Public Speaking

He’s the person behind the lens and our Mountain Vista producer/photographer extraordinaire. A 30-year media veteran and author of a new book that’ll help you with presentations, speeches and public appearances. Meet our pal and fan of Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake, Kurt Boxdorfer, founder of Legend Media Producers in Dallas.

Kurt, along with his wife Jeri and son, visit Mountain Vista regularly and love everything our area has to offer. “It’s always something we look forward to, knowing we’re going to be on our way to the Beavers Bend area of southeast Oklahoma. Coming from the Dallas area, seeing all the trees and climbing up the big hills always seems to heighten our excitement. And of course, with our son it’s a minute-by-minute countdown until we pull up the awesome driveway that fronts Mountain Vista. The cabin is more like a castle to us. We’re not used to the huge picture windows, the views or the trees being so close! You can reach over the wrap-around porch railing and just touch them depending on what season you go. We’re either out by the fire pit our first evening, inside by the fireplace or just relaxing and talking on the porch or in the hot tub. The night sky is pretty awesome too – you don’t get the glare of the city lights like you do in Dallas. It reminds me of the two times I was out in the Arizona desert for work – your mouth just hangs open the first time you look up,” he said.

Having a critical eye for what it takes to be perfect in front of the camera, Kurt had an epiphany to write a book and coach people to success in the public arena. “The Inside-Out Speaker: Untold Truths and Strategies On How to Be a Better Speaker, is a behind the lens perspective for struggling professional speakers who want to save, strengthen and grow their speaking business. It’s rooted in my experiences in production, having worked with hundreds of speakers, some very good and some not so good. 30 years doing TV shows, corporate events and commercial projects – all help me understand what it takes to give a prolific presentation.

As I’ve gotten older, I find I really like to teach and mentor people. Writing the book and now getting it out there for everyone that needs it, is a way for me to do that. I know the information is important and needed by speakers. I get the satisfaction of knowing that I could undertake and complete something I’d never done before – write a book – and I can also feel good about helping people – friends, clients and even strangers, that need it,” Kurt said.

I’ve been fortunate to work on numerous media projects with Kurt over the past few years and have always been amazed at his company’s ability to adapt to new technologies. “What’s been happening the last ten to fifteen years is a rapid convergence and acceptance of the new digital technologies. It’s a great thing for consumers, both young and old. Think about it, the encyclopedias of old – that information can now be immediately digitally accessed by all of us. We can learn so much easier and faster than before. In the world of visual media, the biggest change is in accessibility. Everyone’s a videographer or photographer now because of advances in technology. Miniaturization, the increase in transportable bandwidth and the fact that we’re now a global economy have brought to the masses what used to be reserved for the select few,” he said.

The Boxdorfer family has visited Beavers Bend and Broken Bow Lake during many different seasons and their typical day at Mountain Vista includes checking out all the hot spots. “We’re usually out the door by mid-morning on our way to swim, float, canoe or kayak the crystal clear waters of the Lower Mountain Fork River, fish on Broken Bow Lake, rent an ATV, play golf or miniature golf, cruise through the Forest Heritage Center and gift shop, ride the train or horses at the Beavers Bend Depot & Stables, feed the animals at the Honey Bear Ranch, paddleboat (which is great fun by they way!) or hike the many nature trails in the park. If you look closely, you’ll probably see some deer. We were able to get really close to them on our last trip,” Kurt said.  Whew, that’s a full day!

Be sure and pick up Kurt’s book on Amazon. If you need video production or photography, he’s the best in the business. We owe much of our success to him. Being in media, marketing and sales for over 25 years, I know the importance of great presentations and being comfortable in front of a crowd or camera. Kurt’s new book will make you better.

We’re happy Kurt and Jeri are looking forward to the next trip to our cabin in Beavers Bend; “At the end of our visit, it’s always a little sad. We know you can’t find this type of getaway just down the road. But we’ll be back, just as we have for the last five years. It never gets old,” he said.

Sherri and I are amazed and thankful for the tremendous, eclectic group of guests who’ve enjoyed our vacation home through the years. It’s always easy for us to “stay focused,” on our visitors, thanks to great people like Kurt and Jerri Boxdorfer.

By Jerry Isbell