Kindness Speakers

A kindness speaker is someone who specializes in delivering talks, workshops, or presentations centered on the principles and practice of kindness. But this isn't just about being nice or polite-it's about exploring how empathy, compassion, and intentional action can transform relationships, workplaces, and communities.

Kindness speakers often come from diverse backgrounds: education, mental health, social entrepreneurship, even tech. What unites them is their focus on kindness as a strategic and cultural tool. For example, a kindness speaker might speak to a corporate audience about building psychologically safe teams, or to students about preventing bullying through empathy.

Unlike motivational speakers who focus broadly on inspiration, kindness speakers zoom in on the human-to-human connection. They might use personal stories, research from behavioral science, or case studies from organizations that have embedded kindness into their culture.

Some well-known figures who often speak on kindness include people like Jay Shetty, who blends ancient wisdom with modern psychology, or Dr. Jody Carrington, who focuses on connection in education and healthcare.

In short, a kindness speaker is someone who doesn't just talk about kindness-they help people understand how to live it, lead with it, and use it to create real change.

When was the last time you heard someone talk about kindness in a way that made you rethink how you treat your team, your customers, or even yourself? That's the kind of shift a kindness speaker can spark.

In today's world-where burnout, division, and digital overload are everywhere-kindness isn't a soft skill. It's a survival skill. A kindness speaker brings this message into spaces that need it most: boardrooms, classrooms, conferences, and online communities.

They help reframe kindness from a vague virtue to a practical strategy. For example, in a startup culture obsessed with hustle, a kindness speaker might show how empathy improves team retention and innovation. In education, they might guide teachers on how kindness reduces behavioral issues and boosts student engagement.

Kindness speakers are also important because they model vulnerability. They're often the first to say, "I don't have all the answers, but I know connection matters." That honesty creates space for others to open up, reflect, and grow.

And let's not forget the ripple effect. A single talk can inspire a manager to lead with more compassion, a student to stand up for a peer, or a founder to build a more inclusive brand. That's not fluff-that's culture change in motion.

Kindness speakers do more than deliver feel-good messages-they design experiences that shift how people think, feel, and act. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Deliver Keynotes and Talks.
- They speak at conferences, summits, schools, and corporate events.
- Topics might include empathy in leadership, kindness in customer service, or building inclusive communities.

2. Facilitate Workshops.
- Many kindness speakers go beyond the stage to lead interactive sessions.
- These might include role-playing, group reflection, or behavior-change exercises.

3. Consult with Organizations.
- Some work with HR teams or leadership to embed kindness into company culture.
- This could involve policy reviews, team coaching, or DEI strategy alignment.

4. Create Educational Content.
- Kindness speakers often write books, record podcasts, or develop online courses.
- Their content helps scale their message to audiences who can't attend live events.

5. Advocate for Social Change.
- Many are involved in activism or nonprofit work, using their platform to support causes like mental health, anti-bullying, or equity.

Whether they're speaking to a Fortune 500 company or a rural school district, kindness speakers tailor their approach to meet people where they are-and help them move toward something better.

Becoming a kindness speaker isn't just about being nice on stage. It's about building a message that resonates, packaging it in a way that connects, and getting in front of the right audiences. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Core Message.
- What does kindness mean to you? Is it about empathy in leadership, compassion in schools, or community healing?
- Choose a niche. For example, corporate wellness, education, healthcare, or youth empowerment.
- Tip: Look at speakers like Leon Logothetis (The Kindness Diaries) who built entire careers around a specific kindness narrative.

2. Build Your Talk.
- Craft a signature keynote that tells a compelling story, includes actionable takeaways, and reflects your unique voice.
- Practice with small groups or local events to refine your delivery.
- Record yourself and get feedback from peers or mentors.

3. Create Your Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to set up a professional speaker profile.
- Include a high-quality headshot, bio, video clips, talk titles, and testimonials.
- Make it easy for event organizers to find and book you.

4. Connect with Hosts and Events.
- Reach out to podcast hosts, virtual summit organizers, and conference planners.
- Use LinkedIn to connect with HR managers or event coordinators.
- Join speaker directories and apply to speak at industry events.

5. Keep Growing.
- Attend speaker training programs or join communities like Toastmasters.
- Collect feedback and continuously improve your content and delivery.
- Diversify your offerings: workshops, panels, webinars, or retreats.

Kindness speakers who succeed treat this like a business. They show up with clarity, consistency, and a commitment to making their message heard.

To be a kindness speaker, you need more than just good intentions. It's about combining personal conviction with professional tools that help you communicate effectively and get booked consistently.

First, you need a compelling story or framework. Kindness is a broad topic, so your job is to make it specific and relatable. Maybe you've worked in conflict zones, led corporate culture change, or taught empathy in classrooms. Your unique lens becomes your brand.

