Dave Crisante is an MC, director, comedian and public speaking trainer who has featured in almost all major comedy festivals across Australia. He founded the Sydney Comedy School and Future Science Talks, organisations that harness the skills he developed in the arts and during his career in journalism, politics and diplomacy.
Dave perfects the mix between fun and serious. His versatility and deep experience running events across Australia makes him an ideal master of ceremonies, keynote speaker and comedian for a wide range of organisations. He is a regular MC and facilitator at universities and businesses across Australia, and has a large array of regular clients including Google, Atlassian, Woolworths and the Commonwealth Bank.
In 2024, Dave featured in every major comedy festival across Australia, presenting science comedy to tens of thousands of people. He specialises in helping audiences grow in confidence and be more assertive in finding their own voice and story. CSIRO Publishing has commissioned Dave to write a book about workplace humour and techniques that can be used to increase rapport and teamwork within the workplace.
Dave's story involves a mix of overcoming adversity and being swept up in global affairs. He was born with disability - and underwent numerous surgeries as a child, which enabled him to walk and eventually teach dance internationally. His experience in international journalism and diplomacy includes being rescued from Somali pirates, searching for MH370 off Perth, working on Schapelle Corby's release from prison, leading negotiations on kidnapping cases, and deployment with the Australian military following international disasters.
Dave lived in Japan, Italy and England - where he pursued a career in journalism. He was head of communications at numerous organisations including WWF-Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, icare, Neuroscience Research Australia and the Rural Doctor's Network. During this time he worked for several politicians in Parliament, and was Julie Bishop's speechwriter.
Dave was an organiser of the G20 in Brisbane, and regularly features in science and health conferences across Australia where he teaches public speaking, small talk skills, strategies to win over stakeholders, and how to utilise communications to build rapport with audiences.
His skillset would make Dave perfect for an event where you required an MC, panel facilitator, entertainer, trainer, or keynote speaker.
