Helping others always ends up helping ourselves.


In this 45-minute keynote speech, Patrick Schwerdtfeger encourages listeners to survey their circle of family and friends for opportunities to contribute kindness, understanding and support.  This voluntary participation in someone else’s world strengthens relationships and yields plenty of benefits on both sides.


The recent shooting massacre on the Virginia Tech campus demonstrates an extreme personal failure that resulted in 33 people losing their lives.  A young male student crossed the threshold.  He crossed the threshold from being angry to ACTING on his anger.  And looking back now, there were certainly a few signs we should’ve seen; things that might have allowed us to prevent the tragedy.  But we need more than government organizations to detect these volatile individuals.  We need to accept our own responsibility as family, as friends and as human beings to see if someone in our circle needs our help.


Contributing in a time of need benefits both parties.  But the foundation relies on a genuine willingness to let go of your own perspectives, your own opinions, your own biases and truly viewing their situation through THEIR eyes, their experiences, their skill set.  That level of empathy creates bonds that last a lifetime.  And the reward of potentially avoiding a tragedy adds a sense of confidence and purpose to your character.


This speech is well suited for most charitable groups.  Any event requiring contribution and responsibility of its members will benefit from this serious but uplifting message.  Listeners feel empowered by taking action!