Speaker Biography 

Richard Paul has spoken to thousands of business professionals, association leaders, students and educators throughout the world,  implementing his ventriloquist skills and props, to paint a humorous yet practical down to earth picture of how we can empower others and ourselves.  He opens the mind to more ideas by combining life's lesson with comedy.

 PAST: Born with a Birth defect (his right arm is missing three fingers and shorter than his left) He has never let this so-called disability prevent him from living his dreams.

At age 11, Richard taught himself ventriloquism and at 12, he began to sharpen his business and presentation skills by producing and marketing a weekly show in his parent’s garage. He would charge 10 cents to get in and 25 cents to get out.

Over the past twenty-seven years Richard has been CEO of a successful Entertainment and Events planning Company.  He and his creative team have worked with many fortune 500 companies and organizations looking to plan events that  reduce stress, improve employee customer relations and promote fun.   

 
 Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Oakland University in Communications and Marketing.

Richard has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Detroit News, Fox2 News and has been seen waving through the window on Good Morning America.

PRESENT: He is an active member of the National Speakers Association and on the board of directors of NSA-Michigan. He is working toward his C.S.P. rating (Certified Speaking Professional) through the National Speakers Association and studying to become a licensed Unity Teacher. He is also a proud member of the board of directors of VSI Arts- Michigan, Macomb County Chapter  an organization that provides access and opportunities for children and adults with special needs to grow through the arts.

He is an award-winning author and creative force behind a new hilarious motivational CD entitled "Duck Sense".

Founder of Bands Galore Enterprises, Inc., an entertainment and events organization, servicing clients since 1975.

Winner of several  “First Place Speaker Awards” from Toastmasters International.

International Platform Association "Speakers Ladder" Finalist.

Recipient of annual advance skill training from the National Speakers Association and NSA Michigan.

Award winning Author “Honorable Mention”  Midwest Publishers Association.

Voted “Best Ventriloquist” in his family.

“I really loved your energy at the last PSAM meeting. Your presence made our seminar into an event.”
- Michael Scott Karpovich, Certified Speaking Professional

“Our membership enjoyed your motivating speech at the Detroit Edison’s Forum Club. The accounts of your experiences painted a humorous, yet practical, down to earth picture of how we can empower others and ourselves.”
- Anne Kovach, President, The Forum Club, Detroit Edison

“Everyone laughed heartily at your humor and use of puppetry throughout your presentation.”

“I am thankful you came so highly recommended to our planning committee and that we were able to “snatch you up” for the day!”
- Kristen Clarambeau, Training Program Coordinator- 4C’s Conference Chair

“I really enjoyed your presentation at our QC Conference last month. Your speech was absolutely the highlight of the conference.”
- Stephen R. Hilker, Director, Quality Control and Special Projects, Family Independence Agency, State of Michigan

"I would like to thank you for a wonderful presentation at our annual Professional Emergency Manager’s (PEM) Workshop. People are still talking about how you were able to interact with the audience and hold everyone’s attention with your humor and creativity. It would be a pleasure to recommend your program to others if requested to do so in the future."

"Again, thanks for your assistance in making our workshop a memorable occasions for everyone.”
- Marshal S. Johnson, F/Lt., Training and Exercise Section, Emergency Management Division

“Thank you for sharing with us your life experiences and reminding us with your humorous puppet friends, to set our sights on the solutions rather than the problems."

"Richard, you are truly a standout in your field!"
- Roman Suter, Sales Engineer, Manager, Truck Group, Webasto Thermosystems Inc.

"Your approach to life is inspirational and I have brought that back to my Court and am trying to pass it along to all of my employees. I share your thoughts about life and am trying to not always take it so seriously and to just have fun."

"I thank you for your insights and please keep spreading the word!”
- Jim Verploeg, Oakland County Court, Oakland County, Michigan

"Thanks Rick! I've heard nothing but rave reviews!"
- Denise Caren, North Ohio Placement Association

"You were inspirational, motivational, entertaining, and fun. Your program was most congruent with our workshops needs and expectations."
- George Zarka, Michigan Community Public Health Agency