Mike was exceptional! He is genuine and honest, and kids need to be exposed to those two qualities as much as possible. Not only does his message apply to students, but it applies to each of us in some way. We teach kids to build their college/career resumes “helping people”, and we need to teach them to just help to make the world a little better for someone, anyone, that could use a smile or a meal or a friend-and not just today, that person will likely be hungry or lonely again tomorrow…and the day after that. He made me look at “helping” in a whole new light. I would go see him again and again! – Lisa Chaney – United Against Violence Southeast Nebraska
Mike was everything we hoped he would be: funny, inspiring, engaging, real, committed, and accessible. We devoted a whole day to him and it was worth every minute. The kids and staff are still talking about it today. – Jeanne Lemlin – Mt. Everett H.S.
Our kids and staff all stated that he was the best speaker they have ever had at a school event. He had both our middle and high school students completely engaged, he connected with them in a way that got them to think about who they are, what they stand for and where they want to go in life. He is A++ – Tracy Wagner – St. Joseph High School
Mike was amazing. Anyone who participated in the assembly took something away from it. He truly spoke to everyone. The parent presentation was outstanding too. We would highly recommend Mike Smith! – Jennifer Baumgartner – Naperville North High School.
What can I say: Mike was keynote for opening night of our convention and he was awesome. Students and adults feel that Mike is speaking directly to them. They perceive him as telling an important story about life, not just pulling out the tricks of a professional speaker. When it was over , he hung around for hours talking to the delegates, sharing with them, and letting them share with him. It was a great start to our weekend. – Dan Tollison – South Carolina Association of Student Councils State Conference
Mike was an amazing speaker. He was articulate but yet so down to earth. He spoke to 1600 students at one time and they were all engaged. The information he spoke about was all relevant to the students and really made them speak. We had close to 400 students stay for the small group session and the questions that came from the kids were amazing. Mike did a great job answering them and gave the student something to think about. I would highly recommend him to speak at any school. – Rebecca Saffert – Cary-Grove High School
Mike has an unreal way of capturing the teenage and adult audience in a matter of seconds, and keeping them engaged every moment while he speaks. His genuine nature and compelling stories encourage everyone in the room to do a little self reflection, and to become better human beings. He’s extremely gifted, and students tell me time and time again that the event is life changing. Keep up the great work! – Justin Ray – Scholastic Rep- High School Essentials, LLC
Mike was outstanding in both the workshops and assembly. He was personable and told some tremendous stories about his life experiences. He was tremendously easy to work with and the students could not say enough awesome things about him. . – Bill Martin –Director of Student Activities – Oratory Prep
Mike did a fantastic job yesterday. Kids were interacting with him during both sessions, and loved that he injected his sense of humor. Afterwards, I heard several kids speaking about it. As the event facilitator, it was great to see the kids not only listening, but wanting to engage. As a mom of two teenagers in the room, I got to hear all about it from them and their friends that night. They were excited enough to tell their dad about it as well. In my role both as a professional and a mother, I’m always looking for that thing or person that will make a positive impact. It’s a win when kids leave an event not only thinking it was a good event, but also excited and quoting aspects of the speaker. This tells me that Mike is making a difference. My son said Mike was not a boring speaker like many they hear. – Lisa Hurley – York County Development Corporation
Our kids and staff all stated that he was the best speaker they have ever had at a school event. He had both our middle and high school students completely engaged, he connected with them in a way that got them to think about who they are, what they stand for and where they want to go in life. He is A++ – Tracy Wagner – St. Joseph High School
Mike brought energy, connection, passion, leadership, authenticity, and vulnerability to our scholars. The scholars began to apply what Mike was saying to their own personal life and how they could be the best person within their home, school, and community. Some scholars parents called and said once their child came home from camp that they made some major positive changes. He is incredible. Thank you! – Jena Mendoza – NCPA
Mike is one of the best speakers I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. His message was outstanding and very relatable. One of the most impressive things about Mike is his ability to make each individual student feel important. He took the time to talk to them individually and didn’t take any shortcuts in getting to know them. I was also impressed with his candid conversation with my ASB Leadership class. He guided them to ask great questions, and inspired them in ways that I have never seen them inspired before. – Shea Runge – Yorba Linda High School
Mike spoke at our two middle schools and our high school today. He did a wonderful job. Our students and staff were very impressed with his story and his message. His delivery was easy to follow and understand at each building level. We would highly recommend Mike to any school or organization that was considering having him as a speaker. – Roger Miller – Gretna Public Schools
Mike Smith provided our students with a great message about making a difference in the world and treating others the right way. Mike spent the entire day at Maroa-Forsyth High School interacting with students and provided small group workshops along with an all school assembly. Mike has a high energy personality that quickly spread to our students and staff. It was a great day at Maroa-Forsyth High School when Mike visited. – Brice S – Brice Stewart – St. Joseph Maroa-Forsyth High School
I would recommend Mike Smith to any middle school or high school as a guest speaker. He really connected with our students on a different level, and his message is still being talked about. He spoke to our students in the AM, ate lunch with them and interacted with different tables, and then did some break out sessions in the afternoon on leadership with smaller groups. ALL of our students felt he was the best speaker they had seen EVER. I can’t say enough positive things about our experience with Mike. – Kevin Shelton – Mt. Johnsburg High School
