Last week, I booked my first engagement for the Fall 2010 at Rosemont College in Bryn Mawr, PA. I will be speaking on Tuesday October 5th at 6pm.
In the coming weeks, I will be finalizing several engagements throughout the country. Am looking forward to speaking to students and helping them get through their barriers and limitations in life as well as any disability they are dealing with.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Presentation at Haverford High School
On April 26th, 2010 I spoke to 900 students(9th and 10th graders) at Haverford High School. Was an honor to speak there as well. That was the biggest audience I had ever spoken too. I shared about the pain, devastation, frustration, and suffering I went through growing up with a very severe stuttering problem. I was the most fully self-expressed I had ever been. You could hear a pin drop in the room. Several students shared with me "Persistence pays off" "Persistence all the way". Got invited to come back next year to speak with junior high students and graduating seniors.
Speaking at Warren Hills Regional High School
Last month, I had the honor of speaking to about 100 students at Warren Hills Regional High School. It was the most varied student population I had ever spoken too. Some students were in wheelchairs, some were autistic, and some were college prep students. Throughout my speech, students abruptly yelled out. Many students weren't looking at me. But, I knew to keep going because that's what makes a difference. Spoke for 40 minutes. At the end of my presentation, one of the students in the back row raises his hand and says "Bill, I quit and I am hard on myself but after hearing your story you gave me a new outlook on my life. You changed my life". That was amazing! I was fulfilled. All of my practicing in the mirror paid off! A teenage girl raised her hand and said "Bill, I have faced a lot of roadblocks already and I am doing really well now". I knew she wanted to be acknowledged. So I did something I had never done before. I gave her a "High Five". Made her day! She laughed and smiled! All of the other students smiled and laughed too. As the students were leaving, many of them approached and said "Bill, thank you for your inspirational story. You made a difference for me". Was very satisfying and fulfilling for me! The teacher who brought me in to speak said "Bill, you riveted them for 40 minutes. Your speech was one of the best I have ever heard".
Monday, May 10, 2010
St. George's Charter School Presentation
Dear Mr. William Deering,
Thank you for taking the time to come and speak to my class. It was very kind of you to take the time out of your busy schedule to speak to a bunch of children. I know you could have been speaking to more sophisticated people, but you spoke to us and for that I am very grateful.
You were very inspirational. I was totally amazed by your story. You overcame every obstacle that stood in your way. It made me want to go out and face all of my obstacles. Also, it inspires m how all the odds were against you but you still made your dreams come true. Even though you stuttered, you still became a speaker. I really want to become a doctor, but sometimes it seems I won't reach my goal. Your speech and story helped me very much to not think about the negatives, but just the positives.
I can't thank you enough for coming to speak to my class. It really helped me and my friends.
Yours Truly,
Matt M.
9th Grader
St. George's Charter School
Thank you for taking the time to come and speak to my class. It was very kind of you to take the time out of your busy schedule to speak to a bunch of children. I know you could have been speaking to more sophisticated people, but you spoke to us and for that I am very grateful.
You were very inspirational. I was totally amazed by your story. You overcame every obstacle that stood in your way. It made me want to go out and face all of my obstacles. Also, it inspires m how all the odds were against you but you still made your dreams come true. Even though you stuttered, you still became a speaker. I really want to become a doctor, but sometimes it seems I won't reach my goal. Your speech and story helped me very much to not think about the negatives, but just the positives.
I can't thank you enough for coming to speak to my class. It really helped me and my friends.
Yours Truly,
Matt M.
9th Grader
St. George's Charter School
St. George's Charter School Presentation
Dear Mr. Deering,
I want to thank you for coming to our school! You are such an inspiration to me. I think it takes a lot of courage to come and speak to a big group like that. And even when people laughed at you a little, you still didn't care. I think what you said really made people stop and really take it in. I agree with you that bullies are a really big problem and that they should be handled. I believe that bullying is the wrong way to handle any situation and your words helped me realize that. So you really motivated me to help stop bullies and remove them from the school. So, in conclusion I really appreciate you coming and speaking at our school. You really helped a lot of kids.
Sincerely,
Alyssa L.
9th Grader
St. George's Charter School
I want to thank you for coming to our school! You are such an inspiration to me. I think it takes a lot of courage to come and speak to a big group like that. And even when people laughed at you a little, you still didn't care. I think what you said really made people stop and really take it in. I agree with you that bullies are a really big problem and that they should be handled. I believe that bullying is the wrong way to handle any situation and your words helped me realize that. So you really motivated me to help stop bullies and remove them from the school. So, in conclusion I really appreciate you coming and speaking at our school. You really helped a lot of kids.
