Keynote speaking - Business
As an inspirational Keynote speaker, Richard speaks about his life in a brutally honest and sincere way. He encourages audiences to adopt an ‘iCan’ attitude and does so by illustrating how his ‘iCan’ attitude enabled him to overcome insurmountable odds and shape a new life for himself.
He has tailored his talks for a range of audiences.
Testimonials
“Your extremely poignant and inspirational address received a standing ovation at my Divisional Sales Conference .Congratulations and many thanks. An all time NEW WEEKLY SALES RECORD last week affirms the motivational impact you made. Having read both your books, I would know the author had a story to tell, and while you shared your experiences very humbly, you shared your philosophies, your ideals, your winning principles very positively and effectively: consequently for the audience very inspirationally. Many thanks, once again Richard, I look forward to welcoming you to future Combined conferences.”
George Munro, Vice President/Divisional Manager, Northern UK Division, Combined Insurance
“Richard McCann has a magical gift that grabs his audience by the collar and has them perched in anticipation on every word. He literally captivates the listeners and has them sitting on the edge of their seats, wondering what is coming next. Few speakers have Richard’s unique ability. His stories capture and appeal to all who listen as he takes them on a journey through highs and lows, laughing and crying and a fabulous heart-warming positive finale. As Organiser, Chairman and Managing Director of the Inspire Scotland event, I am delighted to say that Richard’s presentation was the epitome of what I was trying to achieve.”
Mike Berry, Inspire Scotland, Edinburgh
“Richard McCann was approached by our organisation to deliver a 45 minute speech to a group of business professionals. The group were meeting to discuss, share ideas and learn new information about goal planning, personal efficiency and self awareness. Richard's aim was to inspire the audience into looking at their lives in a different perspective. Some of the feedback we received from delegates included:
“Asked some very powerful questions that questioned our own untapped potential.”
“A powerful, very moving story. Inspiring, a positive thinker with excellent speaking skills.”
“The most inspiring and moving talk that I have been to for years.”
Linking his experiences to a thread of techniques that we can use was very useful. We were delighted with Richard’s professional approach; we were also impressed by his willingness to talk with the attendees after the event. We hope that Richard will work with us again.”
Phil Lee, MasterclassUK, Leeds
“A truly outstanding speaker, a heartfelt story told from the heart, I hope it doesn't become too polished as his presentation style is perfect the way it is!”
David Powell, JCI Leeds, Business Events Director
“How would a motivational speaker go down with a group of hard bitten Pennine Yorkshire business owners? Our committee decided to take a chance. Richard McCann delivered. The audience were silent throughout. The applause at the end was spontaneous and heartfelt. The comments afterwards were, without exception, complimentary. Thank you, Richard. Now go and inspire the rest of British business as you have inspired us. With the determination you have generated, we can't lose.”
Mike Goodman, Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, Kirklees Branch
“I am struggling to find words to express our appreciation for the immense contribution you have made to Barnardos by attending as guest speaker. As someone whose job requires him to regularly speak to audiences about the work of Barnardos, you can take it from me that your contribution was exceptional. Your personal experience and the honest and disarming way in which, with absolute frankness, you shared your own life’s difficulties was both moving and compelling. I have no hesitation in recommending you to anybody who might be considering an emotive speaker to attend one of their future events.”
Andrew Nebel, UK Director of Marketing & Communications of Barnardos.
“Richard McCann has a story that will take you on an emotional journey. Riding the rollercoaster of emotions he’s experienced and guiding you to a motivational finale which leaves you inspired and ready to take action.”
Andy Preston, Masterygym, Manchester
“The majority of us go through our lives believing we were born with certain characteristics, or because of events that have happened to us, we have become set in a certain mould. We put up barriers and close in on ourselves. We can live a dream or a nightmare, the choice is ours and we are more powerful than we know! Richard reminded me that it isn’t what happens to us in our lives, but how we view and respond to these events that is important. He is a shining example of someone who lives his life in the present, despite a traumatic past. Watching him connect with his audience is magical. He does this by being real, being authentic and by opening his heart to us, a true sign of strength. If you are booked to see Richard, climb aboard the rollercoaster and hang on tight. I can guarantee you will enjoy the ride!”
