Speaking

I speak and teach on topics related to creativity, the arts, writing, self-publishing, and productivity. I can tailor any presentation to suit the needs of your group, whether it’s a school, church, business, or community organization. In addition, I can present any of these topics as either a stand-alone keynote, an interactive workshop, and many of them as a longer seminar. (I’ve noted the presentations that are ideal as a multi-session workshop or seminar.)

These are sample topics, and I am happy to consider other ones as needed. Please email me at kent@kentsanders.net or fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page, and I’d love the opportunity to speak with you further about your group’s needs.

Unleash Your Inner da Vinci. Leonardo da Vinci, the greatest artist of all time, left behind a treasure trove of creative works. From the deceptive simplicity of the Mona Lisa to the depth of his writings in a multitude of areas, his intelligence and creative output are unmatched to this day. Leonardo stands as a testament to what the human mind can do when it’s compelled by curiosity.

In this presentation, we investigate the life and works of this creative master. You’ll discover key principles that will help you unleash your creative genius and experience your own personal Renaissance.

Ideal for: Artists, Leaders, Teachers, Students

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Clarity: The Missing Ingredient in Your Creative Life. We live in an unprecedented age of access to creative tools and technology. Yet many writers, artists, and leaders feel stuck or stalled out in their creative lives. It’s easy to feel paralyzed by too many options and too many voices telling us which way to go.

In this presentation, we look at the reasons why clarity will help you cut through the options and give you focus and momentum in your life. Then we work through four specific questions that help give you clarity: Who Am I? (Defining Your Identity); Why Am I Here? (Defining Your Purpose and Calling); Who Am I Serving? (Defining Your Audience); What Should I Be Doing? (Defining Your Product or Service). (This presentation works best as a multi-session seminar or workshop.)

Ideal for: Writers, Artists, Leaders

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How to Raise Creative Kids. Our kids are not growing up in the same world we grew up in. Today’s world is complex, with many challenging problems. We will need thinkers in the coming decades who can present creative solutions to the pressing problems of their day. How can we set up kids up for success both now and in the future?

In this presentation for parents, teachers, and youth workers, I present a compelling case and five practical strategies for helping kids of every age be more creative: we must give them support and permission; a vision for their lives; opportunities to be creative; an example to follow, and tools and resources. Life is too short, and our responsibility as parents and leaders too great, to do anything less than help our kids reach their creative potential. It’s not just their future at stake … it’s the future of the world.

Ideal for: Parents, Youth Leaders/Pastors, Teachers

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The Biblical Foundations of Creativity. Creativity is much more than the art we experience in movies, music, and museums. For the person of faith, creativity is truly a spiritual calling that is too often ignored.

In this presentation, we look at the biblical foundations of creativity, all the way from Genesis 1:1 to the hymns of Revelation. We’ll see examples of art and artists from the Bible, and you’ll discover key principles you can apply to your life today. God is first revealed as a Creator, and as people made in his image, artists have no higher calling than to understand and model God’s creativity.

Ideal for: Artists, Leaders, Pastors, Teachers, Students

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The Monster and the Muse. Every artist must face the “blank page”–a computer, canvas, or literal blank page where we create our art. But if you look behind the blank page, you’ll see two creatures: the Monster and the Muse. The Monster feeds on fear and tells us our work isn’t good enough, that we should just give up. But the Muse feeds on faith and speaks words of life, hope, and beauty.

In this presentation, you’ll discover why the Monster is so dangerous and how to recognize his voice. You’ll also learn how to listen to the Muse and follow her lead. The themes are playful, but this is no child’s play: you must starve the Monster and feed the Muse. This presentation shows you how.

Ideal for: Writers, Artists, Students

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How to Make Time for Your Art. Ask any writer or artist about their biggest creative frustration, and you’ll hear a common theme: lack of time. Most of us have plenty of ideas, tools, and resources to make great art, but time is our biggest challenge.

In this practical, fast-paced presentation, you’ll learn 21 ways to rethink your calendar and make more time for your writing and art. You’ll be empowered and inspired to take back control of your schedule and invest your time into your highest values.

Ideal for: Artists, Writers, Parents, Leaders, Pastors, Teachers

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The 5 Cups of Creativity. My whole approach to creativity revolves around this truth: we find the most joy, and help the most people, when we are doing what we were born to do. Each of us is born to create and bring value to the world through our art.

In this presentation, we begin by identifying four barriers that keep us from fulfilling our creative potential: we are confused about the 1) process, 2) nature, 3) actions, and 4) purpose of creativity. Then we dive into the 5 “cups” creativity: Clarity, Confidence, Consistency, Curiosity, and Community. You’ll discover a clear pathway to greater creativity, no matter what your context or type of art. (This presentation works best as a multi-session seminar or workshop.)

Ideal for: Artists, Writers, Leaders, Students, Teachers

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Self-Publishing for Pastors, Teachers & Other Leaders. Ministry leaders such as pastors and missionaries, and teachers at every level (including high school and university-level) produce high-quality content for audiences. These teachers and leaders often want to publish a book but aren’t sure where to begin.

In this presentation, I lay out a step-by-step plan for giving your material a wider audience through self-publishing. You’ll learn how to discover your “why;” define your audience; develop and organized your material; make time to write; and edit, format, and market your book. (This presentation works best as a multi-session seminar or workshop.)

Ideal for: Pastors, Teachers, Leaders, Writers

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Leadership Lessons from the Movies. Movies are more than just entertainment or a diversion from the more important concerns of life. Movies are the primary way we experience stories today, and as Robert McKee notes in his book Story, “Stories are equipment for living.” Stories are also equipment for leadership.

In this presentation, you’ll discover several key lessons every leader can learn from great movies such as Lincoln, Saving Private Ryan, Apollo 13, Citizen Kane, and others.

Ideal for: Leaders, Teachers, Pastors, Artists

I always look forward to Kent speaking in Chapel. He has fresh ideas and makes relevant Scriptural applications. He’s very creative and appeals to a diverse audience.  He will have you thinking about things in a new way.

–Chris Cable, Dean of Students, St. Louis Christian College (Florissant, Missouri)

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