Dr. Sampson Davis

DAVIS: I want the audience to leave my presentations feeling inspired and moved to take action. Whether it is in pursuit of a dream or helping to lend a hand to another, I want all in attendance to feel a need to move immediately and swiftly with next steps in achieving their purpose. If I am able to serve as a spark in that moment then my purpose has been fulfilled.

I encourage my audiences to find like-minded individuals to formulate a network similar to what my two friends and I did when we made our pact [to become doctors]. I want to help audiences prevent naysayers from entering their space. Turn them away. Let the haters hate while you believe in you and your mission. And once you have achieved your goal, never forget to give back. One of the greatest joys in life is paying it forward. It is a simple action that enriches your world beyond measures.

DAVIS: I do a great deal of reading; biographies and relevant materials to stay current and to enhance my knowledge. I am active on social media and interact with similar ambitious minds. During my travels, I listen to music and review my notes in preparation for an event. Overall, the most important step I take in preparation is during the talk itself. I lose myself in the moment and allow myself to become one with the audience. I am good at connecting and delivering talks that resonate with everyone in attendance.

DAVIS: I always leave an event feeling like it was my best speech ever. I have been honored and humbled in receiving tremendous testimonials from all ages and types of clients.

I had one parent approach me during a talk and told me her 8-year-old son reminded her every day that I would be appearing at a venue on a certain date. He went as far as to hang a picture of my two friends and me on his bedroom wall. A grandmother once told me that right next to the Bible on her nightstand was a copy of my book, The Pact. Students have emphatically and convincingly told me they hate to read but they finished one of my books – reading it cover to cover.

And then there is the excitement after a talk with individuals rushing the stage for individual or group photos. Some ask me to sign their books, scraps of paper, notebooks, book bags, sweaters, jackets, t-shirts, and even body parts (an arm being the obvious choice). Young people have changed lyrics in songs and replaced them with my name or “Brick City,” or The Pact or three doctors, demonstrating their talent in incorporating a positive message with a rhythmic tune.

Educators have expressed appreciation to me for writing a book that students are excited to read. Some teachers have even made displays of my 3 D’s in their school hallways and carved out life size cardboard images of me in my white lab coat and stethoscope.

These are a few reflections that I carry with me and they continue to energize me during my travels. It is a joy and an honor to experience the excitement from audiences and each moment is permanently filed in my memory.

DAVIS: All audiences benefit from an inspirational moment. I do see a natural fit with high schools, colleges and graduate schools. I also experience a strong connection with community, professional, educational, health, business, pharmaceutical, and social-related organizations.

I have served as keynote for The Boys and Girls Club, Costco, Prudential, Booz Allen Hamilton, Thrivent Financial, hundreds of colleges, universities and high schools delivering themed speeches, commencement talks, first year experiences and community-wide readings. I have also taken part in countless annual gala experiences. Each audience is different and I focus on what is important to the listeners, whether it is a college student or business professional. Everyone needs inspiration and motivation and I take great pride in delivering that type of message.

DAVIS: My favorite topic would have to be educational based. It is important to make education fashionable and impress upon today’s youth the importance of achieving academic success. It is vital to their livelihood and the progression of our Nation.

DAVIS: I share something personal in every speech I deliver. I believe in connecting and being relatable to the audience. I am a flawed human like everyone else, and once I share that aspect, the audience knows that I am real.

I use stats and case studies to drive home a point; whether it is a high school drop out rate of 1.2 million students a year or a medical statistic, these numbers are important. And yes, a bit of humor goes a long way in making a speech memorable. Who doesn’t like to laugh? If I’m successful, even in the smallest way possible in reaching and connecting with a group, I feel like I am living out my purpose, my passion in life.

DAVIS: After a speech, many students reach out to me via social media to ask for advice on school, as well as their career and life paths. I’ve helped many individuals find that “thing” that spoke to them as an individual. In that space, I have served as a counselor and mentor lending suggestions and approaches to goals.

I’ve helped countless medical students with preparation for medical board exams as well as discovering their specialty. Through conversation, I’ve been able to help many find their calling, their passion.

Many people are looking to manage their personal health better. I’ve been able to help serve as a catalyst to those looking to take charge of their health in understanding, managing and finding the right team of doctors.

And last, across the board, I’ve been able to spark audiences of all ages and backgrounds to be the best they can be. Some people that have attended my speeches have gone back to school, applied for a job promotion, changed their career path and/or decided to lend support to another. Ultimately whatever the trepidation was prior, I’ve been able to encourage the person to move forward, erase fear and start pursing the life they want right now. It is a great blessing and honor to be a part of a person’s manifestation.