Interviews & Real Life Stories:

Interview with Michelle Ray
Michelle Ray professional speaker, trainer and founder of Walkabout Seminars International.

Born in Melbourne, Michelle is an International Speaker and Seminar Leader who has spoken to thousands of people around the world. Her company, Walkabout Seminars International was established in 1995 with registered offices in Vancouver, Canada as well as Sydney, Australia.

The Walkabout Seminars International “Customer Service 2000” series was released prior to the 2000 Olympic Summer Games. Michelle Ray’s passion for the topic has generated rave reviews from all over the world. It continues to be in great demand and was promoted in Vancouver in May 2002.

In October 2002, “Business in Vancouver” newspaper listed Michelle’s company as one of the top training providers in British Columbia. A sought-after keynote speaker and trainer, Michelle demonstrates a deep understanding of her subjects.

Michelle serves on the board of CAPS BC as the logistics and hospitality chair. She is currently preparing her application for candidacy as a Certified Speaking Professional; the highest designation in the speaking profession. She is a contributing author to “Expert Women Who Speak Vol. III”, due for release this month.

Michelle has received standing ovations for her Keynote presentation about negativity and customer satisfaction, entitled: www.I’m-Not-Happy.com. Her style is described as inspiring, uplifting, engaging and humourous; with a common sense message.

Deb: What was your first paid speaking engagement?

Michelle: I started out contracting with an American seminar company. I was nervous and anxious while I was preparing to speak to a crowd of 120 people. I memorized my introduction. Once I got going, after the first five minutes I wasn’t nervous anymore.

Deb: Would you recommend starting as a contract speaker for a seminar company?

Michelle: It’s not for everyone but it was a great experience for me. I got great training on the job. I mean, where else can you get paid to speak 100 – 150 times in the first year even as you are improving? I had the opportunity to see lots of other professional speakers for free. In the first year I must have gone to see 50 other speakers.

Deb: What got you started as a professional speaker?

Michelle: I really got into it because I was in a job I couldn’t stand and I was very unhappy. Nowadays in my presentation I use that story when I talk about leadership. As soon as I aligned with a seminar company I got incredible mentors and paid particular attention to those speakers who were going out on their own. That was always my goal.

Deb: We see the glamour of public speaking, but what about the unglamorous side?

Michelle: The unglamorous side is five cities in one week, travel, time changes, jet lag and hotel living. I’ve learned to deal with some of this by always making I go to bed early when I am on the road. I take a hot bath to relax.

Being on the road can be very isolating. I recommend you use your phone card and email as much as you need to. For me it is a lifeline.

Deb: How do you deal with constantly being evaluated?

Michelle: I think evaluations and evaluation forms are very useful. I pay close attention to any patterns I see in them. I really learned a lot about pacing a one-day seminar from what I was seeing in my evaluation forms.

Deb: Do you have a niche?

Michelle: Yes. My niche is workplace communication

Deb: How did you find your niche?

Michelle: More and more people were asking me about what to do in difficult situations with their colleagues. I did extensive research about the topic and began to see a real demand for it. I think this demand is always going to be there, particularly as people get more stressed at work. I always really got a charge out of doing these presentations too. I like to show people the humour of this topic as well as it’s darkside.

Deb: How important is humour and are you funny?

Michelle: Humor connects people universally. I have learned over the years that it is best to just be myself rather than try to be funny. The best kind of humour is self-deprecating. It is also important to realize the appropriateness of humour. Some speeches are not supposed to be funny. A speaker needs to know what message they are seeking to convey, and then use humour and pathos accordingly.

Deb: If there were one thing you would never do again, what would it be?

Michelle: I would never allow my membership with a professional speaking association to lapse. I feel that I have missed out on affiliating with the best and could have learned even faster than I did. I would have learned more about working ON the business, as well as IN the business.

Deb: What do you think is your biggest strength?

Michelle: I am focus and directed.

Deb: Have you ever thought about getting out of the speaking business?

Michelle: Not once. I can’t imagine working nine to five again, and I really love it too much.

Deb: Have you had lean years and how did you deal with them?

Michelle: Yes. All along I have put money back into the business, so I had some to see me through when times were a bit harder. I also keep my personal costs low to allow me to keep money in the business. Ask my friends; I am still waiting to install wood floors.

Deb: What advice do you have for new speakers?

Michelle: You have to spend money to make money. When I started out I got a $10,000 line of credit so that I could launch my business through marketing and a public seminar campaign. After my first public seminar I broke even. You have to be willing to invest in your business.

Deb: Do you see the speaking market changing?

Michelle: Yes. I think there is less interest in razzamatazz and more interest in practical advice and spiritual issues.

Deb: Did you ever or do you now speak for free?

Michelle: Yes to both. When I am asked by an association or network group to speak for free I carefully evaluate the type of audience and look for opportunities. If I can see them then I will speak for free. For example, I spoke in October 2001 for free and got a great contract out of that. Then I got a second contract as a result of the first contract. It was definitely worth it.

Deb: Have any words or books inspired you?

Michelle: Yes, Ghandi’s words when he says “Be careful of your thoughts, your thoughts become your words. Be careful of your words, your words become your actions. Be careful of your actions, your actions become your character. Be careful of your character, your character becomes your destiny”.

(Michelle, what does that MEAN to you?) These words are very powerful as they make me think about the impact that people have on one another as well as in the world. It is all about how we carry ourselves. Others will find our character attractive or otherwise, and we decide how we want others to see us

Deb: Have you been mentored?

Michelle: Yes I have. A fellow speaker called Andy Sherman in Kansas taught me to be myself. I watched as he showed me that through his own adversities he could help others learn about theirs.

Deb: How do you differentiate yourself from others who do similar presentations?

Michelle: My friend calls it “confession of the soul”. I think she means that I have a willingness to share my vulnerabilities and myself with my audience in order to connect with them.

Deb: What do you know now that you wished you knew when you started?

Michelle: How to determine my worth. Whether you say you are a $200 speaker or a $3000 speaker you are. You have to believe in your own value. My first experience in developing a keynote I asked for $1000 and got it. The company didn’t even bat an eye. Through associating with professional speakers in the industry I came to understand how those who asked what they were worth got it. I got a better sense of the market.