Should Schools Employ A Motivational Speaker?

Few people will dispute the positive effect that a motivational speaker can have on his or her audience. On a daily basis we can see in the media examples of good motivational speakers, especially in the world of sports. The same can be said throughout history, where the best and most memorable world leaders knew how to make a respectable motivational speech. Nowadays, demand for motivational speakers is higher than ever and they are becoming a staple fixture at corporate events. According to recent press stories, UK schools are even hiring them. But do they have a role to play in schools?

If certain head teachers are to be believed then yes they certainly do. In certain schools there is an increasing problem with lack of ambition and disaffected young people, they argue, and using a motivational speaker can go some way to alleviating the problem. In such situations, the motivational speaker’s role is to motivate the students to see the full range of options open to them and to encourage them to take responsibility for their own futures. It is working according to various teachers.

Some schools hire a motivational speaker to speak to children at very important times of their educational lives, such as just before their exams start. At such times the young people are likely to be stressed and anxious and may be suffering with low self esteem. Those in favour of the use of a motivational speaker in schools claim that they can boost both self esteem and exam results.

Not all taxpayers will agree that the motivational speaker fee is the best use of their money. However, head teachers are claiming that the idea is paying off. Maybe now is the time to look into what a motivational speaker can offer to our young people.