Each of these dynamic and entertaining speeches is designed to inspire, educate and motivate students to excel in college, contribute to the good of their country and lead extraordinary lives.  Young minds thrive on plain-spoken truth delivered with wit, passion and enthusiasm on topics that directly affect their future.

 

Throughout the history of civilization, humankind has been guided by the concept of certain groups of people being innately superior to other groups of people.  This is the underlying principle behind all the conquering, colonization, war, torture, genocide and prejudice that has ever been or will ever be.  The key to a peaceful and prosperous future for humankind is to eliminate ignorance about this simple fact – no matter what part of the planet or society someone is from, we are all the same on the inside and we all want the same things out of life.  This speech is a celebration of human diversity using science, stories and the learning lessons of history to open hearts and minds to the most important life truth of all – we are all people, we are all human beings and we are all of the exact same race, the human race.

There are two paths that the world’s most powerful country can take: the path of war or the path of peace.  The center of American military might, the Pentagon, was built in 1943 and has over six decades of history to illustrate its role in shaping America and the world.  America has the most powerful military in history, we spend the most money on arms and we build more weapons than any other country. The question remains, Has this made the world a safer place or has it made the world more dangerous? This program uses history, personal experience, quotes and observations to teach students the true costs of war while illustrating the enormous advantages of waging peace and developing a people-based economy in America.

 

When the Founding Fathers set up American democracy over 230 years ago, they were divided as to what “democracy” should mean.  Some believed that only the wealthy in society should run the country, and others believed in the power of the people (the governed) to make the best decisions for the country.  The three historical trends in America that have carried this struggle up to today are: the growth of democracy, the growth of corporate power and the growth of propaganda.  This speech gives students an entertaining and enlightening overview of these three critical trends and how they have transformed our democracy from its beginning to its current state.  This is a simple, captivating and eye-opening story that every American citizen interested in genuine democracy, should know by heart.

 

Since the dawn of civilization, people have asked the same questions including, Who are we?, What is this place?,  Where did we come from? and What is the meaning of it all?  Humans first created various myths and religions to answer these captivating questions. Then science emerged and challenged the validity of specific religious doctrines and battle lines were drawn between science and religion. Science now makes it possible to describe the journey from the origin of the cosmos to the evolution of life on earth and see it as the fascinating, magical, inspirational and innately spiritual tale that it is.  This speech uses science, history, religion, philosophy and common sense to trace the origin of it all and to answer life’s most enduring questions while inspiring audiences from all backgrounds to feel a deep sense of oneness, community and purpose.

 

Much of American society and business has historically been based upon authoritarianism, or blind obedience to authority.  Authoritarianism says to not question your parents, teachers, religious leaders, politicians and especially your bosses and superior officers.  Authoritarianism says, When I want your opinion I’ll give it to you and It's my way or the highway and authoritarianism never admits mistakes. While authoritarianism can fight wars, run organizations, earn profits and build societies, it pales in comparison to what can be accomplished with visionary leadership.  Visionary leadership unlocks the stunning potential of intelligent people working as a team and putting their whole hearts into their cause or organization. Visionary leadership transforms any group effort into a concert of accomplishment and innovation.  This speech uses abundant humor and relevant personal and career experience to vividly illustrate the differences between authoritarianism and visionary leadership.

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