Sonny Melendrez, Motivational Keynote Speaker
Overview
My signature keynote, “Unleashing Your Power of Intentional Enthusiasm,” energizes audiences while delivering practical tools they can use immediately. Through storytelling, humor, and real-world strategies, I help professionals stay resilient, engaged, and focused—especially in environments where teamwork and responsibility matter.
I share my journey from growing up behind my father’s barbershop to becoming a Disney Channel host, voice actor, and Hall of Fame radio broadcaster.
My message of Intentional Enthusiasm helps audiences turn challenges into opportunities—using belief, vision, and gratitude to elevate performance, strengthen culture, and inspire purposeful results.
Reviews
3 reviews
Deborah C.
September 9, 2012Sonny Melendrez inspires America!
Sonny is truly an enthusiastic individual and inspiring speaker– the real deal. I left the event uplifted and I've shared his messages every chance I get, ever since. Keep up the great work Inspiring America!
Hired as: Motivational Speaker
Heather R.
August 16, 2016Sonny is Great!
Terrific job! Very Enjoyable.
Hired as: Motivational Speaker
Brenda H.
September 27, 2012I laughed....I cried...I enjoyed
I would recommend anyone who has the opportunity to hear Sonny speak. He is a highly entertaining and inspiring speaker. Sonny was humorous in imparting words of wisdom and inspiration. When he was through speaking, it was hard to believe his time was up.
Hired as: Motivational Speaker
Booking information
Price range: $10,000 - $20,000
Languages: English , Spanish
Gig length: 45 - 60 minutes
Unions: SAG-AFTRA
What to expect
Keynote Motivational / Inspirational Presentation
The Remarkable Power of Intentional Enthusiasm
Sonny takes the audience on a journey of endless possibility and tells of those who have achieved great success, against all odds, including his own story, beginning in the back of his father's barbershop, where his family lived, to Hollywood and beyond. This multi-media presentation is filled with magical moments that reveal the secrets to inspire your audience!
*Each presentation is customized to emphasize your conference or event theme.
A Wave of Change, An Ocean of Opportunity
As the world continues to change at a rapid pace, Sonny provides practical tools and techniques for adapting to new challenges and staying ahead of the curve, while turning setbacks into opportunities. When faced with setbacks or failures, it can be easy to lose motivation and give up on our dreams. Sonny will share stories of people who have transformed their setbacks into comebacks, and provide practical strategies for bouncing back from adversity.
Big Dreams Begin With Small Steps
Sonny motivates students to focus on the connection between their passion, talent, and responsibility. Sharing his own story of growing up in the back of his father's barbershop with big dreams, students will learn the importance of education, a strong work ethic and unstoppable confidence.
World-Class Master of Ceremonies
-Every event is handled like a network television production. Sonny's goal is make everyone look good and feel special. Having served as emcee at thousands of events, there is literally nothing he hasn't seen or can't handle. As Sonny puts it, "If there's an earthquake during the event, I'll find a way to work it into the program!"
About
Sonny Melendrez is a highly sought-after motivational keynote speaker, known for his dynamic and infectious enthusiasm that has inspired audiences across the world. A two-time recipient of Billboard Magazine's "Radio Personality of the Year" awards. Sonny is a radio and television personality, actor, writer, comedian, commercial spokesman, and animation voice artist.
He is inducted in the Texas Radio Hall Of Fame and is included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as one of the Top 100 Radio Personalities of All-Time.
With his talent for energizing audiences and his natural charm, Sonny has become a trusted spokesperson for a number of high-profile companies, including Disney, Pepsi, McDonald's, Sears, and Sprint PCS.
In addition to his accomplishments in broadcasting and advertising, Sonny has also received numerous accolades for his philanthropic work. He has been recognized by the FBI with the National Director's Community Leadership Award and received a Presidential Commendation for his efforts in the war on drugs. The City of San Antonio named the Sonny Melendrez Community Center located on the city's West Side in his honor as way to say “thank you” for his community involvement, benefitting disadvantaged youth and families
One of the projects of which he is most proud is The Children of the World Project, giving talented youth and countless volunteers a way to give back by recording the children's version of "We Are the World," which he created in Los Angeles in 1985. Over 1500 children participated in the recording and video and proceeds from record sales benefited USA for Africa. Sonny received a Grammy nomination for "Best Children's Recording."
As a teenager, Sonny discovered his ability to create character voices, and he has lent his talent to a variety of animated programs and commercials. He has provided the voices for several characters in "The Jetsons" cartoon series, "The Gremlins Movie", and many more.
Sonny's motivational presentations have fired up associations, teams teachers and companies, inspiring them to get involved and make a difference in their communities. He is the author of "The Art of Living With Enthusiasm!," a book that shares personal stories of encouragement, comfort, and joy to inspire positive living.
Sonny Melendrez is truly a man of many talents and a beacon of positivity, whose infectious enthusiasm has made him one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the world.
Additional booking notes
Wireless lapel microphone. Optional: laptop & screen
Upcoming booked events
July 2026
31
Friday
San Antonio College Presentation
10:00am - 12:30pm
August 2026
03
Monday
Devine ISD Convocation Keynote
8:00am - 10:00am
September 2026
24
Thursday
MC San Antonio College Centennial Gala
5:30pm - 11:30pm
October 2026
08
Thursday
Keynote - National Public Record Research Asso.
8:00am - 11:00am
November 2026
03
Tuesday
Keynote - Midland Women's Club
10:30am - 1:30pm
Past booked events
November 2021
20
Saturday
MC Master Artists Event
4:00pm - 10:00pm
October 2021
02
Saturday
MC TeamAbility Gala - Incarnate Word Skyroom
6:00pm - 10:30pm
August 2021
05
Thursday
KLRN TV Taping
4:00pm - 5:30pm
04
Wednesday
Visit San Antonio Annual Conference
8:00am - 9:00am
November 2017
06
Monday
NCRA Conference - Baltimore, MD
7:00pm - 3:00pm
October 2017
28
Saturday
MC SMM 75th Anniversary Event
8:00pm - 10:00pm
19
Thursday
EN Event - Grand Hyatt - San Antonio
12:00pm - 1:00pm
11
Wednesday
Conf Keynote Financial Professionals Asso.
12:00pm - 1:00pm
06
Friday
Conf Keynote Academic Advising Conference
9:00am - 1:00pm
05
Thursday
Conf Keynote Womens Council of Realtors
5:00pm - 6:00pm
04
Wednesday
Conf Keynote United States Ombudsman Asso.
11:00am - 1:00pm
September 2017
23
Saturday
TMI Speaking
9:00am - 10:00am
11
Monday
Conf Keynote - NCFH Conference
9:00am - 10:00am
10
Sunday
Hall of Fame Induction
1:00pm - 4:00pm
August 2016
15
Monday
Campus Event
1:30pm - 3:00pm
•
Cotulla, TX
Set list
n/a
Influences and inspiration
Over the past 24 years, I've had the pleasure of working with the best in business of speaking and entertainment. Their level of professionalism and commitment to excellence has been truly inspiring.
They include, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, Rita Moreno, Sylvester Stallone, Ricardo Montalban, Neil Diamond, Bette Midler, and Wayne Dyer.
Setup requirements
Wireless lapel microphone. Laptop & projector / screen