From Comedy to Keppler (ft. Warren Jones)

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November 20, 2023 • 43 mins

An unexpected path brings surprising insights

OPENING QUOTE:

“Thunder applause, everybody on their feet. So happy, just ecstatic. And he said, "Here's the thought I had. I've got to write a new speech.”

-Warren Jones

GUEST BIO:

From a hugely successful career in entertainment, working as a manager at ABC and then at Professional Representatives Organization International, Warren Jones entered the world of marketing to eventually land the CEO gig at EnterWorks. He also launched a successful comedy agency. Later, a casual breakfast meetup with a friend led to an offer to become the CEO of the prestigious Keppler Speakers Bureau. Warren couldn't turn down the challenge, and the rest is history.

Links:

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[15:31] - “I’ve Got to Write a New Speech”

Improving from the top

Warren brings up an inspiring story of a speaker who told him about an experience they had after a speech. They had just delivered their message to a packed room, who erupted in thunderous applause, and this speaker was feeling at the absolute top of their game. In that moment, they thought: “I’ve got to write a new speech.”

This speaker was so focused on ensuring that the response they received — and the quality of their message— never diminished, that even at the absolute pinnacle they could only think about their new leap. That’s the mark of a true pro.

[18:10] - What Speakers Can Learn from Comedians

Efficiency and Connection

In Warren’s experience, comedians often say that writing the first five minutes of a set is the hardest. So many of them work backward — they start with their key beats or punchlines, then build from their destination backward. If something doesn’t help get them there, they cut it.

Meanwhile, comedians intuitively understand that comedy is about connection as much as its about humor. When an audience is tuned into the wavelength of the performer, that’s when real magic happens.

Speakers can learn from both of these lessons: design keynotes around your key points, being ruthlessly efficient in the process, and never forget about the power of connection.

[23:46] - What Do the Greats Do?

Asking Warren what gives speakers staying power

Warren helpfully outlines his example of the perfect pro speaker. She does the event calls and pre-event calls, sometimes more than one. She offers a follow-up conversation. When she walks onstage, she knows the audience — what the hot buttons are, what they may have talked about that morning in another session or the day before. She doesn’t play down to the audience or underestimate them. She interacts early and often with the event planner. She even serves as an ambassador for other speakers. She’s deeply service oriented.

Consider this a checklist for anyone wanting not only a successful speaking career, but a long one.

[36:22] - Substance Over Flash

The past, present, and future of the industry

There was a time in speaking when star power was king. Event planners wanted to draw a crowd, and a marquee speaker was the way to do it. But now events draw their crowds from the quality and relevance of the event itself. That means speakers aren’t the star — their message is. The future of keynote speaking is all about transformative messages that lead to real impact, not recognizable names that ultimately lead nowhere. Content is what it’s all about.

RESOURCES:

[1:35] About Keppler
[40:15] Big Little Breakthroughs, by Josh Linkner

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ABOUT MIC DROP:

Hear from the world’s top thought leaders and experts, sharing tipping point moments, strategies, and approaches that led to their speaking career success. Throughout each episode, host Josh Linkner, #1 Innovation keynote speaker in the world, deconstructs guests’ Mic Drop moments and provides tactical tools and takeaways that can be applied to any speaking business, no matter it

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