Attention Teachers, Counselors, and Administratorsā¦ Picture This:
Itās early morning, and before you can even check attendance, your inbox pings with that reminder from your principal:
āWe need the PERFECT youth speaker for our next school assembly!ā
They want someone whoās engaging, entertaining, and experiencedāsomeone who can connect with your students, reflect your schoolās culture and goals, and deliver a meaningful message that addresses real issues like leadership, respect, and motivation.
Oh, and the budget? $1,100ā¦ total.
And they want names by the end of the week.
Sound familiar? Youāre already balancing a thousand responsibilitiesāand now the schoolās reputation (and yours) is on the line.
On one hand, you donāt want to accidentally hire someone whoās better suited for a kidās birthday party.
On the other, you know top youth speakers can charge several thousand dollars per appearanceābut you still want quality within your budget.
As someone who has spent over 20 years presenting motivational school assemblies and youth programs across the country, I understand the challenge. Finding the right youth speaker at the right price can feel impossible.
Thatās exactly why I created this guide.
ā The 5 Things You MUST Look for Before Hiring a Youth Speaker
Even if you donāt hire meāJamahl Keyes, The Magic Motivatorāthese five insider tips will help you find the right youth speaker, save money, and look like a hero to your principal.
1. Do They Have Expertise on the Specific Topic You Need?
A professional youth speaker should do more than tell storiesāthey should teach with purpose.
If your goal is to inspire leadership, but the speaker spends their time talking about bullying prevention, your message falls flat.
Always confirm their topic expertise aligns with your goals and student needs.
2. What Is Their Reputation as a Youth Speaker?
Reputation matters. Ask for references, testimonials, and past client lists from schools or districts similar to yours.
You want someone with a proven track record of engaging students and delivering results.
A great youth speaker leaves a lasting impact long after the applause.
3. Do They Have Video Highlights or Demo Reels?
Never book a youth speaker without watching them in action!
A speaker highlight video gives you an instant sense of their energy, delivery, and connection with students.
If a speaker doesnāt have video clips availableāproceed with caution.
Pro tip: Look for speakers who post clips from school assemblies, youth conferences, or leadership events, not just corporate keynotes.
4. Have They Worked with Your Age Group?
A great elementary school presenter may not connect the same way with high schoolers.
Make sure your speaker has experience presenting to your specific grade levelāand can adjust their language, visuals, and humor accordingly.
A seasoned youth speaker knows how to adapt their message for Kā12 audiences.
5. Can They Customize Their Message for Your School?
The best youth speakers donāt deliver a one-size-fits-all talk.
They take the time to learn about your schoolās culture, goals, and challengesāthen tailor their stories, visuals, and message to match.
Customization is what transforms a āgood assemblyā into an unforgettable experience your students will talk about all year.
š¤ Final Thought from Jamahl Keyes ā The Magic Motivator
After performing at schools nationwide, Iāve learned one simple truth:
When schools hire the right youth speaker, everyone winsāthe students, the staff, and your schoolās reputation.
Even if your budget is tight, following these five steps will help you choose a speaker who delivers impact, inspiration, and value.
If youāre ready to make your next assembly unforgettable, explore The Magic In You School Assembly Programāa motivational magic experience that blends laughter, leadership, and life lessons.
š” Related Resources:
š National Speakers Association: Tips for Booking Speakers
https://www.nsaspeaker.org/resources/
š Edutopia: How to Inspire Student Engagement
