Humorous openings

For example, I recently was delivering a presentation on search engine optimization (SEO) for websites and blogs. This can be a technical presentation but it doesn’t have to bore the bejesus out of the audience. When I started my presentation I mentioned the President of the Association, who was sitting in the front row

I went on to say how “Pat” shared with me that she had a side business and had made an additional $75,000 dollars last year-every time a cell phone went off in one of her presentations, she confiscated the phone and sold it on eBay!

While this is not any earth shattering humor-the audience loved it because they did not expect it from me and I could tell they were at ease with me. More importantly, the President of the association was flattered that I made a point to remember her name and include her in the presentation.  I have mentioned before the magic of drawing your audience into your presentation and always introduce yourself to the front row before you start your presentation!

For those of you who give more technical presentations please consider developing a humor file. If you use humor in your presentations your audiences will love you and I guarantee that your humorous presentation will be more memorable and repeatable-these are very good things if you wish to continue to be hired!! Humor just doesn’t happen and you may find the need to hire a coach to inject some humor in your presentations-this is a good investment! My speaker buddy, Steve Rizzo, spends the first several minutes with nothing but humor before he goes forward with his presentation. He has found that once an audience embraces you and your humor they are much more receptive to your presentation.

So, for all you CEO’s and Propeller Heads who are boring your audiences to death…stop it! Use humor in your presentations and we will laugh and learn with you!

My friend, Scott Friedman, CSP will host this fabulous day. Scott is the past President of The National Speakers Association as well as the two time past President of National Speakers Association/Colorado Chapter. He is the author of two books and co-author of four others. Scott’s latest book, Punchlines, Pitfalls and Powerful Programs - Ten Surefire Ways of Adding Humor to Your Presentations, is the perfect resource for those looking to connect with their audience…. whoever that may be. Scott outlines effective methods for engaging and educating an audience through humor and story telling.

Here is an overview of this must attend meeting. We will offer a Bonus Session from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. The additional cost for members is $20. Affiliates $55 and Non-Members $60. We are expecting a huge turnout including guests from other National Speakers Association chapters including: Los Angeles, California, Dallas, Texas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Las Vegas, Nevada, Utah and San Francisco, California-so register early!

The session will start promptly at 9:30 with our host Scott Friedman. Our first speaker will be Frank Furness, CSP from 9:35 - 10:30. His topic will be Creating and Selling Products in a Global Marketplace. Frank shares his money making model that includes developing products and selling others products using simple strategies & software and no geeky knowledge. Discover how his 52 websites create an online and BOR income. Discover how Frank uses article and video Frank Furness, CSP– Creating and Selling marketing for market research and to promote his products and secures international speaking assignments in 48 countries. Understand his simple strategies that gets thousands of people subscribing on autopilot to his Ezines. Frank approaches this from a sales rather than a technical angle so keeps it simple and fun. Frank is the past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Europe and spends seventy percent of his time speaking internationally, working in forty eight countries from Russia to Dubai, Hong Kong to South Africa. He is a regular speaker at Entrepreneurs University and his clients include the British Olympic Team, The Professional Cricketers Association, Sporting Champions and Sport England. Frank’s book ‘Walking with Tigers – Success Secrets of the World’s Top Business Leaders’ is an International best seller.

Frank’s articles are published in numerous newspapers and magazines and he has been a columnist for Financial Times and Institute of Directors publications.
10:30- 10:40 Networking Break
10:45 - 11: 30 Terry Brock, CSP His topic: The New Digital Rules for Working around the Globe. Discover how you can have an international experience speaking, writing, coaching and having WAY more fun than the law allows! This session with NSA’s technology guru, Terry Brock, will show you specific technologies you can use as well as how to get business! As our world gets more global, you need to know how to make it work for you and your lifestyle—however you choose to craft it. Discover how to have a “Whoo Hoo!” experience in many countries—and avoid being arrested!

11:15 - 11:30 Networking Break

11:30 - 12:10 George Walther, CPAE, CSP His topic: Life is Far too Short…What are We Waiting For? What adventures are YOU putting off and saving up for? You’ll be re-thinking your timetable after hearing George’s engaging tales that are all true, though you’ll hardly believe them. Whether it’s heading off on an international adventure trip, or completely re-vamping your professional speaking topics, this presentation will arouse your least conventional approach to aligning your passions and your actions. George Walther, CSP, CPAE is the “Traveling Twain of the 21st Century.” He’s just visited his 99th country and has spoken in all of them…though only occasionally as a paid speaker. Acclaimed for three decades as a business authority with books and training programs published around the world, he’s now transitioning to embrace his greater passion: global adventure travel. His professional expertise has always been in the communication realm with books such as Phone Power, Power Talking, and various sales and service titles. He’s now combining his solid business credentials with his adventuring heritage (he’s a direct descendant of famous cannibals – really) to present a life-changing message with “Life Is Far Too Short; What Are We Waiting For?”

