Hey everyone! I’m Mike, aka DJ AXCESS, an entertainer and public speaker from Columbus, Ohio. I recently had an incredible experience as an educator at The Pittsburgh DJ Summit, and I wanted to share my journey in case you’re considering speaking at a DJ conference. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life – so much so, I had to hold back tears on stage.
I’ve always felt lucky to have found my purpose as an entertainer early in life. Now, I feel like I’m on track to a second calling: DJ education. I’ve taught DJs in person and on YouTube, but being recognized by respected DJs in the region and given the opportunity to share my message on stage? That’s an entirely different level. Day one of the summit will forever be etched in my memory as one of the best days of my life, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible.
Okay, enough of the mushy stuff (for now!). My journey to presenting at a DJ conference started back in Atlantic City around 2012. It was my first DJ conference, and I had no idea what to expect. I remember seeing a guy pacing nervously outside the main hall, clutching some notes. I didn’t think much of it at the time. I sat near the front, and as the session started, I saw him again, still pacing and practicing. Then, the legendary DJ Big Daddy welcomed Mike Walter to the stage. I was blown away. Mike was polished, well-dressed, and a fantastic presenter – not the typical image of a DJ. That moment sparked something in me. I think that was the beginning of my dream to become a DJ conference speaker.
Fast forward to 2022, and I’m in Nashville at the most prestigious DJ conference in the country. I signed up for an MC seminar with Gerald Isaac, expecting to practice MCing. I was wrong. For an hour, we worked on breathing and vocal exercises – everything except speaking. I left the class confused. Gerald’s photographer noticed my confusion and pulled me aside. She explained that Gerald had helped her overcome a physical inability to speak. Intrigued, I signed up for private lessons with Gerald, and he completely changed my life.
Gerald was a renowned actor and coach, with impressive accolades in the theater world (most notably, he played Zazu in The Lion King on Broadway!). Over nine months, he transformed my understanding of my voice and human communication. He helped me identify what made me an effective communicator and pinpointed behaviors that were holding me back. Sadly, Gerald passed away suddenly. I’m incredibly lucky and honored to have called him my coach and friend. He was one of the most positive and inspiring people I’ve ever met. In our short time together, he gave me the tools I needed to practice and grow.
But my learning journey didn’t stop there. I sought out a new communication coach and discovered Vinh Giang on Instagram. His teaching style resonated with me – I loved his blend of knowledge and “nerdiness.” After completing his course, I gained a deeper understanding of the psychology of communication, building upon the foundation Gerald had laid.
A key lesson I learned from both mentors is the importance of consistent practice. It’s like watching a YouTube tutorial on basketball and expecting to instantly become a pro. Repetition is crucial for improvement. I formed a practice group with other DJs. Sometimes it was just me, but I was committed to putting in the reps. This practice played a huge role in boosting my confidence and stage presence.
One of my practice group members, DJ A-roc, recently became a partner in the Pittsburgh DJ Summit. He recommended me to DJ Jess, the chairwoman of education, as a potential speaker. I’m eternally grateful to both of them for this incredible opportunity. Jess provided me with deadlines for A/V requirements and a sample presentation, which I made sure to submit early. I admit I procrastinated a little on the video, but it worked out for the best! I was able to borrow a video slider from a DJ friend and use a new board, which were both incredibly helpful in creating my stems video.
In the week leading up to the presentation, I recorded myself reading my script and listened to it constantly – in the car, at the gym, everywhere. I had a full script document and a bullet-point outline on my iPad as a backup in case of issues with my slides or confidence monitor. For the final three days, I ditched the notes and practiced the presentation without them. In total, I estimate I practiced my speech 25 times and listened to it over 100 times. Even with all that preparation, I still made a few minor errors, but nothing that detracted from the overall presentation.
I recorded my presentation using a DJI Pocket 3, a DJI Mic, and an Insta360 X4, ensuring I had horizontal and vertical video, as well as clear audio. The feedback from my peers was overwhelmingly positive, and I was thrilled when I reviewed the recording. Mistakes I thought I’d made were barely noticeable on camera. One thing I wasn’t prepared for was the influx of people wanting to talk to me after the presentation. It felt like a blur! Next time, I’ll definitely carve out some time for a quick cooldown and some privacy.
That’s my story! If you’re looking for a presenter for an upcoming conference or event, I’d love to chat about how I can contribute. While I’m proud of my performance, I know there’s always room for improvement, and I’m excited for the next opportunity. Visit djaxcess.com/contact to connect!
