Comments on: How can you inspire your audience? Ask 10-year-old Dalton Sherman.

By: Kim Shephard

Kim Shephard — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:18:50 +0000

I am disappointed to comment that I find some remarks far too critical. The fact that an 11 year old can step out on to a stage, in front of 20,000 people and give a speech at this level, thoroughly impresses. He has a successful career ahead of him and should be applauded for his hard work, preparation and early demonstration of what might also be some raw, natural talent. It’s wonderful that others are helping him on his journey. He is no more a puppet then all of the parents out there that are taking thier kids to soccer practice & piano lessons every night. Lift him up, congratulate him…

By: Nancy Peais

Nancy Peais — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:43:38 +0000

I was extremely impress with Dalton’s speech. I have heard many speakers in my time, but, for a 10 year old youngster to stand up in front an audience that size and deliver a speech like that “Blew Me Away”. I think that young man is one of the gifted ones that can do anything he sets his mind on. Eloquent is what I would call him. Watch Out Obama!!This youngster could easily fill the foot prints your leaving. Congratulations are due this young man plus his folks and all the folks that helped him.

By: julie70

julie70 — Thu, 21 May 2009 09:02:14 +0000

Great article and great video too, and great kid and what a delivery, too! bravo

By: Javier Urena

Javier Urena — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:42:40 +0000

Hello, My name is Javier Urena. I am from Houston Texas currently attending Allied University. I would like to add that I love this kids courage. He shows confidence in himself and shows the public he believes in himself. He has an excellent body of speach and an excellent closing. He never demonstrated unprearness, and included the I and the you. One important thing I noticed this kid never did was make bias remarks and always included the word us, as in all student. Excellent.

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By: Tonecia

Tonecia — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:51:49 +0000

As I read the comments, I fiind them to be so discouraging. Ask yourself at the age of ten would any of you even have the heart to say your ABC’s let alone deliver a message that dynamic in front of 20,000. I agree there are areas where improvement can be made, but remember it’s all about how things are said that makes the ultimate difference.

By: Bob Kirokosky

Bob Kirokosky — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:26:42 +0000

I totally agree with James. Where is the heart and soul?

By: James Stephenson

James Stephenson — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:21:50 +0000

I am in education. We forwarded this video to several thousand employees. It is inspiring. It captures “our message” masterfully. However, I cannot tell you how disappointed I am to find out it didn’t come from his heart but from teacher speech writers. Sure, speechwriters are often the magic behind great communicators. But one expects a child’s communication to be innocent and from the heart. It speaks loudly to how we work today as educators. Pound “the script” into their heads and let them regurgitate back to us. One thing he does have on President Elect Obama – at least he didn’t have a teleprompter as a crutch. Neither gentlemen, it appears, would be worth a darn as a communicator if it wasn’t for somebody else’s handwork.

By: Anke Troeder

Anke Troeder — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:51:57 +0000

From a presentation coach in Germany: The video clip proves what I keep telling my students over and over again: It is all in your voice.
The speech is fine, it is making all the right moves, includes all the right rhetorics, nothing wrong with it, (apart from pathos and doing everything right, maybe) and yet I find it (and the performance) completely soulless.

That little boy still has a long way to go to learn that for your words to ring true, you must feel them first.

And then watch and compare him in his interview with Ellen.
Just a boy. A little nervous. His voice his own, lower, (vocal cords more relaxed), and now he sounds so much more natural. And he is so much more likeable, believable than the fine-tuned first edition.

Thank you for putting up the two videos. The speaking lesson is learnt much better that way, There is also another lesson to be learnt, about children and what parents and teachers should and should not make them do, but that is a different story.

By: Johnnie GIbson

Johnnie GIbson — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:58:31 +0000

As a retired educator, I am greatly moved and impressed by this young man’s speech. It is one that should be heard by everyone involved in the education of our children no matter what position they hold.
The challenges presented to us are thought-provoking and worthy of repeating time and time again.
I am certainly impressed by Dalton’s ability to deliver the address in such a dynamic manner.
Congratulations and best wishes for what is destined to be a very bright future.