What Do The Kids Like These Days

While the volunteering message might seem smarmier than the slacker alternative, at the end of it all, I think I'd appreciate the time spent discussing volunteer ideas more than if I were to have spent the same amount hearing about stuff I already do to kill time.

And though I'm one of the oldest regular members here, yes, I'm in college.

Also, this belongs in General Discussion more than Community. Moving it there.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

It's important to relay any subject to the audience in a manner to which they can relate. When speaking of volunteering, discuss efforts that are important to young people. Ask around; see what concerns college students. Politics? The environment? Animal rights? Know your audience and you'll know of what to speak.

Find groups in your area to which young people belong and research what they do. And find groups that have wide membership eligibilities. Volunteer organizations composed of people from very specific religions or racial groups are fine, but spending too much time on groups like those may alienate audience members who wouldn't fit in.

Get stories about young people who've made a difference. Don't just present dull facts and statistics. People love stories, especially when they're about folks similar to themselves. Call those volunteer groups and ask if there are any inspirational tales from their young members. If you demonstrate that you've put effort into your speech, an audience will respond with the proper level of enthusiasm.

And some general speechifying advice:

Address the crowd, not the podium. The podium isn't listening to you.

If you find a spot, be funny. But don't be a clown. Avoid cliched humor. If you think a joke might be cliched, it is.

Don't be afraid of what the audience thinks of you. You're not there for a criticism. Don't let it become one. If someone actually heckles you, don't heckle back. As a speaker, you should be above such actions and the audience might not respect you if show the same lack of class as the disruptive jerk in the ninth row.

Most importantly, breathe. If you don't, you'll rush. Should you find yourself hurrying, stop and take about five seconds to reset the pace. The audience won't mind, trust me. A pregnant pause is an excellent way to restore everyone's attention upon the speaker.

I hope this helps you some.

There's nowhere I can't reach.