Humanity Speakers

A humanity speaker is someone who centers their message around the shared human experience-empathy, ethics, resilience, and connection. Unlike technical or motivational speakers who focus on skills or hype, humanity speakers dive into what it means to be human in a complex world.

They might speak on topics like mental health, social justice, ethical leadership, or cultural healing. But what ties them together is their ability to speak from a place of compassion and insight. They're not just delivering information-they're inviting reflection.

You'll find humanity speakers in a wide range of contexts: a trauma-informed therapist addressing a school board, a refugee sharing their story at a global summit, or a CEO discussing inclusive leadership at a corporate retreat. The setting may change, but the core remains the same: human-first communication.

What sets them apart is their ability to connect across boundaries. Whether they're speaking in a rural village in Kenya or a tech conference in Berlin, they adapt their message to resonate with the lived experiences of their audience. And they do it without preaching or pandering.

In short, a humanity speaker brings people together by reminding us of what we share, even when we come from vastly different worlds.

When algorithms dominate headlines and automation reshapes industries, the need for human-centered voices becomes more urgent than ever. That's where humanity speakers come in.

They offer a counterbalance to the noise. In a world obsessed with scale and speed, humanity speakers slow things down. They ask better questions. They prompt us to think about the ethical implications of our choices-whether in business, education, or public policy.

Take the rise of AI in hiring. A tech speaker might explain how the algorithm works. A humanity speaker, on the other hand, might challenge us to consider how bias creeps in and what it means for marginalized communities. Both are needed-but only one is asking, 'Is this fair?'

Humanity speakers also play a crucial role in healing. After collective trauma-like a pandemic, natural disaster, or social unrest-people don't just need data. They need space to process, grieve, and rebuild. Speakers who understand that emotional landscape can guide communities through it.

And finally, they help leaders lead better. Whether it's a startup founder in São Paulo or a school principal in Sydney, leaders who hear from humanity speakers often walk away with a deeper sense of responsibility and purpose. That ripple effect? It's real.

Humanity speakers engage audiences by focusing on themes that reflect our shared values, struggles, and aspirations. But their work goes far beyond giving talks. Here's what they actually do:

1. Craft and Deliver Insightful Talks. They create presentations that explore human-centered topics like empathy in leadership, trauma recovery, or ethical innovation. These talks are often delivered at conferences, summits, schools, and online events.

2. Facilitate Difficult Conversations. Humanity speakers often serve as moderators or facilitators in discussions around race, gender, inequality, or mental health. Their role is to hold space, ensure psychological safety, and guide the group toward deeper understanding.

3. Consult with Organizations. Many humanity speakers work with companies, nonprofits, or governments to help shape policies, training programs, or internal culture. For example, a speaker might advise a tech firm on inclusive design or help a school district implement trauma-informed teaching.

4. Educate and Inspire Across Platforms. Beyond live events, they write books, host podcasts, and create content that reaches broader audiences. Think of someone like Priya Parker, whose work on gathering has influenced how people host events worldwide.

5. Bridge Gaps Between Communities. Whether it's connecting youth activists with policymakers or helping rural communities engage with digital tools, humanity speakers often act as translators between worlds that don't usually talk to each other.

In essence, humanity speakers are catalysts for reflection and change. They don't just speak-they listen, adapt, and help others do the same.

Becoming a humanity speaker isn't just about having a powerful message. It's about building a platform, connecting with the right people, and showing up consistently. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Core Message.
- What human-centered issue are you passionate about? It could be social justice, mental health, sustainability, or human rights. Clarity here is key.
- Tip: Your message should be both personal and universal. Think of how Brené Brown connects vulnerability to leadership.

2. Build Your Expertise.
- You don't need a PhD, but you do need credibility. Volunteer, write, research, or work in the field you're speaking about.
- Example: If you're passionate about refugee rights, get involved with local NGOs or contribute to global forums.

3. Create Your Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to showcase your bio, topics, testimonials, and videos. This is your digital stage.
- Include a short video introducing your mission and a few clips from past talks (even if they're self-hosted webinars).

