How to Engage a Class in a Motivational Speech

Motivational speeches should both engage and inspire learners.

Giving motivational speeches can be very rewarding for both the audience and the speaker, especially in an educational setting. The key is to reach out and engage the students while motivating them to action. Engaging students means invoking their emotions and impressing upon them the power of your message. If you can accomplish those goals as a speaker, your motivational speech will achieve the response you are looking for.

Instructions

1. Tailor the speech specifically for the age group that you are addressing. Be sure the anecdotes, humor and discussion are age-appropriate.

2. Inject the speech with humor, if appropriate. Laughter breaks the tension and creates positive energy in the classroom. Use that energy to seize students' attention and deliver your motivational appeal.

3. Share stories that evoke emotions and that illustrate the points in your speech. Try to think of stories that students can relate to at their age and learning level. For example, if you're giving a motivational speech to high school students about the importance of graduating, you might share a success story of a student who overcame significant challenges and eventually graduated.

4. Invite students to participate. Let them ask questions. Debate or discuss the topic as a class. Complete a hands-on activity, if applicable. Active learners are much more likely to absorb your motivational message than passive listeners.

5. Incorporate music, pictures, or even a brief movie clip into your motivational speech. Students are accustomed to getting their information in multiple ways, not just through auditory means. The more you can reinforce your appeal with additional media, the more likely the students will be to respond to it.

6. Ask another person to be a surprise guest at the end of the speech. Once you've hooked the students and motivated them to action, ask your guest to come out. Have the guest tell his own story, specifically as it relates to your motivational appeal. A personal testimonial will reinforce the message of your speech in the students' minds.

References

• Motivate Speech; Giving a Standing Ovation Motivational Speech; John Jacobson
• HT Net: The Secret Formula Behind Motivational Speaking
• "The Top Performer's Guide to Speeches and Presentations"; Tim Ursiny, Ph.D., et al.; 2007