Second, you need presentation skills. This includes public speaking fundamentals like pacing, tone, and body language, but also the ability to read a room, adapt on the fly, and connect emotionally. If you're just starting out, consider joining a local Toastmasters club or taking a storytelling workshop.

Third, you need a professional presence. That means a speaker page (Talks.co is a great place to start), a short speaker reel, and a few testimonials. These assets help event organizers trust that you're the real deal.

Fourth, you need a network. Kindness speakers often get booked through referrals or relationships. Connect with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and other speakers. Platforms like Talks.co can help you connect with hosts and guests who align with your message.

Finally, you need a mindset of service and growth. Audiences can tell when you're there to help versus when you're there to sell. But at the same time, kindness doesn't mean undervaluing your work. The best kindness speakers know how to balance heart with hustle.

Yes, kindness speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, niche, audience size, and delivery format (virtual vs. in-person).

Let's break it down:

- New Speakers: If you're just starting out, you might speak for free or for a small honorarium ($100-$500), especially at schools or community events. This helps build your portfolio.
- Mid-Level Speakers: Once you have a few talks under your belt and a solid speaker page, you can charge $1,000-$5,000 per talk, particularly for corporate wellness programs or professional development workshops.
- Top-Tier Speakers: Well-known kindness speakers with books, media appearances, or a strong brand can command $10,000-$25,000+ per keynote.

Virtual events tend to pay less than in-person ones, but they offer scale. For example, a kindness speaker might do 10 virtual talks in a month at $1,000 each, which adds up quickly.

Pros:
- Growing demand for emotional intelligence and empathy in workplaces.
- Kindness aligns well with DEI, mental health, and leadership topics.

Cons:
- Some organizers assume kindness should be free or volunteer-based.
- It can be harder to monetize without a clear niche or outcome-driven message.

Bottom line: Yes, kindness speakers get paid, but the key is positioning your message as valuable, not just virtuous.

Kindness speakers generate income through a mix of direct speaking fees and complementary revenue streams. Here's a breakdown of how they typically monetize:

1. Keynote Speaking
- Paid appearances at conferences, corporate events, schools, and nonprofits.
- Rates vary by experience and audience size (see 'How much do kindness speakers make').

2. Workshops and Trainings
- Many kindness speakers offer half-day or full-day workshops on topics like empathy in leadership, creating inclusive cultures, or emotional intelligence.
- These can be delivered in-person or virtually, often at higher rates than keynotes.

3. Books and Digital Products
- Publishing a book on kindness can establish authority and generate passive income.
- Some speakers sell online courses, toolkits, or downloadable guides.

4. Consulting and Coaching
- Kindness speakers with corporate or educational backgrounds may offer consulting services to help organizations implement kindness-based initiatives.
- One-on-one coaching for leaders or teams is another option.

5. Affiliate and Sponsorship Revenue
- Partnering with brands that align with their values (e.g. mental health apps, social impact platforms).
- Earning affiliate income by promoting tools or services they use.

6. Virtual Summits and Events
- Hosting their own events via platforms like Zoom, where they can charge for tickets, upsell VIP access, or sell replays.

Diversifying income is key. A kindness speaker might earn $3,000 from a keynote, $1,500 from a workshop, and another $2,000 from an online course in the same month. The most successful ones build an ecosystem around their message.

The income of kindness speakers varies widely based on factors like experience, niche, audience, and business model. Here's a closer look at the numbers:

Experience Level	Typical Fee per Talk	Annual Earnings Estimate
Beginner	$0 - $500	$0 - $10,000
Intermediate	$1,000 - $5,000	$20,000 - $75,000
Established/Expert	$5,000 - $25,000+	$100,000 - $500,000+

Key Variables:
- Frequency: A speaker doing 4 talks/month at $2,500 each earns $120,000/year.
- Format: Virtual talks often pay less but allow for higher volume.
- Add-ons: Workshops, consulting, and product sales can significantly boost income.
Real-World Examples:
- A kindness speaker with a bestselling book might charge $15,000 per keynote.
- A school-based speaker doing 2 talks/week at $1,000 each could make over $100,000 annually.
Challenges:
- Kindness can be seen as 'soft' or non-essential, so positioning is crucial.
- Some sectors (like education or nonprofits) have limited budgets.
Ultimately, kindness speakers who treat their speaking like a business - with clear offers, marketing, and multiple revenue streams - tend to earn more consistently.

