Mack Dryden
BA, MA
Free
Motivational Humorist Expert
Mack Dryden Quick Facts
Mack Dryden climbed from loading boxcars in a Mississippi paper mill to performing on The Tonight Show with both the late Johnny Carson as well as with Jay Leno, and on dozens of other TV shows as a comedian and actor. He was hand-picked for the writing staff of ABC's Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, and has had guest-starring roles on such episodic dramas as JAG and The Guardian. His stories of surviving two battles with cancer, a stay in an African prison, one “near-fatal marriage,” and “the sharks in showbiz who stab you in the front” are as inspiring as they are laugh-out-loud funny. Before becoming a comedian and motivational speaker, Mack was a jou alist who won two Associated Press writing awards. He also earned a black belt in tae kwon do karate and won numerous tou aments and competitions.
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Creating Killer Icebreakers
A fire extinguisher was mounted on the wall directly behind the platform, but only a fire marshal or an attentive speaker looking for a good icebreaker would notice it amid the general room clutter. Fred, the president of the organization, introduced me. I took the stage, acknowledged the ... A fire extinguisher was mounted on the wall directly behind the platform, but only a fire marshal or an attentive speaker looking for a good icebreaker would notice it amid the general room clutter. Fred, the president of the organization, introduced me.
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Eat Right, Exercise, and Laugh Your Head Off Once a Day
I’m a comedian and a two-time cancer survivor, and I make people laugh about my experiences with the disease until their faces hurt. Unusual job, true; but my mission is to convince people that laughter is as important to physical and mental health as eating right and exercising. And if ...
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Speakers: Let Pros Write Comedy for You for Free!
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Bozo or a Pro? 10 Ways Speakers Bureaus Know
You think you have what it takes to become a professional speaker. After doing a little web surfing, you call a speakers bureau, introduce yourself and say, "I'm a terrific speaker. I'd like to talk to you about getting on the speaking circuit." "I see," the person says. "What do you speak about?" "Oh, we-e-ell," you say with a confident chuckle in your voice, "I can speak about anything!" "Really? And what is your fee?" "Well, I haven't been paid to speak yet, but I was thinking maybe five hundred dollars to start. Does that sound okay?"r
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How to Approach a Speakers Bureau
There is a right way and a grossly unprofessional way to introduce yourself to a speakers bureau. Be sure you know the rules before you call.
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Favorite Quotes & Thoughts from Mack Dryden
I believe in the power of laughter to give people the inspiration and motivation to reach for higher goals and to reach out and give something of value to others.
Making people laugh and believe in themselves are two of the greatest gifts I can give.
Falling on your face is still moving forward.