Youth Speakers FAQ

HOW MUCH DO YOUTH DO YOUTH SPEAKERS COST?

Speakers’ fees generally range anywhere from $600 (on a shared day) to $3,500 with a few exceptions. Longer presentations may require a higher fee. In addition to the fee, you can expect to pay for coach airfare, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and incidentals such as parking, tips, and tolls. *

 

ARE YOUTH SPEAKERS WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

The question you should be asking is “Am I willing to hire someone who does not charge a lot and risk having ‘another boring presentation?’ ” In most professional businesses it would be fair to say “you get what you pay for.” Motivational speakers,per se, are a dime a dozen.

Anybody can THINK they are a dynamic presenter,but a PROVEN YOUTH SPEAKER will have a PROVEN TRACK RECORD. (Patrick has spoken in 30 states,is part of the best youth speakers bureau in America and has been invited to speak overseas.Just saying…)

Youth speakers ,like Patrick, understand the culture of teenagers and students. The 45-60 minute presentation is a 45-60 minute embodiment of the speaker’s experience,expertise and knowledge. In Patrick’s case his presentation is a straight up concoction of 10+ years working with youth + several years of hosting regional and national level Hip Hop events + presentation skills that got him into the Semi-Finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking.

 

HOW DID PATRICK BECOME A PROFESSIONAL YOUTH SPEAKER?

Patrick began working with children and youth when he was still a teenager himself. Patrick served where he could with an inner-city youth ministry that bussed in students.

Once Patrick was an “older” teen he began mentoring middle school students who gravitated towards his “non-traditional” way of connecting with other youth; through dance. “At-risk” students from single parents home became Patrick’s passion.

Fast forward a few years and we find Patrick mentoring students, going to college and desiring to reach more students through his message and dance. After a brief stint working with Motivational Productions,he incorporated a non-profit organization during college called Lead,Encourage and Dance (LEAD).

Throughout his time in college Patrick and 10+ other like minded dancers combined their skills with those of singers, DJs and even other youth-empowerment programs to tackle teen issues in schools throughout West Texas.

Patrick understood what it is like to want to reach out to as many youth as possible,but the reality of bills,student loans and conflicts of interest among dancers eventually brought LEAD to a stop. Sad.

In 2006 Patrick took the experience, layout and energy from LEAD and turned his own stories into a message of hope and perseverance. Armed with his message and his lofty dream of inspiring youth throughout the country Patrick turned down several jobs after college to focus on building his brand and speaking business.Fun.

The first year as a “speaker” Patrick struggled just to stay afloat. Using a Visa Card to pay a Master Card to pay student loans was the theme his first year on his own. Patrick kept his mind set on what his dream and gift were…and pushed on.

After meeting with other very successful speakers, including a boot camp with legendary youth speaker Josh Shipp, Patrick doubled his marketing efforts. By 2008 Patrick was speaking across the country and for the last 4 years has been invited to present at a National Youth Leadership Conference each year!

Despite the recession,Patrick is having his best year yet in 2011. On top of that he was added to America’s #1 youth speaker bureau The Fisher Agency in California. Furthermore, Patrick has an awesome manager ,Nancy, who also happens to be married to another amazing youth speaker named Gabe Salazar!

DOES PATRICK JUST DANCE THROUGHOUT HIS SHOW?

NO.NO. En Espanol…”No.” Patrick’s dance is his hook that gets the students involved. Usually Patrick will have students up and moving even before the show starts just because he hates being in a quiet assembly room.

Patrick’s presentation focuses heavily on his story of how choices brought him to where he is now in life. He also has several interactive portions where students will be the ones on stage dancing, acting out skits or learning to bust a move. More importantly,though, is the fact that each of these interactive parts tie back into the central themes of drug prevention, choices and healthy,positive relationships.

WE HAVE NO MONEY OR VERY LITTLE FUNDING. WILL PATRICK OFFER DISCOUNTS OR PRO BONO SHOWS?

Patrick very seldom does discount programs or pro-bono presentations simply because of these 3 reasons:

1) Patrick is already actively involved in volunteering in his hometown of Austin,TX. He is a proud volunteer for groups such as The Theater Action Project, CASA and the random “plant a garden” event.

2) Patrick is looking out for you as well. What has happened in the past is that Patrick really wants to help out a meaningful group and so he will put a tentative hold on the event date. More-often-than-not another event ,with funding,will come along and want to book the same date. This is never a fun experience since Patrick is running a business and does have a mortgage,bills and fierce appetite to support.

3) In the early years Patrick did discount programs or pro-bono events and LEFT THE EVENT because he was poorly treated (imagine dancing on a concrete slab,getting injured and then realizing you are not getting paid to cover physical therapy expenses.ouch.)

Patrick is Worth the Investment. Patrick also has a cool group of fellow speakers and up-and-coming speakers who he could also get you in touch with should your budget be limited. You can also check out FUNDING IDEAS.

* Compiled numbers from The Fisher Agency.