Editing Biographies for Speaking Engagements

For those of you wanting to increase your edit skills, I was reminded by a writer friend just yesterday at the gym "...less is more."

I volunteered to help an organization recently with their awards banquet. I think I got the two best assignments "read and edit the bios of Allen Jones, who was to be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and also edit the bio of the Blues Singer Francine Reed. Without boring you with the long winded versions, which were over 5 pages each---here's how they turned-out!
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Host MELISSA CARTER: AND NOW I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF INTRODUCING A LADY THAT IS GOING TO MAKE THIS A TRULY MEMORABLE NIGHT FOR ALL.

Born into musically rich family of singers in Chicago, Francine Reed’s gospel-singing father was her first musical influence. While growing to regional fame in Arizona, she became known for her magnetic performances, opening shows for such greats as Miles Davis, Smokey Robinson, and Etta James. While in Phoenix, a virtually unknown singer by the name of Lyle Lovett was so impressed he hired Reed. In addition to her eight year stint as a featured backup vocalist with Lovett's Large Band, Reed's velvety rich vocals appear on four of his releases. Lovett returned the favor to his longtime friend by contributing and appearing on the lead track of Francine's 1995 debut release "I Want You To Love Me". The release debuted at an impressive #7 on Billboard's Blues Chart.
Francine lived in Phoenix for over 20 years. Her recent relocation to Atlanta has been great for her career. She coincidentally moved right across the street from the city's premier Blues Club, Blind Willies.
She has signed with Ichaban International Records and is still touring the world---gaining new fans everywhere she goes. PLEASE WELCOME MS. FRANCINE REED!!
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JON: THIS YEAR WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO START A NEW TRADITION FOR THE AWARDS DINNER. AMONG US ARE CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHO DEDICATE THEIR LIVES TO HELPING OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY SURVIVE AND THRIVE. TONIGHT WE RECOGNIZE ONE OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITH A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.
A Georgia native born in Conyers Allen O. Jones’ life is a story of quiet compassion, faith and strong community involvement.

His professional education began with paper routes for the AJC. He graduated Georgia Tech and was later a policeman for the Air Force Reserve. In the 1960s, when after returning to civilian life and insurance sales, Allen pursued politics. He was elected Chairman of the Georgia Young Republicans and in a 1963 an Atlanta Journal Article had this quote: “Two young DeKalb Republicans are battling for the presidency of the Georgia Young Republican organization. They are Newton L. Gingrich, an Emory University student and Allen O. Jones, President of the DeKalb Young Republicans and an insurance salesman.” As it tuned out Allen beat Newt Gingrich in what was his first election loss.

During his campaign for President of the U.S. Young Republicans in 1964, Allen included an African-American, Dr. Lee Shelton.

Ten years later, Jones began building his enterprise. In 1977, Allen formed a partnership with two friends to own and operate Shelly’s Bar and Restaurant, the first gay establishment outside of the downtown area at Peachtree and 25th. Of course the community was smaller back then. Allen made sure the bartenders and wait staff introduced every patron that walked in the door to each other!

In 1981 Allen became aware of the great need for help for those suffering from the symptoms of full blown AIDS. He saw Ken South, then head of AID Atlanta, in a television interview. The report focused on how people who had contracted AIDS were showing up at the doors of the center. Some had little money, some families had thrown them out; they were treated as lepers and urgently needed help. Allen asked Ken South Executive Director what they needed. They had no salaries and little money to operate the organization. Ken said they needed $45,000 to pay operating expenses and provide seed money to apply for grants. Allen said he would get it, and with friends---he did.

Leaving the securities business in 1982, Allen developed a luxury retirement community in Chesterfield County, Virginia. In 1988 he returned to financial consulting by forming ARI Consultants.

In 1992, Jones co-founded the Atlanta Executive Network, bringing gays & lesbians and straight business people together for networking, inviting the Atlanta power players to be speakers. The Atlanta Business Chronicle published a front-page story about the 600-member Atlanta Executive Network in Atlanta coming out for the world to know that they were empowered and ready to take their place as the leaders in business and community service.

Allen Jones served as Chairman and President of AEN for five years leading it to a record-breaking 1,106 members – at that time the largest business networking group of any kind in the United States.

Allen is the recipient of a special humanitarian resolution of the Georgia House of Representatives, The Atlanta City Counsel President Award and Atlanta’s top award, the Phoenix Award

His mission is to help business people be a success as they define it for themselves. This often involves taking people who want to start a business through all the components of operating a business resulting in a business plan and a five-year financial forecast.
Allen continues to work with his clients after the business is operating as needed. Allen has served over 140 businesses. On a personal note, he has helped me sell two of my businesses and is a personal friend.
Please join me in welcoming to the stage Mr. Allen Jones.