4. Start Speaking Anywhere You Can.
- Community events, schools, podcasts, online summits... all fair game. Use these to refine your message and build a reel.
- Tip: Reach out to summit hosts on Talks.co and offer to speak for free at first. Focus on value and connection.

5. Network with Purpose.
- Join speaker groups, attend virtual events, and connect with other humanity speakers. Collaboration opens doors.
- Use LinkedIn and Talks.co to message hosts and guests who align with your mission.

6. Package Your Offer.
- Eventually, you'll want to offer workshops, keynotes, or consulting. Think about how your message can solve problems for organizations or communities.
- Example: A speaker on empathy might offer corporate training on inclusive leadership.

This journey takes time, but if you stay focused on impact and keep showing up, you'll carve your space as a humanity speaker.

At its core, a humanity speaker is someone who uses their voice to advocate for human-centered values. But what does it actually take to step into that role? Let's break it down.

First, you need a clear mission. Humanity speakers focus on topics that touch the human experience: equity, compassion, justice, resilience, and more. Whether you're speaking about climate displacement or neurodiversity in the workplace, your message should be rooted in real-world relevance and emotional truth.

Second, you need a platform. This doesn't mean millions of followers. It means a space where your voice can be heard and shared. Talks.co is a great place to start. It allows you to create a speaker page, connect with summit hosts, and get booked for virtual events. Your platform is your launchpad.

Third, you need communication skills. This isn't just about public speaking. It's about storytelling, empathy, and the ability to adapt your message to different audiences. You might speak at a corporate DEI event one day and a grassroots community panel the next. Flexibility matters.

Fourth, you need credibility. That can come from lived experience, academic background, professional work, or community involvement. You don't need to be a celebrity, but you do need to be authentic and informed.

Lastly, you need persistence. The path to becoming a recognized humanity speaker is rarely linear. You'll face rejections, slow seasons, and self-doubt. But if your message matters to you, it will matter to others. Keep refining, keep connecting, and keep speaking.

Yes, humanity speakers do get paid - but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's break it down analytically.
First, the demand for humanity speakers has grown, especially in sectors like education, corporate social responsibility, and nonprofit leadership. Organizations are increasingly looking for voices that can speak to empathy, inclusion, and global citizenship.
However, not all engagements are paid. Early-career speakers often start with unpaid gigs to build credibility. But once you've built a reputation and have a strong speaker page (like on Talks.co), paid opportunities become more frequent.
Here's a quick comparison of typical speaking scenarios:

Event Type	Paid?	Typical Fee Range
Local community panels	Rarely	$0 - $200
Nonprofit conferences	Sometimes	$200 - $1,000
Corporate keynotes	Often	$2,000 - $10,000+
Virtual summits	Varies	$0 - $2,500
University lectures	Sometimes	$500 - $3,000

Pros:
- Growing interest in human-centered topics.
- Opportunities to diversify income (see next section).
- Global reach through virtual events.
Cons:
- Inconsistent income early on.
- Some sectors (like nonprofits) have limited budgets.
- Requires constant outreach and networking.
So yes, humanity speakers do get paid. But like any speaking niche, it takes time and strategy to turn it into a reliable income stream.

Humanity speakers generate income in multiple ways, and the smartest ones diversify their revenue streams. Here's a breakdown of how they do it:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements.
- This is the most direct route. Corporations, universities, and nonprofits pay speakers to deliver keynotes, panels, or workshops.
- Example: A speaker on racial equity might be hired by a tech company for a DEI training session.

2. Online Summits and Virtual Events.
- Platforms like Talks.co connect speakers with virtual event hosts. Some summits offer honorariums, while others pay based on ticket sales or affiliate links.
- Tip: Use your speaker page to showcase your topics and testimonials to increase your chances of getting booked.

3. Courses and Digital Products.
- Many humanity speakers package their knowledge into online courses, toolkits, or eBooks.
- Example: A speaker on trauma-informed leadership might sell a self-paced course for HR managers.

4. Consulting and Coaching.
- Organizations often want more than a one-off talk. Speakers can offer follow-up consulting or coaching packages.
- This is especially common in areas like mental health, diversity, or social impact strategy.

