Talks

Dear All.

Since the launch of The Magic that's Ours in June 2007, I have been invited to talk nationally to pupils at schools of all ages. The topics of the talks are related to all and the success such, that I now also speak at business networks and companies.
Below is a breakdown of the kind of talks I now get invited to give.
If you are interested in finding out more or would like to book me for a talk please contact me on gary@garyhirson.com

Thank you.
Gary

The details, time and content of the talks are as follows:

6-9 Year Olds

Time: 20 minutes

I start off with a quick magic trick to get the children's attention and to compare a magic trick to the magic of our imaginations.
I speak interactively about why it is good to read, which includes- building self confidence, learning new words, ideas and things of interest.
I talk about and show images of a recent trip I took to South East Asia where I stayed in a floating village in Vietnam. The reason I went there was because I read about these villages in a book.

I touch on reading as being exercise for the mind, and this leads into the topic of imagination. This is followed by a "fun" exercise where the pupils close their eyes, I describe a scene followed by a reading from my book which explains what our imagination is and can do. Once the pupils open their eyes, I ask them one question which shows them how easy it is for us to use our imagination.

I conclude by explaining how powerful our imagination is and how "The Magic that's Ours" was just a story in my head and I imagined that one day it would be a book on the shelves in bookstores...

Watch a video clip of the talk:

Review :

Herzlia Highlands Primary School- Book week launch 2009
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!

It is well known that children have a concentration span of about 20 mins and that is exactly how long Gary kept them riveted to their seats.
In a very matter of fact and relaxed manner as though he was having a friendly chat with the kids rather than trying to teach them something he told them all about how he had become hooked into reading and realized its importance. At the same time they were able to view his fabulous photographs of unusual places in other countries. He also gave a very strong message about setting goals for yourself and working towards realizing them.
I think we have found the ideal way of launching our annual Book week – Gary Hirson will be a regular on our programme. I have to look no further. I highly recommend him!

See you next year! Sandy Wynne
Thanks Gary!

10-13 Year Olds

Time: 30 minutes

The talk starts out the same as for the younger group...
On my travels (I am a photographer) I also visited Laos where the illiteracy rate is 50%. I show images of children working in fields etc as they cannot read and write. I explain to the audience that these children really want to go to school, but can't, because of various reasons. I then compare the choices the school pupils have to the children in Laos.

Leading on from the imagination exercise I explain how powerful our imagination is and how The Magic that's Ours was just a story in my head and I imagined that one day it would be a book on the shelves in bookstores. When I lost my publisher at the 11th hour, I decided to self publish the story I had written. On seeing my book –The Magic that's Ours- for the first time in a book store I realised that I had achieved a very big goal. Through my experience of reaching this goal I decided to write another book –The Power that's Ours- which is aimed at introducing my audience to the concepts of goal setting, visualisation and affirmation-which I go onto explain.
I also speak about a goal I set to become a travel photographer and writer. Even though that was my goal- to write about and sell stories to magazines- I experienced much more while on my 4 month adventure through SE Asia. The images of my experiences are shown while I talk.

I explain that on two occasions I set specific goals and achieved so much more- two books instead of just one, and an experience of a life-time when just wanting to become a travel writer and photographer. I do mention that at times it might feel like all is not going according to plan along the journey, but the rewards of reaching a pre-set goal far outweigh the slight bumps and small deviations that might occur along the way.

Watch a video clip of the talk:

Review:

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 School - Assemblies, Prize Giving,
End of Term/Year Functions

Time: 15min

The 15 minute talk is given at assemblies, prize-giving, and end of term/year functions. Having only; the gift of the imagination, the luxury of choice and tools like goal setting- coupled with hard work- I tell the short story of how I ended up becoming a successful Author of two books stressing that I have no more talents than anyone in the audience.This talk is accompanied by  a few photographs I've taken throughout my photographic career.

Watch a video clip of the talk:

14-18 Year Olds

Time: 30-60 minutes. (This talk is tailored for the different specific age groups)

 This talk is give during, Library, English or Life Orientation Classes. Here I talk about my journey of self-discovery which led to a massive decision I had to make which not only led me to becoming a photographer, but also the author of two books. I talk about the importance of finding out who we are-our values- as individuals which will help us make more accurate decisions and a more defined meaning of success. I speak about the importance of having self-belief, trusting one-self and taking responsibility when making decisions. Dealing with disappointment is also touched on. I discuss how the more we become to understand who we, the more in line our goals will be which can lead to living a passionate life. The importance and understanding of goal-setting visualisation and affirmation are also explained. This talk is accompanied by photographs I've taken throughout my photographic career.

Watch a video clip of the talk: