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As educators and student leaders, we understand the profound impact engaging speakers can have on young minds. Their words can spark curiosity, ignite passion, and inspire students to reach for their full potential. But selecting the right keynote speaker for your event can be a daunting task. Fear not! Here are some key considerations to guide you toward finding the perfect voice to captivate your student audience: 1. Understand Your Audience: The foundation of any successful event is a keen understanding of your audience. Consider the age, interests, and academic level of your students. What are their current learning priorities and challenges? What sparks their excitement and curiosity? Tailoring your speaker search to their specific needs is crucial for ensuring meaningful engagement. 2. Align with Your Event's Objectives: What message do you want students to take away from the event? Is it about fostering critical thinking skills, inspiring career aspirations, or promoting social awareness? Clearly define your objectives and seek a speaker whose expertise and message resonate with your desired outcomes. 3. Prioritize Passion and Expertise: While celebrity speakers may pique initial interest, prioritize individuals with genuine passion for your chosen topic and a proven track record of connecting with young audiences. Look for speakers who bring fresh perspectives, diverse backgrounds, and relevant academic credentials. Don't hesitate to request video clips or testimonials to assess their presentation style and audience engagement. 4. Embrace Storytelling and Interactivity: Ditch the dry monologue! Seek speakers who weave captivating narratives into their presentations, incorporating personal anecdotes, relatable examples, and interactive elements like polls, quizzes, or even short group activities. These strategies not only enhance engagement but also solidify learning by turning passive listening into active participation. 5. Don't Shy Away from Technology: Today's students are digital natives, so embrace technology to keep them connected and engaged. Leverage slideshows, videos, live demonstrations, or even virtual reality experiences to complement the speaker's message and create a dynamic learning environment. 6. Remember the Importance of Humor: Laughter is a powerful tool for learning and fostering positive connections. Choose a speaker who can weave humor into their presentation, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that encourages active participation and deeper understanding. 7. Foster Two-Way Dialogue: Don't let the speaker be the sole voice in the room! Make time for Q&A sessions, panel discussions, or open forums where students can interact, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue with the speaker. This two-way exchange deepens understanding, facilitates critical thinking, and personalizes the learning experience. 8. Follow Up and Extend the Learning: The impact of a great speaker shouldn't end with the presentation. Provide students with access to the speaker's website, resources, or social media platforms. Encourage them to reflect on the key takeaways, engage in further research, or even take action on the ideas presented. This follow-up ensures the continued impact of the event and empowers students to turn inspiration into tangible outcomes. Choosing the right keynote speaker is an investment in the future of your students. By thoughtfully considering these tips and remembering that their engagement and learning are paramount, you can find the perfect voice to ignite their curiosity, challenge their perspectives, and send them soaring with newfound knowledge and a passion for lifelong learning. Go forth, and let the search for the perfect spark begin!

The recent rejection of an Advanced Placement African American Studies course in Florida has ignited a debate that resonates beyond the state's borders, touching on fundamental questions about education, history, and society's values. This decision has sent ripples through the educational community and has many questioning the motivations and implications behind such a move. As we unpack the complexities of this issue, we must consider the wider impact on how history is taught and whose stories are told in our schools. Our discussion begins by examining the roots of the controversy. Florida's Department of Education has made a decision that directly challenges the way African American history is valued and represented in the academic curriculum. This has sparked concerns over a resurgence of anti-intellectualism and the power of political entities to dictate educational content. History has shown us that the struggle over educational autonomy and the content of what is taught in schools is an ongoing battle, with historical precedents like the removal of Malcolm X from New York's curriculum in 1968 underscoring the enduring nature of this conflict. At the core of the debate is the content and significance of the AP African American Studies course itself. This course was designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the African diaspora, shedding light on the rich and varied legacies of ancient African societies and the Sudanic empires. It also aimed to cultivate critical thinking skills through source analysis and an examination of the African American experience. The rejection of such an inclusive and enlightening course raises questions about the motivations behind limiting students' exposure to diverse historical narratives. The conversation also addresses the discomfort that some may have with the teaching of African American history. It's a history that encompasses the pride, struggle, and resistance of African Americans and their journey towards freedom. By examining topics such as slavery, black resistance, the Red Summer, double consciousness, the role of black women and organizations, HBCUs, and figures like Marcus Garvey, the course presented an opportunity to foster a deeper understanding of American history as a whole. Community engagement is highlighted as a critical component in preserving the integrity of historical teachings. The experts emphasize the need for individuals within communities to become actively involved in promoting accurate historical narratives. This extends to the political realm, where the importance of supporting candidates who are committed to educational opportunities that reflect and serve the community is underscored. In conclusion, the rejection of the AP African American Studies course in Florida is a reminder of the challenges that remain in the pursuit of an inclusive and truthful educational system. The conversation with our education experts not only illuminates the gravity of the situation but also serves as a call to action for those who believe in the importance of teaching a curriculum that celebrates African American history and its contributions to our society. It's an episode that implores listeners to reflect on the educational values we champion and the legacy we wish to leave for future generations.

