Member of the Week for October 31, 2022 Harry Hall

About Harry Hall NSA-North Texas Member of the Week for October 31, 2022

Although Harry Hall began his professional career as a collegiate cross-country/track coach and personal trainer- Niki McCuistion and Susan Gatton were two of his clients, his life took an unexpected turn when he joined Toastmasters and won several speech contests. That led to landing speaking engagements at companies such as Ford, the Associates, NCH, IBM, and Four Seasons.

One Rotary Club talk resulted in him being asked to start teaching a public speaking class at the University of Dallas and later, SMU. After more than two decades in the classroom, Harry left in 2020 to pursue other speaking and writing endeavors.

What audiences do you speak for?

We’re changing marketing for 2023, focusing on private high schools and colleges. It’s the foundation that should lead to a major project in 2024 or 2025.

What led you to this career?

Discovering my love of teaching public teaching. Over the years, the class at UD grew from one section to two, and near the end I worked with students, and we formed a club, “Next Stage Speakers,’ where students prepared for the next stage for speaking and for life.

What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?

I lose most battles with technology. I’m trying to get better.

What’s your go-to productivity trick?

I do a lot of writing, and Pro Writing Aid is a major editing help. 

Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

Lots of NSA-NT members, especially Niki, Stu, and Karen Cortell Reisman; Susan Gatton and techno-whiz Fred Campos have become two of my closest friends and influencers.

What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?

Trying to do too much on my own. It’s only been in the last few years I’ve realized the extent that has pulled me down.

What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

While hosting my own fitness-themed radio program on KTCK 1310, “The Ticket,” the Texas Dietetic Association named me their “Media Personality of the Year.”

Also, a few years ago, I wrote the first book about the late 19^th century professional women endurance walkers titled, “The Pedestriennes, America’s Forgotten Superstars.” It won three national writing awards, and competitor.com included it on its list of, “Greatest Running Books.” The response to that work has been tremendous. Readers sent me their own research, much of which I included in a recently released updated edition.

What being a member of NSA-NT means to you (testimonial) 

I’m associating with some of the best in the profession; so I’m learning from the top speakers anywhere. How can you beat that?

Something personal you want us to know- can be about family, a vacation, a favorite food- anything you care to share.

Four years ago, my nephew’s Ancestry DNA sample revealed that I have a previously unknown half-sister living in Arkansas. Ladonna traced our family history back to the 1300’s and found we are direct descendants of King Robert III of Scotland, and cousins to Mary, Queen of Scots. However, despite descending from royalty, no member of my family received an invitation to the Queen’s funeral. British Royals can be a bitter people.

Contact info and Social Media info (full URLs please):

Email:   [email protected]

Website: www.harryhallspeaks.com (currently being upgraded)

LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harryhall/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harry.hall.92/