Welcome to Barry Silber.com

112

speaking engagements

30

years of experience

100%

happy clients

For over 30 years, I’ve been a professional speaker and lecturer giving lively, engaging, and often humorous presentations to audiences sized from small classrooms to convention center capacity.

Whether speaking to educators, students, civic leaders, law enforcement, social workers, or at community or family gatherings, no group is too small or large for me to accommodate.So check out my site, review my background and most popular presentation topics, and then contact me to enlighten, entertain, and energize your group!

My Background

2014 Association of Florida Colleges’ Professor of the Year

“I don’t just stand up at the front of the room and make a speech…I provide an interactive experience with group exercises, student response systems, brief audio clips, and music! I cover issues in the workplace and the classroom with varied audiences who are focused on creating pleasant and productive places to work and to learn.”
~Barry Silber

I received a B.A. degree from USF and my M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the Vermont College of Norwich University, in 1987. I began my professional career as a caseworker for the Hillsborough County Hospital and Welfare Board in Hillsborough County, Florida. During my eleven-year tenure I worked with offenders and clients with medical issues, and taught pre-release classes at Hillsborough Correctional Institution. I was employed as a Rehabilitation Counselor for four years, assessing injured workers’ medical issues and assisting them in returning to the workplace. I’m also trained in REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy).

I was a Counselor and Associate Professor of Psychology at Hillsborough Community College from 1991 until my retirement in 2015. While there, I served on the Steering Committee of the school’s Quality Enhancement Plan and was the courtside/radio announcer for the Men’s Basketball Team.

In 2014, I was named Professor of the Year by Association of Florida Colleges. The honor was based on various documents including recommendations from students and fellow teachers. Many thanks to the AFC and all those who supported me!

I have been involved in more than 50 community theater productions as an actor, director and playwright over the course of 39 years. I’m the writer of And a World to Carry On (Laura Nyro Remembered), a fundraiser for the Carrollwood Players, and The Man Who Wrote Danny Boy, an award-winner at the Carrollwood Players One-Act Festival.

My Last Class

My Last Class

Professor Emeritus

Professor Emeritus

With former student, now TV broadcaster, Damon Arnold.

My Books

My children’s book is now available for purchase on Amazon.

Lessons My Granddaughter Taught Me

When reaching a certain age, such as 70 years old, it’s easy to think, “I’ve seen it all.” That was true for me until I became a grandparent. This is the story of how my granddaughter inspired me to open my mind toward new thoughts and feelings.

Meet Blair, the bubbly, beautiful, and brilliant granddaughter of Zayde. It’s amazing how much Zayde can learn from this creative and charming young girl who has stolen his heart. 

Available on Amazon!

My children’s book is now available for purchase on Lulu, and on Amazon.

Zayde and Me

A loving story about interfaith grandparenting

Zayde and Me

Richard and Zayde cherish their time together in this heartwarming tale. While they share many adventures, they practice two different religions, and the separate worlds of each come together through extended family. They have such fun until Richard and his family have to move far away, leaving a hole in their hearts. This is Richard’s story as he remembers the important lessons learned from his Zayde.

Available on Lulu and Amazon!

I hope you enjoy this “love letter” to my grandson, Richard.

Available now in paperback!
the script of

And A World To Carry On

Book Cover

Raves for the production of
And A World To Carry On:

“Silber…has scribed a joyous 120-minute ode to the wonderful Nyro—an obscure (but not too obscure) artist who sang beautifully and wrote exquisitely…”
–Peter Neil Nason
Broadway World Review

“With And a World to Carry On, Silber has crafted a breezy, rollicking tribute to Laura Nyro, an evening that entertains as it informs, that both celebrates and honors the life, work, and achievements of this remarkable and singular artist”
–Keith Lockwood
Playwright

Available on Amazon!

Popular Topics and Audiences

“The Nature and Importance of Memory”

Memory plays an important role in our lives; learn how to improve yours!

Presented to:
The Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) Student Development Conference – Daytona State College


“Humor in the Workplace”

Let’s face it; we all have to work for a living! Although sometimes work can be stressful, boring, and unrewarding, almost any job can be fun if you develop your humorous attitude. Learn how to realize this attitude, be happier and more productive at the workplace, and get the most out of your job and your life!

Presented to:
Hillsborough County Dept. of Social Services

Florida Association of Community Colleges
State of Florida Federal Parole and Probation Officers Convention (Keynote Speaker)
Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office
Hillsborough County-Department of Children’s Services
Pinellas County Schools Paraprofessionals


“Creating a Positive Workplace”

The good news – you have a job! The not-so-good news – you are surrounded by negativity in the workplace. The better news – you CAN create your own positive environment, even when your co-workers and supervisors may need an attitude adjustment! Learn about the different personality traits around you and how to adjust to these personalities, so that you can be more productive and get more enjoyment from your employment.

Presented to:
Florida Association of College Registrars and Admissions Organization


“Maximizing Your Potential”

Do you ever think that you could be doing more with your life: career-wise, relationship-wise, or otherwise? Are you stopping yourself from getting the most out of life? Learn how you are sabotaging yourself and then how to unleash your full potential.

Presented to:
Florida Association of Community Colleges

Taught as class:
USF Department of Lifelong Learning


“Creating Your Own Captivating Classroom”

The world is your oyster and so is your classroom! Research has shown that a variety of teaching methods lead to enhanced learning. This workshop covers the use of student response systems, music, videos, and active learning techniques to facilitate student learning and involvement.

Presented to:
National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) 

Hillsborough Community College


“The Joy of Jewish Humor”

For thousands of years Jewish people have used humor to survive. This presentation reveals the uniqueness of Jewish Humor and its importance for coping with life’s challenges.

Presented to:
The Preserve at Clearwater Assisted Living Facility
Tampa Bay Humanist Jewish Group


“The Importance of Critical Thinking and the Necessity for Civility”

In today’s multi-media society, it is challenging to uncover factual information. This presentation addresses the necessity to examine all sides of an issue, and to engage in thinking that is thorough. This presentation also examines our present need for civil discourse.

Presented to:
Tampa Bay Humanist Society

What My Clients Say

“…engaging and memorable.  You provided the group with practical tools for building a better memory.” 

“… informative and highly entertaining…”

“Barry is very personable and very comfortable in front of an audience, and is excellent at his craft…I would highly recommend him for your next speaking engagement!!”

“Barry provided a great deal of insight into different teaching techniques, which were peppered with his real life classroom experiences… I would highly recommend that any professor attend one of Barry’s workshops to gain a real life approach to the challenges and rewards of teaching.”

When I think about my friend Barry Silber, one statement (Humor with Compassion) jumps out at me immediately. Barry simply uses humor as a tool to uplift the mental and physical spirits of others. This skill which Barry possesses is not always intentional but rather instinctive. Barry is simply a man of compassion who loves lifting the spirits of others.

“Barry’s speech on Jewish humor…wasn’t a comedy show but rather an educational talk about the nature of humor., and especially Jewish humor. But that didn’t limit him from sharing a lot of great jokes. Loved it Barry!”

Contact Me

Want to get in touch? Use the form below!

If you’d like to set up a speaking engagement, arrange a meeting, have a consultation or just kibitz about the workplace, the classroom, or the theater, get in touch!

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