Welcome back to Pathways with Amber Stitt, where we dive into the minds of the most intriguing and inspiring guests! In our latest episode we had the pleasure of hosting the effervescent Joel Zeff—a name that resonates far and wide for his expertise as a speaker, humorist, and author.
Joel Zeff, with his unmatchable wit and charm, has graced over 2,500 events as a keynote speaker and emcee since launching his speaking career in 1997. In our conversation, Zeff shared his enthusiasm for being an emcee, emphasizing the crucial role an emcee plays in creating a bridge between the event and the audience. He vividly described how a seasoned emcee could create an atmosphere pulsing with energy and connection, standing starkly against what "Bob from accounting" might (unintentionally) fail to deliver at a company's big night.
Why is an engaging Emcee vital for events? Zeff eloquently spelled it out—because they are the maestro orchestrating the audience's attention, driving not just the mood but fostering a shared celebratory spirit. The impact of a skilled emcee is unmistakable; they can transform an ordinary gathering into a memorable experience for every attendee.
Delving further into his insights, Zeff illuminated the role of improv in both entertainment and as a learning tool. He detailed how improv isn't just about humor—it's a vehicle for teaching vital life skills, such as adaptability, teamwork, leadership, and active listening. Indeed, the principles of improv speak deeply to the ethos of connecting and engaging with people, thereby improving our communication and social interactions.
Perhaps what makes improv so special, as Zeff passionately spoke about, is its inclusivity. No matter one's background or skill level, everyone is welcome to participate in the collective creation that unfolds on stage.
Joel shared an extraordinary anecdote, one that might remain indelibly marked in his career's highlight reel. When actor Larry Hagman spontaneously joined in during one of Joel's keynotes, the energy surged. The audience, which was somewhat tepid before, caught fire with excitement, signaling the power of the unexpected and its role in creating moments of unrepeatable magic.
But it's not all lights and laughter in the world of public speaking. Zeff candidly recounted having to perform on the day of his daughter's birth. As his wife underwent a C-section, he juggled the mix of overwhelming personal concern, sleep deprivation, and professional duty. What stands out is his humor in adversity, acknowledging it as a choice—a choice that Zeff makes time and time again, as symbolized by his "magic harmonica."
In our hearty chat with Zeff, his resilience and ability to turn life’s curveballs into opportunities shone through. After losing his job at a newspaper, instead of despairing, he embraced the change, which eventually spiraled into a successful roles in stand-up, improv, and later on, public speaking.
Joel’s advice was clear: Be open to opportunities and give unwavering positive support if you wish to achieve success. And once more, he emphasized the importance of being present, having fun, and embracing vulnerability, especially in roles of leadership and communication—tenets that he illustrates in his book, "Make the Right Choice."
The fun didn't stop there—Amber and Joel reminisced about an incredible party at the MDRT conference, underlining the significance of such real-world connections. Laughter and learning can indeed come hand in hand, and Zeff's anecdotes from events like MDRT, where people from over 30 countries convened, proved just that.
Joel shared how his journey into public speaking sprang forth from a chance to perform at a client's executive retreat. That decision snowballed into a life of educating through joy and shared experiences—a method that he finds more effective than conventional teaching.
Before closing, Zeff couldn’t help but humorously boast that Pathways with Amber Stitt is "probably the best podcast in the history of all podcasts," adding to the episode's jovial and humorous spirit.
Listeners, if this peek into Joel Zeff’s world has piqued your interest, head over to his website, follow him on social media, and check out his illuminating book. And don't forget to tune into Pathways with Amber Stitt for more enlightening conversations that will light up your day!
Thank you for listening, and remember, your next burst of inspiration is just an episode away.
📚 Don't forget to check out Joel's book, "Make the Right Choice," a treasure trove of inspiration for embracing life's twists with a smile. Find it through the link below and on his website:
Joel Zeff's Book: "Make the Right Choice":
Connect with Joel:
Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Diverse experiences led to speaking career success.
03:17 80% keynote speaking, 20% MC role, connecting with audience.
06:20 Experienced entertainer connects and engages with diverse audiences.
09:48 Amber praised my unplanned and hard work.
14:26 Improv: Fun, inclusive teaching tool for everyone.
17:13 Improv energizes performers, surprises and delights audience.
22:30 Appreciate your humor and lighthearted perspective.
24:57 Using harmonica to pretend musical ability.
26:10 Choosing positivity and opportunity over despondency.
30:15 Unexpected job loss led to successful career.
33:18 Fun enhances leadership, creativity, and communication skills.
35:31 Seek moments, connect with interesting people, thank you.