Hiring a kindness speaker can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the event type, speaker profile, and delivery format. Here's how it breaks down:

Speaker Tier	Cost Range (USD)	Typical Use Case
Emerging Speaker	$0 - $1,000	Local schools, community events
Mid-Level Speaker	$1,000 - $5,000	Corporate wellness, virtual summits
High-Profile Speaker	$5,000 - $25,000+	Global conferences, leadership retreats

Factors That Influence Cost:
- Experience and Reputation: A speaker with media appearances or bestselling books will charge more.
- Event Format: Virtual keynotes are usually cheaper than in-person ones due to travel and logistics.
- Customization: Tailored talks or workshops often come at a premium.
- Duration: A 20-minute talk costs less than a full-day training.
Examples:
- A school might pay $500 for a local kindness speaker to address students.
- A tech company might invest $7,500 for a customized keynote on empathy in leadership.
- A global nonprofit might pay $15,000 for a high-profile speaker to headline their annual gala.
If you're booking through a platform like Talks.co, you can often filter by budget and speaker availability, making it easier to find the right fit without overpaying.

Here's a list of some of the most impactful kindness speakers of all time. These individuals have inspired millions through their words and actions:

- Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers): A pioneer in children's television, his gentle and consistent message of kindness shaped generations. His speeches and interviews remain timeless.

- Maya Angelou: While known as a poet and civil rights activist, her talks often centered on compassion, dignity, and the power of kindness in adversity.

- Dalai Lama: His global teachings on compassion, empathy, and nonviolence have made him a revered kindness speaker across cultures.

- Desmond Tutu: The South African archbishop spoke powerfully about forgiveness and reconciliation, always rooted in kindness.

- Leo Buscaglia: Known as 'Dr. Love', he was one of the first academics to speak publicly and passionately about love and kindness as essential human needs.

- Oprah Winfrey: Her speeches, especially at graduations and award shows, often emphasize kindness, empathy, and lifting others up.

- Thich Nhat Hanh: The late Vietnamese monk brought mindfulness and kindness into mainstream Western discourse through his talks and retreats.

- Princess Diana: Though not a traditional speaker, her public addresses and actions around AIDS, landmines, and children's health were rooted in visible compassion.

- Brené Brown: Her research on vulnerability and empathy has made her a go-to speaker for kindness in leadership and relationships.

- Bob Goff: Author of 'Love Does', he's known for his energetic, story-driven talks about radical kindness and whimsical generosity.

Today's top kindness speakers come from diverse backgrounds - from activism to business to education. Here are some of the most influential kindness speakers currently making waves:

- Leon Logothetis: Host of 'The Kindness Diaries' on Netflix, he travels the world relying on the kindness of strangers and shares those stories on stage.

- Houston Kraft: Founder of CharacterStrong and author of 'Deep Kindness', he speaks to schools and organizations about intentional, actionable kindness.

- Adrienne Bankert: Emmy-winning journalist and author of 'Your Hidden Superpower', she speaks about kindness as a professional advantage.

- Shola Richards: His talks on workplace civility and kindness have reached Fortune 500 companies and global audiences.

- Dr. Jody Carrington: A psychologist who speaks passionately about connection, empathy, and kindness in education and healthcare.

- Brooke Jones: VP of The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, she delivers talks that blend science, storytelling, and strategy.

- Nipun Mehta: Founder of ServiceSpace, he speaks globally about gift economy, generosity, and kindness as a way of life.

- Chris Rosati: Before his passing, he inspired thousands with his 'Butterfly Effect' kindness movement, speaking at schools and events.

- Randy Taran: Founder of Project Happiness, she speaks about emotional wellness and the role of kindness in mental health.

- Kindness.org Speakers Bureau: A collective of researchers, educators, and advocates who speak globally on the science and practice of kindness.

These speakers are not only delivering powerful messages but also building movements, writing books, and leading organizations that amplify kindness worldwide.

Let's unpack a few assumptions that tend to follow kindness speakers around. These myths can hold people back from stepping into this space or from taking it seriously as a professional path.

1. "Kindness speakers are too soft to be taken seriously."
This one comes up a lot, especially in corporate or high-performance environments. But here's the truth: kindness is not weakness. In fact, speakers like Leon Logothetis (author of 'The Kindness Diaries') have built global followings by showing how empathy and compassion can drive real change. Kindness speakers often address tough topics-bullying, burnout, systemic injustice-through a lens of empathy, not avoidance.

2. "You have to be a therapist or spiritual guru to be a kindness speaker."
Nope. While some kindness speakers come from psychology or wellness backgrounds, many are educators, entrepreneurs, or even ex-military. Take Houston Kraft, who founded CharacterStrong. He speaks about kindness in schools, blending curriculum design with storytelling. The key is authenticity, not credentials.

3. "Kindness talks are only for schools or nonprofits."
This is outdated thinking. Companies like Google and Salesforce have hosted kindness-focused talks as part of their leadership and DEI training. Kindness isn't just a feel-good concept-it's a strategic asset in team dynamics, customer service, and brand loyalty.

