Motivation guru Zig Ziglar dies at 86 November 28, 2012 -- Updated 1739 GMT (0139 HKT) Self-described Undisputed King of Motivation was known for his seminars He wrote more than two dozen books on salesmanship and motivation (CNN) -- Motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar died Wednesday in Dallas "after a short bout with pneumonia," his spokesman said. He was 86. The self-described Undisputed King of Motivation was known for his seminars, which grew into large gatherings held in packed arenas. Ziglar wrote more than two dozen books on salesmanship and motivation over the past five decades. He was born Hilary Hinton Ziglar in Coffee County, Alabama. His family moved to Yazoo City, Mississippi, and later to New York City.