5. Grants and Fellowships.
- Some speakers fund their work through grants from foundations or fellowships focused on social good.
- Example: A speaker working on indigenous rights might receive funding from a cultural preservation grant.

6. Books and Media Appearances.
- Publishing a book or appearing on podcasts and media panels can lead to paid opportunities and boost your credibility.

The key is to think beyond the stage. Humanity speakers who treat their message like a mission-driven business tend to build more sustainable income.

The income of humanity speakers can vary dramatically based on experience, niche, audience, and visibility. Let's look at the numbers and what influences them.
Entry-Level Speakers:
- Typically earn $0 to $500 per talk.
- May do unpaid gigs to build a portfolio.
- Often rely on part-time speaking while working another job.
Mid-Level Speakers:
- Earn $1,000 to $5,000 per engagement.
- Have a solid speaker page, testimonials, and some media exposure.
- Likely to supplement income with coaching, courses, or consulting.
Top-Tier Speakers:
- Earn $10,000 to $50,000+ per keynote.
- Often have published books, TEDx talks, or major media appearances.
- May have representation through a speaker bureau.
Annual Income Ranges:

Level	Estimated Annual Income
Beginner	$0 - $20,000
Intermediate	$20,000 - $75,000
Advanced	$75,000 - $250,000+

Factors That Influence Earnings:
- Topic Relevance: Speakers on trending issues (e.g., climate justice, AI ethics) often command higher fees.
- Audience Type: Corporate clients generally pay more than nonprofits or schools.
- Geographic Reach: Global speakers with multilingual skills or cross-cultural expertise can access more markets.
So while there's no fixed salary for humanity speakers, those who treat it like a business and build a strong brand can earn well into six figures.

Hiring a humanity speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several variables. Here's a breakdown of what influences pricing:

1. Speaker Experience:
- New or Local Speakers: $0 - $1,000. Often emerging voices or community advocates.
- Mid-Level Professionals: $1,000 - $5,000. These speakers have a track record, a speaker page, and some media or summit exposure.
- High-Profile Experts: $5,000 - $25,000+. Includes authors, TEDx speakers, or those with a global following.

2. Event Type and Budget:
- Nonprofits and Schools: Often negotiate lower fees or request pro bono work.
- Corporate Events: Typically have larger budgets and can pay premium rates.
- Virtual Summits: Range widely. Some offer honorariums ($100 - $500), while others pay based on ticket sales or sponsorships.

3. Format and Duration:
- Keynote (30-60 mins): $2,000 - $15,000.
- Workshop (Half-day or Full-day): $3,000 - $20,000.
- Panel or Fireside Chat: $500 - $5,000.

4. Add-ons:
- Travel and accommodation (for in-person events).
- Licensing fees for recorded content.
- Customization or consulting packages.

Tips for Hiring:
- Use platforms like Talks.co to browse speaker pages and compare rates.
- Be transparent about your budget. Many speakers are flexible, especially for causes they care about.
- Consider offering value beyond money: media exposure, networking, or future bookings.

In short, the cost of a humanity speaker depends on the value they bring, the context of the event, and the resources available.

Here's a curated list of some of the most impactful humanity speakers in history. These individuals used their voice to shift culture, challenge injustice, and inspire generations.

1. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Known for: Civil rights advocacy, nonviolent resistance.
- Iconic Talk: 'I Have a Dream' speech in 1963.

2. Maya Angelou
- Known for: Speaking on identity, trauma, and resilience.
- Quote: 'We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.'

3. Nelson Mandela
- Known for: Anti-apartheid leadership and reconciliation.
- Legacy: Used speeches to unite a divided South Africa.

4. Malala Yousafzai
- Known for: Girls' education and human rights.
- Youngest Nobel laureate, her UN speech at 16 was globally praised.

5. Desmond Tutu
- Known for: Truth and reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa.
- Style: Blended humor, wisdom, and moral clarity.

6. Elie Wiesel
- Known for: Holocaust testimony and human dignity.
- Nobel Peace Prize winner, author of 'Night'.

7. Jane Goodall
- Known for: Conservation and animal rights.
- Continues to speak globally on humanity's relationship with nature.

