Speaking To Youth – Special Things You’ll Need To Take Into Consideration

Speaking to today’s youth is quite easy and with the technology available, which enables us to remain in constant contact no matter where they or you are located, it’s like they’re with you 24 hours a day 7 days a week if you want.
Speaking to today’s youth and having them listen and understand what you’re saying…well, that’s a whole different ball game.
The first thing you have to remember, like it or not, today’s kids are generally no different than we were when we were their ages. If you’re a baby boomer, which I am, don’t even try to tell me you were an angel as a youth. Janice Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Dylan ring a bell for any of you hippies? We were as rebellious and independent as today’s youth is trying to be, although their ways may be quite foreign to us.
The second matter we must concede is although our generation sent men to the moon, we can’t operate an Ipod, Blackberry or hundred other electronic devises which we see five year olds whizzing through. This generation is not stupid.
So, you’ve been invited to speak to a group of youth, what do you need to do to reach these kids? It should be assumed the person or organization which asked you to speak knows your credentials match the intentions of the group and subject, but always verify this. It’ll be an hour from hell if you’re a master chess player talking to a group of juvenile delinquents.
If you’re going to take the time and energy to speak to the group you want to do everything in your power to have an influence on them, to help or guide them. Here are some basics which must be met before even considering speaking, at least speaking successfully.
The group of youth have to relate to you. Media seems to dwell on hardened criminals trying to scare the hell out of want to be crooks, and that’s great, but not all kids are bad. This group of youth may be on the debate team or anthropology class, but whatever it is, you must fit into their world. You’ll never be one of them, you’re too old, but you must relate to them.
Don’t try and fool kids, as I said they are not stupid. Unless there is a specific reason, such as a Steve Martin humor, don’t dress like a fool. Don’t come on stage with your pants around the bottom of your butt, you’ll probably fall, or a cap with the bill backwards. They will immediately know you are a fraud and no matter how good a speaker you are, you’re message will be classified as coming from a clown with no substance.
Be honest with the kids. Today’s youth are very perceptive and it’s difficult to get a scam by them for any length of time. If you’re talking to a group about the dangers of drugs, don’t tell them you were a one time drug addict and relate the horrors of your life on drugs, when in reality you were an uncover cop.
Even if you’re good, making everything you say sound like it’s from a druggies’ perspective is difficult. Why put that strain on yourself and risk a mistake which could jeopardize the entire discussion. Tell them you’re a cop, you may be pleasantly surprised at their reaction to your authority. This of course is just an example.
The main issues are remember where you came from and how you felt at their ages, don’t try to fool them, rather be honest, try to relate to them by expressing a feeling or emotion you’ve had that you know they’ve had, and remember you’ll never be part of them no matter how hard you try.
In reality you don’t want to be part of their society, you want to explain your experiences were not much different than they’re currently experiencing when you went through your era and offer tips and advise on how to handle the difficulties. Be a role model, not a Bro.