4. "There's no money in being a kindness speaker."
While it's true that not every kindness speaker is commanding six-figure fees, many are building sustainable businesses through speaking, books, online courses, and consulting. The kindness niche is growing, especially in the wellness, education, and HR sectors. It's not about being famous-it's about being focused.

5. "Kindness speakers only talk about being nice."
This is a surface-level take. Most successful kindness speakers dive deep into topics like emotional intelligence, social justice, trauma-informed leadership, and resilience. They're not preaching politeness-they're advocating for systemic empathy.

In 2013, Leon Logothetis left his job as a broker in London to travel the world relying solely on the kindness of strangers. His journey became a Netflix series, 'The Kindness Diaries', and launched him into a speaking career that now includes TEDx talks, school tours, and corporate keynotes. What made Leon stand out? He didn't just talk about kindness-he lived it. His storytelling is raw, personal, and deeply human.

Then there's Adrienne Bankert, an Emmy Award-winning journalist who pivoted into speaking about kindness in leadership. Her book, 'Your Hidden Superpower', explores how kindness can be a competitive edge in business. Adrienne's talks blend her media experience with actionable strategies for professionals-especially women of color navigating corporate spaces.

In the education space, Orly Wahba built a global movement called Life Vest Inside. Her viral video 'Kindness Boomerang' sparked millions of views and led to speaking invitations around the world. Orly's approach is interactive and youth-focused, often incorporating music, movement, and audience participation.

Another example is John Wang, founder of The One Kindness Foundation in Canada. He speaks at conferences and schools about how kindness can prevent bullying and improve mental health. His talks are data-backed but emotionally compelling, often drawing from his own experiences as an immigrant and entrepreneur.

What ties these stories together? Each speaker found a unique angle-whether it was travel, media, education, or mental health-and built a platform around it. They didn't try to be everything to everyone. They picked a lane, stayed consistent, and let their message evolve with their audience.

Kindness speakers are finding new relevance in a world that's increasingly digital, divided, and demanding. If you're watching this space, here are some emerging trends that are shaping the future of kindness-focused speaking:

- Hybrid speaking formats are here to stay. Post-pandemic, many kindness speakers are blending in-person events with virtual workshops, webinars, and even metaverse meetups. This allows them to reach global audiences without losing the intimacy of live interaction.

- Corporate demand is shifting. Companies are no longer just booking motivational speakers-they're looking for culture-builders. Kindness speakers who can tie their message to team cohesion, DEI, or mental wellness are getting more bookings in HR-led initiatives and leadership retreats.

- Data-backed kindness is gaining traction. Speakers who can pair emotional stories with neuroscience, behavioral economics, or workplace psychology are standing out. Think of it as 'kindness meets analytics'. Audiences want inspiration, but they also want evidence.

- Youth engagement is getting smarter. In schools and universities, kindness speakers are moving beyond assemblies. They're co-creating curriculum, launching kindness challenges via TikTok, and partnering with edtech platforms to gamify empathy.

- Global voices are rising. We're seeing more kindness speakers emerge from non-Western contexts-like South Asia, Africa, and Latin America-bringing culturally specific insights into how kindness operates in different societies. This is expanding the narrative beyond Western norms of 'niceness'.

Looking ahead, kindness speakers who embrace tech, tailor their message to specific sectors, and bring diverse perspectives to the table will be the ones leading the next wave.

- Talks.co. This platform helps speakers get matched with podcast hosts. If you're just starting out, it's a great way to build your voice and credibility without needing a huge following. Tip: Use the filters to find shows that align with kindness, leadership, or wellness themes.

- SpeakerHub. A directory and marketplace for speakers. You can create a profile, list your topics (like kindness in education or empathy in business), and apply for speaking gigs. Pro tip: Include a short video clip to boost your chances.

- Kindness.org. While not a speaker platform per se, this nonprofit offers research, case studies, and campaigns that can enrich your content. Their science-backed kindness curriculum is especially useful for speakers working with schools or youth.

- Canva. For designing your speaker one-sheet, slide decks, or social media promos. Use their templates to create a consistent visual brand that reflects your tone-whether it's playful, professional, or heartfelt.

- The Speaker Lab Podcast. Hosted by Grant Baldwin, this podcast dives into the business side of speaking. While not kindness-specific, the episodes on niching down and building a speaker brand are gold.

- Google Scholar. Want to back up your message with real data? Search for peer-reviewed studies on kindness, empathy, or emotional intelligence. Citing research can help you stand out in corporate or academic settings.

- LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn on Creator Mode to showcase your speaking topics, post short videos, and attract event organizers. Use hashtags like #KindnessSpeaker or #EmpathyInLeadership to get discovered.