I speak about a variety of technical and cultural topics to audiences of all sizes. If you’d like me to speak to your group, organization, class or business, keep reading for details and how to submit a speaking request.
What I Do Best
I help audiences put ideas and information in a context that leads to sustained and practical impact. Sometimes it’s making a technical concept more accessible and walking through the details. Sometimes it’s providing an insight on a cultural or social trend that leads to a shift in perspective. In all my speaking engagements, I come prepared to share what I’ve learned, but also to put my remarks aside so we can take on the burning questions present for the group.
Quotes from Past Participants
Here’s what some people have said about my past presentations and workshops:
- “Great material. Great talk.”
- “Thank you for the fantastic workshop. I appreciated all the preparation and thought you put into it. The rest of the team members have told me they learned a lot and enjoyed your facilitation style. You were a hit.”
- “Thank you for giving a superbly well-delivered and thought provoking presentation!”
- “It never fails that I learn something useful from you.”
- “Thanks so much, again, for coming to talk to our group. You always do such a great job!
As a speaker you are human and accessible. No one feels afraid they might ask a stupid question.” - “…incredibly instructive and interesting. Chris is well-prepared and I was doubly impressed that he fielded an out-of-context question with not only pertinent references, but a prepared slide! No matter what the question was from the group, he was prepared with references and updated trends, options, possibilities on several levels of complexity. I have only begun to investigate some of the links, but all have been helpful.”
- “Thanks a billion for coming to our forum.. you continue to be terrific.”
- “I am impressed and enthusiastic about your work and interest in community building.”
- “Chris made it comfortable and was ‘real’ with us – he has lots of experience to share.”
Interests and Topics
I’ve started and managed a technology business. I’ve taught college level technical courses. I’ve consulted for large and small organizations. I’ve run for local political office. I’ve organized and spoken at conferences that take on topics ranging from environmental awareness to community building to politics to website design.
Given these experiences and others, I’ve created informative, engaging, and practical sessions for organizations of all types on a wide variety of topics, including:
- Facilitating an understanding of most any aspect of the Internet and related technologies, including its history, evolution, ethics, culture, and practical applications for a wide range of industries, not-for-profit needs, and personal growth.
- The world of small, values-driven business. While the particulars of my experience in starting and growing a small business may not apply to every organization, I have a lot of insights to share about the application of the entrepreneurial spirit to many different kinds of ventures, commercial or not-for-profit.
- Effective communication, particularly in the areas of framing, facilitating dialogue and group learning. Through my leadership in organizing several highly successful regional conferences, my experience serving on several non-profit boards of directors, and my own work in the world of small business and client relations, I can share my knowledge related to helping a group of people communicate more effectively.
- Issues around how Peak Oil, climate change and the meltdown of the U.S. dollar open up new opportunities for strong, self-reliant local communities to build their own sustainable future. Through my time studying peak oil and climate change trends, and my experience in organizing events and conferences to bring the practical implications to light for communities in Indiana, I can help your group see the big picture and what to do about it.
There are a variety of other topic areas where I have insights to share or where I can participate effectively as a panelist or group member. Here’s a sampling of talks I’ve given:
- The Internet as a Political Tool
- The History of the Internet
- How to talk (or not talk) to your clients about Perl
- An Introduction to the Drupal content management system
- Using social media to build your business or organization
- The Basics of Blogging
- What is a Database Driven Website?
- Framing: how language can make all the difference
- Combating Spam
- Public Speaking Basics
- Making Effective Use of an Intranet
- Internet Resources for Freelancers
- Finding What You’re Looking For Online
- Marketing on the Internet
- The Internet and E-Commerce
- Adventures in Entrepreneurship / A History of Summersault
- Open Source Software
- TCP/IP Networking Basics
- Using the Internet for effective community organizing and advocacy
- Sustainability and Building a Self-Reliant Richmond, Indiana
I’m always happy to try to weave any of these themes together as appropriate for your group’s interests; often such interrelation happens anyway.
Fees and Requirements
My speaking fee will vary depending on the event, but is usually between $100 and $500. For some occasions I’m able to donate my time because I’m interested in the conversations and exchanges that result.
If your group is interested in a customized workshop or an extended speaking engagement based on an internal goal or concern, we can discuss appropriate compensation.
I will expect for your organization to pay for any expenses involved in my participation: travel, lodging, food, etc. I ask for at least one month advance booking, more if there is non-trivial travel involved.
Interested?
Please send your request to me via e-mail to chris@summersault.com. Please send as much information as you can, including:
- what topics you’d like me to speak on
- what outcomes or goals you hope to meet by having me speak
- the format you think would work best
- the estimated size of your group and any other relevant background description
- whether or not I’ll be joined by other presenters/panelists
- the date or dates and times you have in mind
- your contact information including a phone number
Thank you!
