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Guest speaker throws humor into the mix

Eric Galpin - Arrow Staff

Mark Scharenbroich will speak at the FHS auditorium on April 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the virtues of good parenting. His presentation is sponsored by CARE.

   While you might see smiles on the faces of astute listeners at Mark Scharenbroich's humorous presentations, he is the one who should be smiling. Scharenbroich has won an Emmy- as well as the hearts of those in his audiences. He is slated to speak at no cost to students and parents at FHS on April 11. Arrow writer Eric Galpin communicated with him via e-mail.

Q: How did you get into speaking?
It was a combination of activities in high school. I was heavily involved in student council and leadership training workshops. I was a state speech champ in humorous interp and I was in a traveling comedy troupe throughout high school and college. Although my degree is in Mass Comm., the hobby of speaking changed to career.

Q: Why do you enjoy speaking?
The same reason a pitcher enjoys throwing a fastball, actors performing on stage or a writer creating a new article. I love the creative process. I love connecting with an audience. I love sharing messages with people and seeing the reaction on their face.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a speaker?
Reminding people of some of the basic truths in life and showing them how to help themselves live a fuller life.

Q: What's the most unique place you have ever spoken?
A hockey rink in Canada, a horse arena in Oklahoma, a football field in Colorado, but the best place was speaking at the high school Christa McAuliffe taught at- she died in the Challenger space shuttle crash, and I spoke at her school to the students and staff to wrap up their year and celebrate her life.

Q: Where did you develop your comedy?
I am clumsy. When you are clumsy and awkward in life, you either get shy or you make fun of yourself. I have been making fun of myself forever.

Q: Where did you go to school?
St. Cloud Tech High School and St. Cloud State University in Minnesota - I went to school with Rick Anfenson, one of the teachers in your district. Rick is the year ahead of me. When I grow up, I want to be just like Rick.

Q: How did your performance in the 'Doing Great' program help your career?
It was a cool program, a fun one to be a part of, and the Emmy was a great honor. It's nice to know people recognize and like your work.

Q: What brings you to Kalispell?
A few of your community members/teachers heard me speak at a conference and they wanted me to experience Kalispell. I am really excited to visit the city; I have heard from several people how beautiful it is and how great the people are in the area.

Q: If you could be anything, anywhere, what would it be?
My life right now is better than anything I dreamed of being growing up. I love where I am at and how my life is 100 percent.

Q: How long have you been speaking and mixing inspirational speaking?
Twenty-three years. I want people to have a message after the laughter is gone.

Q: If someone handed you a million dollars what would you do?

Speak a little less so I could be home more. I really miss my wife, Susan, and our three kids when I travel. I miss them every time I take a trip. It's the only tough part of what I do. I would also use some of the money to go fishing and I would give some away to the St. Joe's Children's Home in Minneapolis