Does “published Texas author”
automatically mean “great educational assembly presenter?” I just
got back from an event where I was hired as a motivational speaker
based, in part, on the fact that I'm a recognized author among the
attendees. It was a great event and my talk was very well received.
This was a very high-end event with a ticket price of $2,497.00 per
person, so you can imagine the caliber of speakers I shared the stage with. It was an honor
to be invited to the event and when I wasn't talking, I was at the
back of the room taking notes!
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| Texas Author Julian Franklin, Magician & Motivational Speaker |
As I was watching the various speakers
I realized that there were people on the stage that were a little bit
“famous” in some circles. These are people who have had amazing
careers and have some incredible stories. I enjoyed watching and
listening to them recount their life histories. At one point it
dawned on me that the “celebrity” talks were fun, interesting,
and made me feel closer to the celebrity on stage, but the content of
the talk didn't really hold very much actionable material. In other
words, I wasn't taking any notes. The talk was interesting and
entertaining, but I was not finding myself changed because of it. I
didn't end the talk with a list of things to do. My behavior wasn't
changed because of the talk. I didn't finish any different than I
started.
I contrast that with several of the
talks that were presented by people I had never heard of prior to
this event. Their talks were not only interesting and entertaining,
they were also packed with actionable information. I left not just
entertained, but INSPIRED. I had a list of things that I WANTED to
do, even to the point of feeling that I NEEDED to do these things. My
behavior was certainly altered.
I know that when putting on events like
the one where I spoke, there is a need to balance information
delivery and pure entertainment. And please don't misunderstand me: I
found ALL the talks to be worthwhile. I just noticed a difference
that I found interesting. As someone who makes his living as a
professional motivational speaker, I tend to sometimes micro-analyze
things like this, in an attempt to constantly improve what I offer
when I present, whether it is an attempt to provide the best elementary school author visit in Texas or a motivational speech to
professional entertainers in Florida.
2 comments:
True Dat!
All presenters/speakers have something to say, and we as their audience can pick up/learn a lot.
Sometimes though, it is just as important to be entertained as it is to be taught! Those moments where or when you did not learn anything as you say, you did not take notes, you did not take action might be very learning moments for you as you move forward.
For instance, now you look in the mirror of your own talks, and have a bit of self discovery that, "Wow, maybe I leave some people like that?"
We all come at subjects from different points in our lives, our journey is at different heights as far as learning to speak, perform etc.
I think Julian that when you watched those speakers that simply shared their story, you were put into a more relaxed state than having to hold pen in hand and write thoughts and action points.
You may even have needed that "break."
LOL!
I am reading your lecture notes so I can begin to put MY STORY into cognizant cohesive words.
Thank you for all you do!
I enjoyed meeting you!
Your friend,
Tim Flynn
I think you're absolutely right, Tim. When I craft a show, there are parts that are high-energy laughing silliness and these parts are vital to keep a balance for the parts of the show where I'm delivering more content-heavy material. I suspect that the talks where my pencil was resting were a major part of the reason I was able to get so much out of some of the other content. I was probably getting exactly what I needed and might not have even been aware of it!
Great insight!
--Julian Franklin
Texas Author Assembly Presenter
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