Hosts have described Erik Schlimmer’s presentations as polished, motivational, and invigorating. The three words Erik uses? Inspirational, educational, and entertaining. This Q and A section addresses the most common inquiries to Erik’s speaking services.

What programs are available?

Made for TV: Authenticity in American Culture. A lecture based on Erik's experience as a reality television personality, this presentation is an exposé of TV’s lack of realism and its subsequent impact on young viewers.

Expedition to Success: Border to Border. Displaying forests, deserts, and mountains for 2,750 miles, this program describes the six life skills Erik used ride the longest mountain bike route on Earth. Learn what it’s like to spend two months on two wheels. Even the biggest couch potatoes will be inspired.

Feet of Endurance: Two Record-Setting Treks. A two-for-one special, this program describes Erik’s 165-mile speed hike of the Tahoe Rim Trail and his 140-mile traverse of the Catskill Mountains. Set among 10,000-foot peaks and alpine lakes in true wilderness, you’ll break a sweat learning how Erik surpasses his limits.

What are Erik's speaking credentials? 
Mr. Schlimmer has presented at more than forty venues and holds a Bachelors degree in Speech Communication with a concentration in public speaking from Plattsburgh State University.  He is a certified Toastmasters International Competent Communicator public speaker and has won Toastmasters International competitive speaking events.

He serves as faculty at Oneonta State University and has taught leadership courses for Adirondack Community College, Denali Education Center, North Country Community College, Oneonta State University, and Potsdam State University.  He is recipient of Oneonta State University's Simphiwe Hlatswayo Award for Outstanding Adjunct Instructor and has received this university’s Teaching Merit Award three times.

Where has Erik spoken?
A sample of venues include Cortland State University’s Student Recreation Conference, Geneseo State University, Mystic Seaport’s Adventure Lecture Series, North Country Community College, Oneonta State University's Student Leadership Conference, Paul Smiths College, Potsdam State University, and Rutgers University, among other venues.

Are hosts and audiences happy with what Erik provides? 
Yes.  During a recent fourteen-venue tour, 100% of hosts reported they were fully satisfied with Erik’s performance.  Concerning the audience, 99% answered "yes," 1% answered "probably," and 0% answered "no" when asked, "Would you attend another presentation by Erik Schlimmer?"

What will Erik’s presentations do for my audience? 
MADE for TV provides an exposé of reality television, examining the authenticity of TV and its impact on Americans, particularly young people.  Subjects include the manipulative power of television, experiential economies, and our perception of realism.  Audiences will deconstruct what it means to “keep it real” and renew the value of their true self-image.

Expedition to Success and Feet of Endurance convey six life skills that empower audiences to be successful in all of life's adventures.  Viewers are inspired to better understand and employ goal-setting, effective communication, and the tenets of leadership.

Is there scholarly merit to these presentations?
Yes.  During MADE for TV Erik draws from his study of Propaganda and Mass Media, Mass Communication Theory, and Media and Popular Culture.  He dovetails these studies with writings of authenticity scholars including Jeremy Rifkin, B. Joseph Pine II, and James H. Gilmore.

At the center of Expedition to Success and Feet of Endurance is a discussion of the six life skills that bring Erik success.

Each skill is weaved into the achievements of six notable authors. More on these life skills and authors can be found here.

Can appearances be offered as “package deals”?
Yes.  When speaking at educational institutions, if scheduling allows, Erik will serve as guest lecturer for any class at no cost.  The speaker is available for interviews and VIP gatherings before and after presentations.

What are the speaker’s fees?
Contact Erik via the e-mail link below to learn more about the speaker’s fee schedule.  Fees are competitive, straightforward, and fair.

If you desire more information, please contact the speaker here.

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