How Easy Are You To Work With?

The Sketch of what I need to perform an effective show and speech

This past week I helped with an event where Speakers were presenting to youth.   Most Speakers showed up like you should: Prepared, Early, and Excited. However, not all were like that. In particular one Speaker showed up 4 minutes prior to being introduced. I didn’t have a phone number for this person so we weren’t sure they were coming. Caused a bit of a panic.

Then I was asked, “Who’s going to run my Power Point?” I said, “We didn’t know you needed Power Point. Where’s your laptop?” “I don’t have a laptop!” the Speaker snapped. I replied, “We don’t have a laptop available to help you, and sorry we didn’t know that was something you needed until right now.  You need to go up there now, as you’re being introduced.” Speaker’s response? “Well, I guess this just ain’t my day.”

No, Speaker, it ain’t.

Mid presentation Speaker says from stage, “Hey, play my song!” Looking over at AV (a youth helping out) I see this young man shaking his head confused….the CD the speaker handed this kid to play was both scratched and not going to work. The youth had never put a CD in the drive of his computer and didn’t know how to make it play. He’d actually never seen a CD before. My question is: Who shows up expecting a CD to be played? What is this? 1995?

Before the end of Speaker’s presentation a few more demands were made that couldn’t be met. Following the speech Speaker disappeared as fast as arrived. Never a word to me or anyone else.

My question for you, fellow Performer, Speaker, Entertainers out there reading along: What is your process for ensuring you have what you need prior to a presentation, how do you communicate that to your client, and how flexible are you to work with? Are you on time? Do you make sure all is working properly or just assume AV will be magicians who can magically fix your mess?

This Speaker was a very good orator, the kids really liked the material presented, it was engaging and interactive. And yet, Speaker’s Power Point slides weren’t used, CD wasn’t able to be played, and a good “show” was still pulled off by the sheer talent of presenter.   Yet we weren’t pleased, as this Speaker was disappointing to work with for all of us as event organizers, helpers, and volunteers.

What are you doing to make your needs clear and at the same time make the event planner’s job that much easier?

Need Ideas as to what you maybe should send along?  Check out my Event Planner page on my web site.

~ jason

Jason Hewlett, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, is a Keynote Speaker for the largest corporate events in the world. His primary message, The Promise, is essential for Leadership, Management, Sales, Marketing, Direct-Sales Companies, and is a combination of engagement and entertainment meets inspiration. Jason has even received standing ovations from IT guys. He has been acknowledged as life-changing by Conference Attendees, C-Level Executives and Hollywood Elite. jasonhewlett.com

Please click here to learn about how Jason Hewlett, Speaker Hall of Fame, introduces the opportunity for you, or someone you love, to have the gift of learning how to create a Career From the Stage and begin moving toward fulfilling a lifelong dream as a full-time speaker, performer, or entertainer.