Most people seem to think that a good motivational speaker should be an A-list celebrity or perhaps a politician or sports star. The reality is that, according to the Home Affairs committee of the UK's House of Commons, young people that are at risk of entering into a life of crime responded best to real people that they could relate to.

Unlike many leadership motivators, who do in fact come from sports or political backgrounds, some motivational speakers come from difficult backgrounds, or have had significant challenges to overcome to achieve success. Explorers, musicians, and people who have overcome a significant disability all fall into this second category. It is these people who have a unique opportunity to reach the disaffected youth that the Home Affairs committee refers to.

In recent years, the media has elevated to near-celebrity status a certain breed of crime; specifically, some street gangs such as the Bloods and the Crips, certain killings such as those of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. With that celebrity has come a corresponding rise in gun and knife crime among youths who are in a position to be strongly affected by the media. Increased police intervention has been effective at dissuading such activity, but could it instead be overcome through a more positive form of interaction?

No one would ever say that this violence could be justified or that the youths who commit the crimes shouldn't be punished -- but if the crimes could be prevented in the first place, who would deny the rightness of such a measure?

The Home Affairs report indicated that the relevant youths did, in fact, pay attention when parents, police, and teachers spoke to them -- but there was a strong finding that such kids also felt drawn to people who had overcome significant challenges and achieved greatness. Here lies the opportunity for motivational speakers to change the futures of these children.

By channeling the kids' energies away from emulating what they see on the news and toward more constructive and fulfilling endeavors, motivational speakers can persuade youthful offenders and potential offenders from (re-)offending.

Motivational speakers, according to the UK government, have a definite place in the effort to reduce the amount of violent crimes committed by young people, specifically by redirecting the sources of their self-esteem away from violent examples provided by some media and toward constructive archetypes. By showing youths that they can be valued for their ability to help others rather than claim territory and generate money for a gang, young offenders can be guided towards community service and furthering their education.

John Hersey is a successful business owner, published author and motivational leadership speaker. John writes one of the most recognized leadership blogs in the business world: http://www.JohnHersey.com/blog