keynote speaker
The many groups who have heard Rex Ziak’s presentations agree that he is one of the most engaging and memorable speakers they have ever heard. A born story-teller whose wide-ranging adventures give his presentations a unique stamp of authenticity, Rex is able to make his topics come alive for his audiences, no matter what their particular interests or areas of expertise.
Having given and heard more than my share of speeches during my career, I like to think that I know an entertaining speaker and a natural born story teller when I see one—and Rex Ziak is one of the most entertaining and informative I have seen in quite some time. His love of history is contagious, and he would be a welcome addition to any meeting, conference, or convention.
— Mark O. Hatfield
United States Senator 1967-1997 |
You had me completely mesmerized . . . Thank you for a fascinating glimpse of American history. I have heard some very distinguished speakers, but only two stand out—Jane Goodall was one and you are the other.
— Rhonda Grant, Member
Channel City Club, Santa Barbara, CA (January 2006)
Rex's passion for mastering his topics is obvious and his enthusiasm is so infectious that he creates a bond with his audience that changes them from observers to full partners who participate in his journey of discovery. ... But I would be remiss if I failed to communicate that this unusually talented public speaker and entertainer is also a serious and disciplined researcher and scholar. ... I heartily recommend Rex Ziak, and I can guarantee that your audience will appreciate the experience of sharing a most memorable, informative, thought provoking and enjoyable evening....
— Jerry L. Ostermiller, President
Columbia River Maritime Museum |
|
|
|
||
| [See Video Sample on Contact page] | [See NBC Today Show interview on Contact page] | |
|
|
||
LECTURES
|
Rex Ziak specializes in directly addressing the interests and needs of his audiences. Here are several lecture topics that Rex is prepared to present; he will be happy to consult with you to provide details and to fine-tune the presentation for your group.
History Repeats Itself; Leaders Repeat Each Other
Peter Drucker cited the Greek warrior Xenophon as a model of leadership, but if Drucker had ever heard Rex Ziak describe Lewis and Clark's leadership abilities, he might have written about them instead. Learn how the hard-won lessons of the Corps of Discovery can be used by today’s leaders in business and public service.
A New National Park: The Unknown Story of Lewis and Clark
On November 7, 1805, William Clark exclaimed, “O Joy, Ocian in View.” Exactly one month later they arrived at Fort Clatsop, a mere fifteen miles away. Where did they go and what did they do during those thirty days? Rex Ziak is the local historian who researched, discovered, and explained this missing month of American history, resulting in the creation of America’s newest national park.
Roots of Modern Medicine
Lewis and Clark assembled a medicine chest consisting of opium, South American tree bark, nutmeg and saltpeter, then set out into the wilderness for two and a half years. Despite snake-bites, food poisoning, heat stroke, frost bite, knife and gunshot wounds, all but one man survived. Rex Ziak reveals how this amazing outcome was achieved.
|
The Power of ONE
The ancient coastal rain-forest near Rex Ziak’ s home is nearly gone, diminished during the past century from millions of acres to only a few hundred. When he became aware that one of the last stands of thousand-year-old cedars was scheduled to be clearcut, he decided to try something that had never been done before: get the corporation back in Boston that owned the trees to cooperate in preserving them. Hear the inspiring story that captured the interest of the “Today Show.”
Vanishing People: The Mexican Campesino
Despite the fact that millions of Americans hire or work with citizens from Mexico, they know almost nothing about their culture. Rex Ziak spent over two years in a remote, traditional Mexican village, documenting the people and their way of life. His presentation, illustrated with unique photographs, takes you deep into the soul of the Mexican people.
Timing and Lighting
Rex Ziak was born into a logging family, taught himself photography, and eventually won an Emmy and had a photographic essay published in Life magazine. How do people turn their passions into careers? His story is instructive and inspirational.
|
|
|
|
||
PAST SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS INCLUDE:
|
|
d e s i g n by
cheth