How to Give a Motivational Speech to Teenagers

Giving a motivational speech to teenagers is a chance to share wisdom and advice. Whether you are sharing with your own kids, a group of their friends, or your teen̵7;s classmates, keep in mind that listening to a motivational speech can be a life-changing experience for a teen. A speech that's exciting, thought-provoking, relevant, as well as informative, is likely to hold the attention of your teen audience and enable you to get your point across. The actual words you use when speaking to teens or others can take them to new heights and actually change the way they think, according to DiResta Communications, Inc., a communication skills consulting firm.

Instructions

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      Identify your primary subject matter. Create a clear and simple purpose for your speech -- and stick with it. One of the most important things to remember when talking to teens is to stay focused on the message you want them to take away. Teens are easily distracted by those around them, their cellphones and their other personal electronic devices, so knowing what you are going to discuss and sticking to your plan is important.

    • 2

      Know your audience. Each audience has its own personality based on life experience, culture and world view. What one group of teens will understand and with what they might identify may not appeal to another group. Knowing your audience well will help you plan a motivational speech that meets the specific needs of the group.

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      Plan your speech. You want to grab the attention of your audience, so include a brief, but dynamic introduction that immediately engages them. According to Ty Howard, motivational speaker and publisher and editor-in-chief of MOTIVATION magazine, your speech should include three main points that each begin with an action word like "see" you future, "live" your dream and "inspire" others. To drive home these points to your listeners, you can attach a personal story or anecdote to each point. Your speech also needs a conclusion that briefly goes over your main points again and emphasizes what you want your teen audience to remember.

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      Be entertaining but not silly. Teens don't expect you to act like a teenager because you aren't one. Teens are also typically perceptive, recognizing what is genuine and what is contrived. They will appreciate authenticity, as well as good storytelling and humor, when it's appropriate. Don't try to "write" jokes into your speech. Instead, you might introduce humor when relating personal stories by illustrating your own vulnerability and growth.

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