We’re Off

Being a professional speaker is by no means a conventional job. I always struggle to describe exactly what my profession is when people ask what I do for a living. There’s an awkward moment of pause when I try to verbalise that what I do doesn’t sound like a real job but I’m what most people would call a ‘Motivational Speaker’.

I haven’t quite worked out whether this hesitation is due to how some people can consider the ‘motivational speaker guru’ and immediately paint me in that light or if it’s because I know the topic of conversation will inevitably lead to a retelling of the attack. I’m aware that this may sound like I don’t enjoy talking about the attack which is not the case at all but I’ve often felt when it comes to one-on-one conversations it becomes an obstacle that prevents me from getting to know the other person.

I’ve been working hard to follow the sage advice of Dylan Buckley who says “Being interested in people is far cooler than being interesting” and I’ll always try to refocus most conversations if I can to learn more about the other person. But still, the idea of the shark attack and the novelty of what I do for work will always be a fallback when the conversation lulls.

Whilst a lot of people will ask for more details about the attack, I find one of the more common questions is often based on how much am I speaking. It’s a point of interest to know what a regular day or week looks like which I guess I can understand. Most people I talk to are living quite ‘normal’ lives and will have some sort of traditional work schedule that they stick to.

But I don’t really have a consistent answer to this. My response is that I often say there are times when it’s slow and you’re wondering if you’re ever going to receive another call about your next event. But there are other times, like last week, where I’ll do 5 presentations in 6 days. There’s no real rhythm or rhyme to it but one of the biggest additions I’ll offer anyone who asks the question is that the erratic nature of my job makes me really appreciate the times when I do have work.

Writing this makes me feel like a bit of an addict if I’m being honest because the times when I have weeks in between presentations I’m constantly thinking about it and in a state of preparation and expectation. The rush I get from standing on stage is certainly a temporary one but as soon as it’s over I’m already thinking about the next one.

So to say I appreciate times like last week is to admit that I’m feeling both incredibly fulfilled right now, and equally as excited for the next few weeks and months.

The mix of presentations over this last stretch could definitely be described as '“variable” but that’s what keeps things interesting:

Two of the presentations were to small corporate groups where we talked about leadership and goal-setting which led to some great questions and conversation around creating balance and appreciation in and around those environments. These intimate group sizes always allow for an extra layer of connection and I’m always grateful for that.

Once again, I got a chance to share a stage with my good friend Bradley Dryburgh at my old high school which gave us an incredible opportunity to show students that our challenges may vary but we all have the same choice to respond with determination and positivity. This went beyond the standard keynote and we fielded over an hour of questions from students eager to understand more which is always a great sign of audience breakthrough.

The last two presentations were some of the most anticipated ones I’ve had in a while. That could be in part because the connection to these presentations was made nearly 3 years ago on a flight from Cairns to Sydney (A note to maybe think twice about putting the earphones in and keeping to yourself next time you’re on a plane). But more excitingly, because these were taking place on a boat as we toured Sydney Harbour. It was such a unique experience with an incredibly enthusiastic bunch of people. it might not seem like a milestone to many but it was cool to complete my first nautical presentations.

What a week it’s been. Despite how weird I feel when I have to describe what I do for a living, I’m more than willing to take on a few seconds of awkwardness if it allows me to have weeks like that.

It seems only natural to finish this up with a small paragraph from ‘Breath’ by Tim Winton which I just finished reading. I think it sums up how I feel about having to explain what I do and as much as I could stumble through my anecdotes and stories, if you could see and experience what I do in person, you’d understand why I love it so much.

“My favourite time is when we’re all at the Point, because when they see me out on the water I don’t have to be cautious and I’m never ashamed. Out there I’m free. I don’t require management. They probably don’t understand this, but it’s important for me to show them that their father is a man who dances — who saves lives and carries the wounded, yes, but who also does something completely pointless and beautiful, and in this at least he should need no explanation.”