Speaker, MC, Host, Poet, Writer

David Chislett is a multi-talented speaker and writer. He is an experienced voice artist and MC with a strong background in poetry, theatre and live radio work, as well as live events and radio ads.

Trained in public speaking, debating and acting from school level, David graduated to national radio in 1994 when Barney Simon used him as a live radio correspondent on 5FM from London. This stint developed into the creation of the SA Music Explosion, a half hour weekly show on Barney Simon’s daily night time show on 5FM in 1996 that David hosted and ran.

A published author, David is also a poet and public speaker who works with creative activations, motivation and inspiration. He has lectured at AFDA and WITS on creative writing and its processes and performed at numerous spoken word evenings around South Africa.

David was awarded the Ernst Van Heerden Creative Writing Award in 1998 for the short story: Pin Stripe Punk. He created, edited and contributed to Urban 1 in 2001, edited and contributed to Urban 2 in 2002 and edited Urban 03 in 2003. He also contributed to “From Joburg To Jozi” published Penguin Books as well as contributing short fiction to Litnet, Unlikleystories.org, Botsotso, Ons Klyntjie, The Literate Gymnast and Grrr.

“A Body Remembered,” his debut collection of short stories, was published through Ge’Ko in August 2009. “1,2,1,2: A Step By Step Guide to the SA Music Industry” is to be published in SA in early 2010.

David has MC’d Moshito, The SA Music Industry Conference, the Up The Creek festival and the Revolution Stage at Oppikoppi in 2008 as well as countless smaller shows around the country over a period of years. He has also presided over book launches, spoken word sessions and other media events.

David has a wide range of interests and is therefore adaptable and flexible in his approach to public speaking. His voice, trained both through opera singing lessons and public speaking work (live and radio) is strong and pleasant. David is available for spoken word performances, guest speaking on creativity and the music industry, MC-ing and hosting of functions or events
Rates and availability available on request