Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Jay Johnson and Darwin

Let's go back to a series we discussed a few weeks ago, , , the use of entertainment media as a means of visual impacting your audience. I did several posts about using music in your presentation. Today we will look at ventriloquism.

Here is a video of Jay Johnson and his partner, Darwin on the Letterman Show. Though Johnsons performance is not aimed at a business or behavior audience, it certainly could be.

What I would like for you to do as you watch this highly entertaining skit is to take note of how much action Jay gets out of Darwin, without him ever saying a single word. Most public speakers could develope such a completelly "silent routine" (or no actual words) with only minimal work.

Go to Toys-R-Us and you can find a simular looking "monkey" as Darwin. Buy one, create your little routine, and practice and before you know it you'll have your own stage-worthy and delightful monkey routine.

Wayne

2 comments:

  1. Many public speakers have found that puppets are incredible for retaining attention, but you will find adult audiences can be put off by toy looking puppet characters. Get something professional that will demand attention and respect while also injecting the comedy factor you are looking for. Jay Johnson and Terry Fator buy puppets from Axtell Expressions http://www.axtell.com

    Here is a great looking monkey puppet http://www.axtell.com/cheeky.html

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  2. Thank you for your insight. I agree that any intermediate presenter that is into vent should get the highest quality partner they can to work with. The purpose of focusing on ventriloquism in this blog is to challenge beginning and intermediate presenters (even top pros) to step out of their box.

    Who knows, another "Fator" or "Johnson" may just climb out of the wood work. And a few new customers for you.

    Thanks again, Wayne

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