by Andy Saks, live auctioneer A paddle raise is a powerful, effective way to boost donations at your fundraiser. As a professional live auctioneer, I’ve built and delivered many paddle raises over the years. I wrote this article to help you learn from my successes (and mistakes), so your paddle raise scoops every available dollar,  Continue Reading »

Ever seen a presenter ask “Any questions?” at the end of their presentation, and heard only crickets from the audience? In my work as a professional emcee and trade show presenter, I see it often, and it always makes me cringe because it’s so awkward, and so completely avoidable. Asking for questions and getting none  Continue Reading »

by Andy Saks Imagine attending a presentation on a topic that fires you up. As the speaker takes the stage, you anticipate an insightful, inspiring experience. Then a PowerPoint title slide appears on the screen. You estimate this will be the eight-billionth PowerPoint slide deck you’ve endured in your life, and hope the presentation will still be engrossing despite this old, tired, tedious format. But  Continue Reading »

by Andy Saks You’re planning a trade show booth. You know you need a “draw,” something special and cool to entice attendees to visit you and let you scan their badges. You think, “I know! Let’s have a drawing and give away a cool, new, coveted gadget like the…” And you likely end that sentence with the  Continue Reading »

by Andy Saks So you’ve been drafted to be an emcee at an upcoming seminar, awards ceremony, or other event? Don’t panic. You can do it, and do it well. You can even enjoy it. Recently, I published “6 tips to make your seminar or event emcee script sparkle.” This companion post tackles the other side  Continue Reading »

by Anders Boulanger, guest blogger Recently, I posted a blog that tore into using so-called “booth babes.” From a leads point of view, hiring booth babes does not work, and their very presence says something about your company and how you operate. I’ve overheard exhibitors use the term “booth babe” as a general term for hired  Continue Reading »

by Andy Saks In mid-December, while the rest of us were caught up in the holiday rush, representatives of my home city of Boston pulled off an Olympic-sized feat. They delivered a presentation that successfully convinced the board of the United States Olympic Committee, the body that chooses the host city candidate to represent the U.S. in the international  Continue Reading »

by Andy Saks No duplicates. No ads. No pop-ups. And none of the quotes you didn’t want anyway. Just the best 50 Christmas quotes I could find, the ones that express true sentiment and make you think. These are the quotes you’ll be proud to share in a Christmas dinner toast, church service, tree lighting, Facebook  Continue Reading »

by Andy Saks “Hey, we really need an emcee for our upcoming event. Last year we didn’t have an emcee, and the event was so lifeless and dull. Would you do the honors?” This is the moment many would-be emcees dread. They’re drafted into service, and take the gig reluctantly. Does that sound like your situation? If  Continue Reading »

by Andy Saks Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to express your gratitude for the people and treasures in your life by giving a toast at your Thanksgiving table. Here’s a great collection of thoughtful, funny and religious Thanksgiving quotes to help you share your thoughts (and practice your public speaking skills!). Have a Thanksgiving quote you love? Post it  Continue Reading »