• Connecting Speakers with Audiences™

Virtual Events

The Soundtrack to Event Success with DJ Graffiti

The Soundtrack to Event Success with DJ Graffiti
The Soundtrack to Event Success with DJ Graffiti 1200 627 I Need A Speaker

Music has become more than just entertainment in the events industry. It’s now a strategic asset for event success. That’s why we sat down with Martin Smith, better known as DJ Graffiti, The Keynote DJ™ who has transformed corporate events for brands like Google, Amazon, Nike, and Campbell’s. Whether you’re planning virtual conferences, in-person celebrations, or hybrid meetings, DJ Graffiti is sharing his invaluable insights on how the right music can reduce stress, increase engagement, and help achieve your event’s goals.

INAS: How has the role of a DJ evolved in corporate events over the past few years, especially with the rise of virtual and hybrid meetings?

DJ: Personally, I approach DJing strategically. The performance and playing music part is the outcome of an unseen strategic process.

DJs bring fun positive vibes, but that’s not enough to justify them at business events. Whether it’s virtual and hybrid or in-person, having a DJ should produce a different outcome than not having a DJ. No matter what the platform is, the DJs role is to understand the clients goals and determine how to best contribute to achieving them.

INAS: What are the biggest differences in how you approach music selection for in-person versus virtual events?

DJ: Whether I’m in-person or virtual, the music has to be the right fit for the audience. I do more audience research for in-person events, because I often have a short time to make an impact. When I’m at a virtual event, I ask people over the mic what they want to hear. When they respond via chat, I try to play some of their requests immediately. It’s not as easy to create 2-way communication at in person events, so I created an app called Togapa to make that very thing possible!

INAS: Can you share a specific example of how you’ve seen the right music transform the energy of a corporate event?

DJ: It would be harder to tell when the right music didn’t transform the energy of a corporate event! That’s music’s exact purpose. However, the event that comes to mind was the very first virtual conference I did during the pandemic.

During 2020, technical difficulties were commonplace. The event platform crashed from too many attendees, so the client only got to have 2 of the 8-hour planned content. Once the platform was back up and running, they almost canceled the rest of the day. Instead, they had me close things out and everyone said I saved the event. It was so successful that people began inviting their friends and they had more people attending each following day.

INAS: What are your strategies for reading a room and adapting your music choices on the fly during live events?

DJ: In-person, I try to determine the age range and music taste of the audience by their appearance. I do my best to play music they will love.

Based on my initial choices, I watch to see if people are smiling and dancing (or at least slightly grooving at business events). I look to feel the energy shift in the room and hear the oohs and ahhs when I play a record they love. Once I’ve figured out what works for them, my goal is to take them on a journey and create a memorable experience that aligns with the goals of the event.

INAS: How do you collaborate with event planners to ensure the music aligns with a company’s brand and the specific goals of their meeting?

DJ: I ran a marketing agency for over 15 years before becoming DJ Graffiti full time, so I understand branding and always try to contribute to, instead of detracting from, brand alignment. The obvious answer is that I play clean edit music unless requested otherwise and try to stay away from themes that don’t reflect a business atmosphere.

Beyond that, I start by asking my potential clients about their goals and how they will measure the success of the event. That lets me know if I’m a fit for their event and what they’re trying to accomplish. Once we’re working together, it’s about keeping an open dialogue and letting them know I’m an artist, but not a “diva.” It’s not about having things my way. I am challenged creatively by figuring out what needs to be done and delivering that in an artistic and impactful experience.

INAS: What technical considerations should event planners be aware of when incorporating music into virtual events?

DJ: Most virtual platforms default to prioritizing the speaking voice and not music to enable the best quality for presentations. If you’re adding a music experience, you want a platform with the ability to enable a hi-fi Stereo Audio mode and the ability to turn off noise cancellation for the music portions.

The Soundtrack to Event Success with DJ Graffiti

INAS: What role does music play in transitions between segments of a conference or meeting, and how do you approach these moments?

DJ: Music is refreshing, so it’s great to add a song or two between sessions. Depending on what the following segment is, it might make sense for that music to be instrumental. You get the benefit of the vibes of the music without being sidetracked by thinking about the lyrics.

A 2021 Microsoft study found a break of 5 to 10 minutes allows the brain’s stress to reset. When possible, add longer breaks to reduce fatigue throughout the day.

