Recent Unconventional Speakers News and Events

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DAVID HIRA LECTURES FOR HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF MAGICIANS – JANUARY 2004
By Scott Wells

“ For your audience to be enthusiastic about you, you must be enthusiastic about them.”

This was more than a quote but an underlying theme for David Hira’s recent lecture. He practiced what he preached as he maintained a perpetual yet sincere smile throughout the entire evening. He genuinely seemed to enjoy sharing with us some of his knowledge and experience gained over his last 30 years as one of the busiest performing magicians in Texas; hence, the name of his lecture, “Neat Things I Know.” David was quick to point out that that he was not teaching “neat things he invented” but rather showed what worked for him and how he made it uniquely his by wrapping his personality around the tricks.

The tricks themselves were easily within the grasp of myriad levels of expertise of the 30 plus attendees. And all seemed to take something away from the experience. One of the things that made this lecture unique was that David gave away props to everyone so we could work through the tricks as we followed along with his instructions. This was definitely not a dealer show or dealer demo. David did not come to sell a lot of dealer items but rather to give back to the magic community some of what it has given him. All he had to sell was a video (of the trick portion of his lecture) and some lecture notes (on the showmanship aspect of his lecture) for a special package price of $35.00.

In the style of a motivational speaker, David maintained interest throughout the evening and kept people in their seats (or on the edge of them) for nearly three hours. He explained in the beginning what was going to happen, what tricks would be taught and how long each portion of the lecture would last. David’s lecture was really two lectures but not intertwined. The first half was all about tricks and the second on costuming, showmanship and make-up. The second half included essential requirements for those who want their show to be more professional. He kept the lectures separate so those who just wanted to learn some cool tricks could get what they wanted then leave before the discussion of showmanship. As mentioned, no one left the building…and were they glad they stayed.

The second lecture was about the real “meat-and-potatoes” of magic. This is an area too often ignored by every other lecturer we have had come through. It was the kind of information that one could expect from a theatrical or drama class on a collegiate level. It is what magicians need to know but have not adequately studied. Although he discussed it for an hour, it was something that could have gone on for much longer. In fact, it was during this session that attendees asked the most questions.

Flattering compliments are easily given and often insincere, but the accolades David received after the lecture were straight from the hearts of many of the attendees. David Hira’s goal as a lecturer is not necessarily to be the best that any club would ever have, but to be at least in the top three or four. Certainly many in the club that night have put him in that category.

Chuck Lehr Honored By SAM

Unconventional Speaker, Chuck Lehr received much deserved recognition recently. At the 2003 convention of the Society of American Magicians Chuck Lehr and his wife, Joannie, were honored for their achievements and commitment to the many organizations they serve. This included their service to the SAM. This landed them the cover of MUM Magazine. (Chuck and Joannie are on the left.) MUM is the monthly magazine of the SAM. This included a huge article about Chuck and Joannie. Their accomplishments read for many pages. The article touches on Chuck's military career and his life as a professional magician. But the focus of the article was on their commitment and dedication to service. They both support many organizations who would be lost without them.

This was a great honor that they both deserve.

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Jeff Crilley Offers Priceless Advice

Unconventional Speaker, Jeff Crilley, is an Emmy award winning Fox News Reporter. He has written the handbook on success for all of us. Jeff will be speaking at many events in the Metroplex, as he introduces this new book. His lecture on how to get "Free Publicity" for your business is well received. Many of those in his audience are given personal advice from Jeff on how to use the readily available media resources to get notoriety for their product or upcoming event. He is a wealth of knowledge and eager to educate individuals in writing a press release that will get the media's attention. We are honored to represent Jeff as an outstanding orator!

Mica Calfee at Haltom City Banquet

Unconventional Speaker, Mica Calfee, was guest speaker for the Boards and Commissions Banquet in Haltom City on November 13th. After a wonderful meal, Mica was introduced in the ballroom of the Diamond Oaks Country Club. City Manager, Tom Muir, introduced Captain Calfee. Mr. Muir touched on Mica's accomplishments ranging from Professional Entertainer to Veteran Fire Officer, Author and Public Speaker.

Speaking on the humorous nicknames, as well as, the intense responsibilities of the Fire Service, the audience was held captive by Mica's stories of heroism and humor. He went on to congratulate the volunteers on the various city commissions for their accomplishments.

The Star Telegram will be reporting on this event and Captain Calfee's lecture will be aired on cable television in the Ft. Worth area. Mica will be speaking in the near future for the Collin County Jr. College Geology Department. He will speak on the subject of his article in Meteorite Magazine. We look forward to hearing more responses to this great speaker!

Unconventional Speakers would like to thank Mayor Calvin White for extending this opportunity to our speakers bureau.

Russell Romo Speaks to Las Colinas Leaders

Unconventional Speaker, Russell Romo, spoke for the distinguished audience of the Las Colinas Rotary as their President’s Day program. Many of the city government’s leadership attended this lecture.

Mr. Romo unfolded the character of Lincoln in a unique style. The title of his lecture was “Check His Pockets.” Revealing the contents of Lincoln’s pockets at his death, we were able to better understand his strong character and priorities. Russell highlighted this president’s strategies of war and life in general.

As someone who is called upon by prison wardens to encourage integrity and character in the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates, Russell Romo has faced extreme challenges in his speaking career. And as a lover of history, he often demonstrates his points with one of our country’s founding fathers.

We look forward to hearing this orator in the near future as he speaks in area colleges and civic organizations! Unconventional Speakers is honored to offer a speaker of this caliber.

Do you believe in magic? Community?

By KIRK DICKEY
News Editor, Today Newspapers

Seeming to materialize out of a simple pad of sketching paper, the ball made a loud thump as it hit the stage, causing several people to jump and then applaud.

It was a bit of a shock, but that was just the opening act. There were a lot more surprises to come at the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Ball, held at Oak Cliff Country Club Jan. 23, when chamber members and community-minded residents gathered to honor one another.

David Hira, an area magician and chamber member, provided the entertainment for the evening, performing several illusions and a few jokes that left audience members scratching their heads.

Hira also offered an inspirational message, stemming from an auto accident he had 11 years ago. After almost being killed by a car, Hira said it took all the doctors, nurses, lab technicians, janitors and cafeteria workers to help him recover. They all worked together to help him and other patients, he said. And that is what the chamber members would have to do if they wanted to remain strong.
“ Before we let the community die, before we let a school go downhill, before we we let a business fail, we must all come together,” he said.

That seemed to be a theme for the evening, with several award recipients wanting to share credit with co-workers, friends and family.

Before passing on the gavel of chamber chairmanship to Amanda Hinton, outgoing chair Charles Peyton said a few words about the accomplishments of the past year. Peyton talked about the first ever Chamber of Commerce Small Business Summit, several Chamber Night Out meet-and-greet events and the more than 1,000 people who came to the annual Taste of Cedar Hill Business Expo.

Your recommendation is our highest compliment.