Great Inspirational Speech Topics

A high-energy delivery of a speech can excite an audience, but the right topics can be truly inspirational. Topics such as perseverance, goal setting, positive thinking, time management and failure can help you connect with your audience. One way to improve your inspirational speeches is to research the work of successful motivators. Reading books, listening to compact discs and attending seminars can give you some ideas.

Perseverance

Perseverance is a common topic in inspirational speeches. You can talk about overcoming obstacles to achieve dreams. Anthony Robbins, a successful motivational speaker, often tells Sylvester Stallone’s story. At his seminars, Robbins tells about how Stallone persevered to get into acting and to get “Rocky” made into a movie. Stallone was rejected by agents hundreds of times before “Rocky” became a huge hit. If you use real-life examples in your speeches, your audience can better understand the power of perseverance.

Goal Setting

Goal setting is another topic frequently mentioned in inspirational speeches. Speaker and author Brian Tracy often talks about how to achieve personal and financial goals. Tracy says writing your goals down on a regular basis can help you achieve them. He says this practice helps you clearly identify what you want. Famous people throughout history have discussed the importance of setting goals. You can include some of their quotes in your motivational speeches. “My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose--somehow we win out,” said President Ronald Reagan.

Positive Thinking

As an inspirational speaker, you have the chance to help people change their attitudes. You can help turn negativity into optimism. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s book “The Power of Positive Thinking” is often referenced in speeches. In this book, Peale says that positive affirmations can help you eliminate self-doubt. “Feelings of confidence depend upon the type of thoughts that habitually occupy your mind,” says Peale.

Time Management

A common complaint is that there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. You can speak about time management to help people make the most of each day. In “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen R. Covey writes about time management. Covey says it is important to focus on your highest priorities.

Failure

Failure may not seem like an inspirational topic, but motivational speakers often talk about coping with failure. In your speeches you can tell audiences that a failure can be viewed as a learning opportunity. You can learn from past mistakes and hopefully avoid them in the future. The fact that the legendary Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times is often used to show that failure can go hand-in-hand with success.