Photo: Tim Miller, Journal-Tribune, Marysville Ohio
Dr. Jim Burson is a seasoned public speaker with four decades of experience who is known for his motivational, inspiring and humorous presentations. He is available for sports and corporate speaking engagements on a limited basis.
Jim delivered his first professional talk in 1968 to a Rotary Club in Ohio. The title was The Three-C Highway: Courage, Confidence and a Cause (not Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.)
Even earlier in his career he stepped onto a soapbox – literally – at the legendary Chautauqua Institute to speak on the topic of Ralph Waldo Emerson. His audience: a half dozen Ivy League Emerson and nineteenth century American philosophy scholars. Over the next hour, Jim persuaded his fellow professors that Emerson could indeed have been a great basketball coach. He has been delighting, inspiring and entertaining audiences ever since.
Whether delivering a keynote or addressing coaches and athletic directors, Jim creates a rapport with his audience that is personal, warm and always engaging.
At the end of the evening we all left feeling a little better about our world and our individual ability to contribute to its betterment. Coach Burson is a breath of fresh air! ” – Dave Vollrath, Executive Director, Union County Foundation
Recent Speaking Engagements
– Union County Foundation, 2nd Annual Foundation Celebration – Keynote Speaker
– Independent College Advancement Association (ICAA), 2014 Conference – Keynote Speaker
– Alderson Broaddus University, Dr. Robert V. Digman Distinguished Lecture Series – Featured Speaker
– Zanesville Rotary Club – Featured Speaker
– John McIntire Library, Muskingum County – Featured Speaker
– Terra Cotta Vineyards – Author Talk
“Much thanks for your time on our campus today. Your presentation was lively, enlightening, entertaining and oh-so-true!” — Joan Propst, Provost/Executive Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Alderson Broaddus University
Delight, Inspire & Motivate Your Audience
“A truly outstanding presentation. You and your remarks were awesome. You added a ’10’ to a great program.” – Clair Muscaro, Commissioner (retired), Ohio High School Athletic Association
“Your talk was perfect. You gave us an entertaining and inspirational reminder about hard work, dedication, friends, faith and how basketball fits into the whole picture. I have always enjoyed your insights and dry wit. We could not have found a better person to deliver that talk and message.” – Jim Hamilton, Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame Executive Board
“Your presentation was exactly what I had pictured: a passionate, enthusiastic master teacher doing what he loves to do – teach and instruct. When Coach Burson’s name is mentioned in a conversation, the words ‘class,’ ‘great guy,’ ‘excellent teacher,’ all quickly follow. You have been an outstanding role model for coaches on all levels.” – Dave Krauss, President (former), Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association
“Everybody left the banquet with a smile on their face after your message. Will contract you again next year.” – Don Henderson, Co-Founder, Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame
“Thanks for your lecture at the coaching clinic last week in St. Paul, MN. I really appreciated your enthusiasm for not only the game of basketball but also teaching it. That is hard to replicate and I love listening to people with that trait.” – Brad Kutz
“Thank you hardly seems adequate. You were a breath of fresh air. I wish I could be around your energy and positive approach to life on a regular basis. If you can affect my group so positively in just two hours, just think what my group can accomplish!” – Erin L. VanFossen, Buckeye Career Center
“This was the first time our United Way had a kick-off event. My expectations were exceeded. Your address was the key. Your message and delivery were captivating and the audience was enthralled.” – Christine Cugliari, United Way of Coshocton County, Inc.
Inquire for availability
Please use the form below telling us what you’re interested in. Please include as much of the following information as possible:
- Name of organization/event
- Date, time, location of event
- The web address (URL) where we can find more details
- General topic of talk
- Approximate length of talk
We look forward to being in touch!