INAS: What trends are you seeing in how companies use music to enhance engagement at their events?

DJ: The textbook process for re-engaging a person is to ask them about their feelings. Once you’ve listened attentively, reply to confirm that you heard them correctly, then take action on what they said.

Everybody has music that they love. If you ask them what they enjoy, acknowledge their request and play it, they are almost certain to be engaged.

One of the biggest trends I see is extending that ask into a pre-event music survey. If you can get people involved prior to the event, they’re already engaged heading into the event. Similarly, distributing a playlist post event helps to carry the impact beyond the live event.

INAS: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to event planners who might be underutilizing music in their programs?

DJ: If a planner is underutilizing music, they’re unaware music could increase their event’s ROI. For years, people have viewed music as nice-to-have, but not essential. Even in this time of budget scrutiny and doing more with less, music could be the essential element you’ve been missing.

It’s scientifically proven that music can reduce stress, decrease fatigue and increase focus. I’ve included a few stats proving those claims. That said, it has to be the right music at the right time.

Would it benefit your audience to feel more happiness than stress? Would people take more action if there was more engagement and focus? Music may be the answer. Find a qualified music expert and determine what makes sense for you and your event!

  • A study found music better at combating stress and anxiety than anti-anxiety medication. Music had a greater reduction on cortisol, the stress hormone. [Trends in Cognitive Science]
  • A 30,000-person study found music at work increases happiness by 11% and reduces irritability by 24% through dopamine release. [“This is Your Brain On Music” – Daniel Levitin]
  • The right music can enhance focus and productivity, particularly during complex analytical tasks at business events. [Harvard Business Review]

Incorporating strategic, creative measures, like hiring a professional DJ for your next event, creates engaging experiences in an exciting new way for event attendees. And for attendees, experiencing The Keynote DJ™ is not just about hearing great music, but about feeling like part of a thoughtfully designed experience that reduces stress and increases focus. If you’re looking for innovative ways to create engaging experiences at your next event, contact I Need A Speaker for innovative speakers.

Photo courtesy of David T. Stevens

Do IMEX Your Way: Featuring David T. Stevens
Do IMEX Your Way: Featuring David T. Stevens 3750 1959 I Need A Speaker

By Autumn Bohner

It’s every event planner’s favorite time of the year … IMEX America is right around the corner! 

You’ve registered for the conference, booked your travel, and browsed the website. That leaves the question: What’s next? 

With countless workshops, networking opportunities, inspiration, and the chance to explore the latest industry trends, it’s no surprise that IMEX is the biggest event in our industry. How can you truly make the most of your IMEX experience? 

We sat down with David T. Stevens, co-founder of Olympian Meeting, who has more than 20 years of experience in the corporate events industry and who is a veteran IMEX attendee, to hear his tips on navigating the hottest event of the year. Plan ahead – but stay flexible.

David says no two IMEX experiences are the same, and that’s okay! There’s no ‘right way’ to do IMEX. According to David, “You have to do what’s best for you.” 

If you’re attending IMEX for the first time, the size of the event and the massive amount of people can be overwhelming. David offers this advice: “Treat it like any other event—set your objective, have a plan, and adjust as necessary.” 

Start by setting clear goals for your conference experience. Whether you’re there to network, learn new strategies, or secure vendor deals, having an objective makes decision-making much easier.

If the daily activities align with your objective, great! If they don’t, David advises, “It’s ok to say no. You don’t HAVE to do all the things. But foremost, set an objective of what YOU want to get out of IMEX. Then the rest of your decisions will get a lot easier as they will either align with that objective, or they won’t.” 

By focusing on what you want to achieve, you avoid the trap of trying to do everything and burning yourself out. 

Tackle IMEX like a pro 

With IMEX’s packed schedule of presentations, workshops, and networking events, it’s tempting to fill every moment with back-to-back activities. “Some people just book themselves SO solid they don’t have time to eat, or sit down, or even sleep!” says David. However, he advocates for a more balanced approach. He suggests keeping space in your schedule for “organic hallway encounters”—those spontaneous moments of connection that often turn out to be the most valuable. 

While FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) can drive attendees to overextend themselves, David recommends embracing JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). “I LOVE my sleep, and I’m not a big drinker,” he says. He joyfully will skip the late-night parties to get some rest. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to miss certain events if they don’t align with your goals or if you simply need time to recharge. When you prioritize your well-being, you’ll be able to make the most of your time there. 

Again, there’s no ‘right way’ to do IMEX. Find the flow that works best for you! “Think about your appointments and where they are on the floor. Some people like to knock them out all at once, back to back to back. Others space them out and do two at a time. No right way, no wrong way, do it the way that works best for you.” 

Take care of yourself 

David recommends keeping your well-being in mind: “IMEX has a ton of activations and wellness offerings, so get on the website and find what looks the best for you.” 

Self-care is key during a large conference like IMEX. “Listen to your body and be present with how you’re feeling,” David says. Whether it’s a nap between sessions or packing healthy snacks, taking care of yourself will help you stay grounded and feel your best. If you can hit up a CVS or Instacart healthy snacks to your hotel, that’s an easy way to make sure you’re fueling up during the day, he adds. And remember: it’s okay to step away if you need a breather. 

And don’t forget to make time for yourself! “I make sure I am in bed no later than 10 p.m. and always get a workout in before I hit the floor. Your time and energy are valuable during the conference, so use them wisely!

With clear goals in mind and your favorite snacks packed, you’ll be able to truly make the most of your IMEX experience and come out feeling inspired. 

Attending IMEX? Let us know. We’d love to meet up at the conference and chat!

Celebrating Disability Pride Month: An Interview with Tom Jedlowski 
Celebrating Disability Pride Month: An Interview with Tom Jedlowski  922 1382 I Need A Speaker

By Norah Wolff

INAS: I recognize that you were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2015 and that influenced your choice to be a spokesperson for Tennessee Disability Coalition. After your diagnosis, what was your thought process like? How did you come to the ultimate decision to give back to the disabled community by immersing yourself in the advocacy world?

TOM: When I was first diagnosed with MS in 2015, I was terrified. Terrified of what could happen to my body, but more terrified about what would happen to my job, who I could tell, and who I could trust. My then employer ‘strongly encouraged’ me keep it under wraps. I found that unacceptable, as MS was something I had no control of, and I felt control was slipping away by the second. I jumped head-first into MS advocacy for a sense of regaining control – particularly at a time when it didn’t feel like I had much. I loved that work so much, I opted to work in advocacy full time.

INAS: Tom, I recall you mentioning that this job is extremely challenging at times, but the reward makes it worth it. What challenges are the most substantial to you? What do you find to be most rewarding in your job?

TOM: As director of communications & technology for the Tennessee Disability Coalition, my role is tremendously dynamic. Huge highs, and lower lows. The largest challenges are simply getting folks to see people with disabilities as people. Not caricatures. Not villains. Nor some source of inspiration. We’re just people trying to live our daily lives in a world largely designed without us in mind, which can be harder than it sounds. As humans, as our reference points of disability are usually short-sighted, or flat-out wrong. We tend to think we’re a small subset of people. In reality, about 1 in 4 Americans experience some form of disability. Diabetes, Down syndrome, depression, cancer – disability is a vast group of people. Intersecting with all groups, religions, races – you name it. The single most rewarding part of my job? When people with disabilities feel seen. Helping a meek, nervous mom from rural TN not just stand up for her own needs, but to find her voice to stand up for the needs of other families –that’s everything for me.

INAS: An interview discussed the efforts that you and a woman exerted in order to eliminate ableism language on public documents. Watching that, it was amazing to see what you did to help in just one case scenario. Can you speak a bit about the steps you take to be an advocate? It can be difficult enough to speak up for yourself, so how do you approach speaking on behalf of others?

TOM: When speaking up on behalf of others, the single most important thing to do is listen. Former TN Senator Howard Baker used the term ‘eloquent listening’, explaining, ‘There is a difference between hearing and understanding what people say. You don’t have to agree, but you have to hear what they’ve got to say.’ Listen to their unique story – their values, and the narrative they form of themselves. Pay close to attention to their individual challenges and needs. Everyone’s needs are different, disabilities or otherwise. Then highlight the issue, a possible solution, and shout it from the rooftops.

INAS: What steps can we take for this community? The ADA only does so much, yet on the day to day, there is an undeniable need for more accessibility and equality in our workplace and in every aspect of our lives.

