Q. Are you a motivational speaker? I heard one awhile ago and he was great, cavorted all over the stage, used lots of action on his e-illustrations, told jokes, kept us laughing, showed high energy, etc. I enjoyed the experience. Would I get that at one of your presentations?

A. The terms motivational and transformational may be used synonymously by some, but my brain perceives these terms as slightly different. Some define motivation as emotional desire, mental drive, or foundational energy. I think of transformation as exhibiting a marked change in appearance, behavior, or character—usually for the better.

Motivational speakers definitely have their place and there are many good examples. Organizations will often hire a motivational speaker to pump up employee enthusiasm and/or give them a desire to be part of a new program. Months later the listeners often recall the speaker and can describe behaviors (just as you did in your question), but may not be able to articulate any single strategy that the listener actually put into practice.

Given my perception of what these terms mean, I want to be a transformational speaker—someone who helps others transform their behaviors for the better. My personal goal is that each listener can leave my presentation with at least one practical brain-function strategy that can be implemented immediately—if the person so chooses—to help the individual move toward being more successful in life.

So, no, you will not find me cavorting all over the stage, telling jokes, and using lots of actions on my PowerPoint® presentations. You will find me sincerely interesting in sharing brain-function information in such a way that you can begin to exhibit a marked transformation in behavior for the better—right away.