What a time to be alive! With such a unique time in life for students, Res Life calls for a unique style of programming. As you look to train your student staff and welcome your incoming students, I’m here to help.
As many of you know, I'm a Res Life kid through and through - I was an RA, a proud member of RHA, been to 14 conferences that end in -ACURH, and then worked as a Hall Director for a bunch of years. I understand the pride that goes into developing a strong student staff team and creating a lasting experience for the students in the residence halls. I would be honored to have the opportunity to work with your student staff and your pro staff as you prepare for a new kind of move-in.
My background in improv comedy make my talks engaging, hysterical, and powerful. Lastly, I personalize my work to fit the needs of the audience. So please check out below and if you don't see quite what you were looking for, let's create a custom program to meet your needs.
It’s still your job to create a home for your residents and I’d love to help.
Previous Residence Life Clients
Most Requested Res Life Keynotes/Workshops
Leading Imperfectly: Leading Through Uncertainty with Authenticity
Oh boy, another speech on leadership. Instead of waiting for the same cliché leadership lessons, it’s time to be different. Let’s talk about who you are personally as a leader. In this session, attendees will be asked to think about the way they communicate with each other by considering this concept: authentic leadership is about using your experiences, your shortcomings and lessons learned to make yourself appear human to your co-workers to create more genuine relationships thus boosting morale and trust. During this period of ambiguity and uncertainty leaders emerge, but not the ones who are trying to be perfect, no, it's the ones who recognize the power of authenticity and relatability that will inspire others right now.
Shaking Hands and Kissing Babies: Network Like a Boss
Networking is a polarizing concept for most, either you love it or it sparks anxiety. In order to talk about networking skills we must talk about personality types, students will learn the difference between introverts and extroverts, how that effects having conversations, and practical tips for each personality. Then they will learn best practices for initiating meaningful conversations to promote memorability using a powerful activity. Small talk is painful so during this workshop students will learn simple techniques to turn small talk into meaningful conversations to create a lasting impression on their groups.
IMPROV Your Teamwork and Communication
Teamwork and communication are the backbone of any effective organization. These highly interactive improv workshop(s) focus on highlighting best practices and common pitfalls that teams exhibit in these areas. I will cater each workshop to your team’s specific needs and they can range in length from 1-4 hours. I will stretch your team’s comfort zone, breaking down the barriers that hold us back from authentic and supportive workplaces. At the same time I will create a safe place for people to laugh at themselves and process what they are experiencing.
Customized Virtual Trainings, Keynotes, and Workshops
At the end of the day, we’re all going through this. No situation is the same, and we all have unique challenges, concerns, and problems we’re trying to overcome. I can help. If you’re looking for a way to train and motivate your students in a special way, but not sure what it looks like, let’s hop on a call so we can brainstorm together. Whatever the situation, I’ve got your back and I’m here to help.
Here’s what I bring to the table…
Customization
Every university and staff is going through something different right now, and that’s why, before any engagement, I spend time personally on the phone getting to know about your goals, challenges, and anything else that’s on your mind. I like to know even the silliest little details, because it generates trust from the audience when I speak about tangible problems they’re facing. And for me, that trust is invaluable.
Personality
From the start I get audiences laughing so that they know this isn’t just another workshop or keynote. My background in improv and stand-up comedy helps me riff with audiences, making your audience feel more comfortable and building rapport that comes quick and easy. I use humor to open everyone up, which makes space for us to have the genuine, raw, honest conversations that we all need.
Interactivity
Whether we’re in-person or virtual, my presentation style is very interactive and inclusive. If we operate virtually, we’ll utilize the chat function, breakout rooms, and open response. In person I ask for feedback from the audience and have them partner up. Our conversations will be thought-provoking, filled with self-awareness, and laced with comedy, which means your audience will stay engaged from beginning to end. And it’s with this level of engagement that the words and concepts transform into action and results.
Results
If I’m working with your students or your staff they will break down barriers to solve current on-the-job (and life!) issues, learn how to share negative and positive feedback, understand the benefits of being an active member on a team, and discover and apply the principles of being an authentic leader. They’ll also get a hearty dose of motivation and inspiration to take on this year ahead full-force. Now more than ever is a time to invest in and care for our students, because this year has been a lot.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“James was amazing! Our students were captivated from the beginning — his sense of humor, his down-to-earth personality, and his real life stories kept everyone’s attention! He did an amazing job teaching the first-year students some really important college tips in a funny and realistic way. Thank you so much for coming to UD James!”
AMY // University of Dayton
“James spent the day with the student and professional staff to identify problems unique to us. Throughout the day James provided feedback on issues we had with motivating students. James was molding his performance around our needs. Once James took the stage, he instantly captured the students and was able to connect because he knew the issues that were dear to them.”
NOAH // Ferris State University (Student)
“You rocked the house. No one can remember the last time students crowded around the stage following a presentation to meet and shake the hand of a speaker. Your ability to combine humor and handy memory devices like PHEAM with solid leadership principles kept the audience completely focused on your message.”
ANDREW // Methodist University
“I attended the Resident Assistant Drive-In Conference of Alabama. James was the keynote speaker and I was impressed by his ability to connect with a younger audience and present fresh, new concepts in a way they understood. James used a creative blend of humor and knowledge to create a memorable experience for the attendees. James presented PHEAM in a “bite-sized” way that stuck with me and the others in attendance.”
CHRIS // Kennesaw State University
“James was fantastic! He was engaging, funny, relevant, and inspiring! Our students really loved hearing from him and it was a great way to kick off our Greek Week!”
BRITTANY // Northern Arizona University
“It’s an art to not only entertain, but to also leave a crowd with a message that is positive/potential knowledge that they can use. He took the time to try & relate with his “down to earth” jokes while leaving us proud to call ourselves Resident Assistants. He challenged us rather than just telling us what to do. He inspired and educated as he kept us anxious for his next word/joke. He is GREAT, if you get a chance to hear James speak, take it!”
JOANNA // University of Alabama, Huntsville (Student)
Get in touch with me.
Please fill out the form provided and we will be in touch shortly!
You can also contact me by phone at 646-306-1713 or email James@JamesTRobo.com if you prefer.
I look forward to working with you!