Ok, right off, this is a soapy and emotional post. You have been warned.

There are alot of challenges and hard work as a speaker. But they are outweighed by the great rewards when you truly connect with the audience. This can happen during the presentation or when people come to talk to you after and tell how they have been affected by what you said.

Last night however, I had the best reward. I spoke in Chicago at a business event sponsored by the city. My youngest son likes to come with me to speaking events so he can sell books (and make some cash). Last night he came with me. They asked him to sit on the stage next to me. He loved it. When I finished my presentation and sat down again next to him, all he did was lean over and kiss me on the cheek. That was better than applause. That was the best reward I ever received!