COMMAND THE CROWD’s ATTENTION

I have presented to over 2 million people. I sat down and calculated how many shows I spoke on the microphone as a dolphin and killer whale trainer at SeaWorld, and that’s where the number landed.

SeaWorld is not an easy place to start your public speaking career.

When you are talking to thousands of people while killer whales are jumping behind you, you cannot ask people to listen. You must COMMAND it.

You are competing with the spectacle of animals leaping and splashing, so you have to bring the energy just to keep up. It’s not about taking attention away from the animals. It’s about matching their energy and creating an even greater impact TOGETHER. If you’re just talking, you get lost in the crowd and no one listens. You have to bring that energy with your entire being: your body language and composure, translated into an empowering voice and a commanding but conversational tone. It’s not about reciting a script. It’s about ENLIVENING it.

SeaWorld was an incredible stage to develop my public speaking skills. People who have seen me present notice that SeaWorld stage energy and enthusiasm I bring to every room. That foundation taught me the body language, tone, and energy it takes to capture an audience.

During my time at SeaWorld, I helped newer trainers develop their stage presence and public speaking to become show-ready. Now I do the same as a coach for aspiring marine mammal trainers, and it has been so fun to watch their confidence grow from one session to the next.

Each time we meet, I see a little more of their own SeaWorld show presence shining through.