*Air-tistry*

by Jack Porcello

My favorite type of presentation is the motivational or inspirational routine. When I put together a show of this sort, I always feel energized. The more effective the final show, the more I benefit from the message I am sharing with my audience. In my experience, the effectiveness of the final presentation depends mainly on the approach taken to build the show. Does content follow technique, or vice versa? Does it make a difference?

How many times have we gotten the call to do a show for a motivational program, and sat back to think, "ok, what is in my repertoire that I can use to make the point required?" We would then wrack our brains trying to make something work. This used to happen to me, and in the past it was a real challenge.

We've all either been there, or have seen the artist who has struggled with this situation. Trying to make that standard magic trick fit the message of the event by making a scarf appear that has "Say No To Drugs" printed on it. Forcing puns based on balloon creations that we know how to make. When the time comes for presentation, it appears contrived, lacks impact, and all falls apart. This has become known between my wife and me as the "Forced Message Syndrome."

I can honestly say that this has not happened to me for about 12 years now. Not to say that I haven't had the occasional bum show, but it hasn't been due to the "Forced Message Syndrome." Usually it is because of balloons breaking, or effects that don't come off as well as I had planned. But due to the approach that I have developed in my routine preparation, I am able to recover even those situations. I call this approach the "Bubble Up Effect."

As I stated in an earlier article, I will not do a motivational presentation unless I truly believe in the message presented. Also, as I have often maintained, I am not as good a balloon sculptor as many of you. My strength is in my abilities as a storyteller and a public speaker. That is what I rely upon.

While considering this point, I realized that my skills as a storyteller and public speaker go hand in hand with my conviction to only present material that I feel strongly about. When a message comes from my heart, I can express it more convincingly than if I am simply trying to sell something. This is how I came upon the "Bubble Up Effect."

The "Bubble Up Effect" comes when I start with a message that actually speaks strongly to me. I then research the message intensely, and then go about developing the show based on the power the message holds for me. By this method the power of the message drives the show, and the force of my conviction is what makes the show successful. The message "bubbles up" inside of me, and flows out of me, drenching my audience in the rushing flood of its power.

Often my balloon manipulations are incredibly simple. Some may even say that they are laughable. Recently I did one of many shows I do for a local radio station on self-confidence entitled "See My Spirit Soar." At the end of the presentation (which I do silently with very simple balloon props) I took a Qualatex 646, inflated it leaving about 1/2 inch nipple, wrote the word "SPIRIT" on it with a black marker, cut the tip off the nipple end, and released it so that it soared to the ceiling. The final impact was great, and the kids loved it! But what is more, I questioned them after the show and discovered that they got the point of the message that preceded this effect. The last bit was just punctuation.

I was commissioned recently to do a show for an urban family advocate group. The topic of the event was "cooperation." For this presentation I dressed one child up with balloons to represent a train engine, and then used a chain of 260Qs to link other children to him. At the signal (a train whistle, of course) the engine tried to pull the other "cars" along the "track." I had instructed the other kids to stand in place, and of course the "engine" wasn't able to pull them. After some repairs, I instructed the kids to all go off together but to follow the lead of the engine. This time they were successful, of course. The message we put forth was that we can get more accomplished when we work together.

I have employed many other simple balloon manipulations, and each has carried the impact of the message I shared because of the conviction by which I shared the message. The power of my passion allowed me to take a simple routine and transform it into a magnificent event.

My shows are mainly gospel shows, but I have employed the "Bubble Up Effect" sucessfully in secular programs as well. I have a repetoire of developmental programs for public schools and other venues, and each of them was compiled using the "Bubble Up Effect." I also stress this preparation technique when I teach classes that are used in the certfication of child care providers in Monore County, NY. Many of my students have expressed to me how much energy their programs carry since they have employed this technique.

Be powerful in your presentations, and your audience will get the point as well as be entertained! Take the message to heart, and your presentation will "Bubble Up" and flow over to all around!

See my website for more information, or you may e-mail me at info@airtothekingdom.org.

Until next time, I remain *Air-tistically* yours!

Jack