I just got back from several days in Orlando, Florida for the National Speakers Association Annual Convention. In addition to taking some time for my own professional development, I had the chance to speak at the NSA Youth Program, presenting to some really awesome students who know speaking (their parents are members of NSA). I had a great time.
After my speech on Monday, I sat in the hallway visiting with my friend (and incredible speaker), Cara Filler (seriously, you should consider hiring her). The students had just left for their day trip to Sea World, and so Cara and I had a few minutes to chat about speaking, chat about life, and chat about the convention. As we visited, one of the sound technicians approached.
Carl had helped out Cara with a quick transition on Sunday just prior to her speech. He was a HUGE help and just a really nice guy overall. Carl came by and sat down with us for a few minutes. Cara and I asked him about his work and dealing with the egos that can sometimes be present. He told us a humorous anecdote about another convention he worked on. The conversation shifted to places we’d like to live and the nature of work.
Somehow or another, the conversation shifts and Carl shares about his background in film. Prior to being a sound technician, he worked as a stuntman and camera operator in over 90 television shows and movies, including From the Earth to the Moon, one of my favorite miniseries. He starts sharing stories about some of the incredible people he’s worked including several astronauts from the Apollo missions and describes their humble nature and incredible kindness.
It was such a contrast to the ego he can sometimes encounter working as the sound guy. Far too many people think he is “beneath them.” It doesn’t happen all the time, but he did mention occasions where people cuss in his face, insult his intelligence, or question his work ethic all because a microphone isn’t working for one second during a rehearsal or the last second additional request isn’t done instantaneously. It’s unbelievable.
I’ve found that sound guys for the most part are my best friends when I show up at an engagement. I’m blown away by how many times they’ve helped me out at the last second when communication of my AV needs never quite got to them or the client wants me to do another session requiring additional setup. These guys work behind the scenes, making me look good. Most of them have really cool stories, describing their days working for a popular band, their days working on a film, or even their days volunteering abroad.
Carl was the perfect example of one of these incredible “sound guys.” He was kind, he was talented, and he had one incredible life story. If only more people would recognize the greatness standing in their presence when the “sound guy” walks in the room.
Who is your sound guy? What have you done to reach out to him lately?
1 Comment