Dave Caperton
Humorous Speaker on Using Humor to Manage Stress, Improve Communication & Promote Wellness
Biography
Like you, joy specialist, author and speaker Dave Caperton has highs and lows. Some people may believe that joyfulness is rejection of reality, but that, he says, is a misconception that prevents them from tapping into a powerful force for personal happiness and organizational success. “Joyfulness isn’t living in denial of the negatives, it’s living in defiance of them!” Dave blends laughter, solid research and storytelling to teach corporations, individuals and groups how living and working with intentional joy is an act of leadership, courage and a disciplined will. It’s not about avoiding or denying pain—which is impossible—but about maintaining joyfulness as a default mode. It’s like the “king of the hill” game we played as kids. Joyful people aren’t always happy, but they are committed to joyfulness no matter what. They don’t waste energy whining and they use response choices like humor to get back to joy quickly when life sometimes knocks them off. Dave has 20-plus years of real-world experience speaking, coaching, consulting and writing about the benefits of a joyful mindset in a business context including how to unleash creativity, strengthen health, increase engagement, super-charge learning, and provide legendary service and outstanding care while eliminating. stress and conflict. As an award-winning educator, performance consultant, stand-up comedian and comedy writer, Dave’s original approach fuses entertaining stories, in-depth research and proven learning strategies so that his programs inspire laughter, demolish barriers between groups and open pathways for innovation and change. His entertaining conversations about joy provide a new vocabulary and concrete actions to celebrate successes, solve people problems, and to build a bridge between where you are now and where you want to be. His clients over the years have included Fortune 500 companies and leading organizations in health care, education and government. Clients and audiences value his programs because they provide a positive shared emotional experience that is highly interactive, energizing, and wildly funny. Unlike many humorous speakers, Dave’s programs always infused with current, relevant and transformative takeaways that provide lasting value throughout your event and beyond to accelerate you toward your goals. Dave’s talks have been requested and lauded by such iconic organizations as Boeing Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, The Federal Aviation Administration, Nationwide Insurance, Limited Brands, The Cleveland Clinic, GE, and over 600 other successful organizations and associations all over North America. Dave is also the author of Happiness Is a Funny Thing, a book he describes not as a how-to but a why-to book for realizing greater happiness, health, and joyful laughter both at work and at home. Dave currently serves on the board of two charitable foundations: The New Life Foundation which serves quality-of-life needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries and The American Pie Party Foundation which uses humor to raise funds for cancer research. He lives his message of joy and laughter every day with his wife and best friend, Suzanna, and their son, Alex.
Speech Topics
The Amazing Power of One
How can one person make a difference? You’re more powerful than you think. A recent study concluded that the actions of one driver can unsnarl a traffic jam. Another study concludes that a single positive person is influential up to a third degree of separation (Fowler and Christakis, 2008). That means one person’s impact not only lifts up the people with whom he or she comes in direct contact but people with whom that person interacts and those with whom that person connects! It’s fair to say that one person's actions can be amplified in ways that can change the customer experience, a work culture, a community, perhaps even the world. You'll come away with an appreciation that you are more powerful than you ever realized to be the difference you'd like to see at work, at home and in the world around you.
A Business Carol: Inspiring Leadership
The qualities of an effective and inspirational leader.
Your Mission: Change the World
Coping with change by making choices that change perceptions.
O.P.E.N. Communication for Real Influence
We can’t truly manage people but we can manage the messages we send to them.
The Stress Myth
We’ve all heard that uncontrolled stress can lead to burnout, immune suppression and illness, but a lot of what we think we know about stress is wrong. Stress is a natural part of living an engaged and connected life. Learn how a healthy understanding and attitude about stress and can help you and your team stay balanced and productive in the face of change and demands. You'll also learn the strategies to disrupt it. Understanding the nature and biology of stress and what it really is leads us to develop the right attitudes about stress and why it’s not only inevitable but necessary for healthy and fulfilled living.
Healing Humor
Laughter doesn’t just feel good, it’s good for you. Besides providing a release for stress, a sense of humor has also been associated with improved immune function, pain relief, lowered blood pressure and is a proven predictor of longevity. Finding the joy in what you do not only benefits your patients, it unleashes your own natural healing potential.
Joyful Teaching and Learning
Brain research shows that the deepest and most effective learning doesn’t begin in the rational center of the brain, it begins in the emotions. Positive emotion enhances alertness. Learn ways to make compassionate humor a useful tool in the learning experience and join your students in enjoying increased learning and lowered stress.
Videos
Books
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Dave Caperton's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Dave Caperton's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Dave Caperton's speaking fee?
The typical range for Dave Caperton's speaking fee is $6,000–$8,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Dave Caperton to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Dave Caperton for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Dave Caperton's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Dave Caperton through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Dave Caperton

Scott Friedman
Scott Friedman, Global Speaking Fellow, and former President of the National Speakers Association (NSA), speaks over 60 times a year on employee innovation & engagement, customer experience and how to create a happier, healthier workplace. He is a past President of the National Speakers Association, and one of 40 Global Speaking Fellows in the world. His latest two books are "Celebrate! Lessons Learned From the World’s Most Admired Organizations" and “A Celebration a Day - 365 ways to a Happier, Healthier Workplace.”
Fee Range: $6,000–$8,500
Travels From: CO

Amy Vetter
Amy Vetter is an expert on authentic leadership and putting the soul back into business. She’s a transformational keynote and TEDx speaker and the creator of the B3 Method for developing work-life harmony. Amy is also an accomplished CPA and recognized as one of the Most Powerful Women in Accounting. She regularly contributes her business insights to Inc, Entrepreneur, Accounting Today and CPA Practice Advisor. Over the past 25-plus years, Amy has become a well-known advocate and evangelist for leadership, entrepreneurship, and the accounting profession. Through her expertise on these topics, Amy has inspired audiences as a keynote speaker on: authentic leadership, work-life balance, productivity, women’s leadership and empowerment, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, and the future of accounting and financial advisory services.
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Bill Butterworth
Bill Butterworth is an award-winning speaker and author with nearly 40 titles to his name. Bill’s extraordinary ability to blend humor, storytelling, wisdom and practicality has resonated with a wide range of audiences across the globe. For close to 30 years Bill has traveled full-time speaking to hundreds of audiences, including Fortune 500 clients such as Microsoft, Walt Disney, Ford, Chrysler, Bank of America, and Verizon, as well as over 50 professional sports teams in the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball. Beyond speaking, Bill has authored over three-dozen books as a writer and a ghostwriter. His latest contribution is a book entitled Everyday Influence. Other authored titles include such classics as Balancing Work and Life, Building Successful Teams, The Short List, and The Promise of the Second Wind. Before his speaking and writing career took shape, Bill taught at the college level for thirteen years and was a counselor for six years.
Fee Range: $6,000–$8,000
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Mike Adams
Mike Adams is an author, speaker, consultant and expert in transformation and performance excellence. Mike's keynotes and presentations cover 30 years of lessons learned in theme areas of performance excellence, Industry 4.0, operating discipline, business planning and alignment, customer satisfaction, and quality and change management. A highly rated speaker driven by real, no sugar coated examples with high energy and humor. Mike has authored a series of collaborative reports on answering global CEO challenges and was contributing writer to Leadership Prescription for the Future of Quality and Answering the CEO Challenge: Innovation Leads, Uncertainty Lingers reports published by The Conference Board.
Fee Range: $5,000–$8,000
Travels From: FL
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