that you would be flexible and work with the conference organizers to find a replacement speaker or reschedule your speech for another time.

Example: “If I were scheduled to speak at a conference and became sick the day of my speech, I would do everything in my power to ensure that the event still went on as planned. First, I would contact the organizers of the event and let them know about my situation. Then, I would offer to provide pre-recorded material or find another speaker who could take my place. If neither of these options are available, I would try to reschedule my appearance for another time.

I understand how important it is to keep an audience engaged and inspired, so I always strive to make sure that any event I am part of runs smoothly. As a professional motivational speaker, I have the experience and knowledge necessary to handle unexpected situations like this one with grace and efficiency.”

8. How well do you handle criticism?

As a motivational speaker, you may receive feedback from your audience. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle constructive criticism and use it to improve your speaking skills. In your answer, explain that you welcome feedback and try to learn something new every time someone gives you advice. Explain that you are willing to take on board any suggestions people give you.

Example: “I believe that criticism is an important part of growth and development. I handle criticism well because I understand that it can help me become a better speaker and motivator. When I receive criticism, I take the time to reflect on what was said and consider how I can use it to improve my skills. I also view criticism as an opportunity to learn from others and gain new perspectives.

At the same time, I recognize that not all criticism is constructive or helpful. If I feel like the criticism is unfounded or unhelpful, I will politely explain why I disagree with it and offer alternative solutions. This allows me to maintain a positive attitude while still being open to feedback.”

9. Do you have any experience public speaking?

This question can help interviewers understand your experience level and how you feel about public speaking. If you have no previous experience, explain what other types of presentations you’ve done in the past.

Example: “Yes, I have significant experience in public speaking. For the past five years, I have been a professional motivational speaker and have had the opportunity to speak at various events and conferences throughout the country. During this time, I have developed strong communication skills that allow me to effectively engage with my audience and deliver inspiring messages.

I am also very comfortable interacting with large groups of people and have a natural ability to connect with them on an individual level. My presentations are always well-received and I often receive positive feedback from attendees. Furthermore, I have extensive knowledge of different topics related to motivation and personal development, which allows me to provide valuable insights to my audiences.”

10. When selecting stories or anecdotes to include in your speech, how do you decide which ones to use?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your process for selecting stories and anecdotes. This can help them understand how you make decisions that affect the overall quality of your speech. In your answer, try to describe a specific process you use when deciding which stories or anecdotes to include in your speeches.

Example: “When selecting stories or anecdotes to include in my speeches, I take a few factors into consideration. First, I think about the audience and what kind of message they need to hear. Are they looking for inspiration? Do they need help overcoming an obstacle? Depending on the situation, I’ll choose stories that are relevant to their needs.

I also consider the length of the speech when deciding which stories to use. If I have a short amount of time, I’ll select shorter stories that get right to the point. On the other hand, if I have more time, I can go into greater detail and provide more examples.

Lastly, I make sure that the stories I tell are engaging and memorable. This means choosing stories with vivid details and characters that people can relate to. By doing this, I ensure that my audience will be captivated throughout the entire speech.”

11. We want our motivational speakers to be able to relate to our audience. How do you connect with people you’ve just met?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you’ll connect with their audience. They want to know that you have a plan for getting your message across and connecting with people in the room. Use examples from past experiences where you were able to quickly make connections with new people.

Example: “I believe that the key to connecting with people I’ve just met is to be genuine and authentic. I strive to create an atmosphere of openness, understanding, and trust by being open and honest about my experiences and feelings. This helps me to build a connection with those around me quickly and effectively.

In addition, I always make sure to listen carefully to what others have to say and ask questions to get to know them better. By doing this, I can understand their perspectives and interests and use that knowledge to tailor my message in a way that resonates with them. Finally, I also like to share stories from my own life which allows me to relate to the audience on a more personal level.”

12. Describe your speaking style.

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your speaking style and how it relates to their organization. You can describe a few of your strengths as a speaker, such as being energetic or informative, and explain how you use them in your presentations.

Example: “My speaking style is engaging and interactive. I strive to create an environment that encourages participation and open dialogue so that my audience can get the most out of my talks. My goal is to inspire, motivate, and empower my listeners by providing them with practical tools they can use in their everyday lives.

I have a positive energy that resonates throughout my presentations. I’m passionate about what I do and it shows through my enthusiasm for the topics I discuss. I also like to incorporate humor into my talks when appropriate as I believe it helps keep people engaged and interested.”

13. What makes you stand out from other motivational speakers?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what makes you unique. It’s important to show that you have a passion for your work, but it’s also helpful if you can explain how you’re different from other motivational speakers.

Example: “I believe my experience and qualifications make me stand out from other motivational speakers. I have been speaking professionally for over five years, and during that time I have developed a unique style of communication that resonates with audiences. My presentations are engaging, inspiring, and informative.

