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Find out more about the greatest American Public Speakers, including Jordan Belfort, Aron Ralston, Rudy Giuliani, Lizzie Velásquez and Randy Pausch.
Vote for Your Favourite American Public Speakers
1
Tony Robbins
(American Motivational Speaker, Author and Businessman)
20
8
Birthdate: February 29, 1960
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: North Hollywood, California, United States
Named one of Accenture’s Top 50 Business Intellectuals, motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist Tony Robbins is best known for books such as Awaken the Giant Within. His workshop Unleash The Power Within features a fire-walking exercise. He owns the Anthony Robbins Foundation and co-owns the Robbins-Madanes Center for Intervention.
2
Mike Farrell
(Actor & Public Speaker Known for His Role in the TV Series M*A*S*H)
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4
Birthdate: February 6, 1939
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Mike Farrell is an American actor known for playing,Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, in the popular war comedy-drama TV series, M*A*S*H. Farrell's journey from being born into a working-class family to becoming a famous Hollywood actor is quite inspiring. Also a political and social activist, Farrell has worked on several activist campaigns. In 2001, he was honored with PETA's Humanitarian Award.
3
Aron Ralston
(Outdoorsman, Motivational Speaker)
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4
Birthdate: October 27, 1975
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Marion, Ohio, United States
Rock climber Aron Ralston survived a canyoneering accident during a solo adventure in Utah. He escaped after remaining stuck for 5 days, by cutting off his right arm. He later related his tale in the autobiography Between a Rock and a Hard Place, which inspired the movie 127 Hours.
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4
Michael Franzese
(Motivational Speaker, Former Mobster and Member of Colombo Crime Family)
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4
Birthdate: May 27, 1951
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Michael Franzese's story of being an influential member of the Colombo crime family to becoming a motivational speaker and writer inspired several works of art, including Martin Scorsese's 1990 film Goodfellas where he was played by actor Joseph Bono. In 1986, he was named in Fortune magazine's list of Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses.
5
Stedman Graham
(American Educator, Author, Businessman Public Speaker and Long-Term Partner of Oprah Winfrey)
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4
Birthdate: March 6, 1951
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Middle Township, New Jersey, United States
Stedman Graham is known to people as the partner of legendary talk show host Oprah Winfrey. He owns the marketing firm S. Graham & Associates and has also authored many business and self-help books, taught at Full Sail University, and spoken at various events. He owns a non-profit, too.
6
Lizzie Velásquez
(Motivational Speaker)
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4
Birthdate: March 13, 1989
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Austin, Texas, United States
Lizzie Velásquez is an American activist, author, motivational speaker, and YouTuber. Velásquez was subjected to bullying and cyberbullying due to Marfanoid–progeroid–lipodystrophy syndrome, a rare congenital disease, which prevents her from gaining weight. The hardship that she faced because of her condition inspired her to become a motivational speaker.Her story inspired the 2015 documentary film, A Brave Heart.
7
Rhonda Ross Kendrick
(Actress and Singer, Best Known as the Daughter of Singer and Actress 'Diana Ross')
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4
Birthdate: August 14, 1971
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Rhonda Ross Kendrick, daughter of singer Diana Ross and Motown founder Berry Gordy, is best known for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of Toni Burrell in the soap Another World. She has also appeared in series such as The Temptations and Cosby. She grew up believing Robert Ellis Silberstein was her father.
8
Dale Carnegie
(Self-Help Writer, Motivational Guru, Public Speaker)
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3
Birthdate: November 24, 1888
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Maryville, Missouri, United States
Died: November 1, 1955
Writer and academic Dale Carnegie is best remembered for his work on courses in areas such as corporate training, self-improvement, and salesmanship. He started his career as a salesperson. He wrote many books, including the international bestseller How to Win Friends and Influence People, and was a successful lecturer, too.
