5 of 5

I worked with Madeline on a panel (which I chaired) organised by the Stirling Libraries as part of Scottish Book Week in 2017. The panel focused on gender, violence and writing and Madeline appeared alongside two fiction writers and a colleague from Zero Tolerance. It was held at the University of Stirling and attracted an audience of staff and students. Madeline was an impressive speaker: clear, calm and powerful in talking about her own experiences of sexual violence and the process of both writing and speaking about them. She responded to questions thoughtfully and was an engaged panel member.

Karen Boyle Professor of Feminist Media Studies, University of Strathclyde

5 of 5

In 2016, while planning a conference on with colleagues from the University of Northampton, and Northamptonshire Rape Crisis Centre entitled “Speaking Out to End Sexual Violence”, we discussed potential keynote speakers. Having heard Madeleine Black speak in London in October 2016, and also heard her interviewed on national radio programmes, and watched her television interviews, I suggested we approach her to deliver our keynote at the conference on 9th March, 2017. Madeleine gladly agreed to speak, and was very supportive of the conference, using her social media platforms to both promote the event and connect with delegates. On the day, Madeleine spoke powerfully and engagingly about being gang raped at the age of just 13 years old. She had the audience gripped with her story, which she delivered with clarity and sensitivity, aware of the effects on the room as she spoke. Madeleine was approachable and empathetic as she fielded questions during the Q & A segment of her talk, able to provide comprehensive answers and support professionals’ understanding of sexual violence and the difficulty for survivors in finding their voice. She later joined in the workshop session relating to sexual violence and harassment on campus at the University, keen to share her knowledge and personal experiences to support positive development in this area, enabling improvements to practice and processes surrounding sexual violence. I would recommend Madeleine without hesitation. She has the ability to reach any audience on the level they occupy, adapting her delivery style, length and content for the age, gender and background of her listeners. She is both endearing and stoic, with a gentle sense of humour, and is truly incredible to listen to. Having heard her speak a number of times now, I can confidently say she has a gift for conveying her story, as painful as it is, and leaves her audience with a sense of hope, and feeling driven through compassion to contribute to a global shift which will one day bring an end to sexual abuse.

Judith Staff Teacher/Trainer, Northampton, UK

5 of 5

The impact of Madeleine's talks in the Maldives, 100% Muslim country, created a mini #metoo movement in the International Women Empowerment Events (IWEE) conference in July 2019. 99% of the room stood up to say that they had experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault or rape in their lives, led by a survivor who was so inspired by Madeleine's talk. Breaking the silence - just by the act of standing up would have started their healing process. This "hair on the back standing moments" is what makes her message, her thriving journey, so awe-inspiring. Madeleine's lived experience of surviving rape at the age of 13 and her journey of healing is what gives hope to those who have gone through sexual assault, sexual abuse and rape. Madeleine shares how you can break out of this cocoon of shame through forgiveness.

Dr Mariya Ali Child Rights Advocate, Former Deputy Minister of Health and Family, Maldives; Co-Founder of Butterfly Effect

5 of 5

I heard Madeleine's story a couple of nights ago and it still moves me. The story is stark, brutal even and yet it points towards hope. Being able to tell her story was a healing moment for Madeleine but more startling was the impact it had on others. Stories are immensely powerful and Madeleine's story shows us why

Chris Sissons Marketing Coach

5 of 5

I had the pleasure of being in Madeline's virtual audience when she was recently 20 minute speaker, for The Evolve Network. As fellow international speakers, Madeline and I know of each other's stories of overcoming trauma, but this was the first time I'd heard Madeline speak. She was impactful, engaging and dynamic and really took us along with her on the roller coaster ride, of her story. Madeline had a strong message, which she delivered in a very clear way, ensuring her story was told for the benefit of the audience, rather than herself. Madeline's powerful delivery was in no way detracted from, by being delivered on Zoom, rather than from stage, due to lockdown. This was due to the true professionalism with which she delivered her whole talk

Roger Cheetham School and College Speaker

5 of 5

Thanks for sharing your story today Madeline. You must help so many people to move forward with their lives after coming through experiences which no-one should need to suffer. Take care. You are an amazing lady.

Shona Cowan Life Skills Expert

5 of 5

Madeleine spoke at our online event and this was the first time she did her talk virtually but you wouldn't have known! Madeleine's talk was inspiring, powerful, memorable and importantly showed her strength. It was a moving talk that was presented beautifully, she kept the attention to all listeners (even when we were all virtual). You'd be crazy not to ask Madeleine to talk at an event etc. As she put very well, these are conversations that may make us uncomfortable but are ones that need to be spoken about and highlighted.

Daisy Kiely PR Scooploop

5 of 5

Looking for a compelling speaker to share an unforgettable lesson about resilience, forgiveness and overcoming hurt? Watch the faces of the audience during Madeleine's Glasgow TEDx talk and you'll see you've found a speaker who will captivate your audience with her amazing storytelling skills and powerful message

Jackie Barrie Trainer/Experiential Speaker

5 of 5

I had the pleasure of hearing Madeleine speak this year at a conference in Africa. You could have heard a pin drop. Her story is powerful and her delivery of the message will really make any listener take a step back and think about how they can change the way they deal with trauma and how they can help others deal with it. Listen to her and above all learn the lessons she is talking about

Heather Wright Habit change specialist

5 of 5

Madeleine is a lady with a rich story of pain and overcoming many demons of her mind and soul. She shares this so eloquently, that we are riveted to our seats wondering what comes next and making us look at our own lives at the same time. A great speaker with a great message with a great calm ever present presence. Hire her!