Amanda Wingfield, Marketing and Events Manager, Leeds.
“We were blown away by Richard's speech!”
Claire Harder, Royal Armouries, Leeds.
“Thanks very much for a great talk. It was very inspiring, and I loved the fact that it was very authentic. The whole audience was totally drawn into the story. Brilliant.”
Steve Oxlade. Leadership Academy Mastermind Group, London
“Well, what can I say about Richard McCann and his presentation? Amazing... Touching... Wow! For those of you who attended this event, you know what I mean. He’s an absolute inspiration and true testimony to the power of the human spirit. I personally gained substantially from hearing him.”
Hazel Trudeau, "Be Inspired", Doncaster
“Having compiled the feedback and comments from the conference I can tell you that you got the best ‘marks’ of all the speakers by a long shot, so well done, you were very much liked and appreciated. For ourselves, can I just say that we really appreciated your talk. It was honest and ‘real’ and that is why it touched people’s hearts. At the same time it was professionally delivered and adapted to suit the circumstances and theme of the conference. We would be very happy to recommend you as a speaker to anyone. I think the comments say it all really but, from us, good luck in the future.”
Sue Watts, Conference Organiser, Leeds
“I had Richard McCann speak at one of my ‘Who are you’ events. To be honest he was BRILLIANT!!! Everybody in the room engaged with him. Richard moves people to ask questions about themselves, which we must always do. Book him NOW.”
Nicky Pattinson, Hiyaitsnicky, Bradford
“I was overwhelmed by your honesty and the simplicity of your presentation: nothing fancy. The slides complimented what you were saying perfectly. The way you stood and spoke without hiding behind anything. The white tower and the University was a perfect symbol of what might be and what eventually came to be, it was a masterstroke. A great big thank you for joining us and sharing your life with us.”
Madge Mason, Regional Rep, West Midlands and North Wales Samaritans
“Richard's presentation was at once moving and thought provoking as he detailed the experiences that he and his sister endured after his mother was murdered. He painted a picture that all of us present recognised and knew that we had to work hard to avoid. The mistake of not asking children for their point of view is one that we must not repeat and Richard’s calm, though graphic, presentation made everyone think seriously about their own work and how accessible our services are.”
Ollie Pardo, Derby & Derbyshire Parent Partnership Co-ordinator, East Midlands Region SEN Partnership Board representative
“Firstly apologies for not writing sooner to thank you for speaking at our Annual Conference, I had wanted to wait until we had analysed all the response sheets which took rather longer than expected. As I suspected they confirmed that your seminar was a great success - one of the most successful of the entire conference.”
Ann McLaughlin, Conference Coordinator, Education
“Thank you so much for coming into Ossett School; your inspirational talk was nothing less than awesome. You touched on so many issues that our school leavers could relate to, spoken from the heart, with the sign of hope and solutions to problems. The plan of the talk was perfect, the pictures, the two films, your delivery, the silences and not forgetting the acting. Once again, thank-you for sharing your life with us.”
A Carney, Aim Higher Co-ordinator, Ossett High School, Wakefield
“I just wanted to say thank you for coming into my assembly on Monday at Horbury School and telling us all about your life. I thought what you said was so inspiring and it has really motivated me to do as best as I can in my GCSEs over the next few months. You have encouraged me to adopt an 'I Can' attitude to all I do and from now on, I am never going to give up on anything”
Year 11 student
“Your story has given me an extra push, and boosted my "I Can" attitude ready for my upcoming GCSE Exams. To be able to hear a story such as yours, instead of boring speeches usually given by teachers, really pushed me into setting out my revision and also doing other things in my life. Again, I just want to thank you for coming to our school.”
