“I remember the first speech class I took in high school, providing the opportunity to shape a message to engage and influence—I was hooked. I have been speaking in some form ever since. I speak professionally, educationally, ministerially (I started my career as a minister), and to fundraise for a mission in remote India to help destitute children (jamesconnection.org).”
“When speaking professionally, I speak on topics related to developing leadership. Here are my current favorite keynotes: Vital Signs: how to diagnose and treat H.E.A.R.T. disease within your organization; The Truth about Change: what the consultants aren’t telling you; and Mental Fitness: attacking the saboteurs that inhibit your success.”
“I guess the definition of a good speaker is often in the eye of the beholder, but I strive to engage both the emotion and the intellect of the audience when I speak. I design my programs to challenge the audience and try to find a hook that will make it both novel and practical for each participant. If they leave with 2 or 3 new ideas, I believe I did my job. I speak to generate awareness, not only of me as a professional subject matter expert, but also awareness of a variety of topics I care about, preparing effective leaders, personal spiritual development, and changing the lives of orphans in India.”
“My last name ‘Ice’ draws quite a bit of attention. For some speaking events, I use the intro from Vanilla Ice’s song ‘Ice, Ice, Baby’ as part of my speaker introduction—never fails to get a smile from the audience.”
“I have been blessed to travel throughout my career and have found joy in the diversity of culture, landscape, and history from spots all over this wonderful world. My wife and I are the proud parents of three amazing, talented children, all artists. Our daughters are both professional dancers and educators. Our son is an installation, sculpture, and light artist. We have a 2-year old granddaughter who loves to fingerpaint... I find a way to use them in every speech—helps make a connection.”
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