David Harrell’s Speaking Programs

Every audience. One true story.

David Harrell was born without his right hand. He grew up in the South, competed in athletics, trained as an actor in New York City, and eventually turned his life story into something that changes people: students in gymnasiums, educators at conferences, and college students in auditoriums who came in skeptical and left with something they didn’t expect to find.

His grandfather called it being “little potatoes and hard to peel.” Smaller than the other kids. Maybe not as talented. But tough, and impossible to break down.

David built his programs around that idea. Not as a slogan. As a framework.

Whether he’s performing a school assembly for second graders, delivering a keynote for a thousand educators, or speaking to college students at orientation, the story is true, the humor is real, and the message holds: your circumstances don’t get to decide what you do next.

Explore Programs  Book David

“As an administrator of sixteen years, this is the most powerful performance I have ever seen. The kids were on the edge of their seats the entire performance. His message truly inspired all of us to not be defined by limitations or circumstances.”
– Assistant Principal, Doherty Middle School, Andover MA

“After I saw David Harrell’s performance, I sent out a message to the entire campus saying ‘this will change your life’, and I meant it.”
– Karen Berman, Chair, Georgia College Theatre Department

“One of the most moving and inspirational keynotes that G-CASE has ever experienced. David has a true gift of touching people’s souls.”
– Philip Mellor, Executive Officer of Learning and Leadership, Henry County Schools