Year 11 student
“Your motivational and moving story helped to show staff how they can inspire learners to improve their lives and aim for an incredible future. The workshops, Working Together to Make a Difference to Young People, were also a great opportunity for staff to discuss and reflect on what they are doing, the impact of their actions and how they can better understand and support the diverse needs of young people. Furthermore, your workshops have supported staff to develop strategies that they, their teams and the College can implement to ensure that every young learner achieves whilst at Leeds Thomas Danby.”
Ann Yasin, Professional Development Coordinator, Thomas Danby College, Leeds
“Thank you very much for your input at our Aim Higher staff development day on July 18th 2007. I found your presentation both interesting and moving. I believe that it would help to inspire others to develop an ‘I Can’ attitude. I received emails this morning from a number who attended, all praising your contribution. One delegate wrote: “This has been the best day of my educational career. The afternoon talk by Richard McCann completely took my breath away. I am so inspired by this man; how he has overcome so many hurdles to be where he is today is just amazing!””
Wendy Chapman, Aim-Higher District Coordinator, Wakefield
“The response at the end of the presentation was immediate. The students were desperate to ask questions and engage in animated discussion. Richard’s honest and calm answers gently guided them to think carefully and rationally about individual actions and complex social issues.”
Dr Alison Scott, Organiser, AimHigher Projects, Greater Manchester
“Richard delivered workshop sessions at a conference for able pupils at our school recently. This was a conference for pupils from all the secondary schools in York, which we at Manor organised. The theme of the event was Leadership, Inspiration and Motivation and it is my belief that there is no better person to lead such sessions. Richard was professional and caring and considered very seriously the effect on the young people of what he would be saying, which we discussed in some detail. The feedback from all pupils was overwhelmingly positive with the vast majority of the young people saying that his session was the highlight of the day. It gave them much to think about and they are still talking about him and some of the issues he raised. We intend to invite him back to the school in the future to do more work with our pupils, something the pupils themselves have asked for. I wholeheartedly recommend Richard as an inspirational speaker and would be happy to speak to you directly about him.”
Annette Aylette, Manor School York
“Richard McCann came to our school as the visiting author for our Library Book Week. His talk, delivered to 70 of our year 9 (15 yr old) students, was a moving roller coaster of emotions as he outlined his life following the tragic murder of his mother. Considering the horrific circumstances of his young life, the lack of support and the callous treatment offered to himself and his sisters by the authorities, he demonstrates an incredibly positive attitude to life and all it has thrown at him. He is very far from being a bitter cynic with a grudge against society, which would have been excusable under the circumstances, but has an indomitably optimistic and caring spirit which is totally inspirational and uplifting. He attributes this ‘I can’ attitude largely to his mother and his strong conviction that he will be reunited with her in a life to come; what a very special person she must have been. Our students are still buzzing. It would be difficult to recommend Richard too highly.”
Angie Baldwin, Lowestoft High School
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to you for your efforts in supporting our recent PSHCE Focus Day. I really appreciate the time that you were able to spend at Intake and thank you for your enthusiastic participation in helping our pupils develop the knowledge and understanding of real life issues that effect normal people. Your presentation on your life experience was thought provoking and engaging. The feedback from your sessions has been excellent from pupils and teachers. I have no doubt that our Rights and Responsibilities day would not have been the success that it was, had it not been for your presence. Once again thank you and I look forward to working in partnership with you in the near future.”
Kash Rafiq, PSHCE Subject Leader, Intake High School, Leeds
“Richard, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your story of your childhood told so honestly, but amazingly with humour. The PowerPoint presentation made us feel part of your life. It reminded me how tragic life can be for so many and yet even in the darkest circumstances there is always a light and a choice to go searching for that light. I am sure that you will have inspired many of those who listened to you, (many are refugees with their own tragic stories) and that they will see that by taking control of their life and making the right choices they don’t have to continue as the victim. Thank you so much for an excellent thought provoking presentation.”
Sian Birch, Tutor Access Course Tutor, Manchester College
“Richard provides a personal account of his struggle to overcome tragedy and neglect with great humility which, while heartbreaking, also offers hope and is truly inspiring. Indeed he is a triumph of hope over adversity.”
Barry Powell, Tutor, East Lancashire Higher Education, Blackburn College