Available to book
Nihal Arthanayake
Communication
Diversity and Inclusion
Transform workplace conversations with Nihal Arthanayake, speaker and communication expert. Nihal works with organisations to enhance interview skills, improve diversity representation, and develop authentic dialogue techniques, delivering award-winning insights recognised by BBC and major media institutions.
Podcast
Broadcaster
Humanitarian
Author
Influencer
Music Business
Nihal Arthanayake is an accomplished broadcaster and TV presenter, renowned for his engaging, insightful conversations that have shaped British media. With over 25 years in the industry, he has become one of the UK's most distinctive voices. Nihal's career began in the music industry as a recording artist and publicist before transitioning to broadcasting, where he made his mark at BBC Radio 1, co-hosting Asian Beats and later presenting BBC Radio 1's Review and Radio 5 Live's Afternoon Show.
His diverse broadcasting portfolio also includes hosting his own Penguin Podcast and award-winning documentaries for BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service, and BBC Radio 2. In 2019, Nihal's excellence in interviewing was recognised with the Interview of the Year award at the BBC Radio & Music Awards. He is known for his unique ability to conduct thoughtful, engaging interviews with individuals from a wide range of fields, from musicians and politicians to celebrities and ordinary people.
He has also become an advocate for diversity, frequently challenging institutions on the need for greater ethnic representation in media, as evidenced by his leadership roles on advisory boards for the BBC and his candid writings in The Guardian and GQ. In 2022, Nihal published Let's Talk: How to Have Better Conversations, which combines his experiences as an interviewer with insights into the psychology of communication. The book has been lauded as both a practical guide and an invigorating manifesto for fostering better dialogues in a fragmented world. Beyond his media career, Nihal is a trustee for several charitable organisations, including Home in Manchester, and an ambassador for the British Asian Trust. His contribution to communication and culture was recognised with an Honorary Doctorate in Communications in 2023.
Book Nihal Arthanayake to inspire your team with his unparalleled storytelling and communication skills. His insights on fostering meaningful conversations will transform your workplace culture, enhance collaboration, and drive engagement. With a wealth of experience across media, Nihal captivates audiences, making him an invaluable addition to any event.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Nihal Arthanayake draws on his 25-year career as a broadcaster and interviewer to frame talks around the mechanics of conversation, referencing material from his 2022 book Let's Talk: How to Have Better Conversations, which combines first-hand interviewing experience with findings from communication psychology.
Nihal Arthanayake speaks on communication, the psychology of conversation, and diversity and representation in media. He received the Interview of the Year award at the BBC Radio & Music Awards in 2019 and holds an Honorary Doctorate in Communications, awarded in 2023.
To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.
There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.
Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.
Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.
Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.
Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.
You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.
Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.
Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.
A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.
When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.
Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.
Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.
Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.
Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.
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