Speaking of Speaking

I don't post enough about the speaking engagements that I do. In all fairness, some of the organizations I do keynotes for are private firms or government groups that require honoring privacy. That, and recording, editing and promoting Animals, Nature and You tends to be a full-time job on top of handling speaking contracts and schedules.

Yesterday I was speaking for a smaller group of a few hundred, and I must admit - I love the smaller audiences. As someone who has done television presentations with no audience to television with a live audiences. And as someone who has done in person presentations and talks for small groups and for audiences of over 3000... Well, I think it is fair to say, I have had my fair share of experiences; and I love the smaller audiences.

Smaller audiences feel more intimate, and therefore there is a closer connection. Or, at least it feels like a closer connection from my side. Don't get me wrong, a large audience is fun too. As a presenter and speaker, I can tell you, when you are on stage, facing an audience, you feel the energy they give back. The bigger the audience, the more impactful it is - it can me magical when you connect with a large audience; especially when you offer up a funny story and you get a full laugh from everyone.

However, the smaller audience allows for me to see the faces of those I am connecting with. I can see the subtle expressions, emotions and thoughts come across their faces. I feel like I can respond better and make a more meaningful connection. It reminds me of the years I spent as a part-time college instructor. With a classroom of almost 50 students I loved connecting with them every week.

All of this to say, for as much as I outwardly publisize my podcast, there is so much more going on in my career, and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that. If nothing else just to remind myself when I look back on all of this later in life. And to remind myself to take none of this for granted.