The Intuitive Evolution of an Event Host
Derek Smith
Event & Public Speaking Coach ?? Host & Master of Ceremonies | ?? Business Mentor | Public Relations | Communications | 5,000+ Live & Virtual Events Hosted over 15+ years ?? Portugal & Canada | Gold Medal Winner??
“To listen is to lean in, softly, with a willingness to be changed by what we hear.”
-Mark Nepo, ‘The Exquisite Risk’
Embracing new people always seems to teach us something about ourselves.
Late last year, I was asked a question by a close colleague of mine:
“What do you love to do?”. I answered by providing my typical canned response about shaping communities and creating communications strategies.?
She stopped me almost immediately as I careened into my familiar elevator pitch…
“No, I didn’t ask, ’What do you do?’. I asked, ‘What do you love to do?’”?
I was surprised, because it had been a long time since someone had asked me that question. Plus, I was astonished to learn my listening skills needed an apparent tune-up.
My updated response was enthusiastic and immediate:
“I love hosting events and being a Master of Ceremonies!”. As I heard myself say those words, I knew it was time for a change.
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For over 15 years, I’ve been doing a variation of community building, public relations & communications. Yes, I have been an MC hosting events peripherally alongside those activities - often to much fan-fare - but, I had never fully committed to focusing on what I do best.
I had accepted my professional skills as my job. Everything that I am was what I did to earn income. Now, I was presented with a new idea: Only doing what I love.
In 2022, I’m leaning in.
My clients, colleagues and friends will now experience my best work in the role I was born to do. I offer my voice wholeheartedly to event hosting and being a powerful communicator to those who need it most.?
Being a Master of Ceremonies has long been the activity that lights me up. Audiences and clients consistently encourage me to lean into event hosting and starting this year, I intend to listen.
To my dear readers, this year ask yourself - regardless of how ambitious, outrageous or out-of-reach it may seem - What do you love to do?
Then, follow my lead and - lean in.
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Check me out at MrDerekSmith.com.
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