I’m closing out my series on current speakers and their books with another counter-intuitive choice:  Bishop T. D. Jakes.  Counter-intuitive because Jakes is a preacher – but not such an unusual choice when you consider that Jakes is the CEO of a modest-sized not-for-profit corporation, with 300 employees, at least $50 million in physical plant, television and radio production companies, roughly 30 books and a Grammy award to his credit.  He has prayed with and counseled the last 3 presidents from his megachurch in Dallas, which has over 28,000 members.  

The guy is a player, with followers, influence, political power, and financial clout.  One of his recent books is pretty typical:  Reposition Yourself:  Living Life without Limits, which is all about growing through faith, achieving through works, and both giving and receiving blessings: http://bit.ly/cJcxXg. 

Jakes has many YouTube videos; here’s a recent one that gives you a good idea of his style: http://bit.ly/nYL65.  What can business speakers learn from this powerful preacher?  Two things.  First, when you’re talking to 30,000 people there’s only one way to reach them:  with passion.  If you don’t have the passion, don’t bother to try.  It’s a lesson that many a business speaker needs to learn.  So take a look at this 8-minute video, watch Jakes keep his passion strong throughout, and take the hint. 

Second, as much as Jakes is a preacher, he’s not just shouting at his audience.  He’s having a conversation with them.  Watch him change it up, involve his audience, pause for them to respond, and generally ensure that his audience is with him every step of the way. 

Two great lessons from the Bishop that all business speakers would do well to remember – and make their own.