Voor Nederlands, klik hier.
During my haka experiences, I aim to bring my WHY, or purpose, into action. That is to facilitate so that others can elevate themselves and experience more love in life. This comes from having the courage, enthusiasm, and vision to live their true potential.
The experiences are energizing; they are powerful, and people get to experience connection with one another.
The Question I Keep Getting Asked
The question I’m often asked is what I do. “ Are you a trainer, facilitator, or an entertainer?” is a question I hear. I consider myself a facilitator and a trainer but definitely not an entertainer!
In my view, an entertainer tells jokes, makes the audience laugh, and sometimes doesn’t take himself too seriously. The entertainer is being fun.
That is not me, and certainly not in line with haka, which is a serious subject and should be treated with proper respect for the people (Māori) who own haka.
A New Insight
But last week, I heard an interesting definition of the word “Entertainer”. It was by Simon Sinek, and he said:
“Entertainment means that I am enjoying getting from point A to point B”.
So an entertainer can be fun (by telling jokes) or someone having fun while presenting, facilitating, or training.
Knowing the Facts vs. Having Fun
And yes, in that view, I consider myself an entertainer. I want to enjoy telling about the history of the haka and its meaning. I can share facts from Michael King’s book on New Zealand’s history. Facts about the three phases of Māori culture, the Musket Wars, or the Treaty of Waitangi. It will demonstrate my knowledge (which will be good for my ego), but it won’t be that enjoyable for the workshop participants. People will roll their eyes or visibly yawn. In turn, it won’t be enjoyable for me either.
And please, don’t get me wrong, some details are important. For example, why women do not do Whētero (thrusting out the tongue) during haka. But these details will come up when someone has a question about what has been said, or not.
And often, I say: ”patai?” It’s an invitation for anyone to ask a question. This makes it more enjoyable for me, rather than stating facts about when the Māori came to New Zealand or that Abel Tasman never set foot on Aotearoa.
Where the Word “Entertain” Really Comes From
According to Webster’s New World College Dictionary, the word entertain comes from the French word “entretenir,” meaning “between” and “hold.” So, as an entertainer, you hold everything together: you emotionally connect with people and deliver a message; you’re in the middle.
And yes, you do that by having fun and telling what you know. I think many presentations lack spirit because people talk about things they don’t know, don’t want to know, or think what people would like to know. Then often, they will end their sentences with the word “right?”, right?
An entertainer is someone who amuses, is interesting, and is pleasurable. That is not the goal of my presentations, trainings, or workshops. Then you’re just being fun, and people won’t take you too seriously.
It’s About the Story Behind a Statement
The art is having fun, knowing what you talk about, and telling stories about your experiences rather than just stating facts and numbers. People want to hear the story behind statements.
For example, my very first weekend with Toroa (he teaches me haka). After only 20 minutes into the lesson, I was lying on the ground. I was exhausted and crying, saying that I couldn’t do it anymore. With kind, piercing eyes, Toroa told me I was only giving and that I should also receive energy.
This explains the importance of being aware of the flow of energy during haka. It would be meaningless if I just said that.
So, am I an entertainer?
Yes, I am, and I am here to help everyone enjoy getting from point A to point B. This is more than filling the time slot between the previous speaker and the next. I am here to help a group experience more connection, build courage, and give participants the opportunity to reach their true potential. I can do this as a coach, trainer, or facilitator.
A haka experience can sustainably support goals around transition, leadership, or connection for any organization.
And perhaps, people will experience more love in the end.
Are you a coach, trainer, facilitator, or an entertainer? How do you entertain (have fun)? Let me know in the comment box below. Other readers of this article and I look forward to reading from you!
Thank you for reading up to this point. If this resonates with you, share it with someone on your team. And please SHARE this article with your Bluesky, Facebook, and LinkedIn networks by pressing the buttons below so they can also benefit from this article. You can copy parts of this blog if you state the source.
Have you seen an error in this article? Let me know! I am grateful!