9
Rudy Ruettiger
(Motivational speaker)
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4
Birthdate: August 22, 1948
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Joliet, Illinois, United States
Daniel Eugene Ruettiger, better known as Rudy Ruettiger, remains an icon of the football team of the University of Notre Dame. One of his parents’ 14 children, he suffered from dyslexia, before finding his calling in football. His life later inspired the film Rudy, with actor Sean Astin playing his role.
10
Bristol Palin
(Public Speaker)
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6
Birthdate: October 18, 1990
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Wasilla, Alaska, United States
Bristol Palin, the eldest daughter of Todd and Sarah Palin, is best known for her stint on the reality show Dancing with the Stars and her performance in the series The Secret Life of the American Teenager. She is also a real-estate agent and has written a memoir.
11
Kevin Mitnick
(Consultant)
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4
Birthdate: August 6, 1963
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, United States
First a convicted hacker and then a computer security consultant, Kevin Mitnick’s life is all about how ingenuity can be used negatively and positively. Currently a security consultant for top-notch companies and the FBI, the American also teaches government agencies on social engineering. His sentencing for wire fraud is controversial and often considered excessive by some quarters.
12
Glennon Doyle Melton
(American Author and Public Speaker)
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3
Birthdate: March 20, 1976
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Burke, Virginia, United States
The author of New York Times bestsellers such as Untamed and Love Warrior, Glennon Doyle Melton was once described as the patron saint of female empowerment by People magazine. She is also an avid philanthropist, who heads the all-woman non-profit Together Rising, which caters to women and children.
13
Dave Ramsey
(American Businessman, Radio Show Host and Author Known for His Book ‘The Total Money Makeover’)
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3
Birthdate: September 3, 1960
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Antioch, Tennessee, United States
Dave Ramsey is an American radio show host, personal finance advisor, businessman, and author. He is best known for hosting The Dave Ramsey Show. He is also famous for authoring many books, including The Total Money Makeover, which featured on the New York Times bestseller list. He is also credited with founding a financial counseling service called the Lampo Group.
14
Kim Peek
(Megasavant)
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3
Birthdate: November 11, 1951
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Died: December 19, 2009
Kim Peekwas a savant who suffered from the rare genetic syndrome, FG syndrome. Often called a “megasavant,” he had an exceptional memory and appeared in many documentaries. He was the inspiration for the character of Raymond Babbitt in the film Rain Man. He was born with macrocephaly and damage to the cerebellum and experienced considerable social difficulties.
15
Steve Schmidt
(Politician)
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3
Birthdate: September 28, 1970
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: North Plainfield, New Jersey, United States
16
Kyle Carpenter
(Retired U.S Marine Who is the Youngest Living 'Medal of Honor' Recipient)
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3
Birthdate: October 17, 1989
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Jackson, Mississippi, United States
17
Robert Greene
(Writer, Playwright)
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Birthdate: May 14, 1959
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Robert Greene is best known for his international bestsellers such as The 48 Laws of Power, The 33 Strategies of War, and The Art of Seduction. Some of his books have been banned in American prisons and have been described as manipulative, while some have been mentioned in popular songs.
18
Rudy Giuliani
(Former Mayor of New York City)
2
Birthdate: May 28, 1944
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: East Flatbush, New York, United States
American politician Rudy Giuliani, who served as the Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001, received major attention and praise for his handling of crisisin the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in his city. He was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year in December 2001 for his efforts. However, there have also been allegations of corruption against him.
19
Stephen Covey
(Educator, Author)
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3
Birthdate: October 24, 1932
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Died: July 16, 2012
20
Marc Randolph
(Entrepreneur)
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3
Birthdate: April 29, 1958
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Chappaqua, New York, United States
21
Zig Ziglar
(Writer)
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3
Birthdate: November 6, 1926
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Coffee County, Alabama, United States
Died: November 28, 2012
22
Naomi Wolf
(Political writer)
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5
Birthdate: November 12, 1962
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, U.S.
23
Esther Hicks
(Writer)
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3
Birthdate: March 5, 1948
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Coalville, Utah, U.S.
