ANDY’S VIRTUAL IMPACT Presentations
​LEADING SINCE 1992 

ANDY – CHALLENGES AND CHANGE IN 2020-2021  

Since March 16th, 2020 it has been a challenging and ever-changing year! Prior to that day, I had never delivered a virtual program. Now, I have made a full-time commitment to deliver ALL my IMPACT Presentation options as Videos or Live Virtual Conference Call Presentations. 
 
I complemented my online speaking from March 23 – December 23 with a full-time job at Costco. My experiences at the world’s third largest retailer provided me with powerful material and insights for all my audiences! (These lessons are now a key part of my Co-Op and Workplace training keynotes and workshops!) This has been a year of everyone having to face tremendous fear while using words like “pivot” and “new normal”. The weekend of March 13-15, I watched 31 cancellations eliminate all my income for the remainder of the spring. Within a week I had professionals share with me that returning to the stage will probably not happen until late 2022! Thus, in a two-week span in March, I went from entertaining thousands of students on school tours of British Columbia and New Brunswick to packing groceries and learning how to use a cash register! Several of my “bosses” were half my age and recalled my appearances at their high schools! 
 
I have returned to a full-time commitment to speaking to start 2021 after a wonderful and much needed break over the Christmas holidays. Costco was such a blessing, but it was time for me to focus on my passion – MY IMPACT PRESENTATIONS!
 
I can relate to the stunning and uncomfortable changes of 2020-21! 
 
Here in London, my children are on the front lines of this unique year. I have a daughter in high school learning in-person. My younger daughter is learning online at the Thames Valley District School Board’s Virtual Elementary School. This allows me to bring a unique angle to my assemblies. My programs are based on their experiences learning in person and online, combined with my own insights.
 
My wife has 7 years teaching as a high school French and Computers teacher. This year she is teaching online at the Virtual high school in our city. I add her insights as a professional working during these challenging times. My spare bedroom is now a classroom! This semester she teaches grade 9 Introduction to Computers virtually to 25 students – one of whom is in Korea! 
 
I am a rare presenter who is equally comfortable in front of a grade 1-4 audience as I am grades 5 to 12, university and college students, teachers, administrators, and professionals in a variety of fields!  
 
This website has a detailed look at all my programs including video of my assemblies, icebreakers, and leadership program. Under the downloads tab you will find the PDFs of my Elementary and Secondary School Flyers, with a detailed look at my experience, my school assembly choices, my staff program and my student leadership workshops. 
ANDY’S “VIRTUAL” IMPACT OPTIONS
Since May of 2020, I have been given the opportunity to VIRTUALLY share my motivational programs in TWO forms: 

1) IMPACT Live Video Conferencing:  From 20 minutes to 2 hours. I can also combine attending the event LIVE with my IMPACT Videos playing between LIVE segments. 

2) IMPACT Video: Accessible for several weeks or months, the video can be used for classroom, workshop and staff meeting settings. Best for large groups and for the flexibility of showing it at different times, including parents! Videos can be delivered in 10-to-20-minute episodes, for increased flexibility. 

One of these can bring IMPACT to your community in 2021

OPTION 1: IMPACT Live Video Conference Programs 
My IMPACT Video Conference program works well if it is a smaller group of participants where security of the stream is less likely to be compromised. This was the case for the student leaders of John Abbott College in Montreal who numbered less than 75 and were the only ones aware of the meeting link. I was part of a day-long conference and delivered two live workshops of 75 minutes each at two different times during the program.
This also worked well for the King’s College Peace Camp. Only 60 families got the Zoom participation link. In addition, we wanted active engagement from the campers in the songs and camp cheers. Every ten minutes I had the campers up and I led them in songs, with the help of my family! 
It also works if the small group is all in one setting and live interaction with me is encouraged.  With the Fredericton High School student leadership executive, the Live Conference Call meeting worked best as they were all in one room, numbering about 10, watching me together. I could deliver my talk and have active engagement with them on answering questions and leading activities. 
“IMPACT” Live Video Conferencing Insights:
  • Your school or event hosts the virtual gathering. I come online at least 30 minutes before the start.
  • I can use screen sharing to share key statements, pictures, and video. I avoid being just a “talking head”. I will alternate between standing and sitting and will effectively use screen sharing for images and statements to match my messages. 
  • One additional option is that I am LIVE at the start and the end of the program, but during the presentation time you share a Video(s) of my presentation. These can be in 10 to 20 minute “episodes” and I then return LIVE in between each video. The advantage of this is that it allows a more seamless use of images, videos and key statements that will make the program more visually appealing. The LIVE element allows me to still interact with the hosts and possibly the audience and craft my messages towards your specific goals and needs. 
  • The presentation will be offered with a printable summary, reviewing key concepts, stories, and ideas for follow-up and discussion.
  • From my end, I have a high-speed desktop computer with professional lighting, webcam, and a secure hard wired internet connection. The connection will be excellent from my end! 
  • Presentation timing is flexible to your needs. The Peace Camp was 25 minutes, John Abbott College was two 75-minute programs, and the Fredericton HS leaders’ workshop was 120 minutes with a 15-minute break at the 45-minute mark. 
2020-21 LIVE Video Conference Examples:
The Global Student Leadership Day. 
On May 7th, I was one of 33 speakers that formed the program for the Global Student Leadership Day. www.globalstudentleadershipday.com   
Canadian National Institute for the Blind – Deaf Blind Services
In July, as part of their “Wellness Wednesdays” for their Intervenors (Counsellors who work one on one with the Deaf Blind across Ontario.) 
King’s University College, Western University. PEACE CAMP
For a fourth year I was a speaker at this annual event for children ages 6 to 10. I delivered 3 half-hour presentations on Inclusion, Joy and Love. For your elementary schools these would be excellent high energy programs.
Fredericton High School, New Brunswick. Student Leadership Executive Training. 
In early September, 10 student leaders met in a conference room at their high school to participate in a 90-minute leadership training session. 
John Abbott College, West Island of Montreal. Student Leadership Retreat
My second visit in 3 years, this time as a virtual program in October where I delivered two 75-minute presentations on Reliability and Inclusion. Student Activities Director Bill Mahon sent this email: “Thank you. You have made an impact among our students. Both presentations were well received. We had done a small debrief near the end of the day and you had a major impact. Students loved you suggesting to turn on camera and doing the small exercises. It got them out of their chairs. These messages transcend their stay at John Abbott and will follow them for years to come.” 
Ontario Student Leadership Conference
Since 1992 I have spoken at this annual event. This year we moved the program online, made it available to schools across North America, and on November 2-3 over 2500 student leaders and teachers participated across two days. I delivered a half hour presentation on “Initiate Inclusion Through Invitation”. Arranged by Youth Leadership Camps Canada, Stu Saunders at ylcc.com 
London District Catholic School Board – High School Student Senate Retreat
​January 2021 the school board hosted a half-day retreat for the Student Senates of 9 high schools. I delivered a 75-minute workshop on Communication and Inclusion. This was the second virtual program this year arranged by Vanessa DiMarcelli, the School Board’s Experiential Learning Lead.
Following the program, I received this email from Stephanie Dundas, the Student Senate Advisor for St. Thomas Aquinas HS in London, ON. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation today. It was great to hear the stories about your extended family. I loved how you connected those experiences to being a leader. The students enjoyed it as well!!  
OPTION 2: IMPACT Video Presentation 
A Pre-recorded Video based program shared a few days in advance as a hidden YouTube link. 
An additional option is that the IMPACT Video is shared as a MP4 file using Google Drive and you possess the file on your server. You can then share with your community how and when you want. 
