How Two Activists Took Down an entire Industry—Brian Miller and Francisco Mahfuz Win Prestigious Cicero Award for Groundbreaking Speech on Activism
Award-Winning Talk “How to Be an Activist Who Creates Real Change” Chronicles a 20-Year Fight to End Dog Racing
WASHINGTON, D.C – April 18th, 2025 – Clarity Up Consulting Founder, Brian Miller and Storytelling Specialist, Francisco Mahfuz have just announced they have been awarded the 2025 Cicero Speechwriting Award in the Social Justice category for their collaboration on the talk “How to Be an Activist Who Creates Real Change,” delivered by Carey Theil and Christine Dorchak at TEDxAlexanderPark 2024.
The talk chronicles the speakers' extraordinary 20-year mission to end dog racing—a global movement that led to the closure of every dog track in the United States and the rescue of hundreds of greyhounds from one of the world’s deadliest racing facilities.
The Cicero Awards, presented by Vital Speeches of the Day, are often considered the "Emmys of speechwriting," judged by a panel of some of the most respected names in public communication, including a former White House Chief Speechwriter.
Miller, who leads a message design firm that helps experts clarify their big ideas and communicate with impact, goes on to say, “This was one of the most complex talks we’ve ever worked on. Carey and Christine’s story stretches across continents, legal systems, and emotional highs and lows. Our job wasn’t to condense their history. It was to help them find the idea that would move an audience to action in just 14 minutes.”
Miller, a former nationally touring magician turned human connection expert, gained global recognition for his viral 2015 TEDx talk, “How to Magically Connect with Anyone,” which has amassed 3.6 million views on YouTube and helped ignite international conversations around connection and loneliness.
Public speaking champion Francisco Mahfuz partnered with Miller to shape the final version of the award-winning talk, drawing on his deep expertise in storytelling and audience engagement.
While Miller and Mahfuz were recognized as individual contributors, the talk was developed through Clarity Up Consulting’s signature Conquer the Red Dot® program—a bespoke consulting experience for mission-driven leaders seeking to deliver TED-style talks that inspire change and create real-world impact.
Ready to Tell a Story That Sparks Real Change?
Find more, apply to work with the team, or request an interview at ClarityUpConsulting.com. Brian Miller and the Clarity Up team are currently booking select speaking engagements, media interviews, and private clients for the Conquer the Red Dot® program.
About Clarity Up Consulting
Clarity Up is a message design firm that helps thought leaders, change-makers, and experts turn their ideas into unforgettable talks that drive action. Founded by speaker and core messaging consultant Brian Miller, Clarity Up offers private consulting through its Conquer the Red Dot® program, specializing in TED-style talks, keynote development, and strategic storytelling that moves audiences from inspiration to impact.
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