EVANSTON — “What life is about is making memories — if we can make your experience memorable, that’s when our job is complete,” said AJ Lamb, owner and operator of Bearded Boombox Productions, an event coordinating business that offers deejaying and emceeing. “We value, inspire and uplift the human experience. We are here to make your next entertainment experience memorable.”

Lamb presented at the June 13 Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn at the Legal Tender. He explained that his business caters to: weddings, music bingo, karaoke, birthdays, business parties, funerals, celebrations of life, event coordinating and planning, comedy, live music, DJs, productions, trivia, band and concert bookings and rental equipment.

Lamb also shared informational segments about microphones, particularly usage and care of, and preparing for and overcoming fears of public speaking.

There are mainly two different types of microphones: dynamic microphones with the recognizable rounded-head silhouette, and condenser microphones, which present a boxier figure.

“They are not toys, but tools of a trade.” explained Lamb. “A good carpenter isn’t going to drop their tools.”  Lambs list of don’ts include: tap the mic to see if it’s on; blow into the mic; swing the mic; “and for the love of everything that is holy and unholy, don’t drop the mic!”

Lamb encouraged attendees to talk into the mic to see if it’s on; hold the mic directly in front of your mouth; and keep the mic two inches in front of your mouth and perpendicular whenever using it.  “Move with the mic like you would with an instrument,” he said.

A PowerPoint slide segued from microphones to overcoming fears of public speaking; But Mr. Bearded DJ Guy, How Do I Speak With My Heart? Lamb insists that it takes preparation.  His to-do list includes: write it down, type it out, then record yourself; practice, practice, practice; find a willing participant and go over it. “Preparation is the key to success, but also sing it, say it, believe it.” A fear is just something we don’t understand,” Lamb explained.

He shared some of his fears preceding the luncheon presentation. He was concerned that his awesome PowerPoint would not work. He worried he might forget some random but important detail needed for the day’s presentation. Finally, Lamb was afraid that no one would laugh during the event, though attendees shared plenty of laughs.

Lamb explained that he overcame his fears by showing up early and prepared; he doublechecked items needed for the presentation; and he prepared a joke to break the ice.

The joke, for curious readers, was about community excitement surrounding a new Lego store opening, in which Lamb’s punchline states “people were lined up for blocks.”  The “dad joke,” as one audience member identified it, had the intended effect in that put attendees at ease, and allowed Lamb to let his beard down.

“The biggest takeaway,” continued Lamb, “is when you are prepared, you can change your mindset. It’s not fear or anxiety, it’s a mindset. Take your nerves, make them excitement. You are excited to speak, so do it with your heart!”