Sincerely,
Alyssa L.
9th Grader
St. George's Charter School
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Recommendation for Bill Deering
Stephen R. McKiernan
Former Director of Student Programmming
& Coordinator of Co-Curricular Programs
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Bill is one of those rare individuals who will not let the obstacles of life stop him from being a success in life. His experiences, throughout his life, has led him to this moment where his message needs to be heard by others who feel they might be alone or feel that whatever their disability might be it will prevent them from achieving their goals in life. Bill is an excellent role model who, at one time, was afraid to speak in public. He feared opening his mouth and he felt sometimes alone, but his positive thinking, determination, drive, inner strength, genuine decency, and desire to reach others with a positive message led him to where he is today; speaking all over the country talking about overcoming stuttering and how he like all of us, can do great things in life since we are all, in one way or another, dealing with what we call "the roadblocks of life". Bill's message is great for high school and college students plus professionals and student affairs staff who work every day with people with disabilities. I, like Bill, look at the person, not the disability. Each person has unique gifts and stuttering really helped Bill become the person he is today. He wants to make people aware of others who may be somewhat different from the norm, but productive in every way. Bill's message is enlightening and full of wonderful anecdotes that people can relate to. His story is a human story and one that all college administrators should appreciate if they understand Arthur Chickering's seven vectors of development where the ultimate goal for all living beings is integrity. Bill has integrity! Bill has reached that seventh vector and his story is about dealing with the other six. His passion, compassion for others, and desire to give back to society through his message and life experience, is what makes Bill Deering's message very special to those who are lucky to hear it for the first time.
This is meant to be a strong recommendation for Bill Deering. Give him a chance to speak to your students and staff. But also work very hard to secure an audience, so the greatest impact can be achieved with the greatest number. Bill Deering is an up and coming speaker. You have an opportunity to secure him before he becomes very big in the lecture area. You cannot book a nicer person, but it is the message that counts and the impact his message will have on others. I can guarantee you will not regret booking Bill Deering for he is what we want in all of our college speakers; a person with a message, a person who truly cares about reaching others with issues in life that they feel cannot be overcome, and finally a very positive message showing the development of a person and how one's obstacle in life helped make the person.
Former Director of Student Programmming
& Coordinator of Co-Curricular Programs
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Bill is one of those rare individuals who will not let the obstacles of life stop him from being a success in life. His experiences, throughout his life, has led him to this moment where his message needs to be heard by others who feel they might be alone or feel that whatever their disability might be it will prevent them from achieving their goals in life. Bill is an excellent role model who, at one time, was afraid to speak in public. He feared opening his mouth and he felt sometimes alone, but his positive thinking, determination, drive, inner strength, genuine decency, and desire to reach others with a positive message led him to where he is today; speaking all over the country talking about overcoming stuttering and how he like all of us, can do great things in life since we are all, in one way or another, dealing with what we call "the roadblocks of life". Bill's message is great for high school and college students plus professionals and student affairs staff who work every day with people with disabilities. I, like Bill, look at the person, not the disability. Each person has unique gifts and stuttering really helped Bill become the person he is today. He wants to make people aware of others who may be somewhat different from the norm, but productive in every way. Bill's message is enlightening and full of wonderful anecdotes that people can relate to. His story is a human story and one that all college administrators should appreciate if they understand Arthur Chickering's seven vectors of development where the ultimate goal for all living beings is integrity. Bill has integrity! Bill has reached that seventh vector and his story is about dealing with the other six. His passion, compassion for others, and desire to give back to society through his message and life experience, is what makes Bill Deering's message very special to those who are lucky to hear it for the first time.
This is meant to be a strong recommendation for Bill Deering. Give him a chance to speak to your students and staff. But also work very hard to secure an audience, so the greatest impact can be achieved with the greatest number. Bill Deering is an up and coming speaker. You have an opportunity to secure him before he becomes very big in the lecture area. You cannot book a nicer person, but it is the message that counts and the impact his message will have on others. I can guarantee you will not regret booking Bill Deering for he is what we want in all of our college speakers; a person with a message, a person who truly cares about reaching others with issues in life that they feel cannot be overcome, and finally a very positive message showing the development of a person and how one's obstacle in life helped make the person.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Methacton Presentation
Hello!
