Motivational speakers aren’t always celebrities, sports stars, or politicians. A report by the House of Commons Home Affairs committee found that young offenders and young people at risk of committing crime responded from real people with whom they could identify. There are two types of motivational speakers, self-motivators and leadership motivators. While leadership motivators often come from the world of sports or politics, self-motivators come from a variety of backgrounds and have typically had to overcome something in their lives to achieve what they have. They may include explorers, musicians, and athletes who have overcome a disability.

The media has given celebrity status to certain gangs in recent years due to a sharp increase in gun and knife crime. These can be gangs roaming the streets intent on using violence against their enemies, or groups of friends who suddenly find themselves acting criminally. Either way, the young age of gang members makes this increase in crime worrying, but could it be overcome through positive intervention?

Let’s be clear. Violence can never be justified and youth who knowingly commit violent crimes must be punished. However, we should be looking for a way to prevent violence from taking place to begin with.

The Internal Affairs report indicated that parents, teachers and police were effective role models that young people listened to. There are also indications that young offenders associate with people who have overcome obstacles in their lives to achieve great things. Motivational speakers can win over potential youth offenders and those at risk of re-offending violence by channeling their energy into useful and fulfilling ventures. Musicians have been criticized in the past for promoting and endorsing violent behavior. A move away from violent lyrics and a focus on success has been lauded by politicians, social leaders and parents and appears to have had an impact on young people susceptible to the messages presented through popular music. Between 2000 and 2007 there has been a 23.6% drop in the frequency of recidivism, indicating that presenting an escape from a violent lifestyle can work.

Training and education in juvenile delinquent institutions provided by staff specially trained to work with youth and act as role models can show juvenile delinquents a way out of gangs. Seeing that there is more to life than turf and gang affiliation, young offenders may be inspired to continue their education or work in the community once they are released.

In order to reduce the number of violent crimes committed by young people, motivational speakers could be used to inspire children before they enter the path of violence. The age when children are first at risk of carrying a knife has been reported to be 11 years old, so it is important to motivate children before they reach this age. Introducing motivational speakers into elementary school classes could make children want to achieve the extraordinary. If they have a goal at an early age, children will be less likely to get involved in activities that could make this goal impossible to achieve.