Above, an image of Madison Reid at 8 years old, speaking to a Cleveland television station about the importance of books and little free libraries. The video went viral on YouTube, with authors and pubisheers seeking her out as a spokesperson for books.
It's been six years since we wrote about a mighty little speaker - Madison Reid - and even longer since she made a splash with her message about Little Free Libraries and the power of books.
We found ourselves wondering what's happened to her since, and Google did not disappoint.
Her hometown television station in Cleveland provided an update, taking her back to the place where they interviewed her in 2014.
Madison graduated from high school with honors in June 2023, entered the University of Akron to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine, and continues to be an advocate for reading.
"This is the place that in a series of very fortunate events, I became a spokesperson for reading."
– Madison Reid recalling her interview as an 8-year-old
When we wrote about her speaking as an eight-year-old, we noted the techniques public speakers of every age could admire and adopt:
- Her use of descriptive gestures to illustrate important phrases
- The way she paused to create anticipation and emphasize key words
- How she varied pace and vocal tones throughout
We often urge adult speakers to lose their inhibitions by becoming the servants of their messages. Our thought is that when you put your message and audience (are they getting this?) ahead of thoughts of yourself (do I look silly?), you'll be more expressive, more effective, and less nervous.
"They fuel our minds like cars and gas."
– Young spokesperson Madison hitting us with the analogy
Madison certainly embodied that concept then, and we bet she still does.
Below, the YouTube video that made adorable little Madison a viral sensation:
