With the tenor of #PublicSpeaking4everyone and #PublicSpeaking4Teens, Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) speakers and leaders share timely and useful messages in keynote presentations, trainings, and panel discussions.
We are experienced with a variety of settings, formats, modes, and events, and honor Asian cultural values.
- Settings: formal, casual, motivational, humorous, and informational
- Formats: keynote, panel, fireside chat, Q&A, training, workshop, and event emcee
- Modes: virtual, in-person, hybrid, TV, radio, podcast, and social media
- Events: webinars, conferences, and Asian Heritage Month
- Asian cultural values: Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Indian, Pakistani, Laotian, Hmong, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Taiwanese
We also coach and mentor next-gen presenters, and plan, manage, and host events.
“Our speakers have significantly elevated the value of events at Fortune 500 companies, Federal, State, and local agencies, and virtual programs. They give an authentic and authoritative voice to the issues leaders care most about.”
Commissioner Mandy Sha
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Presenter Audition Information
Speaker Expo Impact Analysis
Global management consulting firm Kearney reported a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 61 (“excellent”) for the first Asian & Pacific Islander-centered Speaker Expo in North America.
At the #FirstClass Speaker Expo, 50 of the finest Asian & Pacific Islander speakers & leaders who share AAPI cultural values illuminated 5 issue topics and solutions for professionals at any stage of their career.
- Career advancement
- Leadership development
- Understanding Asian & Pacific Islanders in North America
- Inclusion and belonging
- Mental health, wellness, and health equity
The featured emcees and speakers were selected from a rigorous 6-month audition and rehearsal process.
Endorsed by NAAAP, the National Association of Asian American Professionals
Speaking Samples
WATCH SAMPLE:
Presenter Audition Information
Why do I need to audition?
We require auditions for 3 reasons:
- ensure quality and equity
- encourage commitment to the #PublicSpeaking4everyone principle
- engineer readiness and preparedness for time-limited thought provoking content
I am a professional speaker. Why do I still need to audition?
To put equity into practice, all presenters must audition.
What should I cover in my audition?
Besides telling us about what your core message is about, also state the IMPLICATIONS, i.e. why your message is TRANSFORMATIVE. Let’s say your core message may be about a specific self-advocacy or leadership skill, a particular Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategy, or the challenges and triumphs you’ve experienced. Ultimately, they help the audience bust stereotypes.
For the audition, we do not recommend Power Point, but if you must, it cannot be more than 20% of your audition.
Besides content, what else can I do to maximize my success at the audition?
Follow the Best Look success maximizer courtesy of Commissioner and presenter coach Mandy Sha.
Attire
Wear what makes you feel most comfortable and according to your projected persona for the specific topic you choose. This does not mean that you are being inauthentic. For example, if you choose to talk about leading with vulnerability, wearing something business casual may be more on topic than wearing a suit.
Presence
- Adjust your camera angle so your face is not partially hidden and look directly into the camera.
- Stand or sit as you deem necessary to enhance your message. For example, a message of power is usually received more convincingly when the speaker is standing. A message of empathy is usually received more favorably when delivered in a softer tone.
- Make sure you have sufficient lighting. It’s OK that your background is your home or office as long as it is NOT cluttered or distracting that take attention away from YOU.
Can you provide audition examples?
Here are some example audition recordings:
- Jeff Harry addresses how his presentation “navigating difficult conversations in the workplace” shall transform public perceptions
- Dr. Julie Pham addresses the transformative impact of her message to workplace communication for API professionals
- Simon Tam rock star & activist
- Christina Ching Pacific Islander perspective in cell phone view
- Dr. Zhu Shen award-winning filmmaker and her professionally produced audition recording
Thank you Jeff, Julie, Simon, Christina, and Zhu for allowing us to share their auditions! Please note that these are provided as examples, not standards. We appreciate unique voices, diction and gifts.
Do I need to identify as Asian to audition?
Speakers of all racial and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to audition. At #PublicSpeaking4everyone programs, we pride ourselves in curating a diverse roster of speakers that comprise Asian American, Asian Canadian, and Pacific Islander leaders and Allies.
What does AAPI, AANHPI, AAPI and NH, APIDA, APA mean?
They are acronyms that have been used to describe Asians in North America. One of our informative presentations delve into the history and evolution of these terms as they relate to identity, and ask provocatively “who do you say we are”?
All #PublicSpeaking4everyone ™ programs:
#PublicSpeaking4Teens #PublicSpeaking4Everyone
