Jim Deken

Let’s face it – there’s no such thing as a “One Size Fits All” solution to your organization’s needs. Jim Deken understands that, too. That’s why, instead of a “canned” speech, Jim brings a uniquely blended perspective to each presentation. His corporate background includes an MBA as well as a management career with a Fortune 50 corporation, but he’s also an entrepreneur who’s operated his own enterprise for more than a dozen years. Jim has nearly twenty years’ experience in radio, television, and theater - a good counterpoint to his experiences as a military veteran, as a day laborer, and as a classroom instructor for two major universities.

If versatility increases value, Jim Deken is one of the most valuable assets you can add to your next event. His extensive presentation and performance experience, his rich business and academic background, and his range of communication and entertainment skills make him an ideal addition to any agenda. More importantly, Jim is committed to excellence and insists that the message be tailored to the occasion. The result is a presentation listeners will remember for years, and a message they can use even longer.

Jim’s presentations resonate with the themes of positive outlook, personal responsibility, goal orientation, and personal resource utilization. In communicating those ideas, he makes frequent use of humor, his gift for impressions, and a broad array of real-world examples.

One of the hallmarks of Jim’s style is his interaction with the audience. He’ll frequently leave the podium or stage to walk through the crowd as he asks questions, demonstrates an idea, or seeks volunteers for an impromptu exercise. He’s even been known to illustrate concepts like rewards and incentives by giving surprised attendees a memento of their experience. The real “takeaway” from Jim’s presentations, though, is the personalized, practical perspectives he provides. The total focus is on engaging the audience on several levels to create a unique, meaningful, usable experience.

But it doesn’t stop there. If it’s characters, comedy, or continuity you need for your event, Jim can fill that bill as well. Imagine having General Patton, John Wayne, Lieutenant Columbo, or any of a host of other characters get your meeting or conference off to a high-energy start. Then, throughout the event, “pop-up” appearances will keep your conferees refreshed and refocused as he gives them recaps, highlights, reinforcement of your message, and previews of coming attractions. Customized continuity - it makes for a memorable meeting.

And don’t forget the importance of “down” time. When the meeting, training session, or “day’s work” is done you’ll often want a more lighthearted activity that gives your group the chance to celebrate, to network, or just to unwind. Jim offers a variety of interactive entertainment options that exercise the audience’s competitive spirit, promote teambuilding, and are just plain fun. From the game show fun of “Who Wants To Be A Zillionaire” to the chance to be an improv comedy “star”, your attendees will have the perfect way to cap their meeting experience.

Let’s face it - no matter who they are, where they are, or what they do, people love to hear their names and the names of their friends in a public or group setting. It’s also true that conference participants appreciate program segments that are professional, entertaining, and tailored to them. That’s why audiences respond so favorably to Jim Deken’s “Newsbreak” meeting element. Custom-written for your organization or meeting theme, and featuring references to names and issues familiar to your audience, Jim’s Newsbreak segments are rollicking, relevant drop-ins that have tickled sales groups, managers’ meetings, and organizational conferences across the country. The news, weather, sports and traffic reports are delivered in a wide range of character styles - from the stodgy “That’s the way it is” of Walter Soundbite to the fever pitch of a Classic Rock DJ. In addition, since it’s “live”, the reports can be updated in real time to include agenda changes, housekeeping announcements, and other bulletins that will keep attendees informed as well as entertained.

TESTIMONIALS:

"Who is that guy? He’s pretty funny.”
Dana Carvey

“Your presentation made an important contribution to the success of our total event. Thank you.”
Joan Lundgren
Saint Louis University

“I wish to thank you for a wonderful job and know that all enjoyed you. Have received many good comments, which is great. Thank you again for an outstanding performance. Look forward to working with you again in the future.”
Joan Waller
Clay County Fair

“You added tremendous value to our event . . . completely exceeded our expectations.”
Steve Heflin
U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs

“All of the customers enjoyed the performance and the interaction Jim’s character had with the group. Especially how he worked tidbits of gossip that he got about various individuals. Great performance, maintained character throughout and was able to get the audience to participate.”
Laura Wiegand
Distribution Control System