TOM: While the ADA is a landmark piece of legislation and inspired subsequent disabilities rights legislation across the world; the ADA is not a cure-all. In reality, it’s the bare minimum in terms of accessibility. 

First, ensure your website is accessible to people with disabilities. A website is your organization’s foremost brand portal, and sets the tone for everything. There are several free website accessibility checkers, and your own IT department can help raise your website’s accessibility. There are also many consultants that provide accessibility insights, and many are quite good. That said, the most important and effective consultant you’ll ever have is people with disabilities navigating your site and providing feedback.

INAS: What would you like to see event planners and speakers implement in the industry to create inclusive events?

TOM: Couple things here. On the digital front, when setting up a registration form, simply add a field that asks, ‘What accommodations can we provide?’ Individuals with disabilities know exactly what they need, and we’ll recognize this is an inclusive event and organization in which the needs of people are anticipated and acknowledged. On the physical accessibility front, ensure the space has accessible restrooms and an accessible path of travel. A path of travel includes sidewalks, curb ramps, and other interior or exterior pedestrian ramps; clear floor paths, etc. Meaning, can a person travel through your event without physical barriers? The number of barriers we don’t usually notice would astound you.

INAS: Actions vs. words seem like a prevalent topic as you speak on behalf of the disabled community. Many people say that they support these efforts, but do nothing to prove this nor assist to implement them. How can citizens in your everyday life make subtle differences to make an inclusive community?

TOM: I get asked this question a lot, and I’m not sure everyone likes the answer but it doesn’t make it any less real: you need to start with your own mask before helping others. Take inventory and ownership of your own perspectives and feelings of the disability community, and see how accurate they are. Do you feel a sense of inspiration? Pity? Fear? Indifference? Some combination thereof? Does your mind gather memories of a diverse community at every intersection? Or a monolith? Do you understand that diagnoses like autism, cancer, and heart conditions are considered disabilities? When we can better tune our reference points, a clearer path of support tends to reveal itself.

INAS: In the news, there is much talk about Tennesseans with disabilities arguing to qualify for TennCare. TennCare covers long-term services and community-based supports which includes a personal care assistant, in-home physical therapy or nursing for people with disabilities — but a person can’t have more than $2,000 in assets in order to qualify, which creates an extremely hard decision for working Tennesseans. The Tennessee Disability Coalition has stated that this bill will be difficult to pass. From an individual directly impacted within the state, how has the approach to this issue been handled? What do you think will be helpful for citizens to do in favor of this change?

TOM: Tennessee is a self-proclaimed ‘Employment First’ state, in that, all avenues to employment must be exhausted before the state will offer assistance. But, those kinds of income caps are antithetical to meaningful employment for disabled Tennesseans. The kind of personal caregiving services are never covered in perpetuity by a private insurer. Only Medicaid, or TennCare here in TN, will. The kind of personal support that is critical to be able to sustain a job. In our “Pathway to TennCare for Working Adults with Disabilities Act” Tennesseans with disabilities will pay premiums to essentially carry TennCare as a secondary insurance. In other words, whatever their employer-sponsored plan won’t cover, TennCare will; giving folks that want to work the opportunity to do so, without sacrificing their care. Through our strategic messaging, meetings with leadership, and media outreach, we put forth two strong narratives. 1. Highlighting the inherent unfairness and hypocrisy of a “employment first” narrative, and 2. The fact that all but five states already have similar programs on the books that do the same thing. I am proud to report in April, the bill passed unanimously in both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly.

 

Book Tom and other qualified speakers through I Need A Speaker. Email info@ineedaspeaker.com for details and availability.

