New Experience Diary: Texting & Driving, 7 Inspiring Quotes & the Rock the Stage Training

Josh Shipp and I at the “Rock the Stage” event in San Jose, CA

Josh Shipp is national youth speaker, teen expert, author and TV personality who’s been featured on CNN, Oprah, MTV, Lifetime and a host of other reputable media companies. I “discovered” Josh back in 2011 when I was searching for motivational speaking training and resources. I came across his site and instantly connected with his story of overcoming adversity. I was inspired and very excited to explore what Josh and his team had to offer. Like many college students, I was also very broke, so I decided to follow him on social media to keep up with his upcoming events and products until I could afford to purchase them. After 3 years of following Josh I found myself in a space where my job and my finances provided me with the freedom to become a student of Josh’s course Youth Speaker University. This year the online course included two free tickets to Josh’s annual Rock the Stage event. Rock the Stage is a training for serious speakers to learn some of the newest strategies in the art and business of speaking.

The live event was life changing! I’m thrilled to share some of the nuggets of insight that I gleaned from the event along with a few motivational quotes and tips for speakers. Before I  share the quotes, I’d like to tell you a quick story about an amazing person that I met at the event!

Merry Dye and I

I met a lot of awesome people at the event. Some were beginning their speaker journey’s like me and others were well established in the speaking business. One woman who I connected with at the event was Merry Dye. Merry and I happened to sit next to each other and casually struck up a conversation. When I asked Merry what she spoke about, her answer blew me away! Merry travels the world speaking about distracted driving. In 2009, her 18 year old daughter Mariah, was on her way to a baseball game when one of her friend’s texted her, “Where u at.” As Mariah attempted to respond to the message, her car struck a bridge and headed into incoming traffic. Mariah was partially ejected from the car, crushing her skull. She died eight days later, in May 2009.

I can’t even begin to describe the pain I saw in Merry’s face as she shared Mariah’s story with me. Her strength and her ability to persist in the midst of a parent’s worst nightmare, inspired me! Merry and her husband have turned their pain into power by traveling around the world sharing Mariah’s story and educating adults and young people about the dangers of distracted driving. As Merry was sharing her story I was slightly disappointed because on my way to the event ( as I do most days) I was texting and driving. Over the past few years I’ve stopped texting and driving quite a few times. It’ll last for a day or two and then I’m back at it again. It’s heartbreaking that often times a tradegy is needed in order to get our attention. After Merry shared her story with me I made a serious vow to stop texting and driving. No text is worth dying for. If you’d like to honor Mariah’s life and make a pledge to stop texting and driving  make the pledge on AT&T’s “It can Wait” Website here. I made my pledge last night! 

Quotes from #RocktheStage

“You can not separate personal dysfunction from business dysfunction.”  -Josh Shipp

“How we do anything is how we do everything.” -Josh Shipp

“If we are in the self-improvement business and refuse to get help ourselves, we are hypocrites.” -Josh Shipp

“The pathway to your greatest potential is straight through your greatest fear.” – Unknown

“Perception determines reception.” -Josh Shipp

“You’re never going to know what you want until you know who you are.” – Josh Shipp

“Your deepest wound is often your truest niche.” – Ted Hargrave

Tips for Speakers from the Experts

“Don’t confuse who you are with where you are on your journey.” – Unknown

“A person who’s confused doesn’t buy. Narrow your niche and scope and become an expert in that.” – Yahya Bakkar

“If you’re nervous about speaking and don’t know where to start with the speech writing process, book gigs and use the pressure to prepare.”  It’s easier to prepare for an upcoming event than an imaginary one. – Josh Shipp

“Be patient with the process.” – Unknown

“Whenever you go out to speak bring along a sign-up sheet and ask audience members to sign up if they’re interested in receiving your newsletter.” -Dr. Shonta Smith

“Don’t be arrogant and assume that you know exactly what your audience needs. Ask them. Take surveys.” – Josh Shipp

“Speak to your audience about what they currently care about and transition into the stuff they need to hear.” – Josh Shipp

“93% of communication is non-verbal. Notice who you are being when you are saying what you say.” –  Clint Pardoe