Credibility of motivational speeches

Prottay Ahmed, an undergraduate university student, took part in a public event which was held a few months back this year. The event claimed to motivate people, spread positive energy and help them recover from stress.
The event featured a few motivational speakers who shared their stories of success in life and how they rose to the pinnacle of life. Throughout the sessions, these motivational speakers talked about topics that are very generalised but presented them in an exaggerated way.
Prottay was already questioning how that certain individual's motivational sessions changed the lives of hundreds of people or boosted the employee performance. Every time he decided to take a moment and concentrate on what the speakers were saying, he realised that it was a mistake to participate in the event. He asked himself, 'How is hearing this guy, who is only selling himself in front of the audience, has anything to do with my problems?' He next gazed through the room and to his utter surprise, the room was full. He was shocked to see so many people wasting time and energy by listening to what he called, 'the magicians in disguise.' He promised never to attend such events again.
Credit must be given to those individuals for marketing and selling their brand name so strategically. But, as Prottay mentioned, the room was completely packed and it pointed out how so many misinformed and helpless people are wandering for solutions which are available at many other places than the one they were sitting at. People do not realise that a two-hour speech cannot change one's mindset or solve real world problems. It is basically a mood-boosting session or a good social gathering at best.
So, what can be the solution? Prottay was more frustrated following the event. However, he finally gathered the strength to talk with his parents. His parents, previously angry at his poor results, listened to his problems that were stressing him out. Starting from his bad habits to unsuccessful relationships to poor results, he discussed everything with his parents. Fortunately, for him, things got better in the future. But is everyone lucky or courageous like him? What to do if the stress level is too much and people lose all the motivation and will to achieve anything in life? Specialists often recommended following the institutional and traditional method such as counselling. But counselling itself is a taboo in our country. Taking about mental health is an obscure idea. However, should we not be promoting a scientific method rather than vague ways of motivational superhumans? Events, like the one discussed here, cannot solve many individual problems. Experts also urge to verify the credibility and authenticity of these motivational speakers who smartly identified the need-gap of youths and used it as a business opportunity. Taking a session for team building activities at a corporate event is one thing and speaking to a group of youth who are looking for real solution is another.
A post on a popular social media platform Facebook says, 'If people have enough resources to attend an event in an air-conditioned room and take selfies, then they probably don't need motivation.' The comment is not very rational but shows a glimpse of growing frustration.
People need to learn to differentiate between trained solution providers and 'the magicians in disguise'. There is no problem in helping people to get motivation in life and get rid of stress. Those who are willing to provide this motivation for free although by taking corporate sponsors is perhaps doing it for a noble cause. However, isn't it a bit risky? You can go to a group of employees and discuss strategies that may help them be more productive since they are facing a common problem. But what about the university students and depressed youths? Are those events actually helping those who are stressed or motivating them to achieve better things in life? If not, then why are people attending those events, wasting time and money? Can we not promote this idea of open discussion with close ones or directing people to specialists? Claiming to have all the answers about motivation and life may seriously fail people who need help. As a result, whatever motivation your audience had to engage on serious issues such as depression may get lost.

The writer is working for his own start-up advertising firm.
He can be reached at
shafiqulislam91@gmail.com