 



Photo source: Tom Jedlowski

A Speech without a Purpose Is Just a Rant 
A Speech without a Purpose Is Just a Rant  720 481 I Need A Speaker

By Norah Wolff

Having a clear purpose as a speaker is crucial. Here’s why: 

  1. Audience Engagement: When your speech has a clear purpose, it captivates the audience’s attention and keeps them engaged from start to finish. 
  2. Meaningfulness: A speech with a defined purpose is more meaningful both to the speaker and the audience. It provides direction and focus, ensuring that every word spoken contributes to the overarching message or goal. 
  3. Building Connections: When the audience senses that the speaker is passionate and sincere about the topic, they are more likely to trust and resonate with the message. This connection fosters a sense of rapport and understanding between the speaker and the audience.
  4. Inspiration and Motivation: Whether the purpose is to educate, persuade, entertain, or inspire, a well-presented speech can evoke powerful emotions and drive positive action among listeners.
  5. Clarity and Focus: Having a purpose behind your speech provides clarity and focus in both the preparation and delivery stages. It helps the speaker organize their thoughts, structure the content, and deliver a cohesive message that is easy for the audience to follow and understand.
  6. Memorability: A purpose-driven speech is more likely to leave a lasting impression on the audience. When the audience connects with the purpose of the speech and finds it meaningful, they are more likely to remember key points and take action based on the message conveyed.

Having a central statement of purpose behind the speeches you give as a speaker is essential for engaging the audience, making the speech more meaningful, and building connections. A purposeful speech inspires, motivates, and resonates with the audience which leaves a lasting impact long after the speech has ended.



Photo source: Canva

Six Ways to Invest in Your Public Speaking Career
Six Ways to Invest in Your Public Speaking Career 690 463 I Need A Speaker

By Norah Wolff

As a speaker, it is vital to invest in yourself to advance your career. Consider trying out a few of these! 

  1. Public Speaking Training: Enroll in public speaking courses either online or in-person. I Need A Speaker offers customized training for individuals and small groups. Email info@ineedaspeaker.com to learn more.
  2. Attend Workshops and Seminars: Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on public speaking and presentation skills. These events often expose you to peers that can educate you on your expertise.
  3. Read Books on Public Speaking: There are numerous books available on public speaking that cover topics such as content creation, delivery techniques, and confidence-building exercises. Some books to look into include Talk Like Ted, The Art of Public Speaking, and THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER 
  4. Invest in Technology: Consider investing in technology to enhance your speaking engagements, whether in person or virtual. Enhance your technology now: reference these reviews for headphones, cameras, and microphones to begin your research. *We do not profit from the purchase of these items. This should serve as reference only. 
  5. Review Your Speeches: Record your speeches or presentations and review them afterward to identify areas for improvement in your delivery, body language, and content.
  6. Networking: Build relationships with other speakers and professionals in your industry through networking events, conferences, and online communities. This can lead to opportunities for collaboration, referrals, and speaking engagements.

Investing in yourself as a speaker is an ongoing process that requires dedication, practice, and a desire to continually learn and grow. By investing time and effort into your craft, you can delve into new skills and components to become a more confident and compelling speaker in front of any audience.

 

 

Photo source: Canva

Harness the Power of Speaker Events for Lead Generation
Harness the Power of Speaker Events for Lead Generation 714 474 I Need A Speaker

By Tricia Richards-Service

In the competitive world of sales, effective lead generation is crucial for success. One powerful yet often underutilized strategy for generating leads is hosting speaker events. These events can significantly enhance a company’s visibility, establish authority, and build valuable connections, all of which contribute to a robust sales pipeline.

Benefits of Hosting a Speaker Event

  • Speaker events position your company as one that is future-minded and growth focused. By hosting a speaker event, you demonstrate a desire to help others grow as well.
  • Unlike traditional advertising methods, speaker events provide an interactive platform to engage directly with your target audience. Through presentations, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities, you can address the specific needs and pain points of potential clients. This personalized approach helps in educating prospects about how your products or services can solve their problems, fostering a stronger connection and increasing the likelihood of conversion.
  • Speaker events offer unparalleled networking opportunities. Attendees are often industry professionals and decision-makers actively seeking solutions and partnerships. By connecting with them in a more personal and direct setting, you can build relationships that might not be possible through digital channels alone. These connections often lead to high-quality leads and long-term business relationships.
  • One of the most significant advantages of speaker events is the generation of qualified leads. Attendees are typically interested in the topics discussed, meaning they are already somewhat invested in your industry. Collecting contact information through event registrations, feedback forms, and interactive sessions allows for targeted follow-ups with individuals who have shown genuine interest in your offerings.
  • Content generated from speaker events can be repurposed for further lead generation. Recordings of sessions, blog posts summarizing key points, and social media highlights can all be used to reach a broader audience. This not only extends the event’s reach but also continues to attract and nurture leads long after the event has concluded.

