A five star speaker: William E. Skadden

              Figure


early 1950

★ SPARKLE
★ INFORMATION
★ LAUGHTER
★ INSPIRATION
★ PHILOSOPHY


A FIVE STAR Speaker
For an Inspirational, Humorous Talk That's JUST RIGHT for That Special Occasion
WILLIAM E. SKADDEN
LECTURER · WRITER · HUMORIST · PHILOSOPHER
William E. Skadden, until recently Executive Secretary of the Illinois Welfare Association, is recognized as one of the country's most versatile speakers.  His training and varied background have amply equipped him for speaking TO or ABOUT Americans of every walk of life.

A partial survey of his experience includes such assignments as: Writer and Lecturer for Division for Delinquency Prevention, Illinois Dept. of Public Welfare; Chairman, Advisory Board Travelers' Aid; Lecturer, Illinois War Council; Relief Chaplain in both the United States Senate and House of Representatives; Marital Relations Counsellor; Radio Commentator doing his famous column of the air TALESPIN at Chanute Field during the war; Newspaper Columnist.

His adaptability is the delight of program chairmen everywhere he has gone—he is completely at ease and at home with any type of audience—forums, service clubs, business groups, women's clubs, professional conventions, chambers of commerce, social clubs, teachers' institutes, high schools, colleges, etc.  Again and again the reports come in, Skadden caught the tempo of our meeting—his talk was JUST RIGHT!


CURRENT SUBJECTS:

MARRY AND BE MERRY
THE 20th CENTURY UNLIMITED
WHAT NEXT — LITTLE WORLD?
HUMOR — A FINE ART
THE ROAD AHEAD
YOU CAN'T MISS IT
A WORLD IN A WHIRL
HOW DID IT HAPPEN?
THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB
COURTESY + INTELLIGENCE = SAFETY

FOR FEES AND OPEN DATES




AUDIENCE APPRECIATIONS
TOM J. DAVIS, BUTTE, MONTANA, PAST INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT (1941–42) ROTARY INTERNATIONAL:

Dear Bill: I wish to let you know how thoroughly I enjoyed your very fine speech at the Rotary Conference at Salem.  You had a most difficult time on the program—when, competing with a parade, in which twenty-five high school bands marched—and I was pleased to note that you held your crowd completely.  Not a single person left the conference hall until after you had finished your very witty and philosophical speech.  Attending district conferences of Rotary on this trip, I had gone to many parts of the United States and, in my opinion, Bill, the speech which you gave on the morning of the Salem conference was the finest I heard upon the whole trip.  Keep on keeping on!

JOHN MOORE, ROTARY DISTRICT GOVERNOR, NORFOLK, NEBRASKA:

You did a swell job for our Governor's Banquet at North Platte, and you can quote me.

NEWS OF THE WEEK … KIWANIS CLUB OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN:

Pack up your troubles in the old kit bag and enjoy this humorous philosopher.  Mr. Skadden has a most unusual presentation of every day life as you have never heard before.  You will wonder how anyone could ever be a grouch.  Our speaker was on the program at the District Convention … and without exception he was hailed as a five star performer.  His message is worthwhile and his method of presentation is different.

JAS. B. KEITH, PROGRAM CHAIRMAN, ORLANDO, FLORIDA, ROTARY CLUB:

Bill Skadden's humorous and inspiring talk was filled with thought-provoking ideas, and was well received by the members of our Rotary Club on Ladies' Night—We take pleasure in recommending him to any club seeking a speaker who will add a great deal toward making a ladies' night meeting a tremendous success.

HARRY C. HAUSMAN, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, ILLINOIS BANKERS ASSN.:

Dear Bill: It isn't often that I write a letter of commendation to professional after-dinner speakers.  There are so many of them who are exactly alike except for their looks, but because you don't even look like the rest of them and don't even talk like the rest of them, I feel that I must break my long standing rule and tell you how much I really did appreciate your talk at our Group Meetings in Mattoon and Joliet last week.  You have a refreshingly new style—or should I use the modern talk and say 'NEW LOOK'?  I really did enjoy it.

H. H. KARRMANN, KIWANIS DISTRICT GOVERNOR, WAUSAU, WISCONSIN:

Your genuine humor and sincere encouragement was an inspiration to all our members—at our District Convention.

JOHN A. SERMUR, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, WISCONSIN SAVINGS & LOAN LEAGUE:

You did a magnificent job in handling our annual convention banquet.  We were lucky to have you!

HERBERT W. HINES, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, CHICAGO:

It has been a thrilling experience to observe, over a fifteen year period, the progress of William Skadden as a public speaker.  He has amply fulfilled his promise of earlier days that he would develop into a polished speaker who would know and practice the proper balance between humor and thought-provoking substance, expressing himself clearly and with a pleasing delivery.