This works best for when there are more than 75 participants, such as an event to replace a school assembly or conference keynote. It is also best if you have participants who will watch the video at different times. 
I have learned to deliver my IMPACT Videos in Episodes of 10 to 20 minutes each, divided by topic. This is a fantastic option to divide my keynote or workshop across several viewings. This gives teachers and administrators tremendous flexibility to use my programs at times that works best for their ever-changing needs. For example, the student leadership class and student council of Pauline Johnson HS in Brantford, Ontario are viewing the over 90-minute workshop on “Making Care Contagious” across several weeks in 10 to 20-minute episodes. After each episode, the teacher can lead a discussion and project based on my insights.  
My program can be a longer 30-to-75-minute video, in one episode, upon request. 
For the Grade 9s of the Thames Valley District school board, the 2000+ participants were emailed the link to my program and assigned my keynote as their “homework” from their two-day orientation. For the Ohio Association of Student Leaders, the online leadership campers were emailed the link and given 3 hours in the middle of their full-day program to watch my 80-minute video. They then returned to a live program to discuss. For the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences, the 700 delegates watched the program live across a day. I was introduced live, I spoke briefly in person, and then the company hosting the virtual event played my video for the hour. I then returned live following the video. 
The timing is flexible to your needs. 
Advantages of an IMPACT Video vs. a LIVE Conference Call Program, for your consideration 
  • No reliance on the internet connection on the two ends, or in multiple locations, where video or voice lags can occur due to internet traffic.
  • No chance of interruptions. 
  • Depending on the internet connection on your end, it may be better sound and video quality. 
  • Pre-recorded video allows a little more creativity on my end in adding title pages, key statements, graphics, pictures, camera angles, re-enactments, and complementary videos to keep the program interesting for your audience. 
  • You will have the program available to you on any device that can access YouTube (if you want to use the internet) or downloaded to your hard drive (no internet required once you download it.) Your participants can then watch it on any range of media: projected to a screen from a computer in a small gathering, personal laptops, smart boards in a classroom, or phones or tablets in a home setting!
  • With the program guaranteed at least three days before it will be shown, you have the flexibility to show the program at any time that works for you.
  • Programs will be delivered in 10 to 20-minute episodes, to give you greater flexibility in sharing the presentation with students. You can have it shown across 60-75 minutes, back-to-back OR spread out the episodes across several days or weeks. Additionally, staff can assign students to present portions of the program and lead a discussion with the class.
  • The web link can be active for the balance of the school year! You can share the presentation with students or staff that missed the first showing of the program. You can make it available to your parent community. It can be revisited later, can be referenced for ongoing leadership training, or added to the curriculum and studied as a possible project in English, Business, Communications or Drama.
  • My IMPACT Videos can be combined with a LIVE appearance at your event via Video Conferencing.
  • The length of the presentation matches your needs: from 20 minutes to 90 minutes. No chance of the program going too long! Longer programs can also be delivered!
  • I will offer suggestions of stretch break activities to do with the program, with video guidance. Previous clients know that I specialize in icebreakers and energizers to keep my audience laughing and interacting. I will continue to do this in a virtual setting. 
  • The presentation will be offered with a printable summary, reviewing key concepts, stories, and ideas for follow-up and discussion.
  • With many areas offering coursework online, my video can be shared easily with those students who have decided to learn from home.
2020-21 IMPACT Videos Examples:
Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences. 
On May 2nd, I was one of 6 speakers for a province-wide online conference for the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences. www.oamrs.org   This advocacy and educational organization represents the thousands of health care professionals that perform CAT scans, MRIs, Ultrasounds and Nuclear Medicine in the therapy departments and medical imagery departments of hospitals and clinics. 
Ohio Association of Student Leaders, Summer Camp. 
Across two weeks in July, several hundred middle and high school student leaders from across Ohio participated in a virtual leadership camp. I was a keynote speaker, combining the following two presentations into an 80-minute keynote with an icebreaker:
  • "The Look" Bounces off me! Dealing Positively with Negativity, and
  • “Initiate Inclusion by Invitation”. Andy’s three “I’s” of Building Community. 
The Association’s Executive director, Connie Miley, has known me for over 20 years and has booked me 3 times to keynote their state leadership conference. After watching the video she sent me the following: 
I just finished watching your presentation. I’m literally typing this on my phone through the tears that are flowing freely down my cheeks. You got me, friend. I’m so very excited for our delegates to become part of your powerful and important message. Thank you for caring so much and for sharing your care with OASL. 
 
