Speaking Engagements
War. Family. Love. Loss. Heartbreak. And redemption, always the chance of redemption. These are the stories Neely Tucker tells, both in his writing and in public speaking appearances. They are stories as old as time, and Tucker uses them to connect with diverse audiences about what it means to be human, about the ties that bind us all.
Typically, clients are universities, schools, literary associations, adoption or child welfare organizations and city/school "one book" programs who are looking for a keynote speaker to set the tone for a dinner or a conference. Tucker uses stories from myth, history, his own experience in reporting from more than 50 counties - and from Love in the Driest Season - to entertain, inspire and move audiences. Those range from several dozen to several hundred, from New York to Los Angeles. The book was required reading for all incoming freshmen at Concordia College in 2005, and will fill the same role at American University in Washington, D.C., this fall. Working through American Program Bureau, Tucker works closely with each client to tailor the address to their specific needs. Submit a request.
Here are sample comments expressing how others have responded:
“It was a treat for our conference attendees to hear your inspirational presentation... your experience and story were a highlight! The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive.”
- Shay Bilchik
President and CEO
Child Welfare League of America
“Our speakers have included internationally recognized historians, politicians, educators, artists and writers, so it is significant to say that you were considered - by students and faculty alike - to be among the very best we have had. Never in my history at this or any school - and I've been an educator for 22 years - have I seen an audience of 500 people so rapt and moved by a presentation.”
- Deborah Follo Caughron,
Woodberry Forest School
Woodberry, VA
(Private preparatory high school)
“Thanks for an unforgettable evening sharing your knowledge and the wisdom gained from your experiences with us, you carried us from one emotion to another. One minute we were laughing and the next moment we were enraged or felt a sense of tragedy that left us wanting to do something - anything - to make things better.”
- Terry A. Barclay,
President and CEO,
Women's Economic Forum
Detroit, MI
“The audience was enthralled by your experiences in Zimbabwe. The feedback I got about your program was, ‘He is such a good speaker... He is so personable and a wonderful storyteller... This is my first time to the library and I am so glad I came.’ It is quality programming such as yours which makes my job as a librarian so enjoyable.”
- Irene Briggs
Bethesda (Md.) Library
“No one in the audience will ever forget your heartfelt and expert sharing of how your multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-national family came to be... our 300 attendees were honored and delighted to have you as a featured speaker.”
- Marilyn Regier, executive director
The Barker Foundation
60th Anniversary Conference
Bethesda, Maryland
“Concordia College was very blessed to have Neely visit us as our orientation speaker, author of the 'summer book read' and English majors workshop. Neely, you exceeded our expectations! Your intellect, compassion and ability to engage an audience were key factors to the success of your visit. We truly appreciate your willingness to visit with students, sign books and have a hectic schedule.”
- Angela Seewald-Marquardt
Director of First-Year Involvement
Concordia College
Moorhead, MN
“The event went even better than I could have planned. You and Mr. Vargas offered very interesting insights into your experience with racism, both in the media as well as in your own life. Every student who attended throughly enjoyed your lecture..”
- Liz Nugent,
Coordinator, Washington Post Lecture Series
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