Kevin Cottam Global Business speaker

5 of 5

I heard Madeleine speak at Plan B summit in Namibia. She shared her tough story in a way that kept my breath and at the same time made me reflect on my actions and my decisions. That's her art of touching people with what happened to herself but at the same time bringing it to a level where everybody can connect with her message: It's not what happens to you that defines who you are but how you define yourself. Thank you so much for this inspiring talk!

Ulrike Stahl International Keynote speaker

5 of 5

I had the privilege of listening to Madeleine Black's keynote at the Plan B Summit in Namibia. Her storytelling skills are phenomenal. Sharing her journey and her way through darkness and into light was truly inspiring and has given me new insights into the capabilities and the strengths of the human condition.

Brandt von West Creative Leadership and Cultural Innovation

5 of 5

Madeleine's book is an excellent and challenging read. For that reason, one might think that it would be good preparation for seeing Madeleine speak live. This is true, to the extent that her on stage stories link closely to her book. However, that's where the preparation ends. Madeleine's live performances are gripping. They are delivered with a calm incisiveness that makes for compelling watching. Don't miss the opportunity....

Chris Davidson Presentation Expert

5 of 5

Yes, Madeleine’s story is powerful and well told. I knew this even before hearing her close a recent conference. What I did not expect was that her message would resonate so well with everyone: men, women, old and young. It is both shocking, moving and even occasionally humorous. And Madeleine has learned to relate her story, her learnings and the transferable lessons so that everyone will remember and benefit from hearing her speak.

Mark Lee FCA Futurist

5 of 5

I was lucky to see Madeleine share her story last night. The only words that come to mind are ‘inspirational, courageous and incredible’. What she has been through is beyond devastating and the day she has dealt with it is incredible. Madeleine helps you see things very differently and gives you the tools to overcome anything in life. If you haven’t read her book Unbroken, you need to order it immediately

Tony Morris International keynote sales speaker

5 of 5

For our most recent international event in Namibia, we appointed Madeleine Black as the closing keynote to our conference, knowing she will help our audience to reconnect with their hearts. The power with which she spoke and the message about courage that she delivered got her a standing ovation and far exceeded my expectations. Madeleine clearly lives her values, understand how to create boundaries and is the face of hope.

Landi Jac Business Strategist

5 of 5

Madeleine shared her sad and moving story, traumatised as a young teenager by an event which haunted her for many years afterwards, it takes enormous courage to share such a personal journey, but it needs to be heard so that other victims can heal and recover. Thank you

Ruth Fogg Stress Consultant

5 of 5

I had the privilege of hearing Madeleine speak at the recent Global Speakers event in Swakopmund Namibia. She really inspired me with her personal story of triumphing over adversity and not letting what happened to her hold her back. She inspired me to realise that no matter what I face in life I can always change things around. Madeleine is an asset to any event that wants to inspire their participants to take action over their own lives and circumstances.

Dr Rowan van Dyk Author, professional speaker

5 of 5

Powerful, impactful and courageous. Madeleine does not leave a single person unmoved. With her vivid keynote and take always she inspires the audience to act.

Eksteen de Waal CEO of Exponentially Me

5 of 5

I knew Madeleines book but had never heard her speak before the Plan B Summit in Namibia. From the moment she went on stage, she won my heart and mind, not only with her story, but also with her delivery style and presence on stage. If you are looking for a professional speaker that will wow your audience, I can’t recommend Madeleine high enough.

Ilja Grzeskowitz Global keynote speaker

5 of 5

I was privileged to listen to Madeleine's very authentic reflection on some horrific experiences and how she discovered her personal journey through the pain at the Plan B summit last weekend in Swakopmund, Namibia. Her story was thought provoking and encouraging. Her view on dealing with the past resonated with me. Thank you, Madeleine, for being real, warm and unapologetic on stage.

Siegfried Lange Co-Founder at Capacity Trust

5 of 5

I had read Madeleine’s book but never heard her share her story on stage until last week at the Global Speakers Summit in Namibia. She speaks with such eloquence about her experiences and her work will undoubtedly continue to give hope to millions. Keep being courageous Madeleine - your work is vital. It was a pleasure to watch you and for organisations looking to raise awareness of sexual violence, you should hire Madeleine

Jackie Handy Speaker, trainer, author

5 of 5

Wow, what an incredibly powerful speaker. Inspirational, motivational, brave Madeleine absolutely has the audience hooked, her story is unimaginable but, unfortunately not unique to her. She tells it in such a compelling way that really makes you question your reactions, how we should be speaking about trauma and the tools that we can all benefit from to overcome past issues and struggles. Without doubt I would recommend Madeleine and if you get chance to hear her speak take it with both hands. I am looking forward to reading her book which I have no doubt will be moving, emotional and empowering.

Tamsin Ferrier Director of development at SEAMAB