Top Youth Motivational Speaker for School Assemblies: Inspiring Teens Nationwide

When it comes to finding the right youth motivational speaker for school assemblies, principals, school counselors, and PTO organizations want someone who can connect with students, inspire real change, and leave a lasting impact. That’s exactly what I strive to deliver at every school I visit.

Below is a Q&A to help you get to know more about me, why I do what I do, the message I bring, and why I may be the right fit for your next student school assembly.

Q&A with Tanner Clark: Teen Motivational Speaker and Creator of One Second of Strength

Q. How did you get started as a youth motivational speaker?

Tanner: I once heard that you were best equipped to help the person you once were. It may surprise you to hear this, but I was an unmotivated teenager. So after years as a business executive in marketing and parenting my own teenagers, I realized that teens everywhere were struggling with identity, confidence, and direction. I started sharing my story in small groups, and it quickly became clear this message was needed on a much larger scale. Now, I speak at schools full-time to help students find happiness, strength, and know their worth.

Q. What inspired your message for students?

Tanner: I realized that teens are tired of being told by parents, teachers, and others what to do and how to do it. I wanted teens to recognize that they were in control of their life and they have what it takes to overcome social media and the things keeping them stuck in life. In my own life I had started using the One Second of Strength mindset to overcome the challenges I was facing and knew that it could help teenagers and audiences of all ages to take control of their life.  

Q. What’s one thing principals and teachers should know about you?

Tanner: While you may bring me to speak to your students (plural) I’m come focused on one student. In every audience, I know there is one student who needs to hear my message on that day. My goal is to reach that student. I was recently speaking at a middle school assembly in Idaho and got a message from an 8th grade who thanked me for coming that day.  She said “You saved my life”.  That’s why I do this and I believe there is one student in your school who I can help save with my message.

The School Assembly Experience

Q. What makes you a top motivational speaker for teenagers and school assemblies?

Tanner: I was blessed with a unique ability to connect with students on a deep and authentic level. I share real-life stories that resonate with the challenges teens face today. My school assembly programs are high-energy, fast-paced, and relatable. Students will stay connected with funny moments while feeling connected and willing to listen and change during vulnerable moments.  It’s a perfect balance to keep students engaged in the assembly and help them recognize their worth, build resilience and take control of their life. 

My favorite feedback from a school principal was when she said “You kept a bunch of 6th graders attention for 50 minutes.” If you know anything about 6th graders, you’ll know that is a major accomplishment!

Q. What topics do you cover during your school assemblies?

Tanner: I’m able to cover a wide range of topics during the impactful assembly including:

• Being in control of emotions & actions

• Teen mental health

• Bullying and peer pressure

• Social media and digital dangers like predators

• Self-esteem and identity

• How to connect in real life

The topics are rooted in my signature message based on taking control of your life with “One Second of Strength”. At any moment teenagers can use their One Second of Strength to choose the right.  This could be pushing through a hard moment, being resilient, breaking the doom scroll, or sticking up for someone who is being bullied. 

Q. Why should schools bring in a motivational speaker like you?

Tanner: Students are facing more pressure than ever from friends, social media, parents, and academics. A fresh voice from outside their usual circle, that isn’t their parents or teachers, can break through in powerful ways. My message helps reinforce the message that teachers and counselors are already doing but I try to help the students come to the conclusion on their own. Sometimes it just takes a fresh, new, and exciting way to hear a similar message.

Q. How do your school assemblies impact students long-term?

Tanner: Students leave each school assembly feeling empowered and motivated. But more than that, they leave with a tool they can use for the rest of their lives. The “One Second of Strength” mindset helps them make better choices, treat others with kindness, and believe in their ability to shape their future. Schools often report noticeable behavior shifts and increased student engagement after my assemblies.

Q. What age groups do you speak to in schools?

Tanner: I have presentations that connect with students of all ages. Below is a typical breakdown of the ages: 

• Lower Elementary school (grades K-4)

• Upper Elementary school (grades 4-6) 

• Middle school/junior high (grades 5-8)

• High school students (grades 9–12)

• Higher education (college)

Each presentation is tailored to be age-appropriate and culturally relevant for that specific audience.

Q. How long is a typical school assembly program?

Tanner: My school assemblies typically run 50 minutes, depending on your school’s schedule. I try and keep the assemblies within standard class schedules to not interrupt too much of the school day. 

Q. Do you offer virtual or in-person school assemblies?

Tanner: Yes. While I prefer the energy of in-person events and feel they are most impactful to students, I also offer virtual school assemblies that are interactive and impactful. This option is great for schools managing tight schedules or limited budgets.

Q. Are your school assemblies aligned with SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) goals?

Tanner: Absolutely. My programs reinforce self-awareness, emotional regulation, positive relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Many schools book me specifically to support their SEL curriculum and foster a more connected school climate. When you reach out to book your assembly, let me know if SEL is a part of your curriculum. 

Q. Do you customize your presentations for each school?

Tanner: Yes! I always like to meet with school leaders before the event to understand your specific student body and the challenges you’re facing. Whether it's bullying, social media stress, or low motivation, I tailor the message to meet your school's needs. I’ve often said that I’ve never given the same presentation twice because either the school has unique needs or I feel something in the moment that the students need me to lean into a particular topic.

Q. What makes your message different from other teen motivational speakers?

Tanner: I tell students in my assembly to embrace their differences, that there is nobody on earth that is the same as them, and that YOU are the somebody that somebody needs. I believe that for myself too. My message and delivery is exactly what your students need!! Additionally, the “One Second of Strength” mindset gives students a simple, repeatable formula, that they can lean on today, tomorrow, and for the rest of their life. 

I don’t lecture. I connect. I don’t just inspire—I equip students with the tools they need to thrive.

Q. Where have you spoken?

Tanner: I’ve been blessed to have spoken at public schools, private schools, and religious schools like Our Lady of Lourdes all across the United States and internationally in Canada at every grade level K-12. 

Q. Are there other ways schools have engaged with you?

Tanner: There’s three ways that schools have invited me to come and speak

1. Student assemblies - K-12 student assemblies that motivate and inspire students

2. Parent or community nights - Helping students starts in the home! My parent nights help parents understand why devices and social media are grabbing a hold of their kids and gives parents the 4M’s to Parenting in the digital age so they can help their kids.

3. Staff inservice or professional development - I love helping teachers stay motivated, avoid burnout, and learn to impact students. Don’t hesitate to ask more about faculty presentations.

In a perfect world I would come to your community and speak to each school in your district, parents, and faculty. I love being able to impact communities on a wide-scale level. I believe this is how we truly change lives! 

Q. How can a school book you for a motivational assembly and how much does it cost?

Tanner: Booking is easy. Just visit the speaking page on this website and fill out a form. We will send you an email with all the information including rates. I work with schools and districts of all sizes and work with you to structure the right program for your school and community.

Ready to Inspire Your Students?

Let’s make your next assembly unforgettable. I’m here to help your students believe in themselves, make better decisions, and build lasting confidence.

👉 Visit my booking page