Resources
Resources for conversations that matter.
A conversation can begin onstage, but it doesn’t have to end there.
Explore articles and ideas from David, practical mental health and suicide prevention resources, programs for deeper learning and action, and books on communicating with greater clarity and connection.
Articles & Insights
Ideas to carry the conversation forward.
David writes about mental health, workplace culture, and the conversations that help people connect—and about storytelling, presentations, and communicating ideas that matter.
Mental Health & Workplace Culture
Eagle County Businesses Prioritize Mental Health Training
“What we can do is we can see people who feel better equipped to deal with a lot of challenges in the workplace.” -David P. Otey
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Mental Health & Workplace Culture
The Price of Not Speaking Up
“But we’re in the communication business!” We have all heard (or said) those words. Usually after something has gone wrong. What was it, exactly, that wasn’t communicated? Perhaps it was…
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Speaking & Presentations
Avoid these three mistakes when writing your introduction
My reaction to a couple of speeches I heard recently has prompted me to write today about introductions. I don’t mean the opening of your speech. I mean the introduction…
Read ArticleMental Health & Suicide Prevention Resources
You don’t have to have all the answers to start a conversation—or to find help.
These organizations and resources offer trusted information, support, and practical tools for people who are struggling, people who are concerned about someone else, and those who want to learn more.
Need help now?
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 (US only).
Want to start a conversation?
If you’re concerned about someone and don’t know where to start, Seize the Awkward can help.
Start the ConversationLooking for information and support?
These organizations offer reliable information, education, and support for people affected by mental health challenges and suicide.
H.O.P.E. Certification
Moving from awareness to sustained action.
David is a trained instructor in the H.O.P.E. Certification program, created by suicide prevention expert Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas. After training directly with Dr. Spencer-Thomas, David has led H.O.P.E. Certification training and may lead or co-lead future cohorts.
H.O.P.E.—Helping Our People Elevate Through Tough Times—helps organizations and communities take a more comprehensive approach to mental health, suicide prevention, and creating cultures of care.
For organizations ready to go beyond a single keynote or conversation, H.O.P.E. offers a structured path toward deeper, sustained work.
Books by David
Speaker’s Quick Guides
Before David’s work centered on conversations about mental health, he spent years helping professionals become better communicators.
The Speaker’s Quick Guide series grew out of that work. These short, practical books focus on three challenges speakers regularly face: telling better stories, making technical information understandable and engaging, and presenting with greater confidence.
Volume 1
The Speaker’s Quick Guide to Telling Better Stories
Learn how to find, structure, and tell stories that connect with an audience and make your message more memorable.
Volume 2
The Speaker’s Quick Guide to Technical Presentations
Practical guidance for technical and scientific professionals who want to make complex information clearer, more engaging, and easier for an audience to follow.
Volume 3
The Speaker’s Quick Guide to Presenting with Confidence
Tools for managing nervousness, building confidence, and becoming more comfortable and effective when presenting your ideas.
Looking for something more specific?
If you’re exploring a keynote, program, coaching, or another way to bring these conversations to your organization, I’d be glad to hear what you’re working on.