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Melinda Bates head shot
The Ultimate White House Insider Takes You Behind the Scenes of the World’s Most Famous House
How does an ordinary person go from church volunteer to Special Assistant to the President of the United States and an office in the East Wing of the White House? Melinda weaves back stage stories of White House history with her own amazing story of her place in it.
What really goes on behind the scenes at the White House? How does it work – and what happens when it doesn’t?
Who comes to visit? The Grateful Dead and the Queen of Sweden. On the same day. No problem! Robin Williams, Oprah, Dr. Ruth, Dale Earnhart Jr., Tom Hanks … sooner or later EVERYONE shows up at the White House!
Melinda’s other topics include:
Entertaining at the White House from George Washington to Barak Obama, dress swords to gate crashers. How America’s founding fathers and mothers created protocol for the fledgling democracy and how Presidents and First Ladies have adapted the White House to their own needs and style. Illustrated with photos of White House dinner tables and floral arrangements, and stories of parties most people can only imagine – like millennium New Year’s Eve with the President and First Lady. What’s the REAL story about Nancy Reagan’s china, and how does a person get onto the guest list of a State Dinner? How in the world did those tacky people crash a State Dinner? How to navigate a receiving line and always use the right fork!
They did WHAT? Intimate, back stage stories of White House history from George Washington to Bill and Hillary Clinton. You know the Presidents’ names, but do you know their nicknames? Which was “His Rotundity?” Who was “His Accidency” and returned any mail not addressed to him as “Mr. President.?” Which First Family was so terrified of the newfangled electricity that they summoned a servant to flip the switch for them? The White House is a world class museum, but it’s also home to families who bring their own quirks to life there. Did you know that Harry and Bess Truman once had a reunion so “enthusiastic” that they broke the bed?
How to Talk to an Emperor: Simple Strategies for Putting Yourself and Others at Ease in Any Social Situation. You may never need to talk to royalty, but you likely will meet the company CEO and his/her spouse, or your spouse’s colleagues at the holiday party. Melinda reveals the simple tactics she used to welcome people from janitors to Emperors in the White House. You’ll never be nervous again!
A Walk Through the White House At the White House Melinda’s favorite part of the day came with a phone call from the Oval Office or Hillaryland, asking her to come escort some major film, music or sports star, some foreign leader or celebrity du jour around the State Floor. She quickly became an expert on the hidden history of the House and the families who lived there. In this presentation you and your audience get to go along on a room-by-room walk through as we look at candid and official photos of these beautiful and historic rooms. Even if you COULD get a tour of the House, you’d never hear these stories!
Some recent comments from Melinda’s audiences:
From the Activities Manager on board a recent luxury cruise: “Melinda, you are a star! It’s very rare for a special interest enrichment speaker to fill our large theater, but you brought 1,000 guests to hear your amazing stories. And it’s clear people come back again and again for all your topics – they don’t want to miss a thing you have to say. We are honored to have you on board with us, and hope to see you again very soon!”
” … Melinda certainly made us all feel like insiders with her anecdotes and treasured memories of the most famous address on the planet. Her presentation was bold and thorough, meaning that she shared more than photographs and stories – she shared herself with us, and her grace warmed the audience to her.”
“In telling the story of how she got her job at the White House, she reminds us all that we are empowered to create opportunities for ourselves by remaining true to ourselves and chasing down our own American Dream! She told stories of celebrities, Christmas decorations and misaligned panty hose, revealing a very down to earth soul. Her presentation was informative, funny and inspiring. I would recommend this program to any audience with an interest in history, the White House, celebrity, or just being human.”
“I thought she was the best speaker we’ve had this year. Very enjoyable. I would rate her waaaaaay above average. I thought she told some great stories without being political – anyone who wanted to make her comments political merely because she was a friend of Bill Clinton of long standing was totally missing her point. I bought her book and am more than halfway through it. Great program!”
“I rate the program of 9/22/2010 as above average and approaching outstanding, which is high praise from a Republican. It was informative and entertaining.”
“Melinda Bates is a knowledgeable, informative and engaging speaker. Within the time constraints of a professional association, Ms. Bates was able to provide unique insights into the running of the Clinton White House from her perspective as the chief of the visitors’ office. Alternating between anecdotes about rock stars, movie stars and nationally-recognized athletes, she provided an insider’s view into the personalities of the former Commander in Chief, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, their collective intelligence, and their deep and abiding commitment to “doing the right thing.” I highly recommend Ms. Bates for your organization.”
INTERVIEWS ~
A recent print interview: http://www.examiner.com/libertarian-in-charlottesville/ultimate-insider-melinda-bates-takes-readers-backstage-at-the-white-house
Television:
The Today Show, C-Span
Fox 5 Washington DC, ABC7 Washington DC, WDC News Channel 8′s Let’s Talk Live
San Diego’s ABC, CW and NBC affiliates
Regular contributor to Fox 5 San Deigo
Melinda has been interviewed on many radio programs, including:
Voice America/World Talk Radio’s AMAZING WOMEN WITH DR MARLENE SIERSEMA, the number one positive internet radio program
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL LIVE ! with Bonnie D. Graham
STOP STRESSING NOW with Steven Diamond
San Francisco’s KGO
WGTK DR. STAN FRAGER SHOW
“The Jayne Carroll Show” on AM 1360 KUIK in Portland, OR.
Late Night in the Middle with Michael Vara
