What makes a keynote unforgettable? In this episode of Digital Hospitality, Shawn Walchef sits down with his media mentor, David Meltzer, as he prepares to headline the Restaurant Transformation Festival in San Diego. Meltzer shares how he turned his worst keynote into a lifelong lesson, why stories change beliefs more than slides ever will, and the power of repeating your greatest hits on stage. From using warm-up videos to staying perfectly on time, his playbook blends discipline with authenticity. Whether you’re leading a restaurant team or stepping onto a conference stage, Meltzer’s insights will help you connect deeper and inspire action.

Interview Takeaways:

• Failure Shapes Mastery – David Meltzer’s worst keynote wasn’t a loss; it was a lesson. Early mistakes in tone and timing taught him that audiences decide within minutes whether to listen — and that credibility comes from humility, not ego.
  
  


• Feelings and Beliefs Matter Most – A keynote isn’t about slides or stats. Meltzer stresses that the real goal is changing how people feel and what they believe. When those shift, the audience becomes lifelong fans and clients.
  
  


• Play the Hits – Repetition isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength. Just like the Rolling Stones must play “Satisfaction,” speakers should retell their best stories and lessons. Audiences crave resonance over novelty.

Episode Links:

• Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef


• David Meltzer Online: https://dmeltzer.com/


• Join The Rising Tides Live Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/


• David Meltzer Email: david@dmeltzer.com 

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