This writing is to let you know how wonderfully motivating Bill Deering is in his presentation. He very straightforwardly told his story to our freshmen at Methacton High School. The audience was intently focused on Bill. He captured the students' attention with his detailed account of his life story. I truly belief that our kids suffer daily with major self-esteem issues. Hearing how Bill suffered through and overcame his obstacles of stuttering, weight gain, and a learning disability gave our kids hope.
Bill Deering is blatantly courageous for overcoming the horror of stuttering and becoming a motivational speaker. That in itself motivates me and my students to overcome any obstacle in our paths. Everyone has their issues and Bill's message was to not let these issues get in the way of your dreams. His presentation is perfect for students of high school age since their whole life is caught up in issues; however, I was moved and motivated by his presentation and I am an adult. So his presentation is wonderful for all ages.
I strongly recommend Bill Deering as a motivational speaker. He will inspire and motivate anyone and everyone. Hearing Bill's message reminds us that we are not all perfect and we need to accept our downfalls as well as our assets in order to believe in ourselves.
I am available for further contact by emailing me at tmclaughlin@methacton.org
Sincerely,
Tarah McLaughlin
Spanish Teacher
Methacton High School
P.S. You will not be disappointed!
This writing is to let you know how wonderfully motivating Bill Deering is in his presentation. He very straightforwardly told his story to our freshmen at Methacton High School. The audience was intently focused on Bill. He captured the students' attention with his detailed account of his life story. I truly belief that our kids suffer daily with major self-esteem issues. Hearing how Bill suffered through and overcame his obstacles of stuttering, weight gain, and a learning disability gave our kids hope.
Bill Deering is blatantly courageous for overcoming the horror of stuttering and becoming a motivational speaker. That in itself motivates me and my students to overcome any obstacle in our paths. Everyone has their issues and Bill's message was to not let these issues get in the way of your dreams. His presentation is perfect for students of high school age since their whole life is caught up in issues; however, I was moved and motivated by his presentation and I am an adult. So his presentation is wonderful for all ages.
I strongly recommend Bill Deering as a motivational speaker. He will inspire and motivate anyone and everyone. Hearing Bill's message reminds us that we are not all perfect and we need to accept our downfalls as well as our assets in order to believe in ourselves.
I am available for further contact by emailing me at tmclaughlin@methacton.org
Sincerely,
Tarah McLaughlin
Spanish Teacher
Methacton High School
P.S. You will not be disappointed!
Letter of Recommendation from Beverly Hills Middle School
This letter is written as a recommendation for Mr. William Deering for his exceptional speaking and communication skills to a large number of students and for the tremendous impact his speaking has on those who listen.
Mr. Deering came to Beverly Hills Middle School in May of 2009 to speak to a group of approximately 450 8th grade students. With a powerful commitment to make a difference in the lives of all the students present, Mr. Deering spoke about his life as a young man in middle school, high school, and college and the struggles he went through with his self-image. In speaking abou this own struggles and overcoming his stuttering problem, Mr. Deering was able to communicate to his audience what is possible for people just like him - the students he was speaking with - out of continuously creating a powerful context to live inside of. By the end of his presentation, students were applauding and excited about what Mr. Deering had to say and the impact he had on their lives and what they were dealing with.
In my experience in listening to Mr. Deering speak, I am certain that his words and commitment had an incredible impact on those who listen. In hearing his story of his past and considering how people's circumstances are a constant barrier to their full self-expression and fulfillment on what matters to them, students are able to come away from listening to Mr. Deering with a brighter look on their future and the knowledge that they truly can have what it is that they want for their lives. I am grateful that the students at Beverly Hills Middle School had the opportunity to hear Mr. Deering speak, and from that experience, I recommend that you consider Mr. Deering as an exceptional motivational speaker for all students around the country.
Becca Simpson
Language Arts Teacher 8th grade
Beverly Hills Middle School
Upper Darby School District
Mr. Deering came to Beverly Hills Middle School in May of 2009 to speak to a group of approximately 450 8th grade students. With a powerful commitment to make a difference in the lives of all the students present, Mr. Deering spoke about his life as a young man in middle school, high school, and college and the struggles he went through with his self-image. In speaking abou this own struggles and overcoming his stuttering problem, Mr. Deering was able to communicate to his audience what is possible for people just like him - the students he was speaking with - out of continuously creating a powerful context to live inside of. By the end of his presentation, students were applauding and excited about what Mr. Deering had to say and the impact he had on their lives and what they were dealing with.