12:10 Jana Stanfield, CSP Special Musical Ending Who is Jana Stanfield? You’ve heard her music on 20/20, Entertainment Tonight, Oprah, the movie 8 Seconds, and radio stations nationwide. Her compositions are sung by RebaMcEntire, Andy Williams and others, and Jana has shared stages with fellow performers ranging from Kenny Loggins to The Dixie Chicks.

Keynote Concerts, Inc. is the name of Jana’s speaking business. For the past 15 years, Jana has made her living as a Keynote speaker at conferences and corporate events. Jana’s Music is known as “The Queen of Heavy Mental,” Jana describes her music as “psychotherapy you can dance to.” With soaring vocals, acoustic arrangements, and meaningful lyrics, Jana Stanfield says that her goal is to use her music to give people a “faith-lift.” Her fans say the music is the ideal alternative to Prozac… all the mood elevation with none of the water retention.

12:20 Lunch Break - not included in cost of program

NSA Colorado Afternoon Meeting

1:00 pm Registration and Networking
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Opening (10 minutes) Jana Stanfield, CSP

2:15 - 3:15 W. Mitchell, CPS, CSP, CPAE His Topic: Its Not What Happens, it’s What you Do About It. Challenge. We all face challenges of varying degrees every day, whether it’s professional or personal, large or small, immediate or over time. And change — some invited, some unasked for– is our biggest challenge. The title of W Mitchell’s latest book is also his philosophy on life — “It’s not what happens to you…it’s what you do about it.” This expert on taking responsibility for change shows his audiences not only how to gain perspective, but how to cope, and even better, to prosper with personal and professional change. W Mitchell knows about challenge, change and courage — all first hand. He speaks to you about the battles and the victories of life. From co-founding a metal casting company that put thousands to work, from his election as mayor and congressional nominee, from a fiery motorcycle accident that left him burned over 65% of his body, and from the airplane crash that took away his ability to walk, Mitchell now soars above the rest with grace, good humor and gumption.

Mitchell speaks with passion about the human spirit. He focuses on the positives of change–taking responsibility–and the proven result…himself. “Before I was paralyzed there were 10,000 things I could do; now there are 9,000. I can either dwell on the 1,000 I’ve lost or focus on the 9,000 I have left.”

Listen to this powerful story. Across the globe, from the Indian Ocean to Indiana, from Presidents to Parliaments and from non-profits to multinational giants, audiences herald his thought-provoking words about perseverance and becoming more than just a survivor. He delivers from the heart, with warmth, wit and wisdom. You’ll hear an unforgettable speaker with an invaluable message

3:30 - 4:30 Pros Panel 1: Going Global
Frank Furness, CSP - Building Alliances all over the World
Terry Brock, CSP - Technology made Simple for the Globetrotter
George Walther, CSP, CPAE - Power Talking Globally
Ruby Newell-Legner, CSP - Philosophy-Learn b4uGo
Scott Friedman, CSP
Jana Stanfield, CSP
Micky Fisher
Doug Stevenson
Dave Avrin
4:30 - 4:45 pm Networking Break

4:45 - 5:45 pm pm Meet the Pros Round Table Discussions

5:45 Jan Stanfield

Make it a point to join us for this fabulous day. Whether you want to learn how to speak internationally or just learn from some of the finest minds in the speaking industry-you will not be disappointed! Complete registration information and pricing can be found at NSA/Colorado. See you soon.

Steve Mertz

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Here’s the line up of experts for this weekend we call Speaking Eloquence. Pam Gordon, will train on “Making Your Message Stick.” According to experts, 90% of the information you share with audiences and clients is forgotten in less than 48 hours! How can you make sure your seminars and keynotes make a lasting impression…come hear Pam Gordon. Pam is a former NSA Colorado President and teaches graduate school in speech communication and adult learning at The University of Denver. She speaks internationally and holds her Med. I’ve had the pleasure (more…)

Our next professional speaker is Daniel Hall. Dan was just minding his own business….when he discovered he could travel the world for free-by speaking on cruise ships! Pretty cool gig. Dan also makes his living practicing law, speaking and running online businesses. During the meeting Daniel will share how to

Get free cruises for yourself
Get free cruises for your traveling companion
Receive every passenger perk
Cruise anytime (almost) anywhere
Sell your products on board and more!

We are fortunate to have Elaine Dumler as one of our presenters as well. Elaine is a past president of NSA Colorado and was recently recognized as a Everyday Hero by Channel 7 news here in Denver, Colorado. Elaine support military families through her Flat Daddy Program. Flat Daddies are cutouts of full sized photographs of a deployed service person. Elaine has been making Flat Daddies and Mommies since Christmas of 2002! She is the author of 2 books with a 3rd in the works. A self publisher, Elaine will share with you the blueprint to her success including:

Challenge the myths of doing it yourself
Select your editors, designers and printers
Give you her entire resource list but only if you are present
Give you her best, cheapest and quickest marketing ideas and more…

The meeting will be January 9, 2008 from 2-6p.m. at the Renaissance hotel here in Denver. If you are a professional speaker or just thinking about it-this will be a great meeting to learn how to add book revenues to your cash flow!! Please come up and introduce yourself at our meeting-See you there!