Top Youth Motivational Speaker for Schools
Inspiration for Students By Michael Wigge – in 2024/2025
Top youth motivational speaker for schools Michael Wigge is an outstanding school and college speaker in the United States. In addition, the German native inspirational keynote speaker has had notable media appearances on The Tonight Show and The Today Show based on his self-motivated adventures:
- How to Travel the World for Free (PBS doc-series)
- Trade Up Around the World (bartering from an apple to a house)
- 50 States of Wigge (50 states of the US)
- Germany by Razor Scooter (2000 miles in 80 days)
- 6 Cities, 12 Days, One Sleeping Mask (exploring Europe blindfolded)
The motivational speaker for youth and students uses his entertaining adventure background to deliver critical messages to students all over the United States.
Table of Content:
The Youth Motivational Speaker Offers these School Lectures:
- The Traveling Mindset – Get Out and Go!
- How to Travel for Free and See the World
- Leaving Your Comfort Zone – Life & Career without Fear
- Diversity 101
- The Challenger Mindset
Schools can choose one of the motivational guest speaker’s challenges and one of the keynote topic outlined above.
More information on his five challenges is in the following videos.
5 Aspects of the Top Motivational Speaker for Your School Youth
1. Outstanding Adventure Challenges
First and foremost, Michael’s personal story is incredibly compelling and relatable. He is known for his extraordinary challenges, such as traveling around the world without any money or bartering an apple all the way up to owning a house in Hawaii. These remarkable experiences captivate the attention of high school students, sparking their curiosity and igniting a sense of possibility.
By sharing his journey, Michael demonstrates that seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome with determination, resilience, and creative thinking. His story serves as a powerful reminder to young individuals that anything is possible if they are willing to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their dreams.
2. Youth & School Speaker with Practical Advice
Furthermore, Michael’s approach to motivation is refreshingly practical and action-oriented. He goes beyond mere inspiration and provides students with tangible strategies and tools to navigate the complexities of life. Whether it’s teaching effective goal-setting techniques, sharing tips on time management, or promoting self-belief and resilience, Michael’s advice is grounded in real-life experiences and applicable to the daily lives of high school students.
His emphasis on taking consistent, small steps towards one’s goals resonates with young individuals, empowering them to make meaningful progress and achieve their aspirations.
3. Positive and Inclusive Atmosphere
Another reason why Michael is a top youth motivational speaker for schools is his ability to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere. He recognizes the importance of fostering a safe space for students to share their thoughts, fears, and dreams. Michael’s interactive speaking style engages the audience, encouraging participation and open dialogue.
By creating an environment where young individuals feel heard and valued, he helps build their confidence and encourages them to embrace their unique voices. This inclusive approach is particularly beneficial for high school students who may be struggling with self-esteem or navigating the challenges of adolescence.
4. Humor and Charisma
Additionally, Michael’s humor and charisma make his presentations highly engaging and memorable. He effortlessly combines storytelling with humor, capturing the attention and imagination of his audience. This lighthearted approach allows students to connect with Michael on a personal level and enhances their overall learning experience. By using humor to address serious topics, he effectively breaks down barriers and encourages students at all levels of schools to approach challenges with optimism and resilience.
5. Motivation for Personal Growth
Lastly, Michael’s commitment to ongoing personal growth and learning sets him apart as a top youth motivational speaker. He continues to challenge himself and undertake new adventures, demonstrating that growth and self-discovery are lifelong journeys. By sharing his own vulnerabilities and lessons learned, Michael creates an authentic connection with young individuals and inspires them to embrace continuous learning, adaptability, and a growth mindset.
4 Goals for Your Youth with the Motivational School Speaker
1. Ignite a Sense of Passion and Purpose
Michael’s most popular adventure challenge is How to Travel the World for Free. The guest lecutrer traveled 25,000 miles from Germany to Antarctica without any money for food, accommodation, or travel . He used the barter system to get all these things for free. Incredibly, he bartered a joke for food and worked as a British butler to get a plane ticket financed. Wigge even made it for free to the famous Inka site of Machu Picchu in Peru by working as a porter for tourists.
This youth motivational speaker for schools was invited on The Tonight Show and on The Today Show to discuss his book How to Travel the World for Free for the American audience. The TV show of the same title was aired on PBS nationwide.
