Kit
Summers is today busily coaching and managing juggling acts, conducting
juggling workshops, presenting "Success with Finesse"
motivation seminars (juggling included!) and authoring books on
juggling and related activities. To date he has published
"Juggling with Finesse," "Comedy For Life and
Other Important Matters" and "Contacts for Booking Acts
Worldwide." He is now working on a motivational book about his
accident and recovery.
I
recently interviewed Kit when he spoke to head-injury seminar on the
subjects of motivation, overcoming adversity, and setting meaningful
goals and achieving them.
Summers
is one of the best-qualified people to speak to such a group, since
this former seven-club juggler saw his performing career derailed in
1982 when he was hit by a truck and suffered a head injury. After 37
days in a coma, he awoke and began a truly miraculous
recovery - learning to walk,
talk and juggle all over again.
Seated
at my table in a banquet room during the seminar was a charming
young lady medical doctor
from Atlanta and a business executive from Denver whose son had
suffered a head injury. As the 200 or so attendees were finishing
dessert, Summers took the stage to start the program. He began his
presentation much like his book, 'Juggling with Finesse,"
saying, 'Juggling! Life is like juggling. Now and then you drop,
then you pick up and continue. That's the story of my life."
He
continued, "I'm here to present a program to you in three
acts. In Act I I'll tell you something about myself and how I came
to be here. In Act II I'll do some juggling and magic for you, and
basically entertain
you.
In the third act I'll share with you some ways that helped me come
back from a tragic accident, and you will hear ideas that can help
you achieve what I call 'Success with Finesse.'"
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Summers'
lively, upbeat talk about juggling one's goals and
priorities to enhance effectiveness and productivity was
educational and witty, with a very pleasing dose of humor
throughout. I glanced around the room from time to time
and saw very attentive listeners who became wide-eyed with
amazement as Summers skillfully interjected
some well-executed juggling moves with balls, clubs, rings
and cigar boxes. There was even a bit of magic as Summers,
feigning hoarseness and a "frog" in his throat,
made a miniature horse and frog appear from his mouth. He
performed some fascinating rope tricks with the
cooperation of a volunteer from the audience, then ran a
needle through an inflated balloon without making it pop -
until just the right moment. |
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Summers'
presentation was dynamic and inspiring, always meaningful
and to the point. His sparkling enthusiasm and vitality were
"catching" to say the least.
From
the start the audience was totally his. At times he had
everyone "o-o-oo-ing" and "a-h-h-h-h-ing"
on cue. As he closed, the audience reacted spontaneously
with a richly deserved standing ovation. As they left, many
stopped to warmly pump his hand. There were even a few bear
hugs from those who obviously related
closely to Summers' ordeal and responded to his
inspiring message and shining example.
Summers'
presentation was videotaped, and the two-man crew moved
closer to the door to cover him chatting with various
members of the audience as they were leaving. Later, as the
videographers were packing up their equipment, Summers gave
them an impromptu lesson in juggling scarves. They were
quick learners and were soon beaming with pride as the
colorful fluffs of nylon soared and drifted at their
command. Yes, Summers had brightened many lives that day,
including mine!
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