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SPEAKINGAs I see it, there are really only two goals a speaker should have for a compelling presentation: Entertain and Inform.If an audience member is entertained but doesn’t learn anything, they might walk away with a smile on their face, but disappointed that they didn’t take away any actionable ideas. If a speaker doesn’t engage with the audience in a meaningful way and capture their attention, they will tune out and become bored, even if the speaker had something valuable to share. EntertainmentIf you’re looking for a speaker that resembles a TV Reporter standing at attention with minimal movement and a monotone delivery, you’ve come to the wrong place. My approach is more like an announcer at a live sporting event, feeding off the energy of the crowd, dialed in to the facts and figures, yet bringing the excitement at the right times. My presentation materials support my speaking style, using simple text, vivid photographs, and engaging videos to grab and hold the audience’s attention. While my jokes might get an equal amount of groans as laughs, I work on the timing and delivery just as much as with the core discussion. Inform
You want someone that has a deep understanding of technology. You want someone that can talk about blogging and podcasting. You want someone that can talk about Facebook.
You want someone that can talk about the shifting digital landscape. You want someone that can talk about negotiation. You want someone that can speak from experience. Testimonials“I just wanted to extend a big thank you for returning to SPI this year to speak with the students. What a great, energy-charged session! You gave them a great sense of the importance of brand and how they can be producing work that could be helpful in their job searches.”
“I attended Jim Hopkinson’s career presentation at Bryant University and found it very enlightening to hear from someone who is successful and knowledgeable on this topic but from someone who was once a Bryant Bulldog like myself. He walked us through his progressions in life and shared useful tips about salary negotiation. His presentation was great because he reinforced the things we should know to do in preparation for an interview as well as include tips and processes on how to do it. Much thanks to Jim for taking time to give back to us currently here at Bryant.” “Jim’s enthusiasm for the topic is infectious. He knew not only about his presentation, but he had deep knowledge of the subject that showed when students asked questions about the matter being presented. He also made himself available via email for follow-up questions specific to my own interests in subjects covered in the class. If I could take 10 more classes with him, I would!” “I wanted to say a HUGE thank you for the opportunity participate in today’s Reboot Workshop. I learned so much from the other presenters AND the attendees, and I was inspired by the full crowd and the universal drive to do what you love and make it your life’s work. Keep me posted on future productions!” “Jim is a dynamic and energetic speaker who thoughtfully prepared his presentation to meet the needs and interests of our Women in Business Conference attendees. His extensive industry experience and his personable approach make him an engaging presenter with practical skills to share.” “The best of any of the 5 classes I’ve taken from Mediabistro. The difference was many fold. The weekly readings were turned into video-lectures, broken into digestible parts, which were very dynamic and professionally produced. Also, for the live chat session, Jim’s skilled use of the webcam to present live, real time discussions, illustrated by well-prepared Powerpoints, made it so interesting and a real give and take between leader and students. The assignments were goal-oriented to learn the material of the course. He is extremely personable, and very good at using individual questions for value to the whole class. Terrific teacher.” “Jim brought incredible energy to the class as well as knowledge. I cannot express what a welcome departure this class was from other adult learning environments, where people just show up, tired from their day and let you know. He was prepared in advance, provided excellent content and was encouraging. Can’t stress enough what a great experience this was. I have taken a number of classes – both online and in person here in Chicago – and the MediaBistro online classes have by far impressed me the most. Jim’s professionalism and energy is what made this experience so positive. He provided content I could use immediately, and have already increased my Twitter following because of it. 5 stars all the way!!” VideoExcerpt of my speech for the Custom Content Council on the changing digital landscape: Excerpt of my speech for Conde Nast Digital University on the topics of Geolocation and Twitter: Click the image below to go to Yahoo Finance and see my appearance there. Reboot Workshop Conference Trailer: Reboot Workshop Conference 5 minute “Ignite-style” speech: |
It’s quite simple. Do you want to hire a speaker that talks the talk?
You want someone that can talk about Twitter.
“I very much enjoyed your “Salary Tutor” presentation last week at Bryant as well as the opportunity to meet you and benefit from your insights regarding salary negotiation and job search strategies. Your interactive, witty and informative presentation will definitely help our Bryant students to be successful as they navigate this competitive job market! Thanks for giving so generously of your time and talent to ensure the continued success of our students!”