Speaker events are a highly effective tool for lead generation in sales. By engaging directly with prospects, building meaningful relationships, and leveraging content, businesses can significantly boost their lead generation efforts and ultimately drive sales growth.

Ready to plan a speaker event? Email info@ineedaspeaker.com for additional details and speaker recommendations. We have qualified, engaging speakers on dozens of hot topics, including (but not limited to): sales, marketing, leadership, creativity, innovation, storytelling, fintech, business, real estate, investing, communications, workplaces of the future, DEI, and much more!

 

 

Photo source: Canva

Leveraging Speaker Events: A Strategic Approach to College Recruitment
Leveraging Speaker Events: A Strategic Approach to College Recruitment 711 468 I Need A Speaker

By Tricia Richards-Service

Speaker events offer a dynamic platform for colleges to engage with prospective students, showcase their institution’s unique offerings, and leave a lasting impression. By strategically leveraging these events, colleges can effectively attract top talent and bolster their recruitment efforts. Here’s how:

  1. Identify Target Audience: Before hosting a speaker event, it’s crucial to define the target audience. Whether targeting high school students, transfer applicants, or prospective graduate students, understanding the demographics and interests of the audience ensures that the event aligns with their preferences and aspirations.
  2. Select Compelling Speakers: Choose speakers who resonate with the target audience and embody the values and ethos of the institution. Whether alumni who have achieved success in their fields or renowned thought leaders booked through I Need A Speaker, compelling speakers can captivate attendees and lend credibility to the college’s brand.
  3. Choose Engaging Content: Develop content that not only showcases the college’s academic programs and extracurricular opportunities but also addresses topics of interest and relevance to prospective students. Consider incorporating panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and interactive activities to keep attendees actively engaged.
  4. Promote Widely: Utilize various channels to promote the speaker event, including social media, email newsletters, and targeted advertising. Collaborate with high schools, community organizations, and educational partners to extend the reach and attract a diverse audience of prospective students.
  5. Personalize the Experience: Tailor the speaker event to cater to the interests and preferences of attendees. Offer opportunities for one-on-one interactions with faculty, current students, and admissions staff to address individual questions, fostering a personalized and memorable experience.
  6. Highlight Success Stories: Before the featured speaker begins, take a few minutes to talk about the programs you offer. Showcase success stories of alumni who have leveraged their college experience to achieve their goals. Alumni testimonials and success stories serve as powerful testimonials, illustrating the tangible impact of attending the institution and inspiring prospective students to envision their own future success.
  7. Follow-Up and Nurture Relationships: After the event, follow up with attendees to express gratitude for their participation and provide additional information about the college’s offerings and application process. Establishing ongoing communication and nurturing relationships with prospective students can facilitate their journey through the admissions process and increase enrollment yield.

In conclusion, speaker events present a valuable opportunity for colleges to showcase their strengths, connect with prospective students, and differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape. By strategically planning and executing speaker events, colleges can effectively support their recruitment efforts and attract top talent to their institution.

 

Photo source: Canva

Engage Your Audiences with Games and Challenges
Engage Your Audiences with Games and Challenges 709 471 I Need A Speaker

By Tricia Richards-Service

What’s a five-letter word for something that adds interest, fun, and maybe a little competitive spirit to presentations? Games! (See what we did there?)

Gamification integrates elements of game design into non-game contexts to enhance engagement and motivation. By incorporating game mechanics such as points, levels, and rewards, speakers can turn passive listeners into active participants, fostering a deeper connection with the material being presented.

1. Quizzes and Polls

Start by integrating quizzes and polls into your presentation. Pose questions related to your topic and allow attendees to respond in real-time using polling tools or interactive platforms. Instant feedback and visible results create an immersive experience, encouraging participation and facilitating discussion. Some speakers provide audiences with a list of major points related to the overall topic and let the audience choose the topics, order of topics, or activities!

2. Puzzles and Brain Teasers

Challenge your audience’s problem-solving skills with puzzles and brain teasers. Whether it’s a visual puzzle or a riddle, these interactive elements provide opportunities for attendees to apply the concepts you’re presenting in a fun and engaging way. Encourage collaboration by inviting participants to work together to find solutions.

