2014 is coming to an end and instead of offering up more tips for public speaking, I have decided to show appreciation to some of the top public speakers of 2014. When you are facing adversity, it’s tough to inspire others to do better and be great. Yet, the below individuals have done just that. They have used their difficulties to propel them forward and ultimately propel others as well.
Stephanie Decker
Stephanie Decker is a mom who hails from Henryville, Indiana who lost both of her legs due to a tornado in 2012. While shielding her children from flying debris and bricks, her legs were pinned below the rubble causing major damage. Since her children remained unharmed due to her heroic efforts, she urged them to run and get help ultimately saving her life. Stephanie continues to speak at various engagements offering hope and determination to her listeners.
Barbara Corcoran
Barbara Corcoran is your typical rags to riches story. After failing at about 22 jobs, Barbara quit her job as a diner waitress and started a boutique real estate firm in 1973 with a boyfriend who fronted her a loan for $1,000 (about $5k in 2014). She has since turned that firm into a multi million dollar business that employs a number of brokers. Barbara can also be seen as one of the no nonsense “sharks” on Shark Tank. It can also be pointed out that she’s the only woman on the cast. As a public speaker she touches on branding, product pitching, and inspiring others.
Walter Bond
Walter Bond is a former professional basketball player with the National Basketball Association. After not being drafted in the 1991 draft, he played for three years with the league. Upon leaving the league, Walter has used his experience in the league as well as his passion for professional development to curate a successful career as a motivational speaker. He speaks with a number of companies and associations throughout the globe helping them to be and do better through humor which makes him relatable to his audience.
David Trumble
David Trumble is an award winning British cartoonist, illustrator, and author. As the youngest political cartoonist at the Sun Newspaper (one of the largest newpapers in the world), David realized he had a strong passion to write childrens books and has since sold over a million books globally. David inspires his audiences to use their creativity to embrace their dream and create limitless possibilities.