Skype Video Speech in Germany from California
by Jim Cathcart
I just got off the phone/computer from one the most enjoyable calls I’ve ever made.
Stephanie Charl Schule, a colleague of mine in Hannover, Germany invited me to address a meeting of the folks who are involved in iLearningGlobal.tv there. It was 5pm for them and 8am for me. So I was able to make the call from my computer by simply plugging in an external microphone and using the built in camera on the screen.
As my regular readers know, I’m one of the founding faculty of iLearningGlobal.tv and many of my training videos are featured on their website worldwide. When Steffi contacted me she said that I had many followers in Germany and she’d like to have me address their meeting via Skype call.
Her husband, Paul-Martin Schule, called me and confirmed our connection and the next thing I knew I was looking at Steffi in front of her computer screen with a large screen in the background showing ME! They had a meeting room with about 60 people in attendance and she had it set up to show me on a large screen while she interviewed me. We also took questions and comments from the audience. The sound quality of the connection was excellent.
Here is what the video looked like to them:
Steffi had sent me an outline of probable questions that she would ask me and I sent her my replies to each, so that she could translate the answers into German in advance of the meeting.
During the meeting as I answered each question and told short stories to illustrate, I would pause occasionally so that she could do a live translation for those who didn’t speak English. It really worked. The audience broke into applause on a number of occasions and seemed to truly connect with my message.
At the end of the event we took a little diversion when she asked me how I kept myself motivated. I showed her my guitar, one of two that I keep in my office. Then she asked me to play it. I played a piece of a song and she said the audience wanted more. So I played and sang my own song, Riding Free, plus a John Denver and a Neil Diamond song. They sang along with me, from the other side of the world! That produced much applause and laughter on both sides of the ocean. Great fun!
I asked her to turn the computer around so that I could see the audience and when she did, they gave me a standing ovation! It truly touched my heart. What a wonderful way to connect with people and a perfect way to start this day. By the way, today is the birth date of Cavett Robert, founder of the National Speakers Association. NSA members nationwide are encouraged to spend this day coaching and training others to become better communicators. Tonight I’ll be speaking as keynoter for the 75th anniversary banquet of the Toastmasters International Ventura California club. Thanks for following my blog and please let me know when I can be of service to you.
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6 comments
Stefanie Charlotte Schuele (Steffi) on November 15, 2009 at 7:38 am
Dear Jim,
thank you so much for making this incredible experience happen! It was such a pleasure and honor to have you speaking to us here in Germany from the other side of the world. You are such a wonderful person, and you truly live what you teach. The audience was mesmerized, and for me personally it was a one of a life time experience that I always will remember! Thank you Jim, for sharing with us your expertise, knowledge and spirit!
Christel Feitsch on November 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Dear Jim,
thank you so much for this moment. I meet you in Las Vegas for Pre Launch.
And now I meet you in This wonderfull audience .
It was a great moment for me.
Thank you very much
I wish you a good time almost be in Love and Happiness .
I looking forward to see you again .
Ilearningglobal will help us to realise our dreams and lot of people will find this way .
So I hope we all meet us in near future and we share our dreams and the spirit !
Donna Wierzbowski on November 15, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Steffi, This was such a great idea of yours! I know how excited you were about iLearningGlobal when we saw you in June in Hannover. You’ve definitely taken this a giant leap forward and we’re proud of you! –Donna Wierzbowski, aka Donna Del Oro
Kai Pawlowski on November 16, 2009 at 3:07 am
Dear Jim,
it was one of the things in life, I will not forget: Sitting there in this great meeting we had with about 50 iLG members and guests, after a full day of great speakers and than this live call with you… Listening to the songs you performed, beeing part of this ocean crossing communication – whow!
Thank you, Jim, that was amazing!
I am proud to be part of iLearningGlobal.tv with such great persons like you, Steffi and all the others (my girlfriend Claudia included
I guess all of us were heart touched by you talking to us not only about the motivational things but as well as the trips to Germany you made with your wife. Next time you take a tour through the Alps, let me know
All the best! Looking forward meeting you next possible chance!
Kai
Wilfried Küchenthal on November 16, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Dear Jim,
Thank you very much for those emotional spirits in Hannover.
The word motivation got a face, even yours.
I´m proud of you and be a part of ilg.
Monika Hirsch-Sprätz on November 16, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Dear Jim,
I was one of the iLG-members at these wonderful event in Hannover, where we had the chance, to meet you! Steffi’s wonderful idea, to transfer you in our meeting room, let develop a warm atmosphere in the whole room. Not knowing each other, but to listen and to sing with you, filled my eyes with tears and my heart with deep happiness. It was a very emotional moment for all of us and the sign, that the right spirit and vibration between people can connect continents! Thank you for this!
Monika