Speaker- Dec 2009 by ⌘ ⇧ ⌥

THE ART AND BUSINESS OF SPEAKING

december 2009

Who’s Watching Grandma? Tips for caregivers on the road Take Baby Steps to Better Health

day Holif Gi t Ideas PA G E

Make Your Office a Haven for Productivity Meet the 2009 NSA Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Make Fool-Proof

Decisions based on: Suzy Suzy Welch, Welch, speaker speaker and andauthor authorof of10-10-10 10-10-10

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T h e O f f i c i a l M a g a z i n e o f t h e N at i o n a l S p e a k e r s Asso c i at i o n • w w w. n s a s p e a k e r . o r g

THE ART AND BUSINESS OF SPEAKING

Finding the Truth in Consequences

Suzy Welch’s book, 10-10-10, evolved from a survival mechanism for frantic moms into a national best-seller. By Jake Poinier

d e c e m b e r 2009

F E AT U R E S

24 Is Your Office Doing its Job?

My Mother Has 16 Help! Fallen … and I Go on Stage in 15 Minutes!

The ideal work space can boost your morale and productivity. By Jane Atkinson

How to wear two hats as a family caregiver and professional speaker. By Cheryl A. Kuba, MA

Is the New Big: Baby 20 Small Steps to Better Health By making one small change at a time, you can become better, stronger and healthier. By Kate Larsen, PCC

28 Actions Speak Louder than Words The 2009 NSA Foundation scholarship recipients share their career aspirations. By Lauren Aiken

CO LU M N S 6 Reality Check Putting a fine point on the speaking industry

7 What Would You Do? Casting a reality check on real-world conundrums

8 Welcome to My World A snapshot into the lives of the people who hire us

D EPARTM EN TS 10 Relevant Resources Unique holiday gift ideas

32 Beyond Borders Exploring culture, countries and comfort zones

33 Turning Point

34 It’s Your Business Advice for enterprising speakers

37 Statement of Ownership

4 News from Headquarters 35 Calendar of Events 36 Index of Advertisers

38 Humor Me Quips, tips and parting shots

A career-changing moment or experience

December 2009 | SPEAKER | 3

news from headquarters

National Speakers Association Officers Phillip Van Hooser, CSP, CPAE, President Kristin Arnold, MBA, CPF, CMC, CSP, President Elect Laura Stack, MBA, CSP, Vice President Ronald P. Culberson, MSW, CSP, Secretary Ron Karr, CSP, Treasurer Sam Silverstein, CSP, Immediate Past President Stacy Tetschner, CAE, Executive Vice President/CEO

Reported by Stacy Tetschner, CAE NSA Executive Vice President/CEO

bio and an option to upgrade your profile to include streaming video, audio, articles and more! For more information, call (480) 968-2552 or email information@ nsaspeaker.org.

Legends of the Speaking Profession The Class of 2009 Legends of the Speaking Profession honored at the Veteran Speakers Retreat on August 29, 2009, are shown above (left to right): Zig Ziglar, CPAE (accepted by Naomi Rhode, CSP, CPAE), Charlie Plumb, Michael Aun II, CSP, CPAE, Tony Alessandra PhD, CSP, CPAE, Joe Charbonneau, CSP, CPAE (posthumous, accepted by Jim Pancero, CSP, CPAE), Mort Utley, CPAE (posthumous, accepted by Steven Cates , PhD). New NSA Member Directory As of September 14, the member profiles on NSASpeaker.org are powered by eSpeakers.com.The new directory offers improved searchability, unlimited space for your

Save the Date Mark your calendar for the 2010 Winter Conference in Nashville, Tenn., February 12-14. You’ll receive abundant, contentrich learning and leave with an action plan that you can implement immediately, plus tools, resources and tips to shape your business and boost your bottom line. For more information and to register, visit www. NSAWinterConference.org. Web 2.0 Webinar Series Don’t miss NSA’s free Webinar featuring Heather Lutze on December 10. You’ll learn strategies, tactics, tools and tips to optimize your social media marketing efforts in conjunction with your Web site. For registration and details, visit MyNSA.org/Webinars.aspx.

Founder Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE Board of Directors Marjorie Brody, PCC, CMC, CSP, CPAE Kirstin Carey, CSP Jarik Conrad, EdD, MBA, MILR, SPHR Ed Gerety, CSP Scott Halford, CSP Ron Karr, CSP Linda Keith, CPA, CSP Scott McKain, CSP, CPAE John B. Molidor, PhD Ford Saeks Jean Houston Shore, CPA, MBA, CSP Laura Stack, MBA, CSP Francine Ward, JD NSA Foundation The Foundation serves NSA members and the public through: • Financial help for NSA members and their families who are facing health or natural disaster emergencies; • Grants to NSA members who need help with their dues or meeting registration fees; • Scholarships for speech/communications students and professors; • Oversight and funding for speaking-related research; and • Grants to help charitable organizations communicate through technology Founder and Chairman Emeritus Nido R. Qubein, CSP, CPAE Chair Stephen Tweed, CSP NSA Foundation Board of Trustees Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP Terry Paulson, PhD, CSP, CPAE Jane Jenkins Herlong, CSP Sam Silverstein, CSP Don Hutson, CSP, CPAE Laura Stack, MBA, CSP Ron Karr, CSP Phillip Van Hooser, CSP, CPAE John B. Molidor, PhD Al Walker, CSP, CPAE

Speaker Editorial Advisory Board Molly Cox, Chair Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE Jill Konrath Gina Schreck, CSP Terri Langhans, CSP Dennis Stauffer Managing Editor Barbara Parus

Design switchstudio.com

Publications Assistant Lauren Aiken

This Month on V o i c e s o f

E x p e r i e n c e®

NSA’s monthly audio magazine

• Back Stage: Gerard Braud with Joachim De Posada • Category of One: Joe Calloway, CSP, CPAE, with Laura Stack, MBA, CSP nes to Watch: Jane Atkinson with •O Vince Poscente, CSP, CPAE • Off Stage: Rene Godefroy with Martha Lanier

• If You Could Do Just One Thing This Month: Bill Cates, CSP, Chris Clark-Epstein, CSP, Ford Saeks, Mike Rayburn, CSP • Global Speakers Federation: Lindsay Adams, CSP • Starfish Humor: Ron Culberson, MSW, CSP • Dissecting Starfish: Ron Culberson, MSW, CSP, and David Glickman • President’s Message: Phillip Van Hooser, MBA, CSP, CPAE

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Editorial Office and Subscriptions: National Speakers Association 1500 S. Priest Drive • Tempe, AZ 85281 Tel: (480) 968-2552 • Fax: (480) 968-0911 Web site: www.nsaspeaker.org. Advertising Sales Mandy Schulze, CMP Sponsorships, Advertising & Exhibits Manager Tel: (480) 264-4297 • Cell: (480) 600-3512 Fax: (480) 264-4298 Email: mandy@NSAspeaker.org Speaker (ISSN 1934-9076) (USPS 012-886). Volume 4, Number 4. Published monthly except February and August by the National Speakers Association, 1500 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281. Periodicals postage paid at Tempe, Arizona, and at additional mailing offices. Contents Copyright 2009 National Speakers Association, all rights reserved. Subscription rate for NSA members is $35 of $425 annual dues allocated to Speaker; non-member subscription rate is $49 for 10 issues. Add $10 for Canadian or international postage. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Speaker, National Speakers Association, 1500 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281.

Thanks for your expert introduction to my presentation. The audience really welcomed me!

My pleasure! Let me make another introduction: Have you heard about the National Speakers Association?

Share the Wealth! You already know that NSA is the ultimate resource for information, education and networking in the speaking industry. Why not share the benefits of membership by recruiting others who aspire to a speaking career?

Win prizes for recruiting the most members! Grand Prize: Family 4-Pack of 1-Day Passes to Disney World + 1 night stay at the Orlando World Center Marriott Second Prize: Free full set of Convention Recordings (2) Third Prizes: 1 year member renewal fees paid *Campaign ends June 15, 2010

HOW TO RECRUIT: Identify Potential Members Tap into business colleagues, members of other professional organizations, and speakers who don’t belong to NSA. Show & Tell • Show Speaker magazine and the member information magazine to prospects. • Share your NSA success story and tell them how they can join.

WHO TO RECRUIT: • • • • • • • • • •

Diverse professional speakers Keynoters Consultants Trainers Salaried speakers Coaches Professors/educators Clergy Book-touring authors Subject matter experts

MEMBER BENEFITS: A professional network • National Conventions and Conferences • Members-only Web site • Chapter networks • Speaker magazine • Voices of Experience audio magazine • Online “Find a Speaker” Directory • Awards and recognition

National Speakers Association 1500 S. Priest Dr. • Tempe, AZ 85281 Tel: (480) 968-2552 • Fax: (480) 968-0911 info@nsaspeaker.org

reality check Putting a fine point on the speaking industry

Economy Inspires Connecting and Creativity

s I travel around the world and speak with members of NSA chapters, it’s clear that our industry is going through many changes in keynote speaking and training. But everyone seems to agree on one thing: Business is slowly getting better. To survive the speaking industry today, we need to think differently and treat our business as a partnership, rather than a transaction. For many of us, that means rethinking contracts, business models, marketing and markets. People will remember the relationship long after the money has changed hands. In the speaking industry, colleagues share information freely. And from what I hear, most of you have taken the opportunity to connect with other NSA members and share best practices. In Minnesota, for example, at least three new masterminds have developed during these tough economic months. In Colorado, conference calls and Second Life groups have started, and the Certified Speaking Professional network around the world is stronger than ever.

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This isn’t the first time our industry has weathered a storm, but by sharing and caring about our colleagues and friends, we’ll see sunshine much sooner!

Word on the Street Corporate clients are looking for fee reductions and add-ons to the standard speaking agreement. In response, creative speakers are developing podcasts, break-outs, coaching, consulting and other products and services to complement their main programs and presentations. The corporate market is booking longer, content-rich programs. Speakers are taking a closer look at their topic and going deeper, which allows audiences to learn rich material, while being entertained and engaged. In this regard, we have a huge advantage. When was the last time you were completely engaged by a college professor? Bureaus, companies and meeting planners appreciate our expertise in all areas that can help them become more successful, including our connections with other speakers, motivational videos and great entertainers. To be a go-to resource, get better acquainted with the members in your chapter and meet new people at NSA’s Annual

Convention and Conferences. There seems to be a new movement in allowing clients the option to pay monthly, or on a retainer base agreement. This allows both parties to manage cash flow, and enables companies to continue to hold meetings. Ask your colleagues how they’re handling payment of fees. One thing is certain: We are a creative group of entrepreneurs.

Learn Something New NSA members are always looking for opportunities, adventure and new information. In the current economic climate, you can take the time to stay current with the latest technologies and organizational trends. Hook up with your fellow members. Facebook and LinkedIn offer social networking that can help you connect any time of the day. It amazes me how small our world can feel when using the Internet and social media, whether we’re in Connecticut, Australia or South Africa. We’re all talking and learning from each other, but nothing helps us grow more than connecting face to face. I hope to see you at NSA’s 2010 Winter Conference in Nashville, Tenn., February 12-14.

Phillip Van Hooser, MBA, CSP, CPAE 2009-10 President National Speakers Association

what would you do? Casting a reality check on real-world conundrums

Payback Time I work with a bureau that once didn’t pay me for almost three months. After 60 days, I sent a polite email to the accounting department advising that a late fee was typically charged when payments were more than 45 days late. I stated that as long as I received half of the owed balance now and the remainder by the end of that month, the late fee would be waived. It’s a reputable bureau and great to work with, so I was happy to allow a grace period. I know the bureau would do the same for me. In some situations, demanding immediate compensation is not worth potentially damaging a long-term relationship. —Tim Richardson, CSP Knoxville, Tenn.

As a speaker and bureau owner, I believe that speakers should maintain relationships with bureaus that get it right. I hate to burn bridges but, in these kinds of situations, speakers must stand up for themselves. No payment received for over 60 days is unacceptable. Bureau cash flow problems are not the speaker’s problem. —Mike Frank, CSP, CPAE Columbus, Ohio

After completing an engagement for a speakers’ bureau, you are informed there is a cash flow problem and you will not be compensated for 60 days or more. Would you accept business from the bureau again? Would you alter your standard bureau arrangement going forward?

My personal policy is to give everyone the benefit of the doubt one time, assuming I had been notified in a professional manner. The next time I worked with that bureau, I would be sure that all agreements were in writing. I also would reinforce verbally that the 60-day issue was a unique, one-time situation, and aren’t we glad of that! When I treat others professionally with the spirit of cooperation and joy, it comes back to me multiplied. —Cher Holton, CMC, CSP Durham, N.C.

Presuming this is a one-time occurrence, I would accept the 60 days for that presentation. If or when I was booked by the bureau again, I would make sure we had a clear understanding of payment terms. If the bureau failed to compensate me in a timely manner again, I would terminate our relationship. I would expect the same professional response from the bureau if I deviated from agreed standards. —Brian Walter, CSP Issaquah, Wash.

What Would You Do? is a regular column that presents a real-life dilemma faced by professional speakers. NSA members are encouraged to submit a dilemma for possible discussion in this column. Please submit dilemmas to ethics@nsaspeaker.org. NSA reserves the right to edit submissions for length and style. All dilemmas will be anonymously attributed. Opinions expressed are those of the individual respondents, not NSA. December 2009 | SPEAKER | 7

welcome to my world A snapshot into the lives of the people who hire us

Confessions of an In-House Training Decision Maker

ll hail the corporate client! Visions of multiple bookings, bigger budgets and a new level of name-dropping dance in a speaker’s head at the mere mention of working in-house with a corporate client. But what if the company already has an in-house training or professional development department? Does the dream dissolve? Not necessarily, according to Del Black, former manager of internal training and professional development at companies such as Hughes Aircraft and Boeing. Now the owner of Deep Roots Consulting, Black shares some insights with Terri Langhans, CSP, on what it was like to be on the decision-making side of the corporate desk.

Terri Langhans, CSP: What kinds of opportunities exist? Del Black: Don’t assume that just because they have an in-house department, they don’t hire outside help. When I worked for an engineering and manufacturing plant, I did the bulk of the training myself, but when it came to team development—which was not my expertise at the time—I brought in a consultant.

Is there significance to “consultant” rather than “speaker” or “trainer”? Yes. In that case, we wanted to build a team-based culture, so it was important to find someone who would partner with us and relate to both leadership and the front line. We weren’t looking for someone to drop in and deliver X number of teambuilding talks. We needed someone to

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assist in building a case for empowered teams with the execs, design the training and conduct the sessions.

Did people really just drop in and deliver? All the time, granted they probably didn’t view themselves that way. At Hughes, our internal professional development department designed nearly all of the training, but we hired outside people to present our content. We would look for people with experience and credentials in, say, performance improvement, but expect them to be our hands and feet, to have a feel for our lingo and truly become part of the family. An external consultant who says, “Here is my pitch, and here are my needs,” wouldn’t go over.

What is a better approach? The best thing speakers or trainers could do is introduce themselves, show experience, and ask about our interest in their topic or area of expertise.

How did you feel about receiving calls? Cold calls were tough. I was usually running around with my hair on fire, and just didn’t have the time. Often, when I had those kinds of conversations, no matter what my needs were, the response was, “Yes, I can boil the ocean for you.” I preferred a well-crafted, focused statement of what they could offer me up front. It might not be what I needed, but if it was, I would have been interested in what they had to say.

What cautions do you advise? Don’t assume corporate clients have big budgets and deep pockets. We were just as concerned about staying on budget and saving money as anyone else. Don’t revise my RFP. I can’t tell you how many people read the RFP, which clearly states our objective, and instead of showing how they could deliver, they thought they could read between the lines, diagnose a deeper issue and expand the scope of the work. Don’t latch onto a manager within the company and think that you are “in.” HR might not be your first or best point of entry, but odds are you will have to go through them eventually. And when you do, treat them the same way you treat the manager who is championing you.

The best thing speakers or trainers can do is introduce themselves, show experience, and ask about our interest in their topic or area of expertise.

Del Black, founder of Deep Roots Consulting, works with leaders and teams in corporate and nonprofit environments who want to produce significant results through effective collaboration. Her 25 years of experience includes leadership development, training and coaching for Boeing, Raytheon, Hughes Aircraft and Fluor-Daniel. For more information, visit

Any words of encouragement?

www.deeprootsconsulting.com.

Your best sales tool is to be memorable in a positive way, so that when the opportunity arises, you are the first person that the decision maker thinks of. When I don’t have someone in mind, I usually call a counterpart at another company or association and ask, “Who do you use or know for [fill in the blank] topic?” Stay in touch with your clients via e-mails, phone calls and letters.

NSA Webinar NSA is proud to offer the following FREE Web 2.0 Webinar to NSA members, the last in a hugely popular four-part series that has attracted an unprecedented number of attendees. Learn how to use social networking to your boost business, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.

Terri Langhans, CSP, is COE (Chief of Everything) at Blah Blah Blah, her speaking and consulting business for people who want to make their message stand out, get better results and be anything but boring. For more information, visit http://blahblahblah.us.

Save the date for this upcoming Webinar:

December 10, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST Presenter: Heather Lutze

How to Optimize Your Organic Search Results Leveraging Social Media and Your Own Website

FREE! Don’t Delay! Register today at www.mynsa.org/Webinars.aspx December 2009 | SPEAKER | 9

relevant resources Time-saving tools and technologies

Holiday Gift Ideas It’s that time of year again—fruit cakes, Mont Blanc pens, coffee shop gift cards and cheesy tchotchkes will be exchanged in offices nationwide. But not from you! Here are some fun and creative gifts for the clients, colleagues and friends on your list.

Sweet Everythings

Totally Chocolate, the nation’s leader in precision-engraved chocolate, is sure to make your next gift a memorable (and tasty!) one. Gifts from Totally Chocolate—think chocolate CDs, golf balls, truffle assortments, distinctive cookies, custom foiled pieces and even chocolate business cards—are molded from the finest 100 percent pure Belgian milk or dark chocolate, with your own design or logo. This token of appreciation is so sweet the recipient won’t want to eat it. But when they do, they’ll think of you! Prices vary. www.totallychocolate.com.

Rapid Rabbit

Pop a wine bottle cork effortlessly with the new Vertical Rabbit™ Corkscrew from Metrokane. With its user-friendly and ergonomic design, the Rabbit opens any size wine bottle. Similar to the Original Rabbit™, two gripping handles latch onto the top of a wine bottle, a top handle drives the corkscrew, and a final swift movement automatically releases the cork from the corkscrew—all in three seconds! Comes in candyapple red (shown) or gun-metal gray with a hinged Lucite case. $60, Sur La Table. www.surlatable.com.

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Scarlet Jet-Setter

’Tis the season to gift someone special with travel accessories from Tiffany & Co. Perfect for the frequent flyer, Tiffany offers a passport cover, luggage tag and card case (envelope and open-end versions available) in gleaming red patent leather. Prices clockwise, from top: $60, $100, $65, $95. www.tiffany.com.

Conversation Cookie

Predict your clients’ fortunes and you’re sure to be in their future! This silver- or gold-plated fortune cookie is the ideal accessory for any desktop, serving as a paperweight or cardholder. Personalized messages and fortunes for the inside are available in a variety of colors. Measures 3”x 3”. $11.75. www.corporategiftscompany.com.

Taste of Italy

Named for the highway that cuts across southern Italy, A16 Food & Wine, by Chef Nate Applebaum and wine director Shelly Lindgren, is packed with Campania-inspired dishes from chile-spiked seafood stews and savory roasts to delicate antipasti and Naples-style pizzas. Stunning photography and mouthwatering eats will surely make this recipe book a hit with the Foodies on your list. From $21. www.amazon.com.

Great Impression

Make a statement with signature personalized stationary from William Arthur. Choose from a variety of papers, type styles, monograms, design motifs and envelopes – or get yours custom engraved. This fine maker of luxury stationary offers greeting cards, photo cards, wedding invitations and more. Orders can be printed and shipped in just three business days! $274$325 for 100 cards and envelopes. www.williamarthur.com. December 2009 | SPEAKER | 11

Finding the How Suzy Welch’s 10-10-10 evolved from a survival mechanism for frantic moms into a national best-seller

Sometimes an “aha” moment needs to percolate a little while before it’s ready to serve. For journalist, author and speaker Suzy Welch, the core idea for her book 10-10-10 was bubbling away for more than a decade before it appeared in hardcover. 10-10-10 The 10-10-10 technique breaks decision making into 10-minute, 10-month and 10-year time frames, thereby illuminating the consequences of an action in the near-, middle- and longterm. As Welch relates in the book, the idea was sparked during a disastrous business trip to Hawaii during which her two children escaped day camp and appeared in hula skirts at the back of the auditorium where she was presenting. What would eventually become the 1010-10 concept began as a way to inject big-picture perspective into a life filled with in-the-moment chaos.

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“In its earliest stages, 10-10-10 was just a survival mechanism,” she says. “But it worked so well that I had to share it. What do frantic working mothers do? They talk to each other. When I’d see a colleague at work freaking out about something, I’d mention it.” For several years, the inner circle of 10-10-10ers was confined to Welch’s sisters, friends and coworkers. Indeed, the first time she really dug into the mechanics of the technique was in 2006, when she wrote about it for O, The Oprah Winfrey Magazine. “I’d been using it for nine years at that point,” she says, “As a columnist writing for an audience of millions of readers, I really needed to deconstruct it. The avalanche of positive responses proved its efficacy in ways that Welch had never dreamed—entrepreneurs, educators, welfare mothers and lawyers wrote in to tell their stories. She also heard questions that she needed to address. “People would say things like, ‘But I don’t know what my life is going to be like in 10 years,’” she says. “I needed to be proactive about explaining that it’s not what you think your life is going to be like in 10 years as much as the life you want to create in 10 years based on your values.”

By Jake Poinier

“I’m always excited to hear the questions people have about 10-1010 and how they apply it.” Suzy Welch, author of 10-10-10

December 2009 | SPEAKER | 13

Road Show The theme of values is familiar to Welch fans. It runs through Winning, a business book that Welch co-authored with her husband Jack (former GE CEO and chairman), as well as their joint weekly column in BusinessWeek. “We share the value of wanting to increase joy and authenticity in people’s lives,” she says. “As a speaker, I often find myself saying, ‘Why am I putting myself through this?’ It’s a moment of complete self-loathing and terror before stepping on stage. In those moments, you need your values. Your life is about authenticity, helping others and connecting. That’s why you’re standing there.” Welch’s trepidation about public speaking reached fever pitch prior to her book tour this summer. “I wasn’t scared about going on TV because that’s usually one-on-one, and I felt comfortable in that format,” she says. “But I was scheduled for three public speaking engagements a day for a month, and I thought that was the hardest thing I would ever do.” As a crutch, Welch prepared a written speech. After surviving the opening day of the national blitz

A 10-10-10 on Speaker Fees After presenting for a half hour, Welch often goes into a Q&A period, which invariably generates an audience member asking for her to 10-10-10 a specific problem. Speaker magazine asked: If you’re a speaker who’s been asked to present for less than your customary fee, how can 10-1010 help you resolve this common problem? Answer: “It starts with your values,” says Welch. “What are you giving speeches for? If your primary goal is brand-building, you have a different set of answers than if it’s learning. So, let’s say you’re given an opportunity to give a speech for below your fee, and your main value is learning. You don’t do it for financial gain, so that’s OK in 10 minutes, months or years. “But let’s say you’re doing it for brand-building, selling ancillary products and books, and supporting a TV show. Obviously, depressing your fee can hurt your brand. Maybe it’s an opportunity to speak in Hawaii and the near-term benefit is that you get to go on vacation.” So, with the 10-10, maybe you’re fine. But what about the long-term 10? “You need to consider a lesson I learned from [my husband] Jack, who has a very high speech fee, and who gets requests all the time to do it for much less,” she says. “He looks at it with a businessman’s eye, that every time he gives a discount, it’s unfair to the people who paid full freight. He just won’t do it, because of consistency.”

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in New York City, she headed to Philadelphia for a round of radio and magazine interviews—and a stage presentation. “It had been a fantastic day, and I had talked to a lot of people who had used the idea,” she says. “The room was filled to the brim, and when I walked out there, I saw all of these expectant faces. I put the speech away, and for 40 minutes I spoke directly from the heart. The minute I was done, I knew it was the best speech I’d ever given.”

Tale End Ironically, the “aha” moment of Welch’s children escaping hula camp had limited utility once she shared the anecdote on TODAY and The View. “People come to see you because you’ve been on the national shows, but they don’t want to hear the same story again,” she says. “The audience signaled to me that I needed to stop telling it. People would start nodding because they’d already heard it. “Of course, sometimes I’d be on TV and the interviewer would prompt me to tell the story, ‘This all started in Hawaii with your children…’ But I did it reluctantly.” Even without her signature story, Welch could draw upon more than enough fodder from her own life, as well as stories from the book and those she picked up along the way. “The problem and the beauty of it is that it’s not the same speech for a group of entrepreneurs, working moms, doctors or ministers,” she says. “Each audience has different sets of decisions and pressures. My core message stays the same—living deliberately and authentically, and lowering chaos— but the stories that you tell can’t be the same.” Not surprisingly, 10-10-10 has guided Welch toward balance during the burst of publicity that follows a best-selling book. “There’s a simple logistical factor with having four children and a husband, and recognizing I can’t be in two places in

Cynics Anonymous When Welch describes “the hardest speech I ever gave,” it’s enough to make any parent or child cringe. A few years before 10-10-10 came out, she was invited to speak as a distinguished alumna at the boarding school where her son was enrolled. “You tell me if there’s a worse audience than 1,200 high school students who are being forced to listen to you,” she says. “I also had this added burden of possibly destroying my son’s life. He begged me not to give the speech.” Welch opened her presentation with guns blazing. “I immediately said, ‘I’m not going to speak about Roscoe,’ and then I asked him to stand up. And then I said, ‘I’m not going to tell you my son is single, and that he would make the greatest boyfriend for some nice girl in the audience.’” With the ice broken, Welch delivered a series of more serious messages organized around things she wished she’d known when she was their age, with the advantage of having once sat in the very same seats as her audience. “One of the things I wanted to express is how they shouldn’t be so cynical about true love, and that it’s OK to like or love someone in high school—and how the politically correct idea of ‘hooking up’ is so disgusting,” she says. Welch took a much bigger risk when delving into the importance of sincerity—by breaking into song. “I told them I went through a long period of being a cynical jackass just like all of them before learning that, like [pop singer] Jewel says, ‘In the end, only kindness matters.’ I have a terrible voice, but after I sang that line, there was a pause and the audience sang it back to me.” The day, which could have ended in disaster, concluded with a raucous standing ovation. More important to Welch, it delivered two valuable takeaways. First, she always incorporates singing for its show-stopping power. “And it was also at that moment I learned a lesson that’s helped me as I’ve gone on the book tour,” she says. “You need to be prepared. You need to know in your bones what your audience cares about, what their pet peeves are, and why they’re prepared to hate or love you.” She applies the same principle whether she’s addressing working mothers or compensation experts, spending advance time talking to the organizers, wallowing in their literature, and chatting with a few audience members. “I want to talk to them, not give a speech,” she says. “Now my younger son is at the same school, and he always asks, ‘You’re not going to speak at school are you?’“But I think he secretly hopes I do.”

one time,” she says. “When I get an offer to speak, I ask myself, ‘Is this in my wheelhouse? Am I going to add value?’ I like to give speeches where I can learn something new, and I’m always excited to hear the questions people have about 10-10-10 and how they apply it.”

Contributing writer Jake Poinier employed 10-10-10 the same day he started reading the book. (It worked like a charm.) He can be reached at Jake@BoomvangCreative.com.

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Help! My Mother Has Fallen ... and I Go on Stage in 15 Minutes!

By Cheryl A. Kuba, MA

How to wear two hats as a family caregiver and professional speaker

he rubber chicken luncheon is almost over and, in just a few minutes, you’ll be introduced as today’s keynote speaker. Just as you reach into your pocket to make sure your cell phone is on vibrate, your phone rings and it’s your 85-year-old mom.“I’ve fallen near the stairs. I can’t get up and, oh, my hip hurts!” Did I mention that your speaking engagement is 1,200 miles away from where your mother lives?

When Crisis Calls Professional speakers tend to think they have all the bases covered. As long as their immediate family has their cell phone number, they have the “emergency number.” If you believe that you have dodged the crisis bullet because your parents are no longer living— or they are extremely healthy—think again. For anyone in the post-World War II generation, there will be a caregiving situation with your name on it. The majority of NSA members are baby boomers between the ages of 45 and 65. The average age of an NSA member is 52. Females represent 47 percent of NSA membership, and males represent 53 percent. Look how easily the NSA member demographics mirror those of a family caregiver: • A typical caregiver is a 46-year-old female. • One to four households has a family member who is receiving care. • There are 43 million caregivers in the United States.

December 2009 | SPEAKER | 17

• 44 percent of the caregiving population is male. • 48 percent of the caregiving population is spouses. While the focus here is on aging parents, you never know when the crisis curve ball might be thrown your way by other family members. As I was planning this article last summer, my own crisis occurred. While I was speaking in Houston, my husband, Bob, who was 1,083 miles away at home in Chicago, was being rushed to an emergency room with a ruptured appendix. Fortunately, we have a very active support network of friends who took him to the hospital, cared for our dog, and managed his care until I returned. From my end, I was able to deliver my presentation—my best, albeit abbreviated and mentally distracted. Quick airline reshuffling and a skillful and swift taxi driver delivered me just in time to see Bob before his surgery.

Family Backup Plan When an emergency occurs, put the closest willing family member in charge. Make each of your phone numbers available— cell phone, the hotel where you are staying, as well as the speaking venue telephone number. Remember Murphy’s Law. Your cell phone may not get service or have enough of a charge. You may have checked out of your hotel before your speech. It is also a good idea to give your at-home contact person the meeting planner’s contact information. Chances are you will be side by side for most of the meeting.

Speaker Backup Plan Build an emergency clause into your speaker agreement. There are samples of different speaker agreements online at MyNSA.org. Keep a list of three speakers in your hip pocket and, if needed, contact the nearest NSA chapter to get a reputable replacement whose topic may be similar to yours. Your meeting planner may be disappointed, but at least he or she will have a program.

Geriatric Care Manager Enlist the help of a professional geriatric care manager. Known as the “other daughter,” a care manager will take charge and manage every aspect of your parent’s care, including

18 | SPEAKER | December 2009

accompanying your parent on doctor’s office visits, providing an extra pair of ears, and advocating locally on your parent’s behalf. Care managers are capable of taking your parents on outings and managing household maintenance. They can provide you with progress reports and, most important, peace of mind.

“

If you believe that you have dodged the crisis bullet because your parents are no longer living—or they are extremely healthy— think again.

”

The partnership between an adult child and a geriatric care manager is built on trust and reliability. Care managers Keisha Hooper and Martha Miles-Jankovics of LivHOME, Inc., a national care management company, both agreed that communication is key to long-distance caregiving. Hooper would ask, “Is the person capable of managing multiple needs, cognition, psycho-social, functional impairments, client living environment, and to what degree will they be involved with stewardship of your mother’s finances?” Miles-Jankovics added the “Triple A” tips when bringing in a professional to manage care: accessibility, accountability and action plan. Finding a local advocate is a must, according to Jo Huey, former president of NSA New Orleans and director of the Alzheimer’s Institute, LLC. “Make certain this person has legal authorization to ask and answer questions in a medical facility. The government’s privacy act, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), can often prevent a friend who is assisting from being able to inquire about someone for whom they have called 911 and/or even brought to the emergency room.”

Look Out For Number One Heed the advice you hear before takeoff: “Put on your own oxygen mask first before you assist an elderly person or small child.” You will be no good to your elderly parent, your audiences or anyone else if you let yourself get run down and compromise your immune system. Assess every crisis, make a decision and stick to it. NSA member Deb DiSandro empowered herself with some “tough love” decisions about her elderly mother. “After two years of unhealthy choices, my mother had a massive heart attack just a few days before I had to leave town for an important speech. My mom was still in critical condition when I decided to travel. I made a commitment to my career and to myself. I was able to stay focused, and I presented a terrific speech. I still have to remind myself that I have a right to embrace my own life, even if she chooses to do things differently.”

Peace of Mind Determine where you will be most effective. Huey gave her presentation the day after her mother’s funeral in another state. However, she second guessed her decision. “I did the opening keynote and the breakout, and only then did I tell my client that I had just buried my mother on Saturday. She was shocked and said, ‘I can’t believe you are here, why didn’t you call and tell me?’ I replied, “What would you have done with less than a weeks’ notice?” “I don’t remember the presentation at all. While it appears that I was dedicated, it was really very selfish on my part to have no backup. We can get so caught up in being present that we forget that when we are concerned with high-priority responsibilities, we may not perform well and then everybody suffers. I will always have a back-up in the speaking world. We truly never know when an emergency will occur.” Finally, know that you are doing your best. Leave remorse and denial at the door. With a well-devised emergency plan, and the reassurance that you will be managing your parents’ care no matter how far away you are, they will have peace of mind and so will you. The show will go on.

Cheryl A. Kuba, MA, is president of NSA Illinois, a nationally known speaker and a former radio talk show host. She is a gerontologist and manager of professional services for LivHOME, a national geriatric care management company. Her book, Navigating the Journey of Aging Parents: What Care Receivers Want, tells the caregiving story from the perspective of the elderly. For more information, email ckuba@livhome.com, visit www. agingparentsolutions.com or call (224) 563-4255.

Resources for the Successful Speaker & Family Caregiver National Association of Professional Geriatric Case Managers 520-881-8008 www.caremanager.org Caring From a Distance (CFAD) 202-895-9465 www.cfad.org Military Officers Association of America 800-234-6622 www.moaa.org Family Caregiver Alliance 800-445-8106 www.caregiver.org

National Family Caregivers Association 800-896-3650 www.nfcacares.org Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center 800-438-4380 www.iia.nih.gov/alzheimers Faith in Action 866-839-8865 fianationalnetwork.org. AIG Travel Guard 800-826-1300 www.travelguard.com AAA Emergency Car Travel 800-222-4357 www.AAA.com

December 2009 | SPEAKER | 19

Small Is the New Big:

Baby Steps to Better Health b y Kate Lar s e n , P C C

20 | SPEAKER | December 2009

y old house had a crack in the foundation for many years, but it was easy to ignore because it was in the basement and out of sight. It wasn’t until we wanted to sell the house that it became an issue. Despite the constant urging of our Realtor®, however, we decided not to repair the crack because of the cost. Instead, we touched up paint and planted spot color in a few flower beds. I even set the dining room table with placemats and cloth napkins for a bit of model-home flair. Real estate agents came and went, leaving their business cards on the kitchen counter. Open houses drew lookers, but no offers … until we fixed the crack. Apparently, a solid foundation was more important than enhancing the home’s appearance. Reinforce Your Foundation How often do you spend time, money and creative energy trying to please clients and others while neglecting your foundation? How often do you ignore, rationalize, postpone or abandon doing things that bring you joy, fulfillment or even good health? NSA Past-President Mark LeBlanc of Small Business Success says, “We are very good at making and keeping commitments to others. But we are even better at making and breaking commitments to ourselves.” Ouch. He’s right. You want to eat better, exercise, connect more often, relax, take a day off, go on a date, etc., but you don’t. You know the crack is there and it needs your attention, but you figure you’ll get around to it later. I confess that I do, and I’m an executive coach. So, how do you use and apply

the same motivation, information and inspiration that you provide to clients and audiences to yourself? Take Baby Steps It’s important to get back to basics. What is one thing you would like more of in your personal life? More energy, more fun, more down time, passionate romance, reading, fitness, healthy fruits and vegetables, calcium or protein? Make your list, and then select only one actionable item. Next, determine one small step you can take that will help you get more of what you want, or at least keep you moving in that direction. When I spoke on resilience at a leadership conference for two consecutive years, I asked the audience for examples on how one simple step resulted in desired change during the past year. One man proudly shot his hand into the air and said, “I wanted better health, which meant I had to lose weight and lower my cholesterol. I accomplished both with one small choice: I gave up french fries. Instead, I ate fruit or cole slaw. That’s all I did. My cholesterol is down, and I lost 25 pounds.” The audience applauded him, and so did I.

One woman gave up bread, and lettuce wrap sandwiches to lose weight. A mother of three said she wanted more peace at home. When she got home from work each night, she complimented each child, instead of asking them to do something. It had a positive impact on everyone’s mood. What do you want to be better, different or stronger in your life? These small steps will get you started: Lift your spirits. Phone a friend or family member who makes you feel good. Positive emotions help us play and be creative. Feeling content helps us savor and appreciate life. Start connecting; stop networking. Step outside your routine and get involved in one activity, hobby or community program that has nothing to do with your business. A female executive from Boeing shared the real reason she volunteers for Habitat for Humanity: “How else would I ever get to play with wet cement?” Check your toilet. If I had recommended “drink more water” as your small step, you would have skipped this paragraph. Yet drinking more water is probably the simplest, high-impact step you can take to improve your health, skin, diet, weight, energy and hair. That being said, I’m not going to tell you how many ounces to drink a day. Follow the runners’ rule of thumb: Drink enough to reach “clarity,” which means your urine should be clear, not the color of beer. Become resilient. Research shows that positive emotions foster healthier, vibrant living. Eighty percent of Americans, however, fall short of the ideal ratio for resilient positivity. Find out what your ratio is at www. positivityratio.com. December 2009 | SPEAKER | 21

When a Small Step Is a Big Goal

Notice your environment. While on my regular run, I decided to consciously notice something different on the jogging path that I had followed for 18 years. I ran in silence, sans iPod, because I wanted to concentrate on my surroundings. Eventually, I spotted a quaint house with a beautiful garden that I had never noticed before. It was a delightful discovery! Make substitutions Use quinoa instead of pasta or white rice. It’s gluten-free and proteinpacked. Anything you can put on pasta or rice, you put over quinoa. Freeze grapes, munch them slowly and think “nature’s sorbet,” instead of eating popcorn or ice cream. Toss kidney beans instead of croutons on your salad. Spread the word, not the germs. Use your sleeve to cover a cough or sneeze. That means sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not your hands. Germs live longer on your hands, and spread to door knobs, telephones, other people and who knows what else. Germs die quickly on fabric and can’t spread. Spread the word, especially during flu season. 22 | SPEAKER | December 2009

Take 10 Talk for 10 minutes non-stop to your significant other, face-to-face, with no interruptions. Then, allow him or her to talk for 10 minutes on new material, without re-hashing or commenting on your content. Take another 10 minutes to chat “normally” about what you heard. That’s 30 minutes on a relationship. Would your business survive if you spent only 30 minutes a day working on it? That’s food for thought. Hire a wellness coach. Your health history affects many lifestyle choices and changes. New behaviors and eating habits can be negatively impacted by contraindications and interactions with medications, prescriptions, past injuries and surgeries, diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Be sure to hire a qualified health professional with the expertise to direct, encourage or recommend safe approaches to lifestyle changes while still taking a coach approach. For more information, visit www.wellcoaches.com. For 100 great ideas on small choices you can make to say “yes” to your own well-being, go to www.smallstep.gov/ take_small_steps_today.html for simple, yet powerful starters. Get more of what you want by taking one step and making one choice at a time. Fixing small cracks is the best way to avoid big ones. A solid foundation gives you the health needed to achieve success and happiness.

At age 46, I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer and went through surgery and chemotherapy. Initially, the result was dramatic. I slowly came back to looking fine, but lacked the energy, brain power, creativity, passion, focus and stamina that I had once enjoyed. After chemotherapy, I struggled to climb stairs to the gym with my workout bag. Some days, that was my workout, and I turned around and went home. Small steps, literally, were the only way to start my recovery. Only a couple of years earlier, I had run a half-marathon averaging 8.32-minute miles. For six weeks, it took 25 to 30 minutes for me to walk a mile. It was four years before I could do a push-up again. I focused on being able to just do one. My metabolism changed, my memory and ability to focus were diminished, and sleep was elusive. These changes prompted me to develop new habits and implement small practices to rejuvenate what was lost. Always an advocate of small, tangible choices that can dramatically impact my life. I have come back crawling, toddling, walking and now running back to vibrant health.

Kate Larsen, PCC, has been a professional speaker and trainer for over 17 years, working with organizations to create leaders and teams that exceed performance expectations while loving their work. For more information, visit http://katelarsen.com or email kate@ katelarsen.com.

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Get your business as fit as a fiddle in 2010! Register today at www.NSAWinterConference.org. Brought to you by

24 | SPEAKER | December 2009

office Doing its job? Is Your

By Jane Atkinson

Has this ever happened to you? You enter your office at 8 a.m. with cappuccino in hand, feeling energetic and ready for a productive day. At the doorway, you look around and a sinking feeling fills your stomach. You see a pile of unopened mail, stacks of papers, an old desk and a squeaky office chair. The beige walls close in as your energy fizzles and that vibrant feeling slowly evaporates. If you’ve experienced this, then maybe your office needs a makeover. The speaking profession can be a lonely place with many nights spent in sterile hotel rooms with room service and HBO. So, when you’re not pulling “road warrior” duty, you need a safe, creative and comfortable haven at home. Here are a few ideas for creating your ideal work space.

Zen Den Last summer, my office was closing in on me with clutter, so I set out to do a major overhaul. As a writer and a coach, my goal was a calm, crisp, clean space. My vision started with one piece of furniture—a cool contemporary desk with stainless steel and glass. It didn’t have a lot of storage room so I knew I’d be creating a no-clutter zone. I chose one of my favorite paint colors, and hired a painter to come in during a business trip.

The next step was preparing the room. I took everything out of the office and started four piles marked “move,” “ditch,” “file” and “keep.” Move. I moved my books to another room in the house. I know speakers love their books, but mine were taking up too much space. Ditch. It was liberating to toss everything I hadn’t touched in two years. I kept only the papers that I was absolutely sure I needed, and recycled articles and magazines that I had intended to read, but were now out-of-date. File. I decided to keep only current information in one small filing cabinet. Older files, like taxes, were put in storage. Keep. I sorted through all of the furniture, art and décor and removed about half of it, keeping only the things I treasured. This allowed the space to be cozy, but not too cluttered. Each area in my office has a designated function. For example, since 10 percent of my product fulfillment runs through my office, I set up a quick and easy prep station. I pay a student to put together 30 or 40 packages of my biggest seller, and keep five in the office at all times. I run all of my mail

electronically, so once I have the label in hand, it takes only 30 seconds to get the package out the door. A multi-shelf armoire houses office supplies, electronic gadgets and stationery behind closed doors. The incoming mail and in-basket get tucked away on the final piece of shelving. My husband installed an electric fireplace and ceiling fan to ensure four-season comfort. I added a shag area rug to warm the space up even more. We also put up floating shelves for my “hall of fame” items and plants, and added a comfy Ikea chair for writing away from the desk.

December 2009 | SPEAKER | 25

n it a s a f o k h in ed I f y o u t u ’ v e j u s t s li c o y lf . o f f ic e , a t iv it y in h a e your cr

a n ide a e v I ha , ratory

y , la b o e, factor earsal spac h re im s t u d io , u n d , J u n g le J o p la y g r a n c t u a r y . and s

Contemporary Oasis NSA Past-President Mark LeBlanc’s clients always remark about his cool office. He considers it his “oasis” and loves spending time there since his office makeover. With a three-room suite in the lower level of his condo complex, his workday starts with a 30-second elevator ride. The entire space has a contemporary feeling with textured paint and Michael Israel artwork. He meets with clients in a living room type space complete with a wine bar, music system and big, comfy chairs. 26 | SPEAKER | December 2009

Think Tank Scott Ginsberg is all about creating ideas. He considers himself a thinker first, a writer second, an entrepreneur third and a speaker last. His office reflects this. As a daily blogger, Ginsberg needs a steady stream of ideas. His main goal was to build a creativity-enhancing environment that made him feel inspired, relaxed and the highest version of himself. He has dry erase walls, flip charts, note card space, and Post-It notes scribbled with questions on the walls, like “What did you write today?” “Is everything you know written down somewhere?” and “Is

LeBlanc’s office boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Minneapolis. Rather than filling the space with employees, he hired two virtual assistants and one college student to perform administrative tasks. To build this space, LeBlanc had to let go of traditional office structures like filing cabinets and book shelves. There was no room for those at the oasis!

what you’re doing right now consistent with your No.1 goal?” Although he starts work at 4 or 5 a.m., you won’t catch him out of his pajamas until almost noon. “Office” is not in Ginsberg’s vocabulary. He says, “Offices are for corporate people. If you think of it as an office, you’ve just sliced your creativity in half. I have an idea factory, laboratory, studio, rehearsal space, playground, Jungle Jim and sanctuary. I bet 20 minutes of productive time in my workspace is equal to an hour or two at a normal office. No distractions. No BS. Just work.”

T he re ’s a ga ra ge , a c a b in , a tree h o u s e , a m e d it a t io n ro om , a c on fe re n c e ro om w it h vi n y l s id in g (t he y fo nd ly c a ll it th e tr a ile r)

a n d t hi n k t a n k s w it h e n t ir e w a lls s e rv in g a s w hi t e b oa rd s .

Creative Haven From a larger perspective, John Christensen, CEO of Charthouse Learning (home of the famous Fish Philosophy), set out to design the most creativity-inspiring culture that he could for his 25+ staff. His offices rival Google in their innovative nature. From lemon-lime and purple walls to wood paneling, every room has a theme. There’s a garage, a cabin, a tree house, a meditation room, a conference room with vinyl siding (they fondly

Boost Your Productivity Studies say that people spend an average of 45 hours each week at work. For people who work from home, that can easily creep higher. If you’re going to spend that much time in your office, you should make your space as comfortable and productive as possible. No doubt Christensen’s setting is a bit grand for your operation, but there are many affordable options for creating your optimal work environment. If you need an office makeover, don’t wait another minute. I can tell you first hand that your productivity will soar as a result!

call it the trailer), and think tanks with entire walls serving as white boards. Christensen’s employees feel most at home in the “lodge,” a room with a beautiful stone fireplace and wood walls. Of course, they included ping pong tables and pinball machines. Employees break at The Joy Café, a 50’s style diner. Who wouldn’t be inspired here? Christensen believes the environment creates culture, and the visitors who pass through his doors are awestruck.

Jane Atkinson is a full-time business coach and consultant dealing exclusively with professional speakers, celebrities and CEOs. Her clients are the who’s who and the up-and-comers of the speaking world. For more information, visit www.speakerlauncher.com.

P l a n n in g Your

e W o r k Sp a c e home

to be in th oes it need • D or outside?

• What is your of fice’s main func tion? Meeting w ith clients, writin g, housing files? • How will you or ganize your offic e to keep distractions at bay? • Will you have a theme? How sh ould people feel walki ng into it? • What color sche me will help you achieve your th eme? • What compone nts does your office need? Wor k stations, storag e, meeting area, de sk?

• How will your desk run smoo thly and remain clut ter free? • Do you need to store your bo oks, files, etc. in this space?

December 2009 | SPEAKER | 27

Actions Speak

Louder Than Words by L au ren A i k en

These four women are extraordinary. They fit the usual scholarship applicant profiles: good grades, community and university involvement, volunteer work, numerous awards, full resumes and rave reviews from colleagues and professors. But there’s more than what you see on paper. These young women are inspiring leaders, survivors, role models and passionate individuals with a knack for speaking.

Tell me about the “Spirit of Women” campaign. The campaign is a women’s health initiative that incorporates a teenage group of girls called “Spirit Girls.” It aims to enhance their self esteem, body image and general health and wellbeing. At our functions, the girls receive

April Van Cleve

Cavett Robert scholarship School: University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Miss. Major: Speech Communication

When I think about the women in my family who have been victims of cancer, I wonder what preventive measures they might have taken if they knew their options. Speaking on women’s health issues is near and dear to my heart because it touched my family.

How do you prepare for presentations? I like to type my speech and say each word aloud as I type. 28 | SPEAKER | December 2009

consider myself lucky because I was merely inconvenienced, but some people lost everything. The experience taught me not to take anything for granted, and it showed me that amazing things can happen when people come together.

Who are your mentors?

April Van Cleve with her cat Max.

What sparked your interest in women’s healthcare?

2009 NSA Foundation scholarship recipients share their successes and aspirations

informative handouts, share stories and participate in a Q&A session with the guest speaker. Sometimes they ask me questions like I’m an expert, and it’s a really good feeling to know that they look up to me.

How did Hurricane Katrina affect you? My hometown wasn’t directly affected, but there was some damage to my high school during my senior year. I have never experienced anything like it before, so it was a reality shock. I

My mom is my biggest fan and my biggest hero. She has supported me through everything I have ever wanted to do, and I look up to her in so many ways.

What is your advice for students who wish to achieve your level of accomplishment? Be persistent and aware of existing opportunities, because no one is going to wave a banner in front of your face. There aren’t going to be reminders. You really have to go and search out these things. That calls for hard work and dedication.

What do you wish you had more time for? Travel and simple things like family time. Sometimes I get overloaded with school work and forget what is really important.

The NSA Foundation Scholarship Fund was established for junior, senior and graduate students enrolled in four-year accredited colleges and universities who are majoring in speech or directly related fields. Each year, four outstanding students are selected to receive $5,000 scholarships. This year’s recipients were carefully chosen by the NSA Foundation scholarship committee, composed of Robert Alan Black, PhD, CSP, Patrick Henry, Jane Jenkins Herlong, Linda Swindling, JD, CSP, and Anne Walker, Med, CCE.

Lacey D. Wood Bill Gove Scholarship

School: DePaul University, Chicago, Ill. Major: Communications

Why do they call you “Lucky Lacey”? When I was 18 months old, a virus attacked my heart. At just a year-anda-half old, I received a heart transplant from a 22-month-old boy that saved my life. Then, the medications I was taking to prevent rejection of my heart caused irreversible kidney damage. In July 2006, I received a living donor kidney transplant from my brother. I’m lucky because I was given a second chance. I get to do all the things kids my age enjoy because of someone’s decision to donate life.

How old were you when you started speaking professionally? My first professional engagement was the Walk for Life fundraiser when I was eight years old.

What is the Chronic Illness Initiative? It is a program offered at my school, DePaul University, which provides

Lacey Wood appears on stage at Astella Pharma US, Inc.

assistance to students with chronic illnesses. It enables students who get sick or have an emergency during the school year to drop classes and pick up where they left off when they return. This is the only program of its kind in the country, and it gives students like me a sense of security.

What have you struggled with in the past few years? I take 12 medications twice daily to maintain my health. Unfortunately, the medications sometimes have unpleasant side effects.

How can people help transplant patients? One of the biggest issues is the right and responsibility of doctors to manage their medications, not insurance companies. I speak on behalf of transplant patients, and I would advise others who want to help to reach out to advocacy groups, local senators, and get involved with your local Donate Life organization. (See sidebar at right.)

Who inspires you? Oprah. My parents are up there, too!

What’s it like competing in the transplant Olympic Games? It is an amazing experience being around people from all over the world who share similar experiences. I can talk to them about things like medications and scars and things other people can’t relate to.

donate life Here are just a few ways that you can contribute: • Post a Web banner on your personal or company Web site. • D istribute brochures to inspire friends, neighbors, and colleagues to become donors • Incorporate the Donate Life logo into your materials (DonateLife.net/ HowCanYouHelp/UseLogos.php) • Make a financial contribution. For information on becoming an organ donor, promoting donation and participating in national events, visit www.donatelife.net.

December 2009 | SPEAKER | 29

Ashley Porter skydives over Chicago.

A lot of people think that you have to live life to the extreme, be a recovering addict or suffered something tragic to be a motivational speaker, but that just isn’t true.

Ashley Porter

Earl Nightingale Scholarship School: Bradley University, Peoria, Ill. Major: Organizational Communications

What is your greatest accomplishment?

What kind of programs are you involved with on campus?

Growing up, I didn’t have much selfesteem. As I started joining organizations and becoming a leader, I learned that I have a lot to offer. I am independent, confident and ready to take on the world after graduation. That’s something I wouldn’t have been able to say six years ago.

I am involved with HEAT (Help Empower and Teach), a program that consists of health-related workshops including alcohol, mental health, sexual health and body image awareness. I am also a senior leader with Leaders Instilling Knowledge through Cooperative Services (LINCS), where I facilitate leadership workshops for freshman classes and different organizations.

What do you like to speak about? Anything that allows me to draw from personal experiences. For example, when I speak on alcohol responsibility, I like to include stories based on my experience as a resident adviser, or different scenarios I have run into with friends. No one wants to hear someone stand up and spout out facts they already know. Being able to give a piece of yourself has more impact. 30 | SPEAKER | December 2009

How do you intend to motivate others? A lot of people think that you have to live life to the extreme, be a recovering addict or suffered something tragic to be a motivational speaker, but that just isn’t true. Everyone has a story. I hope to arouse a passion in other for sharingknowledge and experiences.

Who or what drives you? Last year when I turned in my final essay, a professor said, “I expect great things from you.” That one phrase pushed me over the edge. Your family is going to encourage you no matter what, but when a teacher who has only known you for a semester says something like that, it’s very meaningful.

Are you nervous before a speech?

What are your hobbies?

I like to go into a presentation thinking of all the positives. It helps to breathe, relax and think about my strengths and how well it can go. I use butterflies as a catalyst for my presentation.

I enjoy trying new things, especially extreme sports because I love the adrenaline rush. I went skydiving for the first time last summer, and I plan to go hand gliding, zip lining and bungee jumping in the near future.

Carolyn Watson

Nido Qubein Scholarship School: Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif. Graduate School of Business, SLOAN PROGRAM Major: Master of Science in Management

What inspired you to speak? In the work that I do, it’s important to be able to clearly communicate ideas. Ideas lose their power if they are not communicated properly.

Tell me about the first time you were paid to speak. I have been compensated a few times. My experience speaking on a project I implemented in Houston was especially gratifying. This particular project, the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries of Greater Houston, involved nearly 30 organizations, private foundations, as well as social service organizations. This group of nonprofits serves approximately 300,000 people annually with basic needs services like food, rent assistance and clothing. Communicating the power of collaboration and how it truly expands available resources—both financial and social capital—was very important to me.

You achieved Competent Toastmaster status. What does that mean? During my membership with Toastmasters International, I completed a year-long program in which I delivered a variety of speeches and presentations for different purposes and different audiences.

Carolyn Watson shows off her Texas Governor’s Award.

What is your favorite topic? I am big on philanthropy and the power of giving back. It’s not always about the large dollar amounts, rather it’s about being intentional, responsive and getting involved in your community.

What are your career aspirations? After Stanford, I plan to return to philanthropy. I envision my future work as bringing the best the nonprofit world has to offer (understanding the needs and challenges of the people they serve; that is, “markets” that are not typically studied, effective programming, social capital and trust) together with the best business has to offer (capital and ability to scale) to solve social problems.

What do you wish you had more time for? I used to mentor high school students through Texas Executive Women, which was a very rewarding experience. I helped young women choose colleges, write resumes, and I introduced them to people they otherwise might not have met.

Do you have any advice for young emerging speakers? Practice! You just have to get out there and do it. It’s also important to know your audience so you can refine your message and deliver a message that is meaningful.

What do you find challenging? The philanthropic tradition in many other countries is to give to your family, not strangers. The notion of giving to complete strangers is a new concept for some people, and my challenge is to communicate this notion of philanthropy to a cross-cultural audience.

Lauren Aiken is the Publications Assistant at NSA and the face behind Speaker magazine tweets. She can be reached at (480) 968-2552. For more information, visit www.laurenaiken.com.

About the NSA Foundation

to donate

The Foundation serves NSA members and the public by providing financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships and help during health or natural disaster emergencies. The Foundation also provides oversight and funding for speaking-related research. All contributions are tax-deductible.

• Visit www.MyNSA.org • Call the staff at (480) 968-2552 • Send your donation to: National Speakers Association 1500 S. Priest Drive Tempe, AZ 85281

December 2009 | SPEAKER | 31

beyond borders Exploring cultures, countries and comfort zones

Know the Norms

s an Australian who has made his home in the United States for nearly three decades, I am sensitive to the cultural norms of audiences in countries worldwide, and in different regions within those countries. Audiences in New York City, for example, can be very different from those in Dallas in how they think, what’s important to them, and what they view as humorous. Juxtaposition Tokyo with Toronto, Johannesburg with Jakarta, and the differences are even greater. When I return to Australia to visit family each year, I sometimes get to see an Aussie speaker in action. I immediately notice that risqué humor and language is more acceptable in the United States, the U.K. and in most other Western countries. In Japan, however, my experience is that some humor simply cannot be translated and it is best to stick to the facts, as these audiences are intent on learning. Speakers should avoid using phrases that may be misunderstood in other parts of the world. An American

32 | SPEAKER | December 2009

speaker traveling abroad will often use U.S sports phrases, such as “the bases were loaded,” “it was first and goal,” and “she hit a home run.” A message that contains these phrases will not be effective in other countries where audiences are unfamiliar with this jargon.

How can you make your message relevant to international audiences? The Internet is an amazing resource for gaining a deeper understanding of your audience. You can easily research information on a country’s culture, its people, history, economy, and its relationship with the United States over the years. Here are a few tips for connecting with audiences in foreign countries: • When in Rome. Using local language, even minimally, attracts an audience’s attention and its respect. • Kill with compliments. Find something to compliment about your audience’s city, region, culture, etc. • Laugh lines. If you use humor, ensure

•

that it translates well and it is not offensive. Practice prudence. Never express your message in “absolutes.” There is always more than one way to achieve a goal. Support system. Take time to connect with audience members before your presentation. Introduce yourself and ask attendees where they are from and where they work. You will create some supporters during this “get acquainted” period, which will ease you into your presentation

When speaking to global audiences, embrace the “total experience.” This is more than your business—it’s your life.

David McNally, CPAE, is an international businessman, best-selling author and award-winning film producer. His books have been translated into several languages and developed into films and corporate training programs released in over 20 countries. For more information, www.davidmcnally.com.

Turning point A career-changing moment or experience

The Story Behind the Story

y turning point occurred after hearing Glenna Salsbury, CSP, CPAE, speak on storytelling at the NSA-DC chapter meeting. I’ve had my speaking business for eight years and earned my CSP designation. I wrote one book, and I’m currently working on my second. Over the years, I have hired consultants to help me hone my skills and develop my brand. Time after time, they urged me to tell my story. Yet, I kept insisting that stories were content. In my work helping healthcare and HR professionals, I talk a lot about how your work beliefs create mindsets which, in turn, drive your actions and, ultimately, your outcomes. I am a walking example of the need to listen to and implement my own teachings. I believed that stories were good, but not meaty. I thought that stories made folks laugh, but what audiences really wanted were tools,

tips and action plans. Boy, did I have that one backwards. As you remember in Disney’s Cinderella, the fairy godmother used her magic to turn a pumpkin into an elegant carriage to take Cinderella to the ball. I finally get it! If content is king, then meaningful stories are the magic fairy godmother that can transport your key points, tools, tips and action plans in a way that makes them memorable and easy to implement. As a one-year survivor of ovarian cancer, I have more stories to tell, but they often felt personal and not relevant to my content. And then I had a revelation. While presenting a luncheon keynote to a group of business-minded pharmaceutical sales professionals, I decided it was time to bring the fairy godmother to my presentation. I shared stories of my mother’s diagnosis of breast cancer when I was 12 years old. My mother was the CPO—the Chief Paradise Officer—of her life. I incorporated the lessons I

learned from her, and how I applied them during my own cancer experiences. Through these stories, I drew parallels that related directly to their business challenges. And you know what the audience said in the evaluations? “Keep telling stories about your mom,” and “Loved the stories of your family!” I shouldn’t be surprised. All of the experts know that stories make a difference and help to anchor concepts for later recall. You probably know it, too. But I was stuck with the ugly stepsisters of worn-out beliefs and mindsets. What ugly stepsisters surround you? Call on your fairy godmother today and share those stories to transport your audiences to a magical place every time.

Vicki Hess, RN, MS, CSP, is an Escape Artist. She helps people escape from Professional Prison and provides their passport to Professional Paradise. For more information, visit www.VickiHess.com.

December 2009 | SPEAKER | 33

It’s your business Advice for enterprising speakers

Listen Up for Great PR

’m a Jewish guy from Staten Island, a heavily Italian borough of New York City. I don’t just speak with my mouth and my hands—I speak with my whole body. I speak a lot, I speak loudly, and I speak about different things. I also listen, which is an important—though seemingly contradictory—aspect of being a successful speaker. Why do people listen to me speak? They like hearing about success stories, and the rules I apply to myself and my business are easy to learn and applicable to most businesspeople, especially those who are eager to exploit social media to achieve their goals. More than 100,000 people choose to receive a few emails from me daily. Those emails, titled HARO (Help a Reporter Out), consist of 20 to 50 requests from top journalists worldwide looking for sources for their articles. For people in PR, that’s gold. And for advertisers, knowing about an email that people feel required to open the second they receive it translates to more than $1 million dollars in revenue in a little over a year.

If I asked you how you speak to your audience—whether it consists of consumers, business partners, the press, investors, influencers, or all of the above—you’d probably reel off phone calls, press releases, advertisements, Facebook, Twitter, a CEO blog, etc. Everyone is doing that. (Yawn.) People feel compelled to ensure a presence via these multiple outlets, but very few stand out. How do you get your audiences to listen? How do you get them to speak to others positively about you? Here are the key points everyone who represents a brand needs to know: • Relevance. Journalists click on my email because it is highly relevant to them. They trust me. They know I value their information and I’ll diligently protect it. Find your core audience, speak to them honestly, gain their trust and watch how they become PR ambassadors for your brand. • Trust. When people tell you about a brand, product or service, you probably trust their recommendations or opinions are

sincere, or even highly relevant and useful. How do you make your brand resonate the same way? By speaking to your core constituents the way you speak to your friends and neighbors. This is the age of interactivity, and people are no longer sitting around a radio or TV set. They are engaged in conversation through the Internet. If you want to build and keep your client base, you need to be engaged with them, too. • Sincerity. When you’re not speaking, you’d better be listening. What does your audience want? How do they want it? Don’t send them notes on Twitter if they’re podcast devotees. Listen well and tell them when their comments, complaints, suggestions, compliments or recommendations make a difference. You will be rewarded with great PR. • Smarts. Being smart doesn’t necessarily mean being everywhere. If you’re smart, then you’re speaking to people the way they want to be spoken to. When a person does something nice, kind, good, funny, honest or useful, we don’t hesitate to tell others about it. Let people do your PR for you. They will do a far better job than you can on your marketing budget. An entrepreneur, author, speaker and connector, Peter Shankman is recognized worldwide for radically new ways of thinking about social media, PR, marketing, advertising, creativity and customer service. He also is the founder and CEO of The Geek Factory, Inc., a boutique marketing and PR strategy firm in New York City. Visit www.shankman.com.

34 | SPEAKER | December 2009

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humor me Quips, tips and parting shots

Punch Lines on a Deadline

riting punch lines on a deadline is an art. It’s like trying to humorously talk your way out of being the target in front of a firing squad. The wall is behind you, the cigarette ash burns slowly down on your final smoke, and the sights of the rifles have you squarely in their cross hairs. You now must deliver the goods. What are the few witty words that you will risk for a stay of execution? I recall a cartoon in Mad Magazine that captured this very scenario. Just after the captain said, “Ready, aim …,” the prisoner squeezed in the words “About face.” Then, the firing squad sharpshooters quickly reversed their aim at the captain as he continued to say, “Fire!”—filling him full of lead. We have all been there, but not with the same outcome. I am there right now. I received an email reminding me that my 500-word article for this column was due the next day. The subject could be anything funny and relevant to speakers. Well, nothing motivates like a deadline. And we can all relate to that. We are all fooling around on April 1, but no one is laughing when April 15 rolls around. A certain amount of pressure is good. After all, isn’t that how coal turns into diamonds? The key to delivering

38 | SPEAKER | December 2009

something funny under pressure is to relax into it like a drunken passenger in an auto accident. If you try to control yourself, you end up with severe whiplash. However, if you stay all rubbery and approach it like a Jell-O head, you can bounce back from certain death. If you have ever written an article on deadline with a word count, believe me, you count every word as you go (and add a few words as you move along just to beef it out). See! There are 14 more in the parentheses, and eight more to explain the joke. Oh, look, I am sitting at 330 already. Don’t go back to the beginning and count up to 330 to see how accurately I counted. Now you almost have to, don’t you? At this very

moment, you are diligently counting every single word. Sometimes being funny is about being truthful. Tell it like it is, whether you are writing it, speaking it or living it. Some things are just funny as is and can be told without embellishing. (402) The number alone does not count as part of the word count in my eyes, and yet the auto word counter on the computer seems to acknowledge it, so why shouldn’t I? This is the same strategy I used on all of my book reports in junior high—employing wide margins and double-spaced sentences to reach the assigned page numbers. Alas, we are all alike. I do it. You do it. We all embezzle when we play Monopoly. So, as I face this deadline without a blindfold, all I’m really thinking is, “Ready, aim…” “About 500.” Pat Hazell is one of the original writers for NBC’s Seinfeld, a Tonight Show veteran, a critically acclaimed playwright and a contributing commentator to National Public Radio. For more information, visit www.pathazell.com.

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