Speaking · Booking open
Four talks.
Same backbone.
Different room.
In 2020, at age 20, Dylan Smith founded D is for Dyslexia. Misdiagnosed with ADHD as a kid and finally diagnosed with dyslexia at 16, he went from failing classes to graduating with his peers — and now speaks to students, parents, and educators about how to make that path easier for the next kid. Pick the talk that fits — or tell me what's actually happening in your community and we'll build the right one.
Speaking reel · 3 minutes
See the room before you book it.
Highlights from recent assemblies, educator trainings, and parent nights.
Impact
On those who need it most.
Motivate
Strong, smart, supportive youth.
Inspire
Brilliantly creative people.
Educate
Kids, parents, and schools.
The talks
Student assembly · grades 5–12
Keep Swimming
The talk every kid in the back of the class wishes someone gave them earlier.
- What 'smart' actually means
- Why memorization isn't laziness
- The one-win rule
- Honest Q&A — phones away, lights up
Educator training · 60, 90, or half-day
The Page Is Slow
Reframing struggling readers from inside the dyslexic brain.
- What's actually happening on the page
- Language that helps and language that hurts
- Classroom moves that cost zero dollars
- What to do Monday with the kid you've been worried about
Parent night · 45 minutes
The Kid You Can't Get Through To
For the parent staring at homework at 9pm wondering what they're missing.
- What your kid won't say at the dinner table
- How to read a report card sideways
- Three scripts for the hard conversation
- Hope without the lecture
Business / leadership keynote · 30–60 min
Defying the Odds
From IT specialist with dyslexia to founder, speaker, and podcast host — by age 25.
- Reframing 'weakness' on a team
- Building from the slow start
- Culture for the quiet performer
- Tactical takeaways your team can use Monday
For schools · A day in your building
One trip. Built for the whole building.
The student in the back, the teacher at the door, the parent in the lobby. We tailor times to your bell schedule — do any one of these, or all of them in one trip.
Morning
Assembly for upper grades
45-minute keynote with built-in Q&A. Phones away, lights up.
Midday
Optional assembly for younger grades
Shorter, simpler version of the same message. No fluff.
Afternoon
Educator session
60 minutes with staff — what to do Monday with the kid you've been worried about.
Evening
Parent night
Open to the community. Honest Q&A. Books on the table.
What stays behind
The day ends. The message doesn't.
Books for staff
Bulk pricing on D is for Dyslexia for your library, counselors, and educators.
Order books →Upcoming public events
No public dates on the calendar right now. Dylan's calendar fills up with school assemblies, parent nights, and private trainings.
What rooms say after
The kid in the back finally looks up.
These are real comments from parents, teachers, reading specialists, and school administrators after Dylan has spoken. Lightly edited for length, never for sentiment.
“Dylan is changing the way educators view dyslexia, motivating and inspiring kids with dyslexia, and teaching others understanding and tolerance to these students.”
“Hard to get a group of middle school kids to stay that engaged and say that guy was awesome! They also expressed wanting to help their friends who were dyslexic because they didn’t know how hard it was for them.”
“I was blown away by Dylan, as were the other parents and staff members that heard him speak!”
“Love it!! My kids came back today raving about Dylan. They didn’t know their friends struggled so much and want to help!”
“I wanted to let you know that my daughter enjoyed the talk on Friday and it could not have come at a better time for us. She has her evaluation tomorrow. Thank you for being so proactive for all of us!”
“Two of the reading specialists immediately went to our principal and said, every teacher needs to hear this message and we need to show the recording at a professional development meeting and have the teachers discuss!”
What it costs
Built around your community, not a price list.
I don't post fees. Every community has a different number. Send the inquiry and I'll meet you where you actually are.
One room
Single assembly, parent night, or staff training. Travel quoted separately.
All-day residency
Multiple assemblies + educator session + parent night. One trip, the whole community.
Tour or conference
Multi-day, multi-city, or conference keynote. Send the dates, I'll send a real number.
The line every talk comes back to
“The words may be backwards,
but you’re not.”
— Dylan Smith
