Back in my college days, I scraped together the money to hear the legendary jazz pianist Hank Jones play at an expensive local restaurant. Jones had played with jazz greats like Lester Young, Milt Jackson, Cannonball Adderley, and Wes Montgomery.

After his first set, Hank Jones went over to the bar. I hopped onto the seat next to him and told him I much I enjoyed his performance.

For the next half-hour, Hank Jones asked me about the music I played, who I was listening to, what I was studying in music school.

Here I was, a young white kid sitting with a jazz legend. And he was interviewing me!

It wasn’t until many years later that I realized I’d been taught another important lesson that evening.

He could have said, “Nice to meet you, kid. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to enjoy my beer before my next set.”

He could have bragged about his extensive recording and performing career, and told stories about various jazz luminaries.

He could have played the superstar and been cold, distant, and condescending.

Instead, he treated me with kindness and respect.

As a speaker, when you get up on the big stage with the jumbotron screens in front of the big audience, you’ll probably feel pretty special.

Just remember to share that special feeling after your performance when someone approaches you at the bar.

Who knows? They might end up telling the world about your kindness and professionalism decades later!