Speaking Engagements
by Sylvia Payne

Community organizations can benefit from programs tailored to their specific needs.

As an after-dinner speaker or program presenter, I offer a variety of topics, such as:

Life is comical:   Release stress through a lighthearted way to look at life's problems.

Stories help us see ourselves and understand who we really are:   Incorporates folktales showing our humanness and our flaws.   May also include taking a look at our own stories in handling certain life situations.

North Carolina history, legends and folklore: Sylvia shares some of North Carolina's legends around the state, which can include ghost tales and the unexplained. She can also include personal stories and stories about her grandfather who lived in North Carolina. This program may be tailored to fit your individual need.

World Folktales in the 21 st Century: Includes stories which show that human beings have not changed all that much, if any. Similar thoughts, behavior, and feelings have permeated throughout the centuries.

Other types of programs and workshops may be designed upon request.

Example of organizations to which I have presented:

• Civic Organizations
• Corporate Family gatherings
• Book Clubs
• Historical Society
• Retirement Centers
• Scout Groups

If you are in North Carolina and are a non-profit organization, you may apply for a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Speakers Forum.   I offer two topics through the Humanities, listed on page 26 in the hard copy, and in the online directory at:   www.nchumanities.org.

Testimonials:

"Thanks for all that you've done to further storytelling in North Carolina. It is always wonderful to work with you."
-Lynn Salsi, Greensboro Author, Historian and Executive Director of the NC Youth Touring Theater

"Mrs. Payne was a guest storyteller at our annual Fall Camp-Out in October. We had a huge turnout of boys and their families for this event and they are all still talking about the wonderful stories Mrs. Payne told them. She was truly an outstanding storyteller and we all thoroughly enjoyed her suspenseful stories."
-Linda Aydelette, Cub Scout Pack 368, Alamance Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, NC

"You gave the Guilford College Art Appreciation Club a tremendous start for the year - Thank you for giving us of your time and talent.   Each of us loves a good story and your presentation of the background of Storytelling gave a new appreciation. We marveled at your memory and your enthusiasm certainly was contagious. The two Jack Tales were the highlight of the meeting. Thank you again for a most delightful afternoon."
-Elizabeth Armfield, Corresponding Secretary, Guilford College Art Appreciation Club, Greensboro, NC

© 2004 Sylvia Payne