HUGH BUTLER, UNITED STATES SENATOR, NEBRASKA:

William Skadden has the rare ability of being able to make an important message palatable through his easy humor and down-to-earth common sense.  His forceful and witty presentations make the substance of his addresses stick in the mind of his listeners long after more ponderous addresses are forgotten.

MRS. EDWARD F. HARNER, PROGRAM CHAIRMAN, ENGLEWOOD WOMAN'S CLUB, CHICAGO:

The inspiration and humor of the lecture you gave on Monday still lingers with me.  It was a very happy occasion and I am sure that every woman who heard you went to her home richer for having had the experience.

R. O. HAWKINS, SUPT. OF SCHOOLS, JACKSON, MISSOURI:

I know it is a departure from the regular procedure to use the same commencement speaker on consecutive years.  However, two members of the Board of Education have children in this year's graduating class and they insist that I try and prevail upon you to come here again this spring.  Needless to say I would also be very gratified if you should see fit to deliver the Commencement Address.

MRS. RUTH BRAND, PRESIDENT, TWENTIETH CENTURY CLUB, OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN:

William Skadden would captivate any type of assembly with his fine personality and excellent presentation.  His lecture was received with great appreciation by a large audience.  He's TOPS!

SELBY C. FOLKS, MANAGING SECRETARY, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MASSILLON, OHIO:

Wanted to write and confirm our satisfaction with your appearance at our Annual Chamber of Commerce Membership Dinner.  Many were the favorable comments here for days after the meeting about your effective talk and the entertaining way in which it was delivered.  It was humorous and inspirational.  It is our hope to have you back with us again.

THOMAS OLIVER, SILVER ANNIVERSARY CHAIRMAN, KIWANIS CLUB, HILLSDALE, MICHIGAN:

Our party (25th Anniversary) was successful in every way beyond our expectations and we naturally want you to share in the many fine compliments we have received for your part in making it so.  Your address was beautifully knitted into the pattern of the evening and the Kiwanians and their guests spontaneously and sincerely expressed a very apparent appreciation for the 'Skadden speaking style'.  Your ability to alternately knit and purl serious thoughts with skads of Skadden humor delighted our audience.  We think Kiwanis Clubs and other organizations considering the smiling, friendly Bill Skadden should know about our very pleasant experience and we are pleased to write these words of genuine appreciation.

EDW. D. WALKER, BURLINGTON, IOWA, PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR, 193rd DISTRICT OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL:

To appreciate Bill Skadden is to hear his quiet manner of entertaining a mixed group.  His presentation of every day life with genuine humor and inspiration brings relaxation even to the oldest.  After two days of discussion group meetings, his acceptance as our District Conference Banquet Speaker was a pleasing Auld Lang Syne.


W. W. HAPPY, PROGRAM CHAIRMAN, LIONS CLUB, FLINT, MICHIGAN:

Excellent.  A real humorist, Philosopher and a practical Psychologist!

RALPH F. ARENDS, COUNTY SUPT.  OF SCHOOLS, McLEAN COUNTY, BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS:

Thanks again for your help in providing us with a strong Institute program.  I am sorry that your time was cut short on the program, but you did a 'bang-up' job nevertheless.

FRANCIS L. MERRITT, C.L.U., VICE-PRESIDENT and DIRECTOR OF AGENCIES, CENTRAL LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY, DES MOINES, IOWA:

(Following a banquet appearance for a company convention at Mackinac Island, Mich.)

Bill Skadden provides a laugh each second and yet his message sends you away a keener, finer, happier and yes, a better salesman for the experience.

JOHN R. YOUNG, PRESIDENT, MONTICELLO COLLEGE, ALTON, ILLINOIS, and CHAIRMAN of LADIES NIGHT PROGRAM FOR ALTON ROTARY CLUB:

I know now exactly what was meant by the statement which I read on the pamphlet concerning you: 'Skadden caught the tempo of our meeting—his talk was JUST RIGHT.'  I want to thank you, Bill, for giving so generously of your time and talents at our Ladies' Night meeting.  I don't see how it would have been possible for you to pick a subject which would have been better received.  I think that you could tell by the expressions on the faces of your listeners and by their applause how much they enjoyed your talk.

A. JACK NUSSBAUM, ADMINISTRATIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, WISCONSIN LIFE UNDERWRITERS, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN:

Many congratulations for the fine job you did for us at our annual State Meeting in Oshkosh.  Your clean humor coupled with a common sense philosophy makes your talk pleasant and most interesting.  If at any time I can be of any help in recommending you to other Life Underwriters Associations, please call on me.

