by Katie Koestner
When the students in the room shift from slouching to sitting up straight, they are listening. When they lean forward and rest their elbows on their knees, they are completely engaged. This is the way Katie Koestner’s “No-Yes” speech impacts audiences. Katie weaves the story of her date rape at age 18 with stories of sexual assault and empowerment from male and female students across North America. Katie achieves what school administrators and educators desire: behavior change and awareness; as well as what students respond to: three dimensional reality and honesty.

How drunk is too drunk to give effective consent to sex? What are the consequences of wearing provocative clothing? Who is responsible for sexual communication? How can one person feel violated and the other think the same experience was consensual?
Jake and Erica are in the same Calculus class. They become study partners. One night they meet up at a party. Alcohol mixes with sex. Did someone cross the line, or did both behave irresponsibly? You decide.

by Katie Koestner and a
Male Co-Presenter
This interactive, male-inclusive approach to raising awareness on the issue of sexual assault begins with Katie Koestner's compelling keynote speech, "No-Yes." Katie weaves her harrowing, yet ultimately inspirational story with powerful facts about sexual assault. Once the audience is emotionally engaged, Katie’s male co-presenter offers the second part of the prevention message highlighting the role that poor communication and alcohol play in sexual assault cases. The co-presenter shares a real-life situation about two students who become acquainted in class, and then find themselves at a party where the alcohol flows freely. The presenter sets forth the facts, but it’s the audience that debates and decides the case.

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