Social Transformation Speaker, Actor & Professor
Ted Williams III Biography
Dr. Ted Williams III is a passionate educator, actor and author. He earned a B.A. from Rutgers University, an M.P.P. from the University of Chicago and a D.Min. from Northern Seminary. He teaches political science and is chairman of the social sciences department at Kennedy-King College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. He is also an adjunct professor at Wheaton College and previously taught at Chicago State University. Dr. Williams is the former host of WYCC-PBS's public affairs talk show, "The Professors," and has provided political commentary for WGN-TV, NBC-TV and the program, "Upfront with Jesse Jackson," among other media outlets.
As an actor, Dr. Williams has appeared in commercials for Subway, Cheerios and Empire Carpet; in the films "Human Zoos" and "The Christmas Thief"; and on NBC's "Chicago PD" and Showtime's "The Chi." He is a contributor to the Third World Press text "Not My President"; creator of the production, "TORN the Musical"; and author of the book, "The Way Out: Christianity, Politics, and the Future of the African American Community." His justice-infused artistic work has been funded by the Illinois Arts Council, Illinois Humanities and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Dr. Williams is a former candidate for the Chicago City Council and creator of the production, "1619: The Journey of a People," which was nominated for the 2020 August Wilson Award for Best Writing of a Musical by the Black Theater Alliance Awards. In 2021, he launched the 1619 Musical Chicago Public Schools arts-integrated educational program.
Dr. Williams is an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar and was appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to serve on the Illinois Reparations Commission. He has led numerous civic engagement initiatives, provided board leadership for various nonprofits, and is frequently called upon as a speaker and consultant on topics such as social justice, diversity and effective communication. He enjoys biking, dance and watching his favorite team, the Chicago Bears. He and his wife, Roslyn, are raising three beautiful children.
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Ted Williams III Speaking Topics
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Change Our Language, Change Our Politics
The current American political climate is notoriously full of acrimony and vitriol. Research suggests that the partisan division in the U.S. electorate is widening as Americans increasingly segregate by class, geography, and ideology. Are we hopelessly destined for a future of political combat in which Americans are unable to even hear the other side? What if bringing us a little closer was as simple as changing the political language we use?
Drawing from social science research about the use of language in sales, Ted Williams III argues that simple changes in the way we speak will have a significant impact. For example, a study done by Carnegie Mellon University had researchers change the description of an overnight shipping charge on a free DVD trial offer from “a $5 fee” to “a small $5 fee”. This change increased the response rate by 20 percent. The potential for changing language in our political discourse is tremendous.
The usage of many sound bite political terms unnecessarily exacerbates the gaps between us and subconsciously justifies bias and inequality. Most political labels in general create false choices and fixed ideological camps that encourage an “us against them” mentality. By changing the terminology that we use in our civil discourse, we can turn down the volume in our conversations. We may realize the commonality of our aspirations and that a commitment to respectful pluralism provides us all with a space to co-exist. This media and performance-based presentation is certain to inspire audiences towards individual and social transformation.
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Unleashing Your Inner Creativity: Using the Arts to Enhance Messaging
In an age in which people are bombarded daily with advertising, how does one produce effective messaging? For both internal and external conversations, how can organizations convey their most important ideas, change behavior, and encourage success? Using theater, movement, and voice, this arts-based workshop will leave participants with their creative juices flowing and empowered for action!
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How do I book Ted Williams III to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ted Williams III for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Ted Williams III, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Ted Williams III or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Ted Williams III
Speaking fees for Ted Williams III, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ted Williams III are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ted Williams III, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Ted Williams III speak about?
Ted Williams III is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Actor, Anti-Racism, Black Heritage, Civil Rights, Communication, Creativity, DEI, Faith & Religion, History, Leadership, Music, Non-Fiction Authors, Performing Arts, Political, Political Science, Professors, Social Activism, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Television & Film -
Where does Ted Williams III travel from?
Ted Williams III generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Ted Williams III’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Ted Williams III for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ted Williams III for your next private or corporate function. -
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Ted Williams III is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Change Our Language, Change Our Politics, Unleashing Your Inner Creativity: Using the Arts to Enhance Messaging, 1619: The Journey of a People and Communicate Like a Champion. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ted Williams III for your event is available upon request. Ted Williams III generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Dr. Cornel West, Julianne Malveaux, Mojúbàolú Olúfunké Okome, Ric S. Sheffield and Dr. Marc Lamont Hill. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ted Williams III for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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