No one ever said that life would be easy, and Richard McCann knows a thing or two about adversity. On a cold and misty morning in October 1975, Richard, aged 5 woke up to discover that his mother was gone. She was the first victim of the notorious Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe.
Richard McCann speaks on the following topics:
Communication | Dealing with Crisis & Crisis Management | Inspirational | Personal Development | Virtual Events & Webinars
No one ever said that life would be easy, and Richard McCann knows a thing or two about adversity. On a cold and misty morning in October 1975, Richard, aged 5 woke up to discover that his mother was gone. She was the first victim of the notorious Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe.
Richard’s life changed forever. This tragedy was to trigger decades of deprivation, abuse, pain, suicide pacts, drugs, prison and a lost childhood. Then one day Richard made the decision to step up and change his life and developed his iCan attitude.
The first step was to write ‘Just A Boy’, which knocked Robbie Williams’ biography off the number one spot in 2005, went on to sell over 400,000 copies and has been translated around the world – making him the Sunday Times No 1 Bestseller.
That was just the start of his journey; Richard is now a sought after inspirational and motivational speaker, focusing on the key strategies that helped him to grow beyond just surviving and create the life he wanted.
If you are looking for a motivational speaker, professional speaker, inspirational speaker or keynote speaker who can uplift and truly captivate and inspire an audience then look no further than Richard McCann.
Summed up in one word – brilliant. The feedback from the delegates has been “outstanding”, “excellent”- CSWP Ltd
I am struggling to find words to express our appreciation for the immense contribution you have made to Barnardo’s by attending as guest speaker. As someone whose job requires him to regularly speak to audiences about the work of Barnardo’s you can take it from me that your contribution was exceptional. Your personal experience and the honest and disarming way in which, with absolute frankness, you shared your own life’s difficulties was both moving and compelling. I have no hesitation in recommending you to anybody who might be considering an emotive speaker to attend one of their future events.
Barnardo’s.
Having read both your books I would know the author had a story to tell, and while you shared your experiences very humbly, you shared your philosophies, your ideals, your winning principles very positively and effectively: Consequently for the audience very inspirationally. Many thanks, once again Richard, I look forward to welcoming you to future Combined conferences. Regards.
Combined Insurance
Richard McCann has a magical gift that grabs his audience by the collar and has them perched in anticipation on every word. He literally captivates the listeners and has them sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what is coming next. Few speakers have Richard’s unique ability. His stories capture and appeal to all who listen as he takes them on a journey through highs and lows, laughing and crying and a fabulous heart-warming positive finale. As Organiser, Chairman and Managing Director of the Inspire Scotland event, I am delighted to say Richard’s presentation was the epitome of what I was trying to achieve.
Inspire Scotland
Your motivational and moving story helped to show staff how they can inspire learners to improve their lives and aim for an incredible future. The workshops, Working Together to Make a Difference to Young People, were also a great opportunity for staff to discuss and reflect on what they are doing, the impact of their actions and how they can better understand and support the diverse needs of young people. Furthermore, your workshops have supported staff to develop strategies that they, their teams and the College can implement to ensure that every young learner achieves whilst at Leeds Thomas Danby.
Thomas Danby College, Leeds
A truly outstanding speaker, a heartfelt story told from the heart, I hope it doesn’t become too polished as his presentation style is perfect the way it is!
JCI Leeds Business Events Director
How would a motivational speaker go down with a group of hard bitten, Pennine Yorkshire business owners? Our committee decided to take a chance. Richard McCann delivered. The audience were silent throughout. The applause at the end was spontaneous and heartfelt. The comments afterwards were, without exception, complimentary. Thank you, Richard. Now go and inspire the rest of British business as you have inspired us. With the determination you have generated, we can’t lose.
Federation of Small Businesses
We were blown away by Richard’s speech!
Royal Armouries
I was overwhelmed by your honesty and the simplicity of your presentation: nothing fancy. The slides complimented what you were saying perfectly. The way you stood and spoke without hiding behind anything. The white tower and the University was a perfect symbol of what might be and what eventually came to be it was a masterstroke. A great big thank-you for joining us and sharing your life with us.