OREN L. FOUTS, PROGRAM CHAIRMAN, KIWANIS CLUB, HUNTINGTON, INDIANA:

I am very glad to inform you that your appearance on the Ladies Night Program of December 1, was very largely responsible for the splendid success of the program.  You did an excellent job of entertaining and inspiring our audience.  We feel extremely fortunate in having selected you as our speaker for this occasion.

PAUL MEEK, COUNTY SUPT.  OF SCHOOLS, MONROE COUNTY, WATERLOO, ILLINOIS:

Mr. Skadden's messages for both morning and afternoon sessions, of the Monroe County Teachers Institute, were appropriate, entertaining and effective.  He draws from a background of rich experience and is able to adapt to his audience.  We expect to have him with us again.

A. C. F. FOUNDRY SUPERVISORS CLUB—ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI:

Mr. Skadden arrived as per schedule and gave us a very interesting talk.  His humor and wit were very refreshing and we all enjoyed his speech.  He has a wonderful personality and is an all-round 'swell guy'.  We liked him a lot.  Thanks again for sending him to us.

LESLIE M. JONES, VICE-PRESIDENT, SPRINGFIELD SAVINGS SOCIETY … PRESIDENT KIWANIS CLUB, SPRINGFIELD, OHIO:

We, Kiwanians, enjoyed having you back for the third time, and I think it was one of the most delightful Ladies' Nights that we have ever had.  Your talk was well received by all in attendance, and I hope that we can, in the future, have you back with us again.

PAUL L. GORHAM, GENERAL MANAGER, ILLINOIS DAILY NEWSPAPER MARKETS, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS:

I want to tell you how much I have personally appreciated the 2 excellent talks that you gave to the members of our sales' staffs at East St. Louis and Kewanee at our area advertising conferences.  Your message was to the point, contained just enough humor to relax our sales' people who work on a pretty rigid program—and your comments and advice were both most timely.  I want to express my personal appreciation for 2 very outstanding performances … you will hear from me again in the not too distant future.

J. A. DENNIS, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, IOWA INDEPENDENT OIL JOBBERS, ASSOCIATION, DES MOINES, IOWA:

Just a few lines to tell you how much we appreciated your talk at our convention and if anyone should make inquiry as to your ability as a speaker we will certainly give you what you deserve and that is COMPLIMENTS.

W. L. PICKERING, OGLE COUNTY SUPT.  OF SCHOOLS, OREGON, ILLINOIS:

You and Jesse Stuart made an ideal combination for our Teachers' Institute, Friday, February 9th.  It was one of the very best Institutes we have had and most of them have been very good.

NED O. HANEY, DISTRICT GOVERNOR, DISTRICT NO. 212, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, MACOMB, ILLINOIS:

Thanks for filling our Christmas Party engagement so wonderfully, after hearing you speak on two previous occasions I felt no hesitancy in recommending you to our program chairman.  I will be looking forward to hearing you again because you seem to have an inexhaustive store of humor, wit and sound philosophy.

HORACE G. BROWN, COUNTY SUPT.  OF SCHOOLS, GALLATIN COUNTY, SHAWNEETOWN, ILLINOIS:

Your talks (for our Tri-County Institute) were filled with that type of humor that holds everyone's attention and at the same time provokes serious thinking.  We shall be looking forward to hearing you again when you return to our County next Spring to give a commencement address.

HUGH HENRY, GENERAL MGR., LIVINGSTON'S DEPARTMENT STORE, BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS:

(Report on Christmas Banquet appearance for Employees)

Excellent!  Some of our people who had heard Mr. Skadden before — said that this was his best yet.

W. G. KASTNER, PRINCIPAL, RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN:

Excellent.  An excellent speaker to begin a school year.

E. A. ROESKE, PRINCIPAL, WAUSAU SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, WAUSAU, WISCONSIN:

Excellent.  Held his group.  Message TOPS.  Get more like him.


MRS. THOS. V. PYLE, PRESIDENT, JOLIET WOMAN'S CLUB, JOLIET, ILLINOIS:

Dear Mr. Skadden: Just a note to tell you that I have never had so many phone calls about anyone in program work, as I have had since 6:00 last night.  They love you, you gave them an uplift, your family, your humor, and just you, they love.  'When can he come again?  etc., etc.'  I want to thank you for everything and am so glad I know you and Mrs. Skadden.  My Board has called, I did not even ask them to — and they voted you $25.00 more.  I have never known that to happen before — I will have Mrs. Webber mail you a check Monday.  Without a doubt you are the best this year up to date.

MRS. THEODORE S. CHAPMAN, PROGRAM CHAIRMAN FOR MEN'S NIGHT, WOMAN'S CLUB, JERSEYVILLE, ILLINOIS:

I intended to write you long ere this—to again express my appreciation of your coming to the Jerseyville Woman's Club and doing such a superb job for our Men's Night.  I am still hearing echoes of that fine speech.

