David Harrell

Asking the question: What IS “normal?”

David came to me through a former student at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training where I worked for many years. He already had a successful solo acting career, but he felt compelled to expand his message to a broader audience.  I wanted to work with him the minute I saw the video of his performance; a performance that made me laugh and it made me cry. I was hooked!
Born without a right hand, David’s performance was funny, poignant and thought-provoking. Immediately he had me asking myself the questions: what is normal?  Why do we have to name things as either normal or not normal? Don’t we all have aspects of our life that others think aren’t normal (too tall, too short, too this, too that)?  David’s message is one of introspection and compassion.
He is a masterful story-teller and his presentation is full of hope.

What People are Saying

David’s presentation is a captivating and transformational journey. What starts out as one man’s challenge to accept his own strengths and limitations, becomes a compelling charge to all of us, challenging us to look more closely into our own lives. Also, it’s entertaining as hell.
JAY PUTNAM, Associate Professor
High Point University
One of the most moving and inspirational keynotes that G-CASE has ever experienced. David has a true gift of touching people’s souls. One of his themes, finding the flip side of limitations, truly impacted our leadership audience.
PHILIP MELLOR, President
Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education
David connects with a whole range of emotions in the audience; I laughed, teared up and even got angry. Just as David learned in life, we learn that being different is not limiting at all; a true lesson we should remember in the business world as we strive to succeed.
BRUCE DIXON, President Dixon Management
Marriott, Inc.
David is a delight. His message really hit home with the audience. This program is perfect for an organization that wants something different from the “routine” speaker, but a program that also conveys a lasting message about diversity.
SUE SCHERR, Diversity Program Manager
US Department of the Interior

David’s Booking Information

Preferred Airport: LaGuardia, NY (LGA)
Fee: $5,000 – $6,000

Some of the Clients David has Spoken for:

Binghampton University Forum
Broward Community College
Coffee County School District
Columbus School Nurses
Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy
Floyd County Board of Education
Georgia Coastal College
Georgia College
Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education
Holocaust Education Center
Jones County Board of Education
Ohio Nurses Association
Savannah-Chatham County Department for Exceptional Children
St. Joseph’s College

Industries That Fit Best With David’s Topics

Business Groups
Colleges & Universities; Elementary-Senior High Schools
Hospital & Healthcare
Special Educators
Nonprofits
Nurses & Nursing Students
Professional Association
Service/Product Providers for the Disabled

David’s Speaking Topics

Speaking Topics:

Navigating a Two-Handed World…Single-Handedly: Not allowing our circumstances to peel away the core of our humanity

We all face difficult circumstances in our personal and professional lives. We may face limitations placed on us by our peers, by our superiors, or even by ourselves, but in the midst of those circumstances, we have the choice to not be defined by those limitations. We can find our own path, celebrate our differences and take creative control of our lives. Audiences will leave knowing:

• That our differences can be strengths
• Our differences can lead to stronger teams and synergistic partnerships
• When we look beyond the immediate differences, we can find common ground
• How to appreciate our own differences and celebrate our own strengths

For Youth Audiences:

The Boy Who Would be Captain Hook and A Little Potato and Hard to Peel

David’s solo theatrical performances A Little Potato and Hard to Peel and The Boy Who Would Be Captain Hook have been created especially for school performances. The goal is to use his story to encourage audiences to recognize the universality of our shared experience and be a catalyst for discussion about broader themes of diversity and inclusion.
David relishes the opportunity to show that disability is not a heroic obstacle to overcome but a unique aspect of one’s life. Through his school performances, David entertains, enlightens and educates children to not be defined by limitations. To help them learn the valuable lessons of acceptance and how to not let circumstances peel away the core of who they are as human beings.

Click Here for David’s Bureau Friendly Profile

David – Beyond the Platform

Getting used to being a new dad Volunteering with Camp No Limits Performing in “The Artificial Jungle”