Speaker's Corner: ESPN's Trey Wingo May 14, 2008 Looking for a motivational speaker to get your staffers ramped up and ready to go? Take a look at the "Speaker's Corner" to get the scoop on some big names you may want to book.
By Robert Tuchman
As the host of "NFL Live" on ESPN, Trey Wingo is no unfamiliar face to sports fans. He is also an anchor on SportsCenter and hosts the network's NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. In addition to hosting duties at the NFL Draft, Wingo is also a contributor on ESPN Radio. He joined ESPN joined from KSDK-TV in St. Louis, Mo., where he was a sports anchor/reporter for six years (1991-97).
With such a busy schedule, Incentive online columnist Robert Tuchman couldn't help but reach out to this sports-reporting star to find out what keeps him motivated and gives him the fuel to deliver such powerful speaking engagements.
What is your typical speaking topic nowadays? Most of my speaking topics deal with what it's like to work here at ESPN, outrageous moments that people never get to see on television, and my interaction with athletes.
With your schedule and shows, what are the most convenient times to do events? Our show airs 52 weeks out of the year, so no time is more convenient than any other. However, the NFL off-season, after the draft and before training camps begin (May-June) are usually the best bet. But I work them in year round.
What do you enjoy most about giving speeches? I enjoy being with people and relating to the room. So much of what I do is into a camera that it's nice to see people instead of a lens on the other side of a discussion.
Do you enjoy the interaction with clients, signing autographs and taking pictures? Absolutely! It's always nice answer a question for someone who didn't get the specific answer they wanted during the speech.
What's the most outrageous thing you have been asked to do by a client who booked you? Thankfully, I've been booked by responsible clients, I guess, so I haven't had any "autograph my butt" moments or "please go ride the mechanical bull" requests.
How many private appearances and or speeches will you do a year? I try to do as many as my schedule allows, usually between five and 10 per year.
Are your speeches more motivational, spiritual or comical? I would say my talks with people range from the informational to the comical. They give people a chance to look "behind the scenes," which they seem to enjoy. How do you come up with your speech topics? All of my topics come from real life experiences. As they say "you can't make this stuff up." Thankfully I don't have to.
What motivates you to do speaking engagements? I enjoy sharing what I've learned and experienced with other people. Hopefully it gives folks an understanding as to why I love my job so much.
Do you prefer speaking to certain types of groups or industries? I would consider myself an equal opportunity speaker. No group is better/worse than any other.
Favorite speech you gave or motivational moment? The next one.
One of your favorite speakers? The legendary Bill Cosby. He's not only funny, but insightful as well.
INCENTIVE online columnist Robert Tuchman is president of celebrity marketing firm TSE Sports & Entertainment (www.tseworld.com).
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Are your speeches more motivational, spiritual or comical?