8. Angela Davis
- Known for: Prison abolition, racial justice.
- Continues to influence academic and activist circles.

9. Thich Nhat Hanh
- Known for: Mindfulness, peace, and compassion.
- His talks blended Buddhist philosophy with social action.

10. Barack Obama
- Known for: Hope, unity, and inclusive leadership.
- His speeches often emphasized shared humanity and civic responsibility.

Looking at today's global stage, these humanity speakers are making waves across industries and continents. They're not just talking - they're moving people to action.

1. Brené Brown (USA)
- Focus: Vulnerability, empathy, leadership.
- Known for: Her TED Talk on vulnerability and Netflix special 'The Call to Courage'.

2. Simon Sinek (UK/USA)
- Focus: Purpose-driven leadership.
- Quote: 'People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it.'

3. Greta Thunberg (Sweden)
- Focus: Climate justice.
- Known for: UN speeches and global youth mobilization.

4. Valarie Kaur (USA)
- Focus: Revolutionary love, racial justice.
- Her TED Talk '3 Lessons of Revolutionary Love' is a must-watch.

5. Hamzat Lawal (Nigeria)
- Focus: Youth empowerment, anti-corruption.
- Founder of Connected Development, speaks across Africa and globally.

6. Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand)
- Focus: Compassionate governance.
- Known for: Her empathetic leadership style and inclusive messaging.

7. Luvvie Ajayi Jones (Nigeria/USA)
- Focus: Courage, authenticity, and social justice.
- Author of 'Professional Troublemaker', a popular keynote speaker.

8. Arianna Huffington (Greece/USA)
- Focus: Well-being, burnout, human-centered work culture.
- Founder of Thrive Global.

9. Jay Shetty (UK/India)
- Focus: Mindfulness, purpose, relationships.
- Former monk turned global speaker and podcaster.

10. Zainab Salbi (Iraq/USA)
- Focus: Women's rights in conflict zones.
- Founder of Women for Women International, frequent speaker at global forums.

These speakers are shaping conversations on what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world. Whether through corporate stages, grassroots movements, or digital platforms, they're voices worth following.

Let's break down some of the most common misconceptions about humanity speakers. These are the folks who speak on topics like empathy, ethics, social justice, and the human condition-often weaving personal stories with global insights. But not everyone gets what they really do.

1. "Humanity speakers are just motivational speakers with a new label."
This one pops up a lot. While both can be inspiring, humanity speakers go deeper. They're not just about pumping up a crowd-they're often tackling systemic issues, cultural narratives, and emotional intelligence. Think Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie discussing 'The Danger of a Single Story' or Brené Brown unpacking vulnerability. Their work is rooted in research, lived experience, and often activism.

2. "You need to be a psychologist or academic to be a humanity speaker."
Not true. While some do come from academic backgrounds, many humanity speakers are artists, entrepreneurs, educators, or even former inmates. What matters is the depth of insight and the ability to connect with people on a human level. For example, Zak Ebrahim, son of a terrorist, speaks about peace and tolerance-not from a PhD, but from lived experience.

3. "There's no real demand for humanity speakers."
Actually, demand is growing. Conferences, corporations, and schools are increasingly looking for speakers who can address diversity, inclusion, mental health, and ethical leadership. The rise of DEI initiatives and social impact investing has made humanity speakers more relevant than ever.

4. "It's all about telling sad stories."
Nope. While many humanity speakers do share difficult truths, their talks are often hopeful, solution-oriented, and empowering. They might use humor, storytelling, or even performance art. It's not about trauma dumping-it's about transformation.

5. "You can't make a living doing this."
Plenty of humanity speakers are building sustainable careers. Some speak at universities, others run workshops, write books, or consult with NGOs and companies. The key is to diversify income streams and build a strong personal brand. Just look at people like Simon Sinek or Esther Perel-both speak on deeply human topics and have thriving businesses.

