Biography
Avish Parashar is an innovative, energetic, and humorous speaker who uses his 30 years of experience performing, directing, and teaching improv comedy to deliver unique and refreshing presentations to a variety of audiences. Avish grew up in "exotic" Poughkeepsie, NY and now makes his home in Philadelphia, PA. Though he performed all through high-school, he decided to stop performing when he went to college to “focus on his studies.” (his parents were very proud of this decision) That resolve lasted only a few months, as the first time he saw an improv comedy show he fell in love (his parents were slightly less proud) . One week later he auditioned for the campus improv group, got in, and the rest is history. After graduating, he started Polywumpus Improv Comedy, which did regular performances in and around Philadelphia for 7 years. Avish closed up Polywumpus to focus on the speaking and training side of the business – using improv comedy as a tool to teach valuable business skills such as creativity, innovation, and adaptability. Weaving together humorous stories, jokes, audience interaction, and improv comedy games, Avish keeps the audience engaged while imparting a key lesson: Planning is Important, but Improvising is Essential! No matter how well you plan, things will go wrong, surprises will arise, and the Universe will throw you a curveball. Your success and sanity are directly related to how you respond these challenges. By the end of one of Avish's presentations you will have key tools to flow with all that life throws at you. Avish has spoken to the very creative (actors and directors), the very un-creative (accountants), the very casual (college students), and the very business-like (sales professionals). The end result is always the same - smiles, laughs, and a new way of looking at life and business. Avish is the author of Improvise to Success! and the Amazon best-selling, Say 'Yes, And!’
Speech Topics
Ding Happens! How to Improvise, Adapt, and Innovate in an Ever-Changing World!
Business today should be more like improv than standup… Your people are called upon to constantly respond to changes in the industry, economy, market, organization, and technology. This hilarious and energetic change management program will show your people how to stop fearing and hating change and how to use the power of improv comedy to improvise, adapt, and innovate – no matter what happens! They will discover simple but effective tools they can use to automatically make smarter choices that let them not only react to the unexpected, but to find opportunities within the setbacks. They will even learn how to create their own unexpected moments so they can lead change instead of being a victim of it.
“Yes, And!” Two Words That Will Transform Good Managers Into Outstanding Leaders
In this high-energy, hilarious, and content packed keynote, Avish Parashar inspires your attendees to think differently and stop saying “yes, but” and start saying, “yes, and,” to navigating change, improving engagement, and unlocking the potential of themselves and their teams. By the end of this unique, hilarious, and content packed keynote, attendees will be able to: •Stop saying “yes, but” and destroying employee morale and use “yes, and” to inspire, engage, and elevate •Lead their team and organization past “change-based” overwhelm and stress by focusing on opportunity, progress, and innovation •Make strong, fast, focused decisions in the face of uncertainty and risk •Isolate “core success elements” to avoid wasting time, energy, and resources by focusing on things that don’t matter •Stop making “emotion-based” decisions that prioritize short terms comfort over long term gain
Improvised Innovation! How to Unleash Creativity and Leap Ahead of the Competition!
In a world that is getting smaller and smaller and changing faster and faster, innovation and creativity become keys to staying competitive. Organizations and individuals who apply innovation move ahead. Those who don’t, struggle and fall behind. In this high-energy, hilarious, and interactive keynote, Avish uses ideas and exercises from improv comedy to show you how to tap into your creativity and use it to unleash innovation to be a “game changer” in your organization and industry. Avish weaves together improv games, audience interaction, humorous stories, and relevant business examples to create a unique and relevant experience for every group. By the end of the program, Avish will have taken your attendees through the I.C.E. system, which will show attendees how to: •IDENTIFY true goals to ensure they are not wasting their creative energy, as well as the constraints they face in achieving those goals. •CREATE a large list of ideas, potential solutions, implementable actions, etc. by accessing and developing the untapped creative power they might not even be aware they have. •EXPERIMENT with their ideas to see what works, what doesn’t and what adjustments they need to make to keep moving forward and innovating. •Your people will be engaged, laughing, and even interacting from start to finish as they learn skills they can use immediately to access their creativity and turn it into meaningful innovation!
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Avish Parashar's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Avish Parashar's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Avish Parashar's speaking fee?
The typical range for Avish Parashar's speaking fee is $4,000–$12,500. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Avish Parashar to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Avish Parashar for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Avish Parashar's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Avish Parashar through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Avish Parashar
Rocky Bleier
Legendary member of the four-time World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, Rocky Bleier is one of America's most courageous sportsmen. Crippled by enemy fire during the Vietnam conflict, he fought overwhelming odds and demonstrated the courage and determination to overcome his injuries, becoming one of the NFL's premier running backs. His remarkable story became the subject of the book, Fighting Back, which was recreated in the 1980 ABC-TV movie of the same name. In his presentations, he motivates audiences to keep on striving for greater accomplishments, employing a dynamic style with real-life stories and an appropriate injection of humor.
Fee Range: $7,000–$11,000
Travels From: PA
Scott Friedman
Scott Friedman, Global Speaking Fellow, and former President of the National Speakers Association (NSA), speaks over 60 times a year on employee innovation & engagement, customer experience and how to create a happier, healthier workplace. He is a past President of the National Speakers Association, and one of 40 Global Speaking Fellows in the world. His latest two books are "Celebrate! Lessons Learned From the World’s Most Admired Organizations" and “A Celebration a Day - 365 ways to a Happier, Healthier Workplace.”
Fee Range: $6,000–$8,500
Travels From: CO
Dave Caperton
Dave Caperton's programs have been described by his many clients in business, education and healthcare as a perfect blend of relevant content and entertaining high-energy humor. Drawing on his 20-plus years as an international keynote speaker, business owner, entrepreneur and executive coach and his background as an educator, stand-up comedian and comedy writer, Dave Caperton combines his long business experience and award-winning teaching strategies with razor sharp humor and comic timing to provide transformative insights on engagement, service and managing perception in a way that delivers results and fun.
Fee Range: $6,000–$8,000
Travels From: OH
Amy Vetter
Amy Vetter is an expert on authentic leadership and putting the soul back into business. She’s a transformational keynote and TEDx speaker and the creator of the B3 Method for developing work-life harmony. Amy is also an accomplished CPA and recognized as one of the Most Powerful Women in Accounting. She regularly contributes her business insights to Inc, Entrepreneur, Accounting Today and CPA Practice Advisor. Over the past 25-plus years, Amy has become a well-known advocate and evangelist for leadership, entrepreneurship, and the accounting profession. Through her expertise on these topics, Amy has inspired audiences as a keynote speaker on: authentic leadership, work-life balance, productivity, women’s leadership and empowerment, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, and the future of accounting and financial advisory services.
Fee Range: $8,000–$12,500
Travels From: OH
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