A leader inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.

A reader recently emailed and asked if I ever did motivational speaking with groups of young people.

I love speaking to kids. You don’t teach math for thirty-five years, especially at the middle school level, if you don’t like interacting with kids. I appreciate opportunities to talk to young folks in a variety of settings. I’ve spoken to groups of public high school and middle school students, as well as to youth groups and Sunday school classes.

When I initially decided to tackle a new career as a writer, I didn’t consider the speaking opportunities I’d encounter, but I’ve discovered that I enjoy speaking and presenting at least as much as writing. I thought that this reader’s question might be a good excuse to let you know about my speaking interests. If you know of a group that might be interested, I’d appreciate your help in spreading the word.

For teens, I have two major topics.

YES YOU CAN!

I’ve talked about this with both kids and adults, but it’s especially rewarding to talk with youngsters about dreams and goals. I share personal experiences about possibility, opportunity, and hope in the midst of turmoil and challenge. Kids need to believe that they should dream big dreams and that it’s possible to overcome challenges and setbacks. I use a mixture of humorous episodes and intimate personal struggles to show them a path from tragedy to triumph.

CLEAR EYES. FULL HEARTS. CAN’T LOSE!

This motto from the television show Friday Night Lights provides a great context for discussing the true meaning of winning and losing in life.

• Clear eyes: When you can look your parents, your friends, and yourself straight in the eyes and know you’ve done your best, that’s clear eyes. When you don’t have to look over your shoulder and wonder who’s watching, when you know you’re doing the right thing, that’s clear eyes.
• Full hearts: Only one thing can fill our hearts. As long as it’s about money, status, or popularity, there will always be an empty space. Love fills our hearts. When we love our families, our friends, and ourselves, openly and honestly, that’s full hearts.
• Can’t lose: It doesn’t matter what the scoreboard says, what the grade is, or what others think. When you have clear eyes and full hearts, you will be a winner.

This talk can address sensitive issues for kids such as bullying, diversity, tolerance, drugs/alcohol, cliques, grades, cheating, and acceptance/exclusion.

Do you know of a school or church group that might benefit from this sort of message? If so, would you be willing to help make it happen?

I’ve also talked with adults about YES YOU CAN! This presentation has been well-received by detention center inmates and clients at drug/alcohol rehab centers.

I have a couple of other presentations for adults as well.

DEVELOPING RESILIENCE
How To Thrive In Times Of Adversity

This is a fun presentation as I use an embarrassing incident to guide the audience through my six keys to developing resilience in difficult circumstances. Listeners will leave with renewed energy and a belief that they can overcome challenges and discover opportunities where others see obstacles.

IF GOD LOVES ME SO MUCH, WHY … ?

Have you ever wondered where God went when life falls apart? I’m especially motivated to share my perspective with people who confront disability, disease or other personal challenges. I speak from personal experience about the gut-wrenching, real-life questions facing caretakers, family members, and friends.

With an authentic mix of humorous episodes and intimate personal struggles, I share my first-hand experience of a journey from darkness into light. We travel together on an inspirational path from sorrow to joy, hopelessness to optimism, tragedy to triumph.

God welcomes the questions, understands the pain, and cares for those who feel hopeless and lost. Uncover life-changing possibilities that materialize when you choose hope. 

Are you associated with a church, civic, or business organization that would benefit from hearing about my experiences? Let’s find a way to get me to your community.

Please leave a comment, visit my website, and/or send me an email at rich@richdixon.net.

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