When you think of a humanity speaker, you might imagine someone standing on a TED stage, sharing a powerful story that leaves the audience in stunned silence. And yes, that happens. But the paths to success are as varied as the voices themselves.

Take Malala Yousafzai. Shot by the Taliban for advocating girls' education, she didn't just survive-she became a global speaker and Nobel laureate. Her talks aren't just about her story, they're about the millions of girls still denied education. Her voice, calm but fierce, has moved audiences from the UN to late-night TV.

Then there's Baratunde Thurston. A comedian, author, and cultural critic, he blends humor with hard truths about race and identity. His talks are part performance, part social commentary. He once opened a keynote by asking the audience to close their eyes and imagine a world without racism-then walked them through what that would actually look like. It wasn't just powerful, it was practical.

In South Africa, Zoleka Mandela-granddaughter of Nelson Mandela-used her platform to speak about addiction, cancer, and grief. Her talks were raw, deeply personal, and often uncomfortable. But they sparked conversations in communities where silence had long been the norm.

And in the corporate world, people like Verna Myers have brought humanity into boardrooms. As VP of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, she speaks about bias and belonging-not with jargon, but with stories that make executives rethink how they lead.

What ties these speakers together isn't just their message-it's their ability to connect. They don't just talk about humanity. They invite you to feel it.

The landscape for humanity speakers is shifting-and not just because of tech or media. It's about what audiences are craving: authenticity, connection, and action. Here's where things are headed.

First, expect more intersectional voices. Audiences want to hear from people who live at the crossroads of multiple identities-queer, disabled, neurodivergent, immigrant, and more. Humanity speakers who can speak to layered experiences will be in higher demand, especially at global events and in corporate DEI programs.

Second, digital-first formats are becoming the norm. Virtual summits, interactive webinars, and even immersive audio experiences are opening up new stages. Humanity speakers who can adapt their message to a screen-without losing emotional depth-will thrive. Platforms like Clubhouse and LinkedIn Live have already shown how intimate digital storytelling can be.

Third, data-backed storytelling is gaining traction. It's not enough to be heartfelt-you also need to be credible. Speakers who combine personal narratives with research or case studies (think of Brené Brown's blend of vulnerability and data) are seen as more trustworthy and impactful.

Fourth, localized storytelling is rising. Global audiences are hungry for stories that reflect their own communities. Humanity speakers who can tailor their message to regional cultures-whether in Nairobi, New Delhi, or Nashville-will stand out.

Key trends to watch:
- More partnerships with NGOs and social enterprises.
- Growth of AI tools to personalize talks and analyze audience feedback.
- Increased demand for speakers on climate justice, mental health, and digital ethics.
- Rise of multilingual speakers who can bridge cultural gaps.

If you're building a career in this space, think beyond the keynote. Think workshops, podcasts, collaborations, and even co-creating solutions with your audience.

- Talks.co: A smart tool for connecting with podcast hosts and event organizers. Great for building your speaking resume and getting in front of niche audiences who care about human-centered topics.

- SpeakerHub: A platform where you can list your speaker profile, find gigs, and connect with event planners. Make sure your profile clearly outlines your humanity-focused topics and includes video clips.

- StoryCorps: While not a speaker platform, this archive of real human stories is a goldmine for inspiration. Listening to how others share their truths can help you refine your own narrative voice.

- TED Masterclass: This course walks you through the process of crafting a TED-style talk. It's especially helpful for humanity speakers who need to balance emotional storytelling with clarity and structure.

- Canva: For creating visually engaging slide decks that support your message without overwhelming it. Use minimalist templates and include powerful imagery that resonates emotionally.

- Otter.ai: Record and transcribe your practice sessions. Reviewing your own words can help you tighten your message and spot where you lose clarity or energy.

- The Moth: Participate in storytelling events or listen to their podcast. Humanity speakers thrive when they master the art of live storytelling-and The Moth is a masterclass in that.

- LinkedIn Events: Host your own virtual talks or panels. It's a great way to build credibility, test new material, and grow your network in a low-risk environment.

Tip: Don't wait for a big stage. Start small, iterate fast, and use tools like these to build momentum. The more you speak, the more your message sharpens.