George Lowery’s Post

This is one of the most inspiring speeches I’ve ever heard in my life. And there’s a reason it’s gone viral, with millions of views… In less than 6 minutes, Donovan A. Livingston, Ph.D. gives us a masterclass in public speaking… --How to give a presentation that is true, as he said, to our “most authentic voice”—in his case, his voice as a hop-hop artist… --How to make your audience part of your speech by inviting them to participate, because great a presentation “insists on participation”… --How to immerse yourself in the experience of your presentation… --How to use your body to amplify your message (watch how he uses his arms and hands to act out his words)… --How to speak with rhythm and cadence and build to an unforgettable conclusion. We can all learn from Donovan. That’s why I’m so grateful to him and to all the inspiring speakers who’ve allowed me to include their speeches in my new book, Say It Well. I don’t just share their speeches with you, I show you how they did it—and how you can too. I’m thrilled to bring you the stories of, among many others… Elizabeth Bonker, a nonspeaker with autism who tells us all, “God gave you a voice. Use it” https://lnkd.in/eGc4d9jf Rachael Denhollander, a survivor who spoke truth to power: https://lnkd.in/e3wqj_NY Felix Finkbeiner, who has energized a global movement with a big, bold vision: https://lnkd.in/eYq8tD65 Brayden Harrington, who—despite a speech impediment—gave a speech watched by millions: https://lnkd.in/eURE_SJP Kimberly Maya-Rubio, who, through the grief of losing her daughter Lexi, demanded that Congress act to stop gun violence: https://lnkd.in/eamZgAnh Zander Moricz, who used humor to make a powerful statement about equality: https://lnkd.in/eSr6hK2E Alex Myteberi, who spoke from the heart about our obligations to each other: https://lnkd.in/ejK8H-27 Cory Remsburg, a wounded warrior, who inspires his audiences with his resilience and hope: https://lnkd.in/eMwa46DG Naiara Tamminga, who says, in the face of injustice, “we’re called to speak out” https://lnkd.in/eGRCujwX Olivia Vella, who teaches us all that, whatever our doubts, “you are good enough” https://lnkd.in/erRfXuZi Take a moment. Click on a link. Don’t just watch these speeches. Truly experience them. To anyone who doubts the power of their voice, these extraordinary speakers remind us: Your story is worthy. Your voice matters. You deserve to be on that stage just as much as anyone else. And when you tell the story only you can tell, you can inspire the world. I hope these speakers touch your heart like they’ve touched mine. (Say It Well is available for pre-order in the link in my comment below and arrives in bookstores everywhere this Tuesday, Sept. 17!)

Thank you, @SpeakerWelchIL Emmanuel “Chris” Welch, for joining GYO’s luncheon for the Diverse Male Teachers Initiative. We appreciate your leadership and words of inspiration: “We have to be very intentional about being intentional to grow our own Diverse Male Teacher Initiative. To have programs that are going to create that diverse pool of talent that we know that we need.” Join #TodaysMenTeaching #DMTI https://lnkd.in/g62Jc9ep

Last night was a very good night. And the Chicago Headline Club's Peter Lisagor Award, for the second year in a row, for "Best Column or Editorial from a Large Print/Online Publication goes to: John W. Fountain...for a series of three stories titled, "America The Beautiful" My daughter Imani accepted for me and we dined with a swell group of journalists at table.19 at the Chicago Union League Club. This year's Lisagor was the sweetest of all that I have won. I'll tell you why soon. Stay tuned. In the meantime, know that God is good. And Mama would be so proud. thank you Headline Club!