
Some of the
businesses and associations Lynn has served include:
-
ADP of Indiana
-
American Heart
Association ECC Conference
-
Attorney
General’s Conference on Victim’s Rights Topeka, Kansas
-
Blue Cross/Blue
Shield of Arkansas
-
Clemson
University Professional Women’s Day Conferences
-
Department of
Corrections—State of Indiana (E.A.S.Y. Program Trainer)
-
Illinois
Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
-
Indiana
Association of United Way
-
Indiana Funeral
Directors’ Association
-
Indiana
Governor’s Conference on Aging
-
Indiana Health
and Hospital Association
-
Indiana Judicial
Center Drug and Alcohol Conference
-
Indiana
Prosecuting Attorney’s Council
-
Indiana Society
of Association Executives
-
Indiana
Soldier’s Home
-
LaCrete Learning
Center of LaCrete (Alberta, Canada)
-
Magellan
Behavioral Health
-
Mead Johnson
Nurses Conference
-
National
Association of Social Workers - Indiana Chapter
-
Purdue
University Home and Family Conference
-
Sisters of St.
Francis Management Seminar
-
St. Joseph
Health System (Orange, Calif.)
-
St. Vincent
Hospital
-
Witham Health
Services
-
World Laughter
Tour International Laughter Symposium
-
Zonta
International District Conference
|
- Do you speak just on laughter?
Yes…and no. It is true that my overall niche is speaking on the benefits of
therapeutic laughter. However, I blend the concepts of therapeutic laughter
with the many life issues we face, such as: finding balance in daily living,
coping with multiple stressors, managing teams, and raising a family. My sons
are relieved that I do not just stand up and laugh, as entertaining as that
might be!
- How is your work different from that of a comedienne?
Though I appreciate those who recognize my comedic timing and those who
connect with my humor, I do not put myself in the league of comedy. I think
those who study comedy and who set out to purposefully make people laugh are
very courageous. I, on the other hand, am chicken and stay true to my
psychotherapy background and educator-at-heart concepts of teaching and
blending stories to connect the points. The therapeutic laughter exercises
generate laughter for those who are ready to laugh. I do not get on the
platform to MAKE an audience laugh – I invite them to join me!
- You have a diverse working background – how did you move into
professional speaking?
I feel blessed to have experienced a variety of work settings that have
given me a rich background in human behavior and relationships. Initially,
I planned to be an elementary school teacher. Substitute teaching and recess
duty quickly changed my mind! Instead I found myself working in probation,
addictions, mental health, social work, and then I moved into administration
as a supervisor, marketer, and program director. I had a counseling practice
and the platform was calling to me to speak full-time so I took the plunge. I still think of my work as helping others make choices and choose how to
live; I just work from a platform instead of a chair.
- What specializations separate you from other humorists and laughter
speakers?
Great question! I have wonderful colleagues in this world! We each have our
story to tell that hopefully inspires people to make changes in how they live
and care for themselves and each other. Comparing speakers is inevitable for
meeting planners and committees because you want a great fit for your event. One edge is my extensive therapeutic background in the “helping” professions,
and my ability to relate to a diverse audience while playing off the dynamics of
each group. I have counseled CEOs through marital strife, self-exploration and
stressful times. I have listened and coached people who are
decision-makers at work but can barely function at home. I have spent thousands
of hours attending professional institutes, trainings and workshops to maintain
my license as a psychotherapist. I have specialized training in holistic stress
management, Gestalt therapy, and coaching.
I also belong to the National Speakers Association and am a past president of
the Indiana chapter. I adhere to the code of ethics of this association and
will endeavor to deliver the utmost of quality and professionalism to each
client. And, still, I know I will not fit every meeting planner’s ideal so I say
that up front!
- What kinds of organizations do you choose to work with?
I work with a variety of organizations that comprise three basic markets:
healthcare, associations, and government agencies. I also speak for women’s
ministries. I speak on the state and national level for conferences, and also
enjoy conducting worksite staff trainings, at hospitals, clinics, schools, etc.
- May I use the articles available on your website at no cost or
obligation?
You are welcome to reprint any article in your company’s newsletter or on an
organization’s website at no charge, provided that you clearly indicate Lynn
Shaw as the author and www.lynnshaw.com as
the source.
-
One last question… Are you really fun to live with?
Now that question is truly debatable! I do strive to bring my family the same
courtesy and respect I give my audiences. I am a wife, mom, daughter, and
sister. Sometimes those life roles blur with my professional speaking role. On
grumpy days, my family would definitely tell you that they escape the household
because the fun isn’t inside. But on those days, we rally together and chase
the laughter, along with the dust bunnies!
|