Yvonne Johnston Public Speaking

I'm A Marketer who Likes to Speak

I am a marketer who happens who really likes to speak, and hopefully inspire people. Actually I have always liked being in the spotlight. When I left school, I went to university to study Drama, but I was young and impatient, and poor! so I didn’t complete my degree however I found my spotlight when I started speaking to groups of people.

So, I love being a motivational speaker, a keynote speaker or even a conference speaker – even though it is not my primary profession, which is a communication strategist.

Because I do not travel on a circuit doing speech after speech, I customize each speech for each audience, trying to make each interaction engaging, witty and memorable. In fact, I often speak off the cuff. The intimacy and interaction with my audience is an essential ingredient for me in ensuring a good experience for all.

These are my favorite topics (but I am willing to accommodate requests):

Nation Branding

This is the story of the development of Brand South Africa – from the theory, to the fun and interesting anecdotes from my seven-year period working for Government. I vary this talk depending on the audience. For marketing students I concentrate on the brand development. For a business audience I look at the impact that nation branding has on a country from an economic point of view and for a general audience I talk about the role that the individual can play in creating a better country.

I can tailor this presentation to Branding Africa or a specific country, town or region.

Your Role in Building a Better Country

This is a positive motivational speech. I take a look at the positive side of life in South Africa, how we are dealing with our challenges and I focus on the role of the individual, with stories of great South Africans who are making a difference. In this speech, I do not cover up our flaws but inspire and motivate people to focus on the positive.

Action for a Safe South Africa

At Action for a Safe South Africa we have looked at the root causes of crime, the social aspects of a dysfunctional society, and how we are finding solutions. Here I can be accompanied by ex convicts who also tell their moving stories. This is also a motivational speech. It is a call to action for people to become active participants in their future.

busi kuzwayocropped Leadership Lessons, Particularly for Women

While I can adapt this talk to any audience, I find most traction when talking to women about my own personal journey from a drama student with an unfinished degree, through twenty years in Advertising to CEO of Brand South Africa – This is the life of Yvonne Johnston - with anecdotes; sometimes humorous but also with some serious lessons learned.

2010 and Beyond

With less than 400 days to go before the first whistle blows for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, what is the status of advertising, marketing, tourism? Are our Smme’s really going to benefit? What about accommodation? How are we going to ensure that we ride the 2010 wave after the final match is over?

A selection of Yvonne Johnston's prepared speeches

If you would like to book Yvonne Johnston for a speaking engagement or would like more information about her availablity as a speaker, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it