I also bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. I am well-versed in psychology, neuroscience, and positive thinking techniques, which I use to create powerful messages that help people reach their goals. In addition, I have a deep understanding of how to motivate individuals and teams, as well as how to lead successful change initiatives.”

14. Which topics do you most enjoy speaking about?

This question can help the interviewer understand what topics you’re passionate about and how much experience you have speaking in front of a crowd. Choose two or three topics that you feel most comfortable discussing, and explain why these are your favorite to talk about.

Example: “I enjoy speaking about a variety of topics, but my favorite ones are those that focus on personal growth and development. I believe that everyone has the potential to reach their goals and live their best life, and it’s my mission to help them get there. My talks often center around helping people identify their strengths and weaknesses, setting achievable goals, and developing strategies for success. I also like to discuss ways to stay motivated and positive in difficult times, as well as how to cultivate meaningful relationships with others.

I’m passionate about inspiring people to take action and make changes in their lives. Through my speeches, I strive to provide practical advice and tangible tools that can be used to achieve long-term results. I have been told by many of my audience members that they feel empowered and motivated after attending one of my talks, which is something I am very proud of.”

15. What do you think is the most important thing for an audience to take away from a motivational speech?

The interviewer wants to know what you consider the most important aspect of a motivational speech. This is an opportunity for you to show your communication skills and how you can effectively deliver a message that will resonate with your audience.

Example: “I believe the most important thing for an audience to take away from a motivational speech is inspiration. It’s not enough to just provide information and facts – it’s essential that the speaker be able to inspire their listeners to take action and make positive changes in their lives. My goal as a motivational speaker is to help people find their inner strength and courage, so they can reach their goals and live life to its fullest potential.

To do this, I focus on providing practical advice and strategies that are easy to implement. I also strive to create an atmosphere of positivity and hope, so my audience members feel empowered and motivated to take action. Finally, I always emphasize the importance of self-care and taking time to celebrate successes along the way. By doing these things, I’m confident that my audiences will leave feeling inspired and ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way.”

16. How often do you give public speeches?

This question can help interviewers understand your experience as a motivational speaker. They may also want to know how often you speak in public, so they can determine if you are comfortable with the frequency of speaking engagements. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any specific types of speeches you have given and what type of audience you spoke to.

Example: “I have been a professional motivational speaker for the past five years and I am very passionate about what I do. In that time, I have given hundreds of public speeches in various settings. I have spoken at conferences, corporate events, schools, churches, and other venues.

I believe that giving speeches is one of the most effective ways to motivate people and help them reach their goals. Therefore, I make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and topics so that my speeches are relevant and engaging. I also take great care to tailor each speech to the audience I’m speaking to, so that it resonates with them.”

17. There is a trend in your industry that you disagree with. How do you handle it when giving a speech?

This question is a great way to see how you handle controversial topics. It also shows the interviewer that you are aware of what’s going on in your industry and can adapt to it. When answering this question, try to pick something that isn’t too controversial but still shows you’re willing to speak out against things.

Example: “When I’m giving a speech, I always strive to be open-minded and respectful of different opinions. If there is a trend in my industry that I disagree with, I handle it by acknowledging the trend but also presenting an alternative point of view. I think it’s important to recognize both sides of any issue and provide evidence for why one side may be more beneficial than the other.

I also make sure to emphasize the importance of critical thinking when discussing any topic. By encouraging people to look at all angles of an issue, they can come to their own conclusions and form their own opinion on the matter. This helps create an environment where everyone is comfortable expressing their thoughts without fear of judgement or criticism.”

18. What strategies do you use to keep an audience engaged?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your public speaking skills. They want to know how you can keep an audience’s attention and make them feel engaged with the content you’re presenting. Use examples from past experiences where you’ve successfully kept a crowd entertained or interested in what you were saying.

Example: “When I’m speaking to an audience, my goal is always to keep them engaged and motivated. To do this, I use a variety of strategies.

The first strategy I use is storytelling. I find that stories are incredibly powerful in connecting with people on an emotional level. By sharing personal experiences or anecdotes from other successful people, I can help the audience relate to the message I’m trying to communicate.

I also like to mix up the presentation style by using visuals such as slideshows, videos, and props. This helps to break up the monotony of just talking and keeps the audience interested.

Lastly, I make sure to ask questions throughout the presentation to ensure everyone is following along. This encourages participation and allows me to assess how well the audience is understanding the material.”

19. How do you handle difficult questions from the audience?

As a motivational speaker, you may be asked to answer questions from the audience. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle tough questions and still keep your composure. In your answer, explain that you try to answer all questions as best you can. Explain that you understand that people are asking these questions because they want answers.

