Widely varied audiences have applauded Syd's inspirational keynote speeches. For instance, in 2005, he presented:
- Beyond Survival
- A speech for the Indiana Library Federation's Annual Conference on how storytelling can ease life's difficulties
- The Real Story: Interpretation and Teaching Through the Language of the Heart
- A speech for the Visitor Studies Convention in which he explained to museum and national park service educators the importance of storytelling in museums and other public venues
- Now What? Creating Non-Fiction Stories
- A speech for the annual Betty Weeks Storytelling Conference for educators on capturing history through story
In 2006 Syd will present:
- Summer of Treason: Philadelphia 1776
- The story of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, at Missouri State University's Public Affairs Conference