Public Speaking

What do you want to have happen as a result of me being there?

That’s one of the first questions I ask someone when they’re considering me as a keynote speaker for their event. It helps both of us figure out if I’m a good match for what they hope to do in the weeks and months following the event.

I’ve found it valuable for a lot of other things too. Maybe it’s something you can use.

When you start a meeting: “What do we want to have happen as a result of our time together?”

On the way into the office: “What do I want to have happen as a result of my effort today/ this week?”

A difficult discussion (office or home): “What do we want to have happen as a result of this conversation?”

Enjoy how it helps you focus your time and effort in a more deliberate way

You’ve Been Warned

I find that audiences are far better served through provocation and by challenging them with new ideas or new perspectives than they are with commiseration, pandering, and “comfort food” (which many presentations resemble). Of course, the speaker must be calibrated toward helping others and not self-aggrandizing. If you’re receiving 10s on feedback sheets and standing ovations at every presentation, the odds are that you’re simply not doing a very good job improving others’ lives with the speaker’s you’ve chosen.

Still Here? OK Then

My passionate delivery of “Nail On The Head” content will leave everyone energized with dozens of new ideas and even more important, a commitment to use what they’ve learned.

In order to fine-tune the information I present, as well as create more and deeper value for you and those who participate in your event, my speaking process always includes whenever and wherever possible:

Pre-Event Work

I invest up to two weeks of time and effort to design and prepare for each presentation.
Interviews with all key stakeholders (staff, managers, guests, vendors, etc…)
Observation (I’ll covertly observe your business and people in action – in person – where possible)
Social media research (mentions, posts, website, reviews, etc…)
I will help promote the event on my site and via my social media channels beginning 2 months before the event.

Event Work

I will provide a presentation of up to 90-minutes (including Q&A)
Handouts of all materials used at your event or make them available as a download from your and my website just for event participants.
I will stay at the event during the day on which I speak, answering any questions that attendees have
I’ll be also available to attendees of your event for educational sessions, coaching, one-on-ones, Q&A, or just for questions after the speaking session.

Post-Event Work

All participants will receive direct email access to me for follow-up and questions.

Speaking & Facilitation Rates and Logistics

*Fee is based on my day-rate. If speeches are required on multiple days or more than two are requested in a single day there will be an increase in the total fee.

Non-Profit’s & Trade Organizations: On occasion, I provide my speaking services pro-bono to select non-profit, trade and charitable organizations.  If you believe your event warrants pro-bono services because of its unique mission to improve our industry or is an underserved group of individuals, please contact me with more details so that I may consider your request.

Audio/Video Recording: To record my presentation will require a 50% increase to the total speaking fee.  I maintain the full copyrights to the recorded speech, but will grant a limited and revocable license to reproduce and distribute the recording.  Selling or distributing the full recording to anyone other than attendees of the presentation is prohibited.

Travel:  I travel from Dallas, Texas Love Field Airport (preferred) or Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.  Flights less than three (3) hours will be booked at economy.  Flights in excess of three (3) hours will be booked as Business Class.  When possible, I prefer to fly Southwest Airlines.

Accommodations: Check-in will be booked for the night before the speech and include accommodation for the full day of the speech (i.e. two-day minimum).  This is to ensure that I arrive without travel delay and am rested and ready to give your audience a dynamic and high-energy presentation.

Deposits:  A deposit of 50% of the total speaking fee is required to hold any dates.  Travel costs (including flight and hotel) will be estimated and paid in advance.  The balance of the speaking fee will be paid immediately upon speaker’s arrival, before the speaker’s final speech.  Payment should be made by company check, cashiers check, money order, or bank transfer.  Credit cards are accepted only if payment is made via PayPal and client pays for all associated transaction fees charged by PayPal.

Hand-Outs & Slide Requests: Typically I do not produce or provide handouts to accompany my speeches.  Upon request, a copy of the presentation can be made available and provided from the SHG website.