Samaritans
Public speaking lessons for students
On 23rd May 2012 the shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg called for all state schools to be given lessons in public speaking. Something the Sunday Times No1 Bestselling Author and International Speaker Richard McCann completely agrees with. It can help raise the confidence and improve the communication skills of your young people making them more employable and better prepared for what life throws at them in the 21st century. Richard, is now offering a one day public speaking coure, to take young people through a series of activities which will give them the opportunity of speaking in front of their peers, learning things which took Richard 5 years to learn in over 1200 presentations which will not only help them be more confident whilst speaking in front of people but can also help equip them with skills which can be applied to an interview situation and will improve their life chances.
An interview with Richard McCann
Who or what was your motivation to keep going?
My initial motivation to keep going came from the fact that I had very little and knew there were others out there who had far more than me. There had to be a way to bridge that gap, and I needed to find ways to improve my own situation. As time went on I was also motivated by those around me, and wanted to improve their lives as well.
What was the turning point of your experience?
I believe there have been many, each taking me on to the next level. I think the first major turning point came in 1997 on my release from prison. I was about to have my home repossessed, and a suicide pact with my sister had failed. I decided I had to make a positive change and fight for a better future. I got myself a good job, which I excelled at, and went on to run my own department, rather than sticking on the path which had taken me to prison in the first place.
Are you in touch with the other families that were affected by the loss of a loved one because of Sutcliffe?
I have met a number of the children of the women killed by Peter Sutcliffe over the years, as well as many who survived his attacks. One in particular I have become very close to, and I meet and speak with him and his family very often.
What are your feelings for Sutcliffe now.
After many years of feeling anger, rage and resentment towards Sutcliffe for taking my mother from me, I was finally able to forgive him in 2010 after meeting Archbishop Desmond Tutu and hearing him deliver an incredible talk about forgiveness.
What are you hoping to achieve in the future?
I want to continue sharing my message of hope and inspiration around the world, both through speaking and my published work – I’m in the process of writing my fourth book right now. I also hope to instil the same strong values and mind-set in my own children, so that they won’t experience the low self-esteem and mistakes that I did.
Can you delegate?
Yes, I have to. I am on the road quite a lot, speaking, and I have a great team behind me. Justine and Sue in the office ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible so that my clients get a first class presentation.
Why is it important for businesses and organisations to motivate staff in a recession?
I think it’s essential that business leaders motivate their staff during these uncertain economic times. We’re constantly bombarded by negativity in the press and media, and it can be tough to stay positive at times, but the world has not ground to a halt. Leaders have an obligation to ensure they bring out the best in their people by setting a great example; focussing on what can be done, and not what can’t. In times like these, where more is often required for less, a highly motivated, positive workforce can give organisations a real competitive edge and bolster their productivity.
What makes a good manager or leader?
A good leader is someone who has the ability to bring out the best in people. They can identify and focus on the strengths of those around them, and empower them to make decisions for themselves and develop their skillsets. They communicate well and motivate those around them, while remaining accessible to all.
Leadership is such a vast subject area, but one leader I believe got it spot on was my English teacher, who inspired me as a shy 13 year old to take part in a public speaking competition at school. I went on to win that competition, and as a result changed how I saw myself. He had an ability to see potential in me that I couldn’t see for myself. He was a fantastic leader.
Why do you think it is important to book an external speaker?
I think there are many benefits to hiring an external speaker to come into an organisation. Such speakers are experts in the fields they choose to deliver in, and will have spent many years gaining experience, knowledge, and practicing the delivery of their content for maximum impact.
Those working within organisations rarely have the time to fully plan, research and explore a subject, and are often nervous and ill-prepared if asked to deliver a presentation or talk to their colleagues and peers. External speakers want to speak. That is what they do, and they’ve spent years training to deliver important content in the right way. In most cases an external speaker will bring a fresh perspective and their unique story to the delivery of the topic, making sure that the client’s desired message gets across
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