The Insurance Tech Guru

The trouble wasn't that Shatner didn't talk about insurance technology--nobody really expected that. It was delivery of the presentation itself, read by Shatner from printed notes, that seemed to rub many (including some ACORD officials) the wrong way. It was so ironic that at a conference that celebrates technology, the keynote speaker--who has actually written sci-fi and tech-related books--was, well, so low-tech. It was also surprising that someone of Shatner's unquestioned verbal talents would simply read back what was written on a page, rather than talking more off the cuff.

Some audience members thought there had been a breakdown of the teleprompters, making it necessary to read from printed pages. It really wasn't clear why, just before Shatner was announced, there was a delay during which some stage hands carried up a round table upon which Shatner would later lean himself and his notes. A podium would have been much better, but again, perhaps this table is what Shatner wanted. It also didn't help that Shatner's speech followed a program segment in which ACORD's president, Greg Maciag, appeared as the centerpiece of a very high tech presentation. The contrast was all too sharp.

Shatner, who gained fame as a the captain of the Starship Enterprise on the now cult-status TV show Star Trek, walked on stage wearing very loose-fitting casual clothing that resembled hospital scrubs or pyjamas, depending on your point of view. He was a far cry from the handsome young star of the 1960s and beyond--again that was to be expected. Unfortunately, however, he also looked as if he had just rolled out of bed and decided to walk up on the stage to read his talk.

Then again, as our editor, Sam Friedman reminded, me, Shatner is in his mid-70s. Really, the only issue I could have his appearance was that he was so casually dressed, and if any of you have ever seen me in person, you know that is really not issue with me.

As for content, Shatner ranged far and wide, offering comments on evolution, environment (obviously a big Al Gore fan), God and intelligent design. It was really a shame he didn't say more on the latter, because it would at least have fit with his general theme of creativity driving change.

I questioned many showgoers later on their reactions to the talk, and generally the responses ranged from mild approval to strong disapproval. No one said he was great, some said it was "good," and several thought it was a poor showing. Some said it was "better than I expected," but those same people admitted that they hadn't expected an awful lot. Truthfully, I felt sad about it, because I have always been a big Shatner fan (probably moreso on The Twilight Zone than on Star Trek, but there as well).

Maybe it's not fair to criticize an accomplished actor who has chosen to venture into areas outside his own comfort zone, but then again, taking chances (daring to "look stupid") was one of the cornerstones of Shatner's message to the audience.

In the end, I would have to say--to paraphrase the much-quoted Randy Jackson of "American Idol"--the presentation was "pitchy in spots," and overall,"It was just okay for me, dawg."

How about you? Were you there? What did you like and what was unlikeable? Share your thoughts here!