Impersonator: An impersonator
is similar to the character in physical resemblance but has more leeway
in the look. Impersonators are more
skilled in the use of dialogue, singing
and/or character portrayal. The impersonator frequently brings his or her
interpretation of the character into the
act. The impersonator has studied and
trained to the degree that the performance is definitely considered to be
an act. Consequently, impersonators
can command higher fees than simple
look-alikes. To an audience, it’s readily
apparent that an impersonator isn’t the
real thing but a good imitation.
ADVANTAGES OF
BEING A CHARACTER
DISADVANTAGES OF
BEING A CHARACTER
Tribute Artist: Tribute artists
are the most skilled and highest paid
performers. The term tribute artist
derives from the original term tribute
band. Tribute bands first became
popular when groups began looking
and sounding like The Beatles. It
evolved into the term tribute act to
include solo singers (e.g., Elvis impersonators) and bands or groups. Today,
the term tribute artist has expanded
again to include character or celebrity
impersonators along with musical acts.
Tribute artists are considered professionals and always conduct themselves
in the highest ethical manner, so
the industry and the brand to which
they’re paying tribute are represented
in the best possible manner.
In more recent years, I preferred
the term tribute artist to describe
myself, because I felt I was more than
just a dead ringer or a guy pretending to be someone else. The reality,
however, is I’m a look-alike, an
impersonator, and an artist paying
tribute to one of the most popular
movie characters of all time.
Today I call myself a speaker
because my message of Gumption is
independent of the character. While
independent, Gumption is also 100
percent complimentary to both the
1. Break down barriers
2. Create instant audience connection
3. Command and retain attention
4. Put people in a good mood
5. Easy to be both silly and sassy
6. Easy to be direct
7. Share sensitive messages without
offending
8. Give encouragement and permission
to do what’s normally considered
unacceptable
9. Keeps you humble
1.
2.
3.
4.
The character can be distracting. The
visual appearance of the character
can overpower an audience’s ability
to hear your message.
Credibility. Some will discount the
message out of hand—they perceive
it as entertainment and not serious.
Limits the type of message that can
be delivered with authority.
Serious-minded individuals may be
unreceptive.
You don’t have to be perfect. In Steve’s case, if he screws up,
he just says, “Stupid is as stupid does!”
character and me, personally. Many
years ago, the character and my individuality stopped being independent of
each other—and they merged into one.
Has anyone ever said that you look
like someone famous … or someone
else? Has anyone ever asked you
the question, “Do you know who
you look like?” If so, you might just
become a character.
SPEAKERS deliver a message,
inspire change and motivate others
to act. Using a character is a tool that
helps speakers do their job. For us,
a character isn’t just a tool—it’s our
toolbox. Being a character isn’t a single
chapter—it’s our whole book. Being
a character isn’t simply fun—it’s our
business. “And that’s all we’ve got to
say about that.”
Lois McElravy is a keynote speaker, humor expert, and brain-injury thriver. She works with individuals and organizations who want to learn how to use humor and laughter to adjust to change, bounce back from disappointment, cope with the unpredictable, and feel happy in the midst of trying times. Learn more at www.LessonsfromLois.com.
Steve Weber is a speaker, Forrest Gump tribute artist, conference host, internal corporate spokesman, blogger and author. Weber’s three principles of Gumption are designed to alter lives and urge organizations to Function with Gumption. The simple yet powerful truths contained in the movie Forrest Gump will transform your next meeting from ordinary to extraordinary. Learn more at
www.SpeakingGump.com.
