Articles About Howard

Broadcaster offers inspirational talk to L - S Chamber
By Halea Franklin, staff writer
The Daily World, January 23, 2005

   "Howard Kellman, who’s broadcast baseball games for the Indianapolis Indians and been a professional speaker for more than 30 years, was the guest speaker at the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet Thursday evening.
   Kellman entertained the crowd with motivational speaking mixed with humorous sports stories.
   Kellman started off the evening by asking the crowd if they all wanted to live a long time.
   “I know all of us would like to live a long time, and I really think I’ve found a way for all of us to live at least another 50 years. It’s not diet, it’s not exercise. It’s just a guarantee you’ll be alive when the Indianapolis Colts win a Super Bowl,” he said.
   Kellman said he’s always asked what it takes to become a broadcaster. When asked that question, he said he recalls a story of former NBC broadcaster Sander Van Oker.
   Kellman said Van Oker was on the street one day when a 12-year-old boy approached him and said he wanted to be a successful network broadcaster just like him. He asked Van Oker if he could give him a few pointers.
   “Sander look down at the young man and said ‘absolutely, young man. Young man, the key to making it in the broadcast business is sincerity and integrity. Once you learn how to fake those two, you should be successful.’”
When asked what it takes to be successful in the business world, Kellman said it takes enthusiasm, product knowledge and listening skills.
   “When we talk about listening skills, please don’t make the mistake so many people do,” he said. “There’s a big difference between listening and waiting for your turn to talk because so many people are waiting for their turn to talk as opposed to really listening closely and trying to solve problems.”
   Some time ago, Kellman said he called the owner of an auto parts store and asked whether or not he’d be willing to sponsor opening night for the Indians.
When he called, the owner said he wasn’t interested. Instead of giving up or becoming defensive, Kellman said he understood how the man felt.
   “When you use that term, you are validating people’s feelings. You’re not committing to anything, but you’re validating their feelings,” Kellman said.
   He asked why he didn’t want to sponsor opening night. The man gave Kellman the reasons why he didn’t want to sponsor the event.
   Kellman told him that opening night in baseball has a wonderful tradition. In the major league, he said the President throws out the first pitch. He said that tradition began in 1910 with former president William Howard Taft. He said that in Indianapolis, the mayor throws out the first pitch.
   After giving the new information, the owner said he’d sponsor opening night.
Kellman said the three keys to that situation were acknowledging people’s feelings, asking a key question and providing new information.
   “When you’re in a situation in business when you’re going no where — you’re at a stand still — if you can provide some new information, you can completely alter that person’s perception,” he said.
   In the business world, Kellman said too many people don’t use their sense of humor.
   “We get so wrapped up in sales and what we want to accomplish that we forget to use it,” he said. “When we use it, we can totally, and I mean totally, disarm the other party.”
   Kellman said the truly successful people are committed.
   “Because when you’re committed, you make that one extra phone call, you see that one extra person, you give it that little something extra whether it sports or business and that’s what gets you to the next level,” he said.
   Kellman said giving it a little extra is easier when you’ve had a good day; however, he encourages everyone to give a little extra every day.
   Kellman told a story of a man who pitched for the Indians. Kellman said the man had potential, but never worked to his full potential.
   “There is nothing in this world worse than wasted potential,” he said. “Please, I say to you, make this new year’s resolution that you will not let anybody outwork you in 2006.”
   Kellman said it takes 21 days to change a habit.
   “You get that done and stick with that resolution for 21 days it will get into your subconscious and you’ll be on your way,” he said. “To succeed in life, you’ve got to have it three places — you head, your heart and stomach.”
   Kellman said having the heart of a champion will take you far.
   “If you have the heart of a champion, there’s no telling what you can accomplish,” he said.
   Kellman has broadcast AAA Indianapolis Indians baseball games since 1974.    He’s also covered the World Series, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts, Notre Dame, Indiana State University, Purdue, and Indiana University sports for CBS, ABC and AP Radio. He’s also broadcast for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago White Sox and St. John’s Red Storm. Since 1990, Kellman’s broadcast the high school football and basketball game of the week on television. He’s taught at the University of Indianapolis. In 2002, he was named Indiana Sportscaster of the Year.
   For more information on Kellman, visit his Web site http://www.howardkellman.com.

back to top