The best speakers aren't those who just speak; they are those who plant seeds of inspiration and catalyze positive change in the hearts and minds of their audience." - Tony Robbins I’ve been speaking at schools across the country for almost 15 years now. Three things have become apparent to me: 1. The Search for Guidance:** There are always people looking for help. 2. Unmeasurable Impact:** The impact I’ve been able to make at the places I’ve visited is truly immeasurable for both the audience and myself. 3. Continuous Learning:** I’m constantly learning new things to share and spread with more people. As year 15 approaches, I thought I'd create my first blog post about the power of an inspiring keynote speaker for your event. I’ve spoken at hundreds of speaking engagements over the years (you can find them here). Whether you are a parent or an educator, we’ve all been in that seat at parent-teacher conferences, school board meetings, and teachers' assemblies where we find ourselves uncontrollably glaring at the clock every 5 minutes, counting down the seconds until we can get up and leave. Trust me, I've been there. As someone who has now opened up his 5th school, I’ve probably attended more than most. What gets me every time, though, is how the featured speaker or keynote speaker at a school conference or event can either make or break it. When we have these meetings or conferences for parents or for fellow educator colleagues, we don't just meet for the sake of seeing each other. We meet because of a shared mission we are trying to accomplish, to breathe inspiration within our staff, or to seek help in areas where we might find ourselves struggling. Choosing the right keynote speaker who is an expert with experience in the field is pivotal to having a successful event. If you find the right keynote speaker, they will be able to ignite the passion within your audience and convey the message you want or need in a way that resonates. I've spoken at failing schools before, and because of the impact, I was able to turn the ship around. Having a keynote speaker who is an expert with years of experience is also pivotal for your event when it comes to Q&A and answering the questions that your audience may be dealing with. Nowadays, it seems like we are in a climate where everyone wants to be a speaker. So, I wanted to outline the important roles of a keynote speaker to give your event the best chance of success: 1. Motivation and Inspiration: When you look into the audience, you must find the common thread that bonds you, whether it's a common problem or a burning question. Once you find that, you can ignite and inspire that passion in the audience and motivate them to great lengths. 2. Real-Life Lessons: A keynote speaker should be able to impart hard-earned lessons from personal experiences. Many times, we need to hear solutions from outside our own school. I’ve been able to build 5 successful schools, sending 100% of my students to a 4-year college. So when I speak at schools, I can offer valuable advice on teaching diverse learners and creating successful schools. 3. Role Models: Choosing a strong role model that people can look up to is also important for a keynote speaker. The keynote speaker should be someone that your audience can respect and, if you're talking to students, someone they can aspire to be. I have done extensive programs, like the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program, where I mentored young men. This allows your keynote speaker to relate and connect with your audience. 4. Impact on Student Success: I’ve been fortunate enough to speak at events and witness the changes that have unfolded afterward. Young people message me all the time, referencing things I’ve said at keynote speeches from 10-15 years ago that have inspired them to open schools, become educators, or advocate for social justice change. That's the impact a keynote speaker should have on the audience. I’m still working every day to become a better speaker, representing what I stand for and delivering my message. Remember to look for these attributes in your speaker: a motivator with real-life experiences who’s a role model that has a long-term impact on the audience they’re speaking to. Share with me what you think makes a good keynote speaker, and some of the best speeches you've heard. Contact me to see if my services can be of use to your upcoming event.