3. Team-based Competitions

Organize team-based competitions to add an element of friendly rivalry to your presentation. Divide your audience into teams and assign them tasks or challenges that require creative thinking and collaboration. Offer small, motivational rewards for successful completion, fostering teamwork and camaraderie among participants.

4. Rewards and Recognition

Incentivize participation by offering rewards and recognition for attendees who engage with your presentation. Consider giving out prizes for correct quiz answers, badges for completing challenges, or entries into a prize draw for active participation. Celebrating achievements reinforces engagement and motivates attendees to stay involved.

To effectively incorporate gamification into your presentations, keep these tips in mind:

  • Align Challenges with Objectives: The activity you choose may be the most impactful part of your presentation. Ensure that the challenges you design are relevant to the key concepts and learning objectives you want to highlight.
  • Balance Difficulty Levels: Provide a variety of challenges to accommodate attendees of different skill levels and backgrounds. Match people with complementary skill sets when you can.
  • Encourage Collaboration: Foster teamwork by designing challenges that require participants to work together towards a common goal. Solidify the team mindset by allowing teams to choose a name for the competition.
  • Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of participants throughout the presentation to maintain motivation and engagement. We have seen speakers use everything from star stickers to lottery tickets to candy bars.

Gamification and challenges offer a powerful way to engage audiences and create memorable learning experiences. By incorporating quizzes, polls, puzzles, and team-based competitions, speakers can transform their presentations into dynamic and interactive events that inspire and inform. Why settle for traditional lectures when you can elevate your presentations and unlock the full potential of audience engagement? GAME ON!

 

 

 

 

 

Photo source: Canva

Without Further Ado, We Offer Alternatives to “Without Further Ado”
Without Further Ado, We Offer Alternatives to “Without Further Ado” 1434 954 I Need A Speaker

By Tricia Richards-Service

Introducing a speaker sets the tone for their presentation, making it crucial to start with impact. While “without further ado” is a classic phrase, it’s a dated one that lacks variety and excitement. When introducing a speaker, video, or other element of a presentation, try using these alternatives:

  1. “Let’s Dive In”: This phrase immediately invites the audience to immerse themselves in the upcoming presentation, fostering engagement and anticipation.
  2. “With Great Excitement”: Expressing enthusiasm primes the audience for an electrifying talk and emphasizes the significance of the forthcoming discussion.
  3. “It’s Time To Welcome”: This statement not only introduces the speaker but also signals to the audience that they are about to experience something noteworthy.
  4. “Without Delay”: This concise alternative maintains the sense of urgency while offering a fresh take on the traditional introduction.
  5. “It’s My Pleasure to Introduce”: Infusing a personal touch, this phrase conveys warmth and respect, setting a welcoming tone for the speaker’s presentation.
  6. “Let’s Get Started”: Simple yet effective, this phrase conveys eagerness and sets a brisk pace for the presentation.
  7. “Without Hesitation”: Emphasizing confidence, this alternative underscores the speaker’s authority and encourages the audience to pay attention.

By incorporating these alternatives into your introductions, you can invigorate your presentations and ensure that your speakers start off on the right foot. Remember, the way you introduce a speaker can significantly impact the audience’s receptiveness to their message. Choose your words wisely and set the stage for an unforgettable experience.

 

Photo source: Canva

Moving targets make you easy to miss
Moving targets make you easy to miss 2560 1709 I Need A Speaker

Years ago, while the BBC was interviewing a woman on live television, her child interrupted by toddling into the room. Since the pandemic, that’s happened over and over again.

This video is a parody of the original, but the takeaway is the same: when there are distractions, the speaker is no longer the focus. Audience members lose their focus, and they aren’t listening to the speaker’s message.

On virtual meetings, the distractions could range from a passing emergency vehicle to a playful puppy. In face-to-face sessions, distractions may come from the movement of a stage assistant, guest(s) seated on stage, or passersby outside a window.

Your audience members will be distracted when there is movement around you. Eliminate movement as best you can, and keep the focus on you.

Photo credit: Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

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When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in the form of cookies. Here you can change your Privacy preferences. It is worth noting that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we are able to offer.

Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking code.
Click to enable/disable Google Fonts.
Click to enable/disable Google Maps.
Click to enable/disable video embeds.
Our website uses cookies, mainly from 3rd party services. Define your Privacy Preferences and/or agree to our use of cookies.