I teach an evening class of 13 adults who come after work. How can I motivate th

THATS A GREAT JOB! KEEP IT UP MAN.

I don't know anything about engineering but I know a bit, how to teach/have a speech. The worst thing you can do is to sit or stand just on one place, speaking with monotonous voice. You have to move yourself time to time, even if it just couple of steps. Don't talk all the time yourself, ask them questions, it helps them to concentrate. Make a joke. You are so young, I'm sure you remember the way your favourite teachers/lecturers did their lectures intersting. Perhaps you can use their tricks. There are also books about lecturing and having speeches, which may be hepful.

Maybe start with a warm-up game/get to know you. Have a joke telling minute. Laughter always wakes me up. Humor is a good way to involve everyone, who doesn't like to laugh.