Motivational Speaking by John Voehl

Click here to play the Battle Hymn of the Republic
as sung by the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale 

Motivational Speaking

 

 

These character themes from Lincoln’s life have proven to be powerful, inspirational, compelling and contagious for 150 years.  Infuse them in your organization with a presentation by Lincoln himself.

The difference between Motivational Speaking and Historical Presentations

The motivational speaking presented on this tab uses popular present day  corporate and life themes, illustrated with humorous quotes, incidents and stories from President Lincoln’s life that make these themes come alive.  Lincoln speaks in the first person, but uses some poetic license to make the current day applications.

 

 

The following themes can be presented individually or grouped together based upon the host’s preference.

 

 

Lincoln the 19th Century Diversity Champion

Besides freedom for black slaves, Lincoln also protected Native Americans, favored women's voting rights, reached out to outcasts, and was criticized for being “color blind”.  Leverage Lincoln’s first person illustrations to make your Diversity and Inclusion program come alive.

Ethics

His ethical behavior marked his life from his youth onward.  Ethics strongly ties to other themes listed here.

Honesty

Lincoln’s honesty is legendary, somewhat mythical at times, but real!  Learn how and why he lived that way.

Team Building

For his Cabinet, he selected the best men for the job even though they had been enemies of him and each other.  In the end, he won them to his objectives.  

 

Perseverance

Lincoln’s track record of rising above defeats and failures to lead his state and ultimately the nation, through reformation and survival, is inspiring and contagious. Deficient in education, personal looks, family prominence, business and political success, Lincoln persevered to greatness.

Leadership

With no executive experience, Lincoln’s Civil War leadership methodology is still our model today

Self Control

Illustrated with positive and negative examples from Lincoln’s life.  
This approach can also be done with any virtuous character quality.

Innovation

Lincoln’s successfully applied innovation to many areas including: learning, writing, his patent, new technology weapons, military science, leadership and methodical foresight 

Story Telling

“That reminds me of a story” was Lincoln’s preface to many a difficult or humorous response.  How and why did he do it?

Integrity

He lived by his guiding priorities and kept his promises which made him great and saved his country.

Listening.

Lincoln opened his door to listen to anyone while many thought he was wasting time.  He thought it essential.

Forgiveness

His success in forgiveness exceeds our standards today.  See how it can inspire and open new doors.

Humility and Confidence

Lincoln had a rare balance of these traits that helped him to learn from everyone, but not be sidetracked by anyone.

Management Styles

Lincoln did all of the following Mgmt Styles before the names were assigned: Mgmt by Walking Around; Lead by Following,

 

 

Other Character Themes?

I haven’t found any virtuous character themes that can’t be illustrated from Lincoln’s life.  If you’re interested in one that I didn’t list, let’s talk.

 

 

Here’s an alphabetical list of the private companies, government entities and schools for whom such motivational themes have been presented.  Firms are located in the Denver, CO area, unless otherwise noted

American Family Insurance, Colorado Springs, CO

Defense Contract Management Association (DCMA)

EDM Company, International Conference for Utility Line Structures

Hamilton, Faatz & Waller Law Firm

Liberty Common School, Ft. Collins, CO

Lockheed Martin Corp, Space Systems Co.

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

National Coal Transportation Association (NCTA)

Pinnacle Bank Group

Social Security Administration (SSA)

United Launch Alliance (ULA)

US History Museum, Fort Morgan, CO