Speaking - Introduction

WHY I SPEAK!

Nothing gives me more professional satisfaction than inspiring, motivating and entertaining an audience, large or small. Perhaps some of you are old enough to remember the toy "Mr. Microphone." I must admit with some embarassment that I was one of those kids that really really wanted one. It's a desire that has continued throughout my life. I still want one! I have had a love affair with microphones since I was nine.

ARE SPEAKERS BORN OR MADE?

I say, "Both!" I cut my teeth on the stage as a youngster who wanted to run away to the circus, Hollywood, the Mouseketeers, or Broadway for as long as I can remember. When I realized that I couldn't get very far on a bicycle, I settled for school plays, talent shows, oral interpretation and singing competitions, and singing around the house. Whatever worked! So, yes, I was "born" to be in front of an audience. By high school, I actually studied the arts of singing, speaking and acting. I ventured into the world of pageants and modeling. Nothing prepares you for working an audience like parading around on a stage in a swimsuit and spike heels, trust me. So, yes, I was also "made." These activities brought me radio station commercial work, a TV segment for a French documentary, and made it clear that I LOVED being in front of an audience, a camera and a microphone. As time went on, it became apparent that my calling would be radio and speaking to live audiences, both of which make my heart sing!

MY SPEAKING IS A TRUE PASSION

Every time I speak to an audience, I hope to reach into their hearts and minds and give everyone something that is meaningful to take away with them. That's why I customize each speech I give, and do new research beforehand and incorporate it into handouts and notes. It's so important to me that I offer my speaking clients a unique and fresh experience every time I take the stage and walk among my audience to connect person to person. I have experience with audiences of all sizes, literally from rooms of 50, 100 or 250 people, to a packed football stadium. I have spoken on cruise ships, in a prison, at conference centers, at a Regional Office of the IRS, at corporations, restaurants, university campuses, high schools, churches, United Way fund raising events, hospitals, mental health facilities, nightclubs, sports facilities, outdoor tracks and pavilions. It's been a great life!

WHAT AM I LIKE AS A PRESENTER?

For those of you who have never seen me speak, I'd like to tell you what my presentations are like. You probably already know that we speakers are all different - some of us stand still behind a lecturn, some of us are very serious, some of us are rather monotone, some of us give the same speech over and over, some of us are into chest pounding or strumming guitars, some of us relive our sports histories or war stories (literally and figuratively), some of us are really into the technologies of presenting, and some of us are extremely formal in our approach, like the well-trained Toastmasters that many of us are. I am a speaker who dislikes barriers between me and my audience. I am more likely to trip on stage in my reparte' with you than to deftly use a lecturn. I tend to have an engine that runs pretty high-octane, and rarely lack for energy. I utilize a great deal of humor, and am happy to laugh at myself. I learned a long time ago never to take myself too seriously. There are very few topics on the planet that require a stoic and 100% serious approach, although I have had my share of serious moments in front of crowds. I like to use fresh material as often as possible, and derive my anecdotal examples from current events and observations in my own life, particularly those that spring forth while preparing for, and traveling to, your speaking engagement.

I LOVE AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT IN MY SPEAKING

Something I do as a "signature" style is prepare your topic with customized, insightful, wise, inspirational, funny, and quirky quotations from well-known public figures throughout history. The folks I choose to tie into your presentation might be heroes, sport figures, business success stories, scientists, experts, authors, or entertainers. I have a collection of hundreds of quotes that I update and expand constantly. My collection is a treasure trove of wisdom that I even turned into a trademarked product line called "QUOTEPourri" and with it, I encourage a substantial amount of audience participation throughout my speeches.

WHAT DO I BRING TO THE STAGE FOR YOU?

Here's what I give you when you hire me to present at your event:

1. An easy booking process with clearly defined engagement details, goals, parameters and fees.
2. Enthusiasm, courtesy and vibrant energy that is reflected throughout all of our communications.
3. Original research to enhance the material for your group, and to meet the purpose of your event.
4. Emphasis on providing you and your audience with fresh, relevant, informative and fun information.
5. Sincere respect for you and your group. It is a privilege for me to speak and I always feel that it is an honor!
6. A technical review of the event facility and presentation equipment to ensure a smooth delivery.
7. Most importantly, I partner with you to make your event a SUCCESS!

I hope you are enjoying my website ..... and I look forward to hearing from you regarding your next event!

With my Sincere Best Wishes,