The evolution of speech for African American Motivational Speakers

Oral communication for African Americans derived from traditions that were developed during slavery. Slaveholders were concerned about the education of slaves and how it could inspire rebellions. These oral traditions laid the groundwork and the primary methods of preserving the history, culture and best means of keeping everyone informed. The cultural aspects, as related to speaking, evolved through storytelling and folktales. No one could imagine the depth, breadth and impact that these events would continue to have on the African American culture.

The heritage and speaking styles of African American Motivational speakers comes from the period of slavery. African American preachers and speakers are known to use tone, volume and movement to engage audience. Black comedians, preachers and even black speakers are not afraid to engage audiences with a call and response oral statement to incite energy. Some of the great black speakers are also entertainers who incorporate singing and music in their speeches. Many black motivational speakers are gifted with a natural charisma, and use their charisma to connect both intellectually and emotionally with their audiences. Music, dance, literature, art, religion and attire were all prevailing factors for inspiration and growth for the African American culture in its preachers and speakers. Each were fully connected and present at all times. It is not to say that speakers from other ethnic backgrounds do not have this capability; it is the heritage of African Americans that carried this characteristic forward through hundreds of years.

Today’s top black speakers include nationally known political figures, journalists, celebrities and athletes. Most will openly state that their orator capabilities came from the church, as churches in the African American community provide and promote an openness to worship, song and dance.

One of the most noted African American speakers in the political category is Donna Brazile. Donna Brazile is one of the best known, most influential African American women in modern American political life. She is Chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Voting Rights Institute (VRI), an organization established in 2001 to help protect and promote the rights of all Americans to participate in the political process. Brazile is the author of Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics, a memoir about her life in the political arena, and co-author of What We Do Now, published by Melville House in 2004.

Earvin Johnson, Jr. is still noted is one of the most highly sought-after sports figures. The 5-time NBA champion is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises which was formed in 1987. Through strategic investments, partnerships and endorsements, Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE) provides products and services that particularly focus on ethnically diverse urban communities. Mr. Johnson’s speeches are known to be highly inspirational.

In the area of health and fitness, Olympic Gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. Sports Illustrated for Women voted Jackie Female Athlete of the 20th Century, and ESPN named her one of the 50 Greatest Athletes. She received these honors by becoming the first woman to win back-to-back gold medals in the seven disciplined event, heptathlon; the first woman to score 7,000 points in the heptathlon; and the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the long jump, all on her way to winning 6 Olympic Medals in four consecutive Olympic Games. In March of 1962, she was named after First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy by her grandmother , who must have known that her granddaughter would surely be the first lady in some phase of her life.

In the motivational category, Mr. Les Brown is considered one of the leading black motivational speakers. Les Brown has risen to national prominence by delivering a high energy message which tells people how to shake off mediocrity and live up to their greatness. It is a message he learned from his own life and one he is helping others apply to their lives.

Audiences can expect a major "wow" factor when booking an African American motivational speaker. These speakers, like no others, know how to capture and captivate their audiences. Think of it this way--the essence of blues and jazz music linked directly to African American culture. The goal of black motivational speakers is to connect with the soul of each audience member.

This article was written by Robert Van Arlen and original source is at