Speaking

I enjoy speaking to groups about storytelling, life, loss, humor, and the moments that shape us—topics drawn from over five decades in funeral service and a lifetime of listening.

My talks are thoughtful, engaging, and grounded in real experiences. Some are lighthearted, others reflective, but all are centered on the belief that stories help us understand one another and remember what truly matters.

I speak to a variety of audiences, including:

• Community and civic groups

• Faith-based organizations

• Professional associations

• Book clubs and literary events

• Educational and service organizations

Each talk is tailored to the audience and setting, with room for conversation, questions, and shared stories.

Sample Talk Topics

Each talk is shaped around the audience, setting, and conversation at hand. Below are sample topics that can be adapted for community groups, faith-based organizations, professional audiences, book clubs, and special events.

Funeral Service & Life (A Storyteller’s Perspective)

• From First Call to Final Goodbye: Stories from the World’s Oldest Calling

• What Fifty Years in Funeral Service Taught Me About Life

• Listening When It Matters Most

• Grace Under Pressure: Stories from Moments Families Never Forget

• Before the Service Begins: What Really Happens After a Death

Preplanning & Peace of Mind

• The Greatest Gift You Can Leave Your Family

• Why Planning Ahead Is Really About Love, Not Death

• Conversations That Matter: Preplanning Without Fear

• Taking Care of Tomorrow—So Your Family Doesn’t Have To

Books, Writing & Storytelling

• Stories That Refused to Stay Quiet

• From the Funeral Home to the Page

• Why We Tell Stories—and Why They Matter

• From Talking Dogs to Real Life: Writing Across Genres

Writing, Publishing & Creative Growth

• I Didn’t Start as a Writer: How Storytelling Found Me

• From Idea to Book: Editing, Formatting, Covers, and Publishing

• Building It Yourself: Writing, Publishing, and Creating Your Own Website

The Mulligan Chronicles

• Talking Dog, Serious Lessons

• Where Mulligan Came From (And Why He Wouldn’t Shut Up)

• Imagination, Absurdity, and Accidental Wisdom

Golf, Life & The Masters

• Why Golf Is the Greatest Game Ever Invented

• The Greatest Week in Golf: Stories from Augusta National

• What Golf Teaches Us About Patience, Failure, and Grace

If you’re interested in having me speak to your group, please reach out through the Contact page. I’d be happy to visit about your event and see if it’s a good fit.

You may reach me through martin@thompsonfuneral.com or call my office 817-336-0345