INTRO
On the fateful day, sitting on the stage, drenched in my nervous sweat, the concerned head mistress leaned across and asked if I was OK – that’s how much sweat was pouring down my face.
That was my 1st experience at speaking publicly. Even though I lost about 3kg’s in weight that day, I loved the experience, was taken aback by the positive response and decided that public speaking was for me.
Since then I’ve spoken at countless schools across South Africa, during literacy related days, general assemblies, and end-of-year prize giving ceremonies. The age groups I’ve spoken to have varied from Grade 0 to Grade 12, to College students and at two of the biggest National Book and Literacy festivals in South Africa repeatedly.
I was recently invited to present my latest talk, “YOU have the recipe for your own success!” to students and interns at the Red and Yellow Creative School of Business. The same talk – abbreviated, was also presented at Pecha Kucha in Cape Town.
The topic of my talks – similar though varied as per the different age groups, include my personal story, tongue in cheek references to successful people, interactive exercises and photographs I’ve taken throughout my life.
They also include:
- How reading builds self- confidence, teaches us new things, can lead us on adventures both real and imagined, and stimulates the gift we all have – our imagination.
- How the next generations’ dreams are our future, how having goals to pursue is important and how they do have the recipe for their own “success”
gary@garhirson.com or 083 608 2194
REVIEWS
Grade 0-3
Herzlia Highlands Primary School- Book week launch
“This is probably one of the best launches we have ever had because Gary was able to convey the exact message that we needed to give the children – READ! READ! READ!”
Grade 4-7
Diana Stanford- Librarian, Elkanah House, Cape Town
“Wow, Gary, everyone is raving about your talk!! Thank you sincerely for the wonderful inspirational talk you gave the pupils. The feedback we got from them was very positive. On behalf of Tracy, our headmistress, staff and pupils who have all asked me to convey their thanks and appreciation for your time and sound effort to get the pupils to read, which was a great success! You successfully got them gripped!!I think you should market books and get paid for it. At break today, the library was filled to capacity!! The staffroom was abuzz after your presentation. THANK YOU sincerely.”
High Schools & Colleges
Rustenburg High School for Girls.
‘Thank you Gary for sharing your own journey of self-discovery and for opening our girls’ minds to all the possibilities imaginable. But just as importantly, for getting to the root of it all, because ultimately If we don’t know who we are, then how can we know what we want? A significant and salient challenge for us all.’ – Marilyn Peters – Head of Library and Media Centre.
gary@garhirson.com or 083 608 2194