In my experience in listening to Mr. Deering speak, I am certain that his words and commitment had an incredible impact on those who listen. In hearing his story of his past and considering how people's circumstances are a constant barrier to their full self-expression and fulfillment on what matters to them, students are able to come away from listening to Mr. Deering with a brighter look on their future and the knowledge that they truly can have what it is that they want for their lives. I am grateful that the students at Beverly Hills Middle School had the opportunity to hear Mr. Deering speak, and from that experience, I recommend that you consider Mr. Deering as an exceptional motivational speaker for all students around the country.
Becca Simpson
Language Arts Teacher 8th grade
Beverly Hills Middle School
Upper Darby School District
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Open Letter of Recommendation for Bill Deering
As the 2009-2010 Warren County Teacher of the Year, and as an educator for over thirty years, I can attest to the excellent presentation Mr. Deering offered to our high school students, April 16th, 2010. Our audience of almost 100 was inclusive of students who have autism and students who are physically challenged, to College Prep English students and Theater Arts students. Mr. Deering stood before us in the library showcase as a testimony of perseverance and of overcoming challenges that anyone of us might face in school or outside of school.
He spoke from the heart about his challenges and how to look at failure as an opportunity to learn and/or to try another way; how to look at our own challenges and laugh and cry at them; how to keep getting up again and again; and how to self-reflect and to choose to go another way, to try another way when life throws difficulties our way.
It is important to note that Mr. Deering spoke to our high students on a Friday, and the attached letters were voluntarily written by students the following Monday when up entering their Study Skills class the teacher was asked, "Can we send Mr. Deering some letters?" I have attached their responses and let them serve as a sampling of the students themselves.
I would highly recommend Mr. Deering to tell his story of overcoming challenges. What was most powerful for me was after Bill was done speaking, a junior spoke before his peers and emotionally stated, "Hearing your story today has changed my life." That says it all!
If I can answer any questions regarding Bill's presentation, please contact me at moored@warrenhills.org, phone 908-689-3050, extension 3026.
A standing ovation from us to you, Bill!
He spoke from the heart about his challenges and how to look at failure as an opportunity to learn and/or to try another way; how to look at our own challenges and laugh and cry at them; how to keep getting up again and again; and how to self-reflect and to choose to go another way, to try another way when life throws difficulties our way.
It is important to note that Mr. Deering spoke to our high students on a Friday, and the attached letters were voluntarily written by students the following Monday when up entering their Study Skills class the teacher was asked, "Can we send Mr. Deering some letters?" I have attached their responses and let them serve as a sampling of the students themselves.
I would highly recommend Mr. Deering to tell his story of overcoming challenges. What was most powerful for me was after Bill was done speaking, a junior spoke before his peers and emotionally stated, "Hearing your story today has changed my life." That says it all!
If I can answer any questions regarding Bill's presentation, please contact me at moored@warrenhills.org, phone 908-689-3050, extension 3026.
A standing ovation from us to you, Bill!
Wissahickon Presentation - student testimonial
It is difficult to put into words what the guest speaker did for me today. I am personally affected by what he said. I cannot even begin to even explain how moved I was from his speech. When he told us that someone in his high school said that the next year could be the best year of they’re lives, I thought it was incredible. But when he told us that we could make our lives whatever we wanted and that we could have our best possible life even when things seem hopeless, it all made sense. All my life people have said that, but it sounds cliché and I never really grasped it. But when he said it the way he did, I suddenly realized that he was right. I had a social studies assignment due the next period and I planned to make an excuse to my teacher as to why I did not have it done. But after listening to him talk about never having excuses and taking full responsibility for everything, I knew that I was responsible for my life and I needed to take action because I have complete control of my life. I decided to do the right thing and tell my teacher the truth. My teacher ended up not showing up, buying me another day to finish the assignment. I am a strong believer in fate and I think I was given another chance to do it, because I was going to do the right thing. I will forever be rewarded for doing the right thing and doing all I can to improve my life. I would only have myself to blame. The motivational speaker really reached out to me and I think it will change my life forever. I feel bad to only be able to say thank you.
Teddy M.
11th grader
Wissahickon High School
Teddy M.
11th grader
Wissahickon High School
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