IT'S hard to dismiss a sales pitch decorating Hector Motau

He is someone with "innate ability" to connect with and read the mood of his audiences with impeccable precision.

The statement might elicit positive nods from those who have witnessed the petite motivational speaker and master of ceremonies (MC) in action at the monthly Oude Meester Ekurhuleni Comes Alive Jazz Evenings at Birchwood Hotel.

The 40-year-old Motau has turned this lifestyle event into his event, with his competitors getting a piece of the action only when he has other commitments.

Interestingly Motau used to be summoned at the eleventh hour as a replacement when the jazz evening gig was still rotated among presenters from Kaya FM. That was until some patrons began to enquire if he was to be in charge of a forthcoming gig.

The jolly fellow, who's originally from Madidi in North West-where he was known as the village MC - has a reputation for treating his audience to a little dance routine he has christened "Don't touch me on my Michael."

It's an act that sees him emulate some of Michael Jackson's moves in addition to his energetically projected and humorous delivery.

"I love being on stage," says the former Radio Bop and Kaya FM presenter. "For me it's theatre, so I give 100%. It does not matter how much I have been paid. If I did less I would be robbing myself of being me. I do the dance moves as part of differentiating myself."

Motau, who describes himself as a motivational MC and entertainer without being preachy, focuses on self-discovery and personal development. The Motauvational speaker - as he calls himself - also presents talks around issues of leadership, particularly in the workplace.

Still, he appears to be caught off-guard by a question on what advice might be in his presentation if he were to speak to a room full of high-ranking government officials, perhaps even staff in the presidency.

"Let me breathe," he pauses as he leans back in his chair.

He pierces the space around Tasha's in Rosebank with unblinking and thoughtful eyes.

"You know." he cuts the silence, "before I answer, we have to look at issues of personal behaviour, how people carry themselves. Our president recently accepted a raise but now expects executives to freeze their salaries.

"It was easy for Mandela to persuade people to forgive and reconcile because he first did that himself. When watching Michael Jackson's This Is It, I am inspired by the commitment and passion with which he executed his performances. I wish such commitment came from our government . Also we are going to lose out in the highly competitive global world because of the 'African time' thing?

"How do you tell kids to be on time at school when as officials you are mostly late for functions, just as was the case recently with a June 16 event? I understand there might be issues of security and all that but as they say, action speaks louder than words.

"So, in a nutshell, I will challenge and encourage them (elected officials) to do introspection."

The behaviour of certain top politicians has, according to Motau, left many South Africans in a general state of despair.

"There are a lot of incompetent and clueless leaders at some companies who are affecting the morale of their staff."

It might be very hard to disagree with Motau's observations owing to the fact that they are based on facts.

• Catch Motau at the Speaker Coaching and Mentoring Programme tomorrow from 8.30am in Rivonia. On a lighter note, he is entertaining at the Oude Meester Sensational Sundays at Soweto Hotel in Kliptown on Sunday.