what is the best way to motivate a student?

To motivate your students, you must first show them that you yourself are motivated to teach. You should know your subject matter, prepare your lessons well and deliver them well too. If they do not see that you are putting in your best effort, they will not feel motivated to study. Next you need to have an interest in your students. If you teach for the sake of teaching and earning a salary only, then it will be hard to even motivate yourself, and have your students' interest at heart. Know your students well, know their strengths and weaknesses, so that you know what to emphasize for each student. Help everyone to achieve through your lessons, but also pay special attention to those who are weaker but has a penchant to study and a genuine desire to do well. Where they need more coaching to spur them on and create better understanding in what they study, you can organize remedial lessons for the weaker ones and those who need extra help. Guide your students in where they have done poorly in tests and examinations, explaining to them why they have performed poorly and showing them the right approaches to take to improve themselves. When they do well, give praise where praise is due. This will motivate them to try harder. Overall, show your students that you care for them, and let them know that you are there to help them achieve a good education for their future.

It depends on what subject are you teaching. I know you have tried telling a shocking story; praising one of the students who did well; telling a joke; singing; simple activity. Challenge your brain to come up with one based on the students' needs! Happy teaching.

by telling them they will fail! that one usually motivated me! but really, seriously, have some fun topics, and make it interesting for sure!!