Here is an 8-minute video clip from this Making Care Contagious program:
Andy's Virtual IMPACT "Make Care Contagious - the Impact of Listening"  

“High School Here I Come!” Grade 9 Welcome for the Thames Valley District School Board (London, St. Thomas, Woodstock in Ontario) 
Over 2000 grade 9s in August participated across a week of small group Orientation activities at 39 schools in the board. I was the concluding speaker for the event, shared as an email link to all the participants and assigned as homework for the students. I delivered a 53-minute presentation based on my “Get Your Hand UP!” assembly for grades 6-12. I added a powerful “The Challenges of 2020” addition to the assembly to address the uniqueness of this year. Coordinator Paul MacGregor is an excellent reference to my work, having booked me 5 times at his school, AB Lucas Secondary, and seeing me speak at his high school as a student in the 1990s. [email protected]
 
Here is the link to view an 11-minute clip from this program. ​
Pauline Johnson Collegiate, Brantford, Ontario. Student Leadership Class
My 7th visit to this school, but this time they booked me for eight episodes of my “Making Care Contagious” student leadership workshop. Total running time of over 90 minutes, it will be used as part of the curriculum of their leadership class and for the training of their student council and other club leaders. Arranged by leadership teacher Neal Stamer, [email protected]

London District Catholic School Board, Ontario. Grade 7 and 8 Classes
​In early December, all the students that are learning online from home in grades 7, 8 watched my “Get Your Hand UP” assembly across several episodes, hosted by the school board. They were so happy with the content that ALL the grades 7 and 8s learning in-person will watch my program in the coming months. Arranged by Vanessa DiMarcelli, [email protected] ​
Video Clips 
The Story of BVP. From Andy's "Can I Count On You?" Reliability Program   11 minutes
From my Reliability Program, filmed originally for the Global Student Leadership Conference. This presentation has been shared with dozens of adult audiences in the past few years.
"My Bad" from Andy's "Can I Count on You?" Reliability Program   5 minutes
From my Reliability Program, filmed originally for the Global Student Leadership Conference. This presentation has been shared with dozens of adult audiences in the past few years.

Andy’s Personalization of his IMPACT Videos
The most unique quality of my presentations is that your events, activities, and accomplishments are incorporated into the presentation. I will promote upcoming activities while offering recognition and praise for past events. Money spent on my programs can be considered an investment in more successful future activities! Plus, all your leadership groups and their advisors will appreciate a speaker that mentions their accomplishments!
  • Each presentation will be prepared uniquely for your school, conference, event, or training. 
  • I will reference your school mascot and location.   
  • Under your guidance I can promote upcoming activities and reference past activities. 
  • I can incorporate a conference theme, a school wide character trait, a school moto, or a goal for a month or a year. 
  • Presentation options for grades 1-12, student leadership retreats, school staff, and special focus programs on Kindness & Caring; Inclusion and Appreciation of Differences.
For a fantastic look at how I create custom videos based on a school’s goals, history, activities, and culture, you can check out this 12- minute video.
Created for Pauline Johnson Collegiate, Brantford, Ontario, the first 8 minutes is specially crafted introduction to the “Making Care Contagious” Leadership program the school purchased. I study the history of the school and weave lessons and their successes into the program. The concluding 6 minutes, I return to the namesake of the school, Pauline Johnson, and tie in a poem she wrote to the challenges of 2020-2021. 
It is what I have been doing for 29 years. 
This year I will deliver in a new way.   ​
References
Andy IMPACTS the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences, May 2020 
“You had me crying and the feedback on the chat has been amazing. You’re the miracle Andy – I’ve loved working with you, and we will do this again sooner than later. We are going to put your program into our webinar archive and put a link on our education summit page as well. I am so happy that your experience with us was good at a time where we all needed a little miracle. I’m looking forward to the next one with great anticipation. I hope you stay safe and please thank your wife for her support as well. It meant the world to me as I know it did for you too.”
Shannon McCracken, OAMRS Professional Services Coordinator, Office: 1-800-387-4674 Ext. 403  Shannon arranged my presentation and was beyond thrilled! 

“Andy, I just finished watching you on the OAMRS Synergy Through Connection virtual seminar.  In light of where the world is at the last couple of months, I found your speech incredibly powerful and uplifting, and actually very emotional.  You touched home many times and I have to say, I was actually in tears many times throughout your speech. I saw myself, and my beliefs on how to treat people, in your words many times. I have never experienced a speaker that produced this kind of reaction from me, and although I know the stress of the COVID "new-normal" we live in has probably contributed to some of that reaction, that wasn't all of it.  It was directly due to your powerful interaction with your audience, your approach that makes it feel personal to each individual listener, and the feeling we get of how "real" you are.  I know I have not explained myself as I'd like, but I just want to thank you and let you know that  bringing me to tears was an indication of how GOOD that speech was!”
Janet Reid, OAMRS Member. Janet messaged me on my Facebook IMPACT page 10 minutes following the conclusion of my video!

Andy IMPACTS the Ohio Association of Student Leaders, July 2020
“Andy was fantastic to work with! He was eager to find out what our theme of our workshop was and began to immediately brainstorm ways he could incorporate our theme into his presentation. Our students were engaged in his message and presentation, even in a virtual setting. When asking students what takeaways they received from the keynote presentation, responses included: to be more inclusive, to be more confident, not to push personal beliefs on others, to be more supportive, and to not let others' responses dictate our own personal actions and reactions. They referenced various messages and quotes from this speech throughout the rest of our week together at our virtual conference.”
Kaitlyn O’Hara, Coordinator, Ohio Association of Student Leaders Virtual Summer Camp 2020. ​​