Chris Farley's Memorial Mass at Marquette University in Milwaukee

Chris Farley died during my senior year of college. The dean of my college called me over Christmas break and asked me to head back to school early so I could plan the memorial Mass at Marquette University. I was the president of my college and Chris went to Marquette.
On the day of the Mass -- I had Chris' family there, bagpipers and Pat Finn to give the eulogy. (You've probably seen Pat in The Middle, Friends and Seinfeld... he's great.) His eulogy was hilarious and loving. He told stories that illustrated Chris as a student... to us, a chapel full of students. I wish I had video of it in its entirety. He also told stories of how Chris would make regular trips to the Joan of Arc chapel on campus to pray... talk to God... and just be alone.
After the service, the local stations wanted to interview me.
I didn't even think about this possibility.
I was unprepared.
As a young broadcast journalism student who wanted to be a reporter (as I thought at the time)… I blew my chance. I gave the all-time lamest soundbite.
But I learned a lot.
When the story on E! aired, I was a young TV producer. This taught me to be very careful when writing to pictures and video. Make sure the track matches the visuals. A mistake can hurt someone's reputation.
Be ready for anything.
Watch the makeup. Don't let it be a distraction.
Dress how you would want to be portrayed in pictures or on video -- especially if you're going to a high-profile event. You never know who may see the picture.
Have your elevator speech ready. What will you say if the media shows up? How will you answer if someone at that wedding asks you what you do, or why you're "in between jobs," or what you're looking for in your next role? What will you say when they ask you what your company does? Remember -- quick responses that stick with your audience.
I coach clients so they're ready when THEIR opportunity comes. Most times - you're not going to know it's coming.
Was I just an inexperienced college student? Yeah. But -- opportunities come no matter how old you are … and that's why parents hire me to coach their college students. So they're ready for their FIRST and SECOND opportunities...
Will you be ready when the lights come on and you have to tell your story or your company's story?

[@jamesrideout123]

WoW this was awesome.

[@JanicekPerformanceGroup]

Thanks!

[@aapp953]

Wow you guys are really cool for doing this im sure the family was touched