RALPH C. McCAGUE, PRESIDENT, ROTARY CLUB, MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA:

While I had heard Bill Skadden give the same address (Marry and Be Merry) on a previous occasion, it was a pleasure to be privileged to hear him again, as he thrilled the audience of our Ladies' Night with his humorous description of marital relations, given from his wealth of personal experience as a marital relations counsellor.  It is a pleasure to recommend Bill Skadden to anyone wishing to add zest and sparkle of an unusual variety to an evening's entertainment.

MILDRED LAWRENCE, SOCIAL COLUMN OF THE AIR, RADIO STATION WJOL, JOLIET, ILLINOIS:

It isn't often that speakers are re-booked for appearances before local clubs — and sometimes when they are, the second appearance lacks the spark that the program chairman hoped would be there!  — So it is an occasion worthy of mention when a man appears for the second time in three years before a group and the members and guests leave the meeting hoping that he will be re-booked soon for a third appearance.  Such a man is William Skadden … he possesses one of the rarest of all gifts … a keen sense of humor … and is able to transpose that gift to his listeners.

CHAS. E. PAULUS, PRINCIPAL, HIGH SCHOOL, KENT, OHIO:

Excellent!  This is the BEST — seldom do we hear a speaker of so high a type — worth much more than we paid.

FRANK W. TEAR, PRINCIPAL, RAYEN HIGH SCHOOL, YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO:

Excellent.  Spoke for about one hour and held the students in wrapt attention.

B. FLOYD SMITH, PRINCIPAL, BENTON HIGH SCHOOL, BENTON, ILLINOIS:

Excellent.  Still excellent — as good as we have ever had.

W. EARL HOLMAN, PRINCIPAL, SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, JACKSON, MICHIGAN:

Excellent.  One of the finest.

GEORGE R. CARTER, SUPT.  HIGH SCHOOL, CLIO, MICHIGAN:

Excellent.  The best inspirational talk we have ever enjoyed.  We did not set a limit on his time and he held the audience for 65 minutes.  He kept their interest and they were so quiet you could have heard a pin drop as he approached the climax of his speech.

FRED BIESTER, PRINCIPAL, GLENBARD HIGH SCHOOL, GLEN ELLYN, ILLINOIS:

Excellent.  Very fine inspirational talk.  Faculty and students liked it.

A. G. HAUSSLER, PRINCIPAL, WEST SIDE HIGH SCHOOL, AURORA, ILLINOIS:

Excellent.  Made a big hit with West Side.

MARY LOIS TAYLOR, PROGRAM CHAIRMAN, HIGH SCHOOL, PRINCETON, INDIANA:

Excellent.  Got his points across in a clever and entertaining manner.  Both faculty and students enjoyed his talk.

L. A. WAEHLER, PRINCIPAL, CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, MADISON, WISCONSIN:

Excellent.  With few 'inspirational type' talks available, this one is recommended for palatableness to teenagers.  Good humor.  Good presentation.

L. VERNE TAPP, PRINCIPAL, FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL, FRANKLIN, INDIANA:

Excelent.  'The Road Ahead' a most excellent address.

W. S. BARNHART, ACTING PRINCIPAL, MANUAL TRAINING HIGH SCHOOL, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA:

EXCELLENT!  Entertaining and effective.

MILDRED GILMORE, ASSEMBLY CHAIRMAN, VIRDEN, ILLINOIS:

Mr. Skadden is one of the finest speakers we have ever had for our student body.  His talk was packed with inspirational content but yet was presented in such a clever way that students and adults were afraid to miss a word of it.  Note sheet enclosed with students' comments.

MRS. CHARLES ECKERT, PUBLICITY CHAIRMAN, ROGERS PARK WOMAN'S CLUB, CHICAGO:

(Report after second appearance in two years)

Mr. Skadden presented as his talk 'Marry and Be Merry'.  This was a humorous discussion, and in these times of uncertainty and mental melancholy and depression it gave us an opportunity to forget our troubles for an hour and laugh.  The members of the Rogers Park Woman's Club are a very receptive audience and they laughed long and heartily.  I am sure they all would be glad to hear him again.



ORGANIZATIONAL REFERENCES
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE—Mr. N. J. Zeiner, Mgr., Organizational Service Dept., Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL—Dr. Herbert W. Hines, Rotary International Secretariat, 35 East Wacker Drive, Chicago.

KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL—Mr. Walter Ingram, Administrative Assistant, Kiwanis International Secretariat, 520 North Michigan Avenue Chicago.

SCHOOLS—Mr. S. E. Paulus, Director, The School Assembly Service, 1323 Kimball Building, Chicago 4.