Q&A About Keynote Speaker, Patricia Fripp's Programs

You have an awesome responsibility. You need to hire the right speaker, with the appropriate message, who is willing to, and has the skill to, adapt the message or training to your needs. It is also helpful if that speaker can fill several slots with equal success and not break your budget. Patricia Fripp may be that speaker!

My job is to make you look like a hero for hiring me.
My value to your group is that I have have spoken for and consulted with at least 80 organizations a year for 25 years — many of which face the same challenges that you do. When you hire me, my prime objective is to give your group a relevant and rousing presentation. I accomplish this by becoming part of your team; and I'll be asking you some questions to help me make your program a success. Anticipating that you, too, have questions to ask me, I've prepared some answers:

How long is your talk?
However long you need it to be -- from three hours to three days. I am capable of presenting all-day seminars and multiple programs within the same day.

If it's necessary, can you cut or expand your presentation at the last minute?
Yes. I've been speaking since 1975 and have frequently had to cut or lengthen my talk at a moment's notice. Before I walk on the stage, I'll ask you what time you want me to walk off.

How can you effectively address more than 100 groups a year -- from different industries, associations and government agencies?
It's true, the groups I've spoken for are different; and it's the very reason I've learned a valuable lesson - they all face similar problems. Many are the same challenges I face in my own business. We all have to adapt to change...to recruit and retain the best people in our respective industries...and to service our customers better than our competition. Also, we must learn to develop team spirit and to embrace technology without losing the personal touch. If you need marketing or speaking skills, you are considering the right speaker.

Because I've worked with such diverse groups for two decades, I've come to know firsthand how they face today's challenges. I draw from experiences with these varied groups - as well as from my own business - to bring insights to your group. My strength lies in my ability to relate substantive information in an easily digestible and enjoyable manner. I don't present myself as an expert or a know-it-all. I talk about the lessons I've learned - and continue to learn - about business.

Are you always a success?
Yes...if the audience is awake, sober and fairly happy to be there. The setup, the lighting and the atmosphere also make an incredible difference to the results.

I'll work with you to make sure the logistics and the timing of my presentation are the best for the objectives you want to meet.

What do you need from us?
When you decide you like my material and speaking style, you need to help me to understand your group so that I can adapt my message to meet your needs.

We will become partners in planning a program. We will have several conversations so that you feel totally comfortable with my part on your program. I am happy to interview several individuals of your choice for background material.

Can you present different programs on the same day?
Yes. Frequently at meetings, I'll deliver a keynote and then two breakout sessions on totally different subjects. A great meeting investment for you.

What size audience are you comfortable with?
10 - 10,000. I am experienced with teleconferencing and image magnification.

Do you customize your talks?
On occasion I'll write a speech from scratch. Usually, I select the appropriate material from my repertoire of consistently successful material and integrate the information you provide, such as your industry's jargon (if appropriate), your theme, and the major points you want stressed.

Are you funny?
Yes. I promise I will not use "old tired stories." My real-life examples are presented in a humorous way.

How do we know that you are the right speaker for us?
You can watch a presentation on my website, or we are happy to send a complimentary video of an entire talk. Your choices are on my website. I never accept a speaking engagement that I don't think that I can guarantee. My professional reputation is a lot more important to me than one extra booking.

We see you have speaking abilities, but what is your business background?
Before becoming a full-time speaker, I spent more than 20 years in a service industry. I was one of the first women in a male-dominated profession; and I've worked most of my adult life on a commission-only basis.

Also, having owned my own business since 1975, I'm familiar with administrative and management issues, such as hiring and training sales and service personnel.

Are you an author?
Yes. I am the author of Get What You Want, and Make It! So You Don't Have To Fake It! I Coauthored Insights Into Excellence and Speaking Secrets of the Masters with Ken Blanchard and several other speakers. I've also produced many CD and DVD educational programs. Many of my clients give my DVDs, CDs, and books as gifts to their meeting attendees.

Do you fly first class?
I bill my clients for coach fares and whenever possible, pro-rate fares. For example, if I am traveling on a multi-engagement trip, I divide the fare proportionally between clients.