John Simonett is one of Britain's most entertaining and original speakers. His speeches can be delivered purely as after-dinner entertainment, or alternatively as keynote "motivational humour" to energise and inspire conference delegates.
A former schoolmaster and sportsman, John has a First Class honours degree from Bristol University, majoring in Psychology. He played Rugby Union for Gloucester and was a member of the team that won the John Player Cup against the Leicester Tigers at Twickenham in 1978. He also represented Gloucestershire and was a regular member of the Scottish Squad in the late seventies.
In 1985 he left teaching to become a professional speaker and presenter, and is now firmly established as one of the most original and entertaining speakers on the "circuit".
He has appeared at many conferences and other corporate events, both in the U.K. and abroad. His clients include major multinational corporations, many of whom have used his services on a number of occasions. He has also appeared on television, both on BBC and ITV. He is a member of the CIPD, a Fellow of the Professional Speakers Association, and a Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle.
John delivers high energy keynotes which are informative, insightful and highly entertaining. His engaging humourous style has enlived many a conference audience, whether as a wake-up call to begin the day, as an energiser in the "graveyard" slot after lunch, or to close the day on a high.
John cleverly combines the latest thinking on leadership, psychology and creativity. His message is straightforward and compelling: we can all achieve more by being aware of the brain's hidden logic and the latent assumptions we all tend to make about the world we live and work in. With a highly original, down to earth approach, his use of humour ensures he connects really well with his audiences, ensuring strong "take home" value for his messages.
After dinner, his main objective is to be funny, clean and entertaining, John specialises in the "tailored" presentation and likes to be able to make his remarks relevant to the group in question. He therefore requires a full consultation before each speech so that he can personalise his delivery to a client's brief. In fact the more "inside "knowledge"he can acquire beforehand about a company's people, products and philosophy the better.
John also has a phenomenal, trained memory and uses this to telling effect - he does his "homework" for each event and learns numerous names, details and relevant company information, which he skillfully weaves into his speeches.
His attention to detail, professionalism and experience - born out of over 2,500 performances on the corporate after-dinner circuit - provides organisers with the reassurance that what is often the most important aspect of an event is in "safe hands". Equally at home with an audience of 500 - or at a board meeting for twelve, John's charismatic personality and presence, together with his unique combination of humour, memory and audience observation - tailored to a client's specific brief - provides an original and refreshingly different alternative to the traditional after-dinner speaker. He is also an engaging awards host, MC and link presenter.
"Feedback for you has been absolutely excellent. Everyone was talking about it at the after dinner drinks gathering. Your professionalism and attention to detail was staggering and you are unquestionably the best After Dinner Speaker we have ever had." Company Secretary, The Property Care Association - May 2017
"Wow, what a fabulous contribution and impact you made to our EMEA conference! Without exception everyone has said what a brilliant job you did. You truly were the glue that made everything stick together, keeping energy levels high and the momentum going. It was our best ever conference - of that I am convinced - and you played a big part in making that happen!" MD, Griffiths & Armour Insurance Brokers - May 2017
"Great! The word is really not enough...as everyone I have spoken to after your 'speech' spoke of how different, amusing and relevant you were. It was, by far, the best entertainment we have enjoyed at a KBSA dinner for a long time." KBSA AGM Dinner - September 2013
"Thanks for your excellent presentation on Thursday evening. Many of those who enjoyed your performance 3 years ago said that this year's was even better! You are the most professional speaker we have ever had to address our Gala Dinner guests, and it certainly helps make the evening more memorable. Your research and attention to details underpins an excellent entertaining performance with some interesting motivational and informative additions." MD, Premier Impact - June 2013
John ensured the conference got off to an incredible start with a presentation that had the 200 delegates spellbound, fascinated and crying with laughter. Feedback was brilliant and many will be using some of his techniques in their own training roles. This is a hard act to follow!" CCTV User Group
"Thank you for your splendid contribution to the Database Marketing Seminar. The day was just beginning to drift into that familiar conference tedium when you stepped out to smack the audience between the eyes - it transformed the day. The whole lunchtime atmosphere bubbled when it could have been quiet." Conference Chairman, British Direct Marketing Association
"It is a great comfort to an event organiser to know that they can rely absolutely on an after-dinner speaker, and you met our expectations to the full. Everyone to whom I have spoken on the subject was greatly impressed and amused, and you clearly hit just the right note." British Health Care Association