Need a Motivational Youth Speaker Who Can Actually Hold Their Attention?
How the Magic Keeps Attention (and Makes the Message Stick):
Curiosity Hooks:
Visual illusions spark focus in the first 10 seconds and reset attention throughout.
Clean Comedy Beats:
Strategic humor lowers defenses so real learning can land.
Audience Participation:
Volunteers become co-stars, turning concepts into memorable moments.
Message Tie-Backs:
Each routine circles back to your theme—leadership, resilience, respect, attendance, or achievement—so entertainment becomes education.
Horizon Math & Science Academy
Before:
At a statewide DECA leadership conference, organizers struggled to find an opening act that could energize 500 students early in the morning.
After:
Jamahl Keyes opened the event with his Magic of Leadership presentation — blending illusions with leadership principles. The audience was hyped for the rest of the day.
“He made our student leaders laugh, think, and dream big. We immediately rebooked him for next year.”
— Indiana DECA Coordinator
Youth Organizations Impacted By The Magic Motivator Jamahl Keyes Presentations:
Frequently Asked Questions When Hiring a Motivational Youth Speaker
Fees vary widely based on experience, travel, program length, customization, and location. For school assemblies, typical rates might range from $1,500 to $6,000+ (or more for high-profile speakers). Some speakers also offer tiered pricing (local vs. long-distance) or discounts for multiple bookings. Always ask what the fee includes (travel, lodging, equipment, prep time).
A professional youth motivational speaker should be able to adjust content for elementary, middle, and high schoolaudiences. When you book, ask for sample programs per grade level or see video clips of past presentations to verify age appropriateness.
Yes — a quality speaker tailors their talk to your school’s goals (e.g. leadership, anti-bullying, character, goal-setting). Ask for a pre-event planning session or “briefing” so they know your culture, challenges, key messages, and what you hope the students walk away thinking and doing.
Most motivational youth speakers will require basic AV: a microphone (wireless lavalier or handheld), a projector & screen, sound system (speakers), and a stage or riser. Ask whether they bring their own tech (mixer, laptop, lighting) or need your support. Also confirm time for sound check.
The best youth speakers incorporate interactive elements — questions, demonstrations, student participation, illusions, stories, or call-and-response segments. Lecturing only can lose attention. Make sure the speaker can walk off stage, engage the crowd, and keep energy high.
Yes—be sure to request demo videos, highlight reels, and references from other schools or youth events. Watching their past performances helps you see style, pacing, humor, and ability to connect with students. This is one of the best ways to validate the investment.
Book 3 to 6 months (or more) in advance, especially for peak school times (like start of the year, graduation, or special events). Top speakers fill up early. Also, early booking gives time for planning, customization, ordering contracts, and communicating with your staff.
Yes — most speakers are willing to travel. But travel fees (airfare, lodging, ground transport) may be added. On your end, ask for a breakdown of travel costs and whether they have a “local vs non-local” rate.
A professional speaker should provide a contract that clearly states cancellation, postponement, and refund terms. Ask about what happens if the speaker is sick, if the venue cancels, or if the date changes. Insist on a backup plan or clause so you’re not left without a program.
Standard full-assembly programs run 30–60 minutes, including interactive segments or Q&A. Some speakers offer shorter versions (20–30 mins) for limited schedules or combined with another program. Clarify whether the quoted price includes setup, performance, and breakdown time.
J.A.G. High School Event
Before:
“As the J.A.G. coordinator at our high school, I was searching for a speaker who could actually connect with our students — not just talk at them. Many of our juniors and seniors come from tough backgrounds, and keeping them motivated about career readiness and leadership can be a real challenge. I wanted someone who could inspire them, but also hold their attention and make the message real.”
After:
“When Jamahl Keyes – The Magic Motivator – took the stage, it was like flipping a switch. Within minutes, students were laughing, cheering, and completely engaged. He used magic to show how belief and preparation can turn ‘impossible’ into I’m possible. I watched students who normally sit in the back of the room leaning forward and participating.
After the assembly, several students came up to me saying it was the first time they’d felt truly seen at a school event. Jamahl didn’t just entertain them — he empowered them. Our J.A.G. students left that day believing that their goals weren’t just dreams… they were plans.”
“Jamahl Keyes turned our J.A.G. event into a moment of transformation. He didn’t just motivate our students — he moved them.”
— Mr. Anthony Douglas, J.A.G. Coordinator, Washington High School
Are you seeking an electrifying youth speaker who can ignite passion and spark change in your youth? Look no further! Jamahl Keyes, known as the Magic Motivator, is here to transform your event into a powerful experience that resonates long after the applause fades.
Here are 3 powerful statistics that highlight the importance of school assemblies and leadership speakers for today’s students, along with the results and impact these experiences have on student development, engagement, and long-term success.
Here are 3 powerful statistics that highlight the importance of youth speaker for today’s students.
The percentage of educators that have reported the positive effect of using a Motivational Youth Speaker (Source: Ed Week Research Center)
The student percentage of higher communication competency after their involvement of any leadership program. (Source: National Student Leadership Conference)
The increased GPA of Students that attend youth leadership assemblies (Source: Education Weekly Report)
Charlie Adams Experience With Jamahl Keyes
Before:
Award Winning Author and Keynote Speaker Charlie was searching for a closing Keynote that would truly energize and unite the audience of over 800 High School Students at a Conference.
After:
“Jamahl Keyes took the stage and absolutely blew the audience away. His finale wasn’t just entertaining — it was transformational. Students left with tears of laughter and hearts full of inspiration. The perfect closing speaker.”
— Charlie Adams, Award-Winning Youth Speaker & Author
Amazing Family Night at The School!
"I heard a lot about you..."
The Top 10 Reasons Educators Choose Motivational Youth Speaker Jamahl Keyes AKA The Magic Motivator
Jamahl grabs attention with magic, humor, and interactive storytelling—the ultimate combo for today’s media-driven students.
Magic becomes a powerful metaphor to teach resilience, failure, and discipline—core components of SEL.
Jamahl shares his own story of going from struggling student to national youth speaker, which builds instant trust.
Jamahl uses interactive illusions and real-life scenarios to sharpen students’ ability to think critically, analyze situations, and make smart decisions—even under pressure.
By linking magic to effort, focus, and discipline, Jamahl helps students see the connection between grit and academic success.
Every show includes student participation, helping shy or struggling students experience success on stage.
Jamahl provides real tools for self-care and emotional regulation—exactly what students need now.
Magic based on misdirection and illusion becomes a metaphor for thinking independently and avoiding negative influence.
Jamahl celebrates all voices and backgrounds—making every student feel seen, heard, and valued.
Students walk away with actionable tools for goal-setting, confidence, and future planning.
Youth Speaker Jamahl Keyes Partial Client List:
Serving Indianapolis & Surrounding Cities
Motivational Youth Speaker Jamahl Keyes is available for Convocations, school Assemblies and student events across Indiana and the Midwest:
- Indianapolis, IN
- Avon, IN
- Brownsburg, IN
- Carmel, IN
- Greenwood, IN
- Westfield, IN
- Zionsville, IN
- Plus regional youth conferences, summits, and school assemblies
The Magic Motivator – Jamahl Keyes is a top selling author, award winning motivational speaker and trainer with over 20 years of experience presenting school assembly shows, continuing education training and conference talks. He has successfully created and presented very entertaining and informative talks for schools, youth organizations and education professionals.