Example: “I understand that difficult questions from the audience can be challenging to answer. However, I believe that it is important to remain calm and professional when responding to these types of inquiries. My approach is to first take a few moments to consider the question carefully before providing an answer. This allows me to think through my response in order to ensure that I am providing an accurate and meaningful reply.

When answering difficult questions, I also make sure to provide context for my answers so that the audience understands why I have chosen to respond in a certain way. I strive to be as transparent as possible while still maintaining a level of professionalism. Finally, I always thank the person who asked the question for their interest and input.”

20. Describe a time when you had to adjust your speech to accommodate a change in circumstances.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to improvise and adapt to unexpected changes. Use examples from past experiences where you had to adjust a speech on the fly or change its content in response to an audience’s needs, venue issues or other factors that required improvisation.

Example: “I recently had to adjust my speech while giving a motivational talk at an event. The audience was made up of people from different backgrounds and cultures, so I knew that I needed to be mindful of their needs when delivering the presentation.

When I arrived at the venue, I realized that there were more attendees than expected. This meant that I had to make some adjustments to my original plan in order to accommodate everyone. I quickly changed my approach by making sure that my language was inclusive and respectful to all members of the audience. I also adjusted my tone and delivery style to ensure that everyone felt comfortable and engaged with the content.”

21. Are there any techniques that you use to stay calm before going on stage?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prepare for a speech. It can also show them that you have experience giving speeches and presentations in front of large audiences.

Example: “Yes, absolutely! Before I go on stage, I make sure to take some time for myself. This helps me stay centered and focused on the task at hand. I also like to practice deep breathing exercises and positive affirmations to help keep my nerves in check. Finally, I always remind myself of why I’m there – to share my message with an audience that is eager to learn. This helps me stay motivated and excited about what I have to offer. By taking these steps, I am able to remain calm and confident when I step onto the stage.”

22. Do you have any tips for helping people overcome public speaking anxiety?

This question can help interviewers understand how you might help their audience members overcome any fears they may have about speaking in front of a group. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills and ability to inspire others.

Example: “Yes, I do have some tips for helping people overcome public speaking anxiety. The first tip is to practice your speech in front of a mirror or with a friend. This will help you become more comfortable and confident with the material that you are presenting. Secondly, it’s important to remember that everyone experiences some level of anxiety when they speak in public. Acknowledging this fact can help reduce the fear associated with public speaking. Finally, focusing on the message rather than yourself can be helpful. If you focus on delivering your message clearly and effectively, then you won’t be as concerned about how you look or sound while speaking.”

23. What resources or materials do you typically bring with you to prepare for a speech?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your presentation style and how you prepare for a speech. Prepare your answer by thinking of the materials or resources that help you create an engaging speech.

Example: “When I prepare for a speech, I bring several resources and materials with me to ensure that I’m able to deliver the best possible presentation. First, I always make sure to have my notes and any relevant research material on hand. This allows me to quickly reference information or facts during my talk if needed.

I also like to bring visual aids such as slideshows, videos, or props to help illustrate key points in my presentation. Visuals can be a great way to keep an audience engaged and interested in what I’m saying. Finally, I always carry a few extra copies of my speech in case I need them. Having hard copies of my speech helps me stay organized and ensures that I don’t miss anything important.”

24. How do you ensure that your speeches are up-to-date and relevant?

Motivational speakers often need to keep up with current events and trends in their industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to research topics on your own and stay informed about what’s happening in the world. Your answer should show that you are committed to staying up-to-date on relevant information.

Example: “I take great pride in ensuring that my speeches are up-to-date and relevant. To do this, I stay abreast of current events and trends in the industry. I also research topics related to my audience’s interests and needs, so that I can provide them with useful information that is applicable to their lives.

In addition, I regularly attend conferences and seminars related to motivational speaking, where I can learn from other professionals and gain new ideas for my presentations. Finally, I use feedback from previous audiences to refine my approach and make sure that my message resonates with each group I speak to. By staying informed and taking into account the opinions of others, I am able to ensure that my speeches remain fresh and engaging.”

25. What do you think is the most important factor for delivering a successful motivational speech?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the craft and how you can apply it. Your answer should include a specific example from your experience that shows how you know what makes a speech successful.

Example: “I believe the most important factor for delivering a successful motivational speech is having an understanding of your audience. It’s essential to understand who you are speaking to and what their needs, wants, and expectations are in order to tailor your message and ensure it resonates with them. I also think that it’s important to have a clear goal or objective in mind when crafting your speech. Knowing exactly what you want to achieve will help you focus on the key points and make sure that you don’t get sidetracked. Finally, I believe that passion and enthusiasm are vital components of any successful motivational speech. If you can convey your own excitement about the topic and show your audience how they can benefit from taking action, then you’re more likely to inspire them to take action.”