Public Speaking
"Historians have often felt that the discovery of facts (even true ones) is only a preliminary to a higher activity, that of understanding the facts. And at this point history becomes dangerous, because it disturbs the dust of the past"
--Oswyn Murray, Bread and Circuses, vii.
In my public speaking, I seek to make history dangerous. I bring history to life by telling stories about people and events long ago hidden from view, and by showing audiences how the past continues to shapes our lives.
My approach is indebted to the art of public speaking and my obsession with visual evidence of the past.
During the 2016-17 school year, I am one of the Distinguished Lecturers for the Association of Jewish Studies. I care deeply about presentation: in addition to teaching a course on the Art of Speech, I am an Area Director for Toastmasters. My goal is to make my talks engaging, accessible, and educational.
I commonly speak at synagogues, genealogical societies, and other public venues as well as in academic contexts.
Watch some videos of my previous presentations
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Quarantine(ish) Book Talks (Jewish Women's Archive), discussion with Judith Rosenbaum
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Once We Were Slaves (AJHS) discussion with Samira Mehta
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Once We Were Slaves (UCLA)
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The Art of the Jewish Family. Bard Graduate Center, NY, NY (March 2018)
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"Pieces of Silver" (March 14th, 2018). Respondent: Vivian Mann
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"Portrait in Ivory" (March 21, 2018). Respondent: Hasia Diner
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"Commonplace Things" (March 28, 2018). Respondent: Barbara Mann
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Interested in having me speak? Contact me at leibman@princeton.edu or the Distinguished Lectureship Program for AJS.
