An Unlikely Review

I always love watching people when I’m on stage, and NOT just the audience. It’s super fun when I see the waitstaff or a cleaning person stop what they’re doing and/or pop out of the kitchen to listen to me. I’ve had this happen many times over the years, and then later the person will say something about my keynote was not only funny, but THEY too, got something out of it.?

Of course, my comedian friend Mike says

you can tell a comedian is in trouble if they’re on a cruise ship or at a corporate event, and the ONLY people laughing are the ones in the band. That means you’re probably not doing appropriate material! And while I've never experienced the band ONLY enjoying my program, I have had band members and other convention staff laugh along WITH the crowd.?

A couple years ago, I was speaking at 2 different events in Las Vegas, 1 week

apart, at the Paris hotel in the SAME convention room. That was very weird – what are the Vegas odds on that? The first event went excellent and the client was thrilled. The next week, I showed up in the room and saw my client talking with the AV people, so I hustled over there to make sure my AV was setup.??

The AV guy immediately recognized me from the previous week – maybe I was wearing the same outfit??? Lol. Without hesitation, he turned to the client and said “Oh, Jan is speaking for your group? She’s great! She was here last week!” I remembered him too (though now I can’t remember his name) and I thanked him for remembering me. He also remembered that I needed a handheld mic! The client seemed happy to have this last-minute nod of approval.?

It’s these unlikely reviews that are extra special.?I target my examples for the audience and industry that I’m in front of, but I do mention that my tips can be used in different industries.?So it’s pretty cool when that plays out right in front of me.?

Just a reminder - whatever kind of work you are doing, you are probably reaching and influencing a LOT more people with your message or service than you realize.?

Jan McInnis is a Keynote Speaker, Comedian, Comedy Writer, and Master of Ceremonies. She has written for Jay Leno’s Tonight Show monologue as well as many other people, places, and groups – radio, TV, syndicated cartoon strips, and even guests on the Jerry Springer show (her parents are proud). For 20+ years she’s traveled country as a keynote speaker and comedian sharing her unique and practical tips on what business leaders can learn from comedians (no, it’s not all about telling jokes). She can be reached at www.TheWorkLady.com, or Jan@TheWorkLady.com? She’s also a GREAT Master of Ceremonies. Click here for her emcee site?

?