MADD Teen Influencer
December 2024
Know who you are speaking to. The speech is not about you. Learn as much about your audience as possible. Are they kids? Teens? Parents? Craft your speech to help you organize and discover your motivational statement to make the greatest impact. Try not to read unless you have to. For me, this is probably the most difficult. It’s easy to hide behind a sheet of paper. The more you practice, take pauses when appropriate, and try to make eye contact, the more you will connect with your audience. It’s okay to be nervous—but practice a lot! Sometimes nerves are a good thing! It can help keep you on your toes and make you more alert. The solution to nerves is to practice until you feel comfortable enough, and look at your notes again right before you start. Watch for audience feedback. If they look bored, they probably are. Adjust accordingly. You might need to cut a sentence or two out of your well- planned speech just to keep things interesting. Delivering speeches for MADD as a Teen Influencer, I’ve learned the power of building up confidence both in myself and my message to the youth in my community. I am reminded that each impassioned speech I deliver may save a life that could have ended too soon. Going back to a speech I delivered at our annual Teen Summit recently, I reflected on my time as an influencer and the honest conversations I've had with my peers. While sometimes difficult, it has shaped my future path in that I have chosen never to drink alcohol, not only because of my family's struggles with alcohol, but because of the destruction that comes with it.
Nominate an Influencer of the Month! Do you know an influential teen who is a great role model? We would love to spotlight them! Click on the icon to the left or use the link below to share why they should be MADD's Influencer of the Month!
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