24
Jo Anne Worley
(Actress)
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3
Birthdate: September 6, 1936
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Lowell, Indiana, United States
25
Iyanla Vanzant
(Motivational speaker)
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3
Birthdate: September 13, 1953
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
26
Buck Angel
(Adult Film Stars)
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3
Birthdate: June 5, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
27
Les Brown
(Author)
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3
Birthdate: February 17, 1945
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Liberty City, Miami, Florida, United States
28
Richard Marcinko
(Navy officer)
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3
Birthdate: November 21, 1940
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Lansford, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: December 25, 2021
29
Aimee Mullins
(First Amputee to Compete Against Able-bodied Athletes in NCAA Events)
Birthdate: July 20, 1975
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
Born without fibular bones, Aimee Mullins had to have her legs amputated below the knee as an infant. Undeterred, she grew up to be a Paralympic record-breaker, competing as a track and field athlete with prosthetic legs. She has walked the ramp for Alexander McQueen and has starred in films, too.
30
Kathy Garver
(Actress)
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3
Birthdate: December 13, 1945
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, USA
31
Deepak Chopra
(Indian-American Author and Alternative Medicine Advocate Known for His Book: ‘The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success’)
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6
Birthdate: October 22, 1946
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: New Delhi, India
Deepak Chopra is an Indian-American alternative-medicine advocate and author. After emigrating to the United States in 1970, Chopra went on to become an important figure in the New Age movement. Credited with co-founding the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, Chopra is one of the wealthiest personalities in alternative medicine. He has also drawn criticisms, thanks to his tall and ridiculous claims.
32
Larry Csonka
(American footballer)
13
3
Birthdate: December 25, 1946
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Stow, Ohio, USA
33
Thomas Beatie
(Public speaker)
2
Birthdate: January 20, 1974
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
34
Marc Mero
(American Professional Wrestler and Motivational Speaker)
Birthdate: July 9, 1960
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Buffalo, New York, United States
35
Jim Abbott
(Baseball Player)
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3
Birthdate: September 19, 1967
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Flint, Michigan, USA
36
Miguel A. Núñez Jr.
(Actor)
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2
Birthdate: August 11, 1964
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
37
Mel Robbins
(Television host)
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2
Birthdate: October 6, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: America
38
Chris Herren
(Basketball player)
14
3
Birthdate: September 27, 1975
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Fall River, Massachusetts, USA
39
Anita Sarkeesian
(Feminist Media Critic and Founder of 'Feminist Frequency' Website)
Birthdate: August 15, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Ontario, Canada
Born to Iraqi immigrants to Canada, Anita Sarkeesian later moved to the U.S. and soared to fame as a feminist media critic and YouTuber. Her site Feminist Frequency explores the treatment of women in socio-cultural scenarios. Her Tropes vs Women project invited serious sexist and racist attacks online.
40
Michael Porter
(Economist, Researcher, Author, Advisor, Speaker and Teacher)
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3
Birthdate: May 23, 1947
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Ann Arbor
41
Donna Rice
(Author)
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3
Birthdate: January 7, 1958
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
42
Ilyasah Shabazz
(Author)
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3
Birthdate: July 22, 1962
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Queens
43
Jayne Kennedy
(Actress)
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2
Birthdate: October 27, 1951
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
44
Suleika Jaouad
(Writer, advocate, and motivational speaker)
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1
Birthdate: July 5, 1988
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
45
Erin Gruwell
(Teacher)
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3
Birthdate: August 15, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: California
46
Nabeel Qureshi
(Writer)
2
Birthdate: April 13, 1983
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: San Diego, California, United States
Died: September 16, 2017
47
Eric D. Thomas
(Businessperson)
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2
Birthdate: September 3, 1970
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
48
Tucker Max
(Writer)
13
3
Birthdate: September 27, 1975
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
49
Jairek Robbins
(Motivational speaker)
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2
Birthdate: May 26, 1984
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, USA
50
Hiawatha
(Orator)
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2
Birthdate: 1525 AD
Birthplace: United States
Died: 1595 AD