The school and youth keynote based upon this adventure challenge is highly popular with high school students due to the fact that they can relate to the idea of not having much money while wanting to experience an adventure like world travel.
2. The School Speaker Providing Life Skills to the Youth
Secondly, the youth speaker can provides valuable life skills and practical advice. Students often face numerous challenges, both academically and personally. A motivational speaker for your youth can address issues such as time management, goal setting, effective communication, and stress management.
Michael offers practical strategies for dealing with peer pressure, bullying, and building healthy relationships. Equipping young people with these skills can empower them to make informed decisions and navigate their teenage years with confidence and resilience.
3. Foster a Positive Mindset Among the Youth
Additionally, a youth motivational speaker can foster a positive mindset among the youth. Adolescence can be a time of self-doubt, insecurity, and negative thinking. A speaker can challenge these negative thought patterns and promote self-acceptance, self-esteem, and a growth mindset.
They can emphasize the importance of embracing failures as learning opportunities, developing a strong belief in one’s abilities, and maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. Such messages can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of young individuals, empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive.
4. The Youth Motivational Speaker as Role Model & Mentor
Furthermore, a Michael can serve as a role model and mentor. Some students lack positive adult figures in their lives who can guide and inspire them. A speaker like Michael can fill this role by sharing personal experiences, offering advice, and serving as a source of support. They can encourage students to seek out mentors, explore opportunities for personal growth, and develop strong values and ethical principles. Having a relatable role model can provide young people with a sense of direction and a belief in their own potential.
‘With the right strategy, you can achieve any goal’ – MICHAEL WIGGE
3 Things to Know About Youth Motivational Speakers
How Much Do Youth Motivational Speakers Charge Schools?
High school motivational speakers usually charge way less than motivational speakers in the corporate arena. You possibly find a range of High School motivational speakers between $1,500 and $4,000
How Could I Become a Youth Motivational Speaker for School?
As a motivational speaker for youth and students, you should like the youth, bring some humor into the classroom, and have a great sense of what appeals to a High School crowd.
Michael’s how-to speaker guide on his
- motivational keynote speaker site
- keynote speaker site in German
Who Are the Best Youth Motivational Speakers for Our School?
Youth motivational speakers speak at schools and colleges and sometimes also in the corporate world. In general, the most known are Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy, but way more speakers to find at speaking bureaus like BigSpeak and Leading Authorities. Michael belongs to the top speakers due to his incredible stage presence. More on
5 Best High Schools in the US for Top Speakers:
Michael’s Top High Schools for Speakers
1. Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, New Hampshire): As one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the country, Phillips Exeter Academy focuses on cultivating a well-rounded education. With a highly motivated student body and a supportive learning environment, this school is an ideal platform for motivational speakers to inspire and connect with young minds.
2. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria, Virginia): Recognized as one of the top STEM-focused high schools in the nation, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology offers a rigorous academic program. Its intellectually curious students are eager to explore new ideas and perspectives, making it an excellent setting for motivational speakers to address topics related to science, technology, and personal growth.
3. Bronx High School of Science (Bronx, New York): Bronx High School of Science is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and its diverse student body. With a focus on mathematics and science, this school provides an ideal platform for motivational speakers who aim to inspire young minds to pursue careers in STEM fields or to explore their passions and potentials.
Michael’s Top Schools for Speakers – Part 2
4. Interlochen Arts Academy (Interlochen, Michigan): For motivational speakers with a passion for the arts, the Interlochen Arts Academy is an exceptional institution. As a premier fine arts boarding school, it attracts students from all over the country who are deeply engaged in various artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Motivational speakers can leverage the creative atmosphere to inspire students to follow their artistic dreams.
5. The KIPP Schools (Nationwide): KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) is a nationwide network of charter schools that focuses on underserved communities. With a strong emphasis on character development and college readiness, KIPP schools provide an excellent platform for motivational speakers to make a meaningful impact on students from diverse backgrounds. These schools prioritize empowerment, resilience, and academic success, aligning well with the messages shared by motivational speakers.
Michael’s Keynote Speaker Tour 2025
- Mai 2025: Boston, USA
- Juli 2025: Leipzig, Germany
- August 2025: Dresden, Germany
- November 2025: Denver, USA; Phoenix USA
Further speaking links of Michael: