GIFTOLOGY: John Ruhlin Master Gifter

GIFTOLOGY: John Ruhlin Master Gifter

February 22, 2019

  In October I had the honor of Emcee’ing MDRT’s Top of The Table meeting in Kauai, HI. I introduced to stage some of the best speakers in the world, really so awesome to be included. In my prep work I read the books of the speakers, their blogs, bios, web sites, watched their videos, etc. Just the normal prep I’d do in order to be an effective Emcee. The client has invited me back to do the same this year, which is great, but this story takes a turn upon my introduction of one of the first day speakers,
Read More

Turning Away The Golden Opportunity

Turning Away The Golden Opportunity

January 11, 2019

Master Training for Speakers, Entrepreneurs, Entertainers and Lifetime-Learners ~    This past week I got my haircut. My hair now officially looks incredible. Once back in my car I noticed I had missed a text from someone I hear from perhaps every 2 years;  The President of one of the most prestigious organizations in the world. I texted him back and said I could chat immediately. He called right away and proceeded to offer me the biggest opportunity I’ve had since turning headlining in Las Vegas away in 2004. We have a meeting set up to meet today and I’ll let
Read More

Getting THE SHOT

Getting THE SHOT

January 4, 2019

Training for Speakers, Entertainers, Performers, and Entrepreneurs ~   For years we perform in front of magical audiences. The view from our stage is something to behold. We work our tails off to capture the perfect shots of us performing beautifully, speaking eloquently, and becoming the Legends of Stage. And then one day we realize: No one gets to see what we see from the stage. In 2018 alone I had about 5 events with between 10,000-15,000 people in the audience. No shots of that from my perspective.  Yet I’d seen, and salivated over, the amazing shots my peers had
Read More

The DJ, Soccer Star, and The Twerk Comment

The DJ, Soccer Star, and The Twerk Comment

December 6, 2018

PSA to Speakers, Emcees, DJ’s, Hosts, Performers ~  A reminder of the internet’s powerful ability to ruin our life’s work when things are out of context: The DJ, Soccer Star and the Twerk A few days ago Norwegian soccer star Ada Hegerberg became the first female to receive the Ballon d’Or, an historic moment, and her conversation with the Emcee of the event, following receipt of the honor, went terribly wrong. In a world that is, rightly so, in constant vigilance regarding the way women have been treated and victimized, the ill-timed comment by a male DJ asking her on
Read More

Can You Fill In Last Minute?

Can You Fill In Last Minute?

October 7, 2018

For Speakers, Entertainers, Trainers, Coaches, and Anyone Who Wants To Be Awesome’r ~      Serving as Emcee for MDRT’s Top of the Table event in Kauai, HI for the past week has been a true honor. To meet, and introduce, some of the best Speakers in the world brings out the fanboy in me. Rubbing shoulders with financial planners and insurance greats in the audience is also fun, they quickly become my real friends and like family, as it’s the world I grew up in with my Dad’s history and work.   After the 1st day as Emcee went
Read More

How to Help Set Up a Fundraiser

How to Help Set Up a Fundraiser

October 4, 2017

  I probably get about 467 calls per month asking if I’ll help with another fundraiser.  I’ll be very honest with this line since I exaggerated the numbers in the previous line, but it gets very frustrating to tell some no, some yes, and lead the rest to my friends, since I can’t do them all. I am grateful people would think I could help draw a crowd for a night out with family and friends, in support of a worthy cause, and yet I really can’t do too many of these. Why am I writing about this?  Because this
Read More

What’s in Your Back Pocket?

What’s in Your Back Pocket?

August 6, 2017

  This past week acting as Emcee for Paparazzi (one of my favorite clients ever, 2,000 screaming women is always fun, although getting to the bathroom in less than an hour due to selfies can become frustrating in a good way…) in Las Vegas I was given instructions as to what was needed: Day 1 – 10 minutes to open the day, introduce the speakers, intro the Founders, and then do a quick 5 minute wrap up. Day 2 – Same as before. Day 3 – 10 minutes to open the day, introduce Fall Line Fashion Show, deliver my Keynote
Read More

Bring It Even When You’re Tired

Bring It Even When You’re Tired

August 2, 2017

  If you’ve spent any time on stage you know the most important thing, other than preparation, is to BRING IT once you’re out there. Even after long travel days, sleepless hotel nights, all that’s happened to you no longer matters the second you are introduced. Here is a video where I share my thoughts before going on stage as Emcee for Paparazzi, over 2,000 screaming women at this event, glitter & jewelry everywhere, with as much energy as I bring, they bring it, too. How do you?     ~ jason   Jason Hewlett, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), CPAE
Read More

The Importance of La La Land and Your Dreams as a Performer

The Importance of La La Land and Your Dreams as a Performer

June 6, 2017

  Don’t mind me.  Just finished wiping the tears from my eyes at another viewing of “La La Land”, only one of two movies on my iPad permanently. I watch this movie on flights, in my hotel rooms, and even skip around to my favorite scenes whenever I need a good smile (opening scene traffic jam). And then it turns to a good cry (The Audition Song through the end of the movie). This movie is significantly important enough for many reasons, but from the perspective I sit here with, having lived this life pursuing both a fulfilling family life
Read More

Getting Ready to Take the Stage – Pre-Game Warm-Up

Getting Ready to Take the Stage – Pre-Game Warm-Up

April 20, 2017

Years ago I was backstage with a speaker friend, a seasoned veteran in the industry, who asked me why I was jumping up and down and looked like a complete spazz. I didn’t know the reason I started doing this practice, it just came natural to feel the need to bounce around until I was so buzzed, energized, and excited, that I was ready to burst onto the stage like Tasmanian Devil meets Winnie the Pooh’s Tigger. I told him, “A few minutes ago I was sitting down, before that I was on an airplane.  Now I have to go
Read More