Carl Honore

Keynotes by Carl Honore address issues surrounding productivity. While most people who explore this topic are concerned with efficiency and efficacy, Honore takes a rather original approach. As is made clear in his best-selling book, 'In Praise of Slowness: How A Worldwide Movement Is Challenging the Cult of Speed,' Honore believes that there are benefits to doing things slowly. Granted, lethargy and laziness are not enviable qualities, but that is not what he is praising.

Efficiency is important; however, quality is as well. Central to Honore's ideas is the concept of the 'Good Life,' which he contrasts with the 'Fast Life.' Many people, he explains, overexert themselves to the point of depression and physical illness -- this extends to not just themselves but those around them. In his 2008 book, 'Under Pressure: Rescuing Our Children from the Culture of Hyper-Parenting,' he points out that jamming a child's day with extracurricular activities, tutoring and so forth can actually be counterproductive, stripping them of joy and passion.

Although, full of serious advice and insight, keynotes by Carl Honore are